Psychology Graduate Resume Examples and How to Write
Finding it challenging to secure your first psychology position in Australia’s competitive mental health and social services sector? You’re entering a field where academic excellence, practical experience, and genuine commitment to helping others are equally important for success. Whether you’re a recent psychology graduate seeking entry-level positions in mental health services, looking to pursue further training toward registration, or exploring diverse career paths in organisational psychology, research, or community services, your resume must demonstrate both your psychological knowledge and your potential to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
This comprehensive guide will help you create an exceptional psychology graduate resume tailored specifically for Australia’s diverse psychology and mental health landscape. From highlighting your understanding of psychological principles and research methodologies to demonstrating your experience with vulnerable populations and commitment to ethical practice, we’ll show you how to position yourself as a valuable addition to healthcare teams, research institutions, and community organisations. Learn what hiring managers at organisations advertising on SEEK and LinkedIn are seeking in today’s evolving psychology field.
This free sample resume for a psychology graduate has an accompanying psychology graduate sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
Psychology Graduate Resume (Text Version)
Psychology Graduate
📧 [email protected]
📱 0423 567 891
📍 Adelaide, SA 5000
💼 linkedin.com/in/emmathompson-psych
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Psychology Graduate with Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and comprehensive training in psychological assessment, research methodology, and therapeutic interventions. Proven experience supporting vulnerable populations through volunteer work and clinical placements with strong foundation in evidence-based practice and ethical guidelines. Committed to pursuing career in clinical psychology with particular interest in adolescent mental health and trauma-informed care approaches.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Psychological Assessment & Testing
• Research Design & Statistical Analysis
• Therapeutic Communication & Active Listening
• Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
• Cultural Competency & Diversity Awareness
• Group Facilitation & Program Development
• Case Management & Documentation
• Ethical Practice & Professional Boundaries
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Class I)
University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA
2023
GPA: 6.7/7.0 | Dean’s List 2021-2023
Honours Thesis: “The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescent Anxiety”
Supervisor: Dr. Sarah Wilson | First Class Honours
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Flinders University, Adelaide SA
2021
High Distinction Average | Major: Psychology | Minor: Sociology
Relevant Coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods, Social Psychology
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Psychology Intern
Headspace Adelaide Central, Adelaide SA
November 2023 – February 2024
• Provided support services to 25+ young people aged 12-25 experiencing mental health challenges
• Assisted qualified psychologists with intake assessments and treatment planning under direct supervision
• Facilitated peer support groups focusing on anxiety management and coping strategies
• Conducted psychoeducational workshops on stress management and emotional regulation for 50+ participants
• Maintained detailed case notes and progress documentation in compliance with professional standards
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and case consultations with psychiatrists and social workers
• Achieved 95% client satisfaction rating and received commendation for empathetic communication style
Research Assistant
University of Adelaide Psychology Department, Adelaide SA
March 2022 – October 2023
• Contributed to longitudinal research study investigating mental health outcomes in university students
• Recruited and interviewed 100+ participants using structured clinical interview protocols
• Administered psychological assessments including DASS-21, Beck inventories, and cognitive tests
• Analysed quantitative data using SPSS and contributed to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication
• Presented research findings at Australian Psychological Society National Conference 2023
• Maintained strict ethical standards and confidentiality protocols throughout research participation
Mental Health Support Worker
Lifeline South Australia, Adelaide SA
June 2021 – February 2022 (Part-time)
• Provided telephone crisis support to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies and suicidal ideation
• Completed comprehensive training in suicide risk assessment and de-escalation techniques
• Documented crisis calls and coordinated referrals to appropriate mental health services
• Participated in team debriefing sessions and ongoing professional supervision
• Contributed to community education programs on mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviour
• Maintained composure and professionalism during high-stress crisis situations
Volunteer Counsellor
Relationships Australia SA, Adelaide SA
February 2020 – May 2021
• Provided peer support to individuals and families experiencing relationship difficulties
• Facilitated communication workshops and conflict resolution sessions
• Assisted with intake processes and preliminary assessments under qualified supervision
• Gained exposure to family therapy approaches and systemic interventions
• Developed strong skills in empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication
CLINICAL & RESEARCH SKILLS
Assessment Tools Experience:
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)
• Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21)
• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) & Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
• Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Research & Analysis:
• SPSS Statistical Software (Advanced Level)
• R Programming for Statistical Analysis
• Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis)
• Research Ethics and Methodology
• Literature Review and Critical Analysis
Therapeutic Approaches (Training Level):
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Principles
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Trauma-Informed Care Approaches
• Motivational Interviewing Techniques
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Mental Health First Aid Certification – Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2023
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) – LivingWorks, 2023
• Trauma-Informed Care Workshop – Blue Knot Foundation, 2022
• Cultural Competency in Mental Health – Australian Psychological Society, 2022
• Youth Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2021
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Peer-Reviewed Publications:
• Thompson, E., Wilson, S. (2024). “Mindfulness-based interventions for adolescent anxiety: A systematic review.” Australian Journal of Psychology, 76(2), 123-135.
Conference Presentations:
• “The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Mental Health” – Australian Psychological Society Conference, 2023
• “University Student Mental Health During COVID-19” – South Australian Psychology Conference, 2022
Manuscripts in Preparation:
• “Digital Mental Health Interventions for Young Adults” (Co-author, expected submission 2024)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Outstanding Honours Student Award – University of Adelaide Psychology Department, 2023
• Research Excellence Prize – Australian Psychological Society SA Branch, 2023
• Academic Merit Scholarship – University of Adelaide, 2021-2023
• Dean’s Commendation for Community Service – Flinders University, 2021
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
• Student Member, Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• Member, Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT)
• Member, Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• Mental Health Advocate – R U OK? Day Community Events (2020-Present)
• Peer Mentor – University of Adelaide Psychology Student Support Program
• Youth Mental Health Ambassador – Headspace Adelaide Youth Advisory Group
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Working with Children Check (SA) – Current
• National Police Certificate – Current
• First Aid & CPR Certification – St John Ambulance SA, 2023
• Multilingual Capability: English (Native), Mandarin (Conversational)
What is The Best Format for a Psychology Graduate Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for psychology graduate positions as it clearly demonstrates your educational progression, practical experience development, and increasing responsibilities in psychological settings. This format allows employers to quickly assess your training pathway, clinical experience, and professional development within the psychology field.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
Choose professional, approachable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Georgia that reflect both professionalism and accessibility. Use 14-16pt for your name and contact information, 12pt for section headings, and 10-11pt for body text. Maintain consistent 2.5cm margins and ensure adequate white space for readability. Save as PDF to preserve formatting when submitting to mental health services and research institutions.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, mobile number, professional email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile URL. For psychology roles, ensure your contact details reflect professionalism and accessibility.
Professional Summary: Create a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your psychology education, practical experience, areas of interest, and career aspirations in the mental health field.
Education: Place education prominently, including your psychology degree details, academic achievements, thesis topic, and relevant coursework that demonstrates your psychological knowledge foundation.
Experience: Present your practical experience including internships, placements, research roles, and volunteer work, emphasising psychological skills developed and populations served.
Additional Sections: Include clinical skills, research experience, certifications, publications, professional associations, and volunteer work that demonstrate your commitment to psychology and mental health advocacy.
What Experience Should Be on Your Psychology Graduate Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your practical application of psychological principles, experience working with diverse populations, and commitment to ethical practice and professional development. Focus on specific psychological skills developed, client populations served, assessments conducted, and therapeutic techniques learned during placements and volunteer work.
Highlight experiences that show your ability to work with vulnerable individuals, maintain professional boundaries, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and apply evidence-based approaches to support mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Psychology Placement Student
Royal Adelaide Hospital Mental Health Services, Adelaide SA
July 2023 – November 2023
• Provided psychological support to 30+ adult inpatients experiencing acute mental health episodes under qualified supervision
• Conducted structured clinical interviews and administered standardised psychological assessments including MMSE and DASS-21
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings contributing psychological perspectives to treatment planning
• Developed and facilitated psychoeducational groups on anxiety management and coping strategies for 15+ participants
• Maintained comprehensive case documentation ensuring compliance with professional standards and privacy legislation
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity working with diverse populations including CALD communities and Indigenous patients
• Received excellent performance ratings for therapeutic communication skills and professional development engagement
Psychology Student
Hospital
2023
• Worked with mental health patients
• Helped with psychological assessments
• Attended team meetings
• Learned about therapy techniques
• Completed placement requirements
• Gained hospital experience
Entry-Level Psychology Graduate Resume Samples [Experience]
For new psychology graduates with limited practical experience, emphasise university clinical placements, research projects, volunteer work, and any relevant support roles. Focus on demonstrating your psychological knowledge application, interpersonal skills, and commitment to helping others.
Psychology Honours Student
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Perth WA
February 2024 – June 2024
• Supported clinical psychologists in delivering evidence-based interventions to 20+ young people aged 8-18
• Observed and assisted with psychological assessments including cognitive testing and behavioural observations
• Co-facilitated social skills groups for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders achieving 90% attendance rate
• Contributed to case formulations and treatment planning discussions under clinical supervision
• Developed psychoeducational resources for families on topics including emotional regulation and communication strategies
• Gained exposure to family therapy approaches and systemic interventions in child mental health settings
• Maintained strict confidentiality and ethical standards throughout all client interactions and documentation
Student Placement
2024
• Observed psychologists working
• Learned about therapy
• Helped with groups
• Did university requirements
• Worked with children
• Completed placement hours
How to Write the Education Section for Your Psychology Graduate Resume
Education is central to psychology graduate resumes as psychological qualifications are essential for practice and demonstrate your theoretical foundation, research capabilities, and specialisation areas. Include your psychology degree prominently with details that showcase your academic excellence and areas of psychological expertise.
Highlight academic achievements, thesis topics, relevant coursework, research projects, and any specialisations that demonstrate your readiness for psychological practice or further training toward registration as a psychologist.
Psychology Graduate Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours Class I)
Griffith University, Gold Coast QLD
2024
GPA: 6.8/7.0 | Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Honours Thesis: “The Impact of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem in Australian Adolescents”
Supervisor: Professor Lisa Chen | Thesis Grade: High Distinction
APAC Accredited Programme | Australian Psychological Society Recognition
Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences
University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs QLD
2022
Distinction Average | Major: Psychology | Minor: Criminology
Relevant Coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods, Psychotherapy
Clinical Skills Training: 150 hours supervised practical experience
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (In Progress) – Australian College of Applied Psychology, 2024
• Advanced Statistics for Psychology – Coursera/University of Melbourne, 2023
• Foundations of Clinical Psychology – Continuing Professional Development, 2023
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Psychology Graduate Resume
The skills section demonstrates your psychological competencies, research abilities, and interpersonal skills essential for working effectively in mental health and psychological services. Include 10-12 skills that showcase your theoretical knowledge, practical abilities, and professional attributes valued in psychology roles.
Balance clinical skills (assessment, therapeutic techniques) with research capabilities (data analysis, research design) and interpersonal skills (communication, cultural competency) to present yourself as a well-rounded psychology professional ready for diverse psychological applications.
Psychology Graduate Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Psychological Assessment & Testing
• Statistical Analysis (SPSS, R, AMOS)
• Research Design & Methodology
• Clinical Interview Techniques
• Psychometric Test Administration
• Data Collection & Analysis
• Case Formulation & Treatment Planning
• Mental Health Risk Assessment
• Group Facilitation & Program Development
• Professional Documentation & Report Writing
Psychology Graduate Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Empathetic Communication & Active Listening
• Cultural Competency & Diversity Awareness
• Ethical Decision-Making & Professional Boundaries
• Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
• Team Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Working
• Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Time Management & Organisation
• Continuous Learning & Professional Development
How to Pick the Best Psychology Graduate Skills:
1. **Review psychology job descriptions** to identify the most commonly requested competencies including assessment skills, therapeutic approaches, and research capabilities
2. **Emphasise evidence-based practice** as this is fundamental to contemporary psychological services and demonstrates your understanding of scientific approaches
3. **Include cultural competency skills** particularly important in Australia’s multicultural society and essential for working with diverse populations
4. **Balance clinical and research skills** to show versatility for both applied psychology roles and research or academic positions
5. **Consider specialisation areas** such as child psychology, organisational psychology, or neuropsychology based on your interests and target career path
6. **Highlight ethical practice knowledge** as this is central to psychological practice and demonstrates your understanding of professional responsibilities
Psychology Graduate Resume Examples [Skills]
• **Research Excellence:** Led quantitative research study with 200+ participants, achieving publication in peer-reviewed journal and presentation at national conference
• **Therapeutic Communication Mastery:** Demonstrated advanced listening skills and empathetic communication in 100+ client interactions achieving 95% satisfaction ratings
• **Cultural Competency Application:** Provided culturally sensitive psychological support to CALD communities, adapting interventions for diverse cultural backgrounds and belief systems
• **Crisis Intervention Capability:** Successfully de-escalated 15+ crisis situations using evidence-based techniques while maintaining client safety and professional boundaries
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Psychology Graduate Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your psychology graduate resume by demonstrating your research contributions, professional development, and commitment to the psychology profession beyond basic academic requirements. These sections are particularly valuable for psychology graduates where research experience, publications, and professional engagement are key differentiators.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Research & Publications: Research projects, published papers, conference presentations, or thesis work that demonstrates your contribution to psychological knowledge and research capabilities.
Professional Development & Training: Specialized training, workshops, certifications, or continuing education that shows your commitment to staying current with psychological practice and emerging interventions.
Volunteer Experience: Mental health advocacy work, community psychology initiatives, or volunteer counselling that demonstrates your commitment to psychological wellbeing and community service.
Awards & Recognition: Academic honors, research awards, or professional recognition that validates your academic excellence and potential for psychology practice.
Psychology Graduate Resume Examples [Other Sections]
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
• “Effectiveness of Digital Mental Health Interventions for University Students” – First author, Australian Journal of Psychology (Under Review)
• “Social Media Impact on Adolescent Wellbeing” – Oral presentation, Australian Psychological Society Conference 2023
• Honours Research: 18-month longitudinal study examining anxiety interventions in adolescents (n=150)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Advanced CBT Techniques Workshop – Australian Association for CBT, 2023
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Training – Autism Spectrum Australia, 2023
• Trauma-Informed Care Certification – Blue Knot Foundation, 2022
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• Crisis Support Volunteer – Beyond Blue Online Chat Support (2022-Present)
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor – Community workshops for 200+ participants
• Youth Mentor – Headspace Youth Advisory Committee member
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
• Reading psychology books
• Helping friends with problems
• Watching therapy TV shows
• Following psychology social media
PERSONAL QUALITIES
• Good listener
• Caring personality
• Patient and understanding
• Interested in human behaviour
Tip: Focus on professional achievements and measurable contributions rather than generic personal qualities. Include personal interests only if they demonstrate relevant skills such as peer support, community leadership, or multicultural competency.
How to Write a Psychology Graduate Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary positions you as a knowledgeable psychology graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to mental health services, research, or psychological practice. Focus on your educational achievements, practical experience, areas of specialisation, and commitment to evidence-based psychological practice and ethical standards.
For psychology graduate roles, emphasise your theoretical foundation, practical skills development, research capabilities, and passion for improving mental health outcomes through psychological interventions and support services.
Key elements to include:
• Psychology degree details and academic achievements
• Practical experience including placements and volunteer work
• Specific psychological competencies and areas of interest
• Research experience and analytical capabilities
• Commitment to ethical practice and professional development
• Career aspirations and areas of specialisation
Psychology Graduate Resume Summary Examples
Dedicated Psychology Graduate with Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and comprehensive training in psychological assessment, research methodology, and evidence-based interventions. Proven experience supporting vulnerable populations through clinical placements and volunteer work with strong foundation in trauma-informed care and cultural competency. Published researcher with expertise in adolescent mental health seeking to contribute to innovative psychological services while pursuing pathway to registration as Clinical Psychologist.
Recent psychology graduate with degree in psychology. Good at helping people and interested in mental health. Have completed university placement and some volunteer work. Looking for entry-level position in psychology to gain experience and start career in mental health field. Passionate about psychology and helping others with their problems.
For new psychology graduates, a resume objective focusing on educational foundation, career goals, and commitment to professional development may be more appropriate than an experience-focused summary.
Entry-Level Psychology Graduate Resume Summary Examples
Recent Psychology Honours graduate with First Class academic achievement and 400+ hours of supervised clinical experience across child, adolescent, and adult mental health settings. Demonstrated competency in psychological assessment, group facilitation, and research methodology through university placements and volunteer work. Seeking graduate position in mental health services to apply evidence-based psychological principles while developing expertise toward Clinical Psychology registration.
New psychology graduate looking for first job in mental health. I have just completed my psychology degree and am excited to start working with clients. I am empathetic, hardworking, and passionate about helping people. Looking for opportunities to gain experience and learn from experienced psychologists while building my career.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Psychology Graduate Resume
Your LinkedIn profile is increasingly important for psychology graduate career development in Australia, with mental health services, research institutions, and healthcare organisations using the platform to identify potential candidates for psychology and mental health roles. When updating your psychology graduate resume, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects consistent professional branding while leveraging LinkedIn’s features for psychological networking and thought leadership.
LinkedIn provides opportunities to demonstrate your psychological knowledge through posts, share insights about mental health advocacy, and connect with psychologists, researchers, and mental health professionals across Australia’s healthcare and social services sectors.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Psychology Graduates
Your LinkedIn headline should communicate your psychology qualifications, areas of interest, and professional aspirations beyond just your graduate status. Include relevant specialisations, research interests, and career goals that distinguish you in the psychology field.
• “Psychology Graduate (Honours) | Mental Health Advocate | Research in Adolescent Anxiety | Aspiring Clinical Psychologist”
• “Psychology Graduate | Child & Family Mental Health | Trauma-Informed Care | Pursuing Clinical Psychology Pathway”
• “Psychology Graduate & Researcher | Digital Mental Health Interventions | Published Author | Mental Health First Aid Trainer”
• “Psychology Graduate”
• “Recent Graduate in Psychology”
• “Looking for psychology opportunities”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary allows for more storytelling about your psychology journey and professional vision. Write in first person, explain your motivation for psychology, discuss your clinical interests, and share your commitment to improving mental health outcomes. For the Australian context, mention your understanding of local mental health challenges, cultural diversity, or your dedication to serving Australian communities.
Your LinkedIn summary can span 3-4 paragraphs, providing space to discuss your psychology education journey, research interests, clinical experiences, and career aspirations in Australian mental health services. Include psychology-related keywords naturally to improve discoverability by psychology employers and recruiters.
Showcasing Psychology Graduate Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your clinical placements, research projects, and volunteer work. Expand beyond resume bullet points to explain your learning outcomes, psychological approaches used, and the impact of your work on clients and communities.
Consider adding media to your experience entries such as research presentations, clinical certificates, or professional development documentation (ensuring client confidentiality). Visual content helps demonstrate your professional development and commitment to psychological practice.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Psychology Graduates
Select up to 50 skills relevant to psychology practice, prioritising those most valued in mental health and psychological services. Include clinical skills (assessment, therapeutic techniques), research capabilities (data analysis, research design), and professional skills (communication, cultural competency). Actively seek endorsements from supervisors, professors, and professional colleagues.
Take LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas like Research and Data Analysis. While psychology-specific assessments may be limited, focus on building a comprehensive skill profile with endorsements from credible psychology professionals and educators.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Psychology Graduates
Optimise your profile for the Australian psychology market by mentioning understanding of Australian mental health systems, familiarity with Medicare psychological services, and experience with diverse Australian populations. Share insights about Australian mental health developments, comment on psychology profession posts, and engage with content from Australian psychological organisations.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Psychological Society,” “Australian Clinical Psychology,” or “Mental Health Professionals Australia,” and participate in discussions about psychology practice, research developments, or mental health advocacy. Connect strategically with Australian psychologists, researchers, and mental health professionals to build your professional network within Australia’s psychology community.
Creating an outstanding psychology graduate resume requires demonstrating both academic excellence and practical readiness for the challenging yet rewarding field of psychological practice. Your resume should position you as a knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate psychology professional prepared to contribute meaningfully to mental health services while continuing your professional development journey.
Complement your polished resume with a targeted psychology graduate cover letter that explains your psychology passion and demonstrates your understanding of the specific organisation’s approach to mental health services. Stay informed about Australian psychology developments through Australian Psychological Society resources and continue your professional development through mental health organisations like Beyond Blue to maintain excellence throughout your psychology career.
With a compelling resume that showcases your psychology education, practical experience, and commitment to mental health excellence, you’ll be well-positioned to secure graduate positions and build a successful career in Australia’s vital mental health and psychological services sector.
