The coronavirus pandemic and associated rollout of vaccination have changed the world in unprecedented ways, raising new questions on how Jon hunters and recruiters interact.
But one question that has become more pressing for Aussie job hunters in recent months: do they have to mention their COVID-19 vaccination status on their resume?
Some experts claim that vaccination status is a necessary line item on a resume as employers are preparing for regulations that limit hiring applicants who have been vaccinated.
Thus, for job hunters, letting prospective employers know upfront their vaccination status could mean the difference between being shortlisted for an interview or not.
A survey of over 8,000 LinkedIn users in August 2021 found that majority (46%) doesn’t think it’s a good idea for job hunters to include their vaccination status on their resume. Another 40% thought they should, while 14% believe it should depend on the role and/or industry.
Our point of view
Unless you’re applying for a sector where COVID-19 vaccination is required, you shouldn’t feel pressured to mention your medical history in the initial stages of your job application, such as when submitting your resume.
Aussie job seekers should understand that disclosing medical information should only happen when coronavirus immunisation is required for the safety of staff or customers.
Revealing one’s vaccination status will not help an applicant who is applying for roles in sectors where it isn’t mandated.
As per the Australian Information Commissioner, employers are only allowed to request information on an employee’s vaccination status in ‘very limited circumstances’ since the information is considered highly sensitive.
Jobs that require mandatory vaccination (a state-by-state guide)
Workers in residential aged care and health care facilities are generally required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Summarised below is the current public health orders that require COVID-19 vaccination for certain workers broken down into different states and territories (as of 28 January 2022):
ACT
- Workers in the residential/in-home/community aged care, health care, school, early childhood education and disability sectors
NSW
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In-home and community aged care workers
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Education workers
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People providing disability services
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Certain residential aged care and health care workers
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Workers specified in the NSW Airport and Quarantine Vaccination Program
NT
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Residential aged care and quarantine workers
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Those who are at risk of infection or likely to come into contact with vulnerable people to COVID-19 infection at work
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Those who deliver essential infrastructure and logistics; and freight workers entering the NT
QLD
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QLD Ambulance Service employees
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Hospital and health service contractors
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Residential aged care, quarantine facilities and health service workers
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Hospitality and entertainment staff
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Other workers in high-risk settings, such as education, corrective services, youth detention and airports
SA
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Residential/in-home/community aged care, disability support, education, early childhood and health care workers
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SA Police workers
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Employees within the SA quarantine system, such as those in airports, medi-hotels, transportation and health care facilities
TAS
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Those working at early childhood, residential aged care, quarantine, medical or health facilities
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Those providing health and medical services/treatments or high-intensity support to NDIS participants
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In-home care providers
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Workers engaged to work at licensed venues where alcohol is offered or served
VIC
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Workers at construction sites, residential aged care, health care, education or ceremonial facilities
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Persons working at open premises
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International aircrew services workers
How to include your COVID-19 vaccination status on your resume
When applying for any of the sectors listed above, you should include all relevant information that can help you secure job interviews, including your vaccination status.
When you list this on your resume, make sure to use words that are recognised by any company’s applicant tracking system. Avoid using words like ‘vax,’ ‘vaxxed,’ or any other shorthand expressions you typically see on social media platforms. Rather, use the phrase ‘COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated.’ Hiring managers or recruiters might also scan your resume for these keywords, so it’s always best to mention it in plain language.
You should also place this information in a prominent place, which is toward the end of your professional summary. This is usually the first thing Hiring Managers read.
You should be honest about your COVID-19 vaccination status. If you lie on your resume and the company requires you provide proof, you’ll end up being rejected for the role. If you’re not vaccinated yet and don’t intend to get the vaccine, do not say otherwise.
Summary
Regardless of your opinion about vaccine mandates, they are quickly becoming inevitable for workers and employees.
To successfully compete in today’s post-lockdown world, it’s important for you to know when and how to include your COVID-19 vaccination status on your resume. Appropriate disclosure of this information may provide you just enough advantage you need to secure job interviews.
Have you got more questions about what to include on your resume? Work with our professional resume writers now.
