How to Write a Working Holiday Resume (+Free Templates & Tips)

Just arrived on your working holiday and not sure how to write a resume? We’ve got your back. Whether you’re applying for jobs in hospitality, retail, or farming, a strong resume can help you stand out and land interviews.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on writing a resume tailored for working holiday jobs, along with free, easy-to-follow templates to help you get started.

What’s the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?

In most countries, “CV” (Curriculum Vitae) and “resume” are used interchangeably—but depending on where you are, one might be more common than the other.

In Australia and New Zealand, “resume” is the preferred term.
In the UK, Ireland, and Europe, people usually say “CV.”

No need to stress—employers will understand either term, but using “resume” in Australia or New Zealand may make your application feel more locally tailored.

Quick Tips Before You Start Writing a Resume

Here are a few golden rules to keep in mind before you begin:

✅ Keep it short and relevant: One or two A4 pages are ideal.

✅ Use bullet points to make your experience easy to scan.

✅ Update your contact information, especially your local phone number and professional email address.

✅ Spell-check everything. Ask a friend or AI buddy to review it for grammar or typos.

✅ Tailor your resume for different job types (e.g., one for hospitality and another for administration).

✅ Save it as a PDF before sending it—this keeps the formatting intact.

What to Include in Your Resume

Here’s a breakdown of what a working holiday resume should include:

1. Contact Information

Include:

・Full name

・Local phone number (a local SIM card is a must!)

・Current city

💡You don’t need to include your full address, especially if you’re staying in a hostel or moving frequently. A short mention of your current city in your summary is enough.

・Professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)

・Optional: Link to your LinkedIn profile

2. Professional Summary (3–4 lines)

This is your elevator pitch.

Summarize:

・Your current location and visa status

・What type of work you’re looking for (casual, part-time, etc.)

・A few of your top skills or experiences

◆Example:

Friendly and reliable working holiday visa holder currently based in Melbourne, with a visa valid until February 2026. Looking for part-time work in hospitality. Over 2 years of experience as a barista and server in busy cafes. Strong communication and customer service skills.

3. Key Skills

Think about what the job requires and what you're good at.

◆Examples:

・Cash handling

・Customer service

・Fluent English (or multilingual!)

・Food safety knowledge

・Trained barista

・Hardworking, fast learner

・Teamwork

💡 List 5–8 skills in bullet point form.

4. Work Experience

Start with your most recent job and work backward. For each role, include:

・Job title

・Company name and location

・Dates worked

・2–4 bullet points about what you did and achieved

◆Example: Barista

Bluebird Café, Manchester, UK

Mar 2022 – Dec 2023

・Prepared a range of espresso-based drinks in a high-volume café

・Handled payments and balanced till daily

・Provided excellent customer service and trained 2 new staff members

💡 If you have gaps in your resume due to travel or study, don’t worry—just be honest and brief.

5. Education & Certifications

List your most recent or relevant qualifications. Include:

・Degree or course name

・School/university name

・Dates

・Any relevant short courses (e.g., RSA, barista training, first aid)

◆Example: Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

Completed in Sydney, January 2025

6. References

Simply write:

References available upon request

Once you reach the interview stage, you can provide your reference details (and notify your referees in advance).

💡 Should I Mention My Visa Expiry Date in My Resume?

The short answer is yes, it’s usually a good idea—especially if you’re applying for casual or short-term work in countries like Australia or New Zealand.

Employers often want to know how long you’re legally allowed to work, and stating your visa status (along with the expiry date) can help speed up the hiring process and build trust.

You don’t need to create a separate section for it. Just include the information in your professional summary or your contact details.

◆For example:

Currently in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, valid until February 2026, and seeking part-time or casual opportunities in hospitality.

Or simply:

Visa: Working Holiday (expires Feb 2026)

If you’re unsure of the exact expiry date or planning to apply for an extension (such as a second-year Working Holiday Visa), that’s okay too. In that case, you can use a more general phrase like:

Working Holiday Visa – renewal planned

On the other hand, if you're applying for more formal jobs or long-term roles, you can choose to bring up your visa details during the interview instead.

In any case, being honest and clear about your availability is always appreciated by employers.

What to Leave Out

Some things that might be common in resumes from your home country aren’t needed:

❌Your full home address – just say what city you’re currently in.

❌ A photo – unless you’re applying for a modeling or acting role.

❌ Date of birth or marital status – not required.

❌ Detailed hobbies – unless they relate directly to the job (e.g., applying to a surf shop and you’re a surfer!).

A Note on Cover Letters

A resume tells them what you’ve done. A cover letter tells them why they should hire you.

Customize each cover letter for the job you’re applying to. Briefly introduce yourself, explain what attracts you to the role, and highlight how your experience matches their requirements. Stay friendly and professional!

🎁 Free Working Holiday Resume Template

We have created 2 resume templates tailored just for working holidaymakers.

You can either edit it directly in Canva or download the PDF version as a reference.

Template 1:

👉Open in Canva 👉Download PDF

Template 2: