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Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]
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Canada is a unique country that combines some traits you’ll find in the USA with some you’ll find in Europe.
This goes for resumes, too.
That’s why, when applying for a job in Canada, you have to make sure your resume conforms to Canadian application standards.
Naturally, you might be wondering - what does a Canadian resume even look like?
If you’re a foreigner, you’re likely drawing a blank trying to figure out what makes a Canadian resume different from the one in your own country. Even if you’re Canadian, you might still need to brush up on your resume writing skills.
Luckily for you, we’re here to show you how to write a compelling Canadian resume.
Here’s what we’re going to go over:
- Differences Between Canadian, US, and European Resumes
- Canadian Resume Formatting
- A Step-By-Step Breakdown on How To Write A Canadian Resume
And more! Let’s get started!
Canadian Resume Example
Let’s take a look at a Canadian resume example:
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format](https://cdn-blog.novoresume.com/articles/canada-resume-format/canadian-resume-format.webp)
Here’s what this resume does right:
- Reverse-chronological format. This format highlights your most recent work experience first and is a recruiter favorite all around the world.
- Relevant contact details. This resume example highlights the candidate’s first and last name, phone number, email address, location, and LinkedIn URL.
- Captivating resume summary. The paragraph nested in the header summarizes the candidate’s most essential skills and accomplishments.
- Action words. The candidate uses action verbs and power words to describe work responsibilities.
- Bullet points. The resume leverages bullet points to appear easy to read, organized, and reader-friendly.
- Additional sections. Language proficiency, certifications, awards, and interests all give a holistic view of the candidate and add value to their application.
Free Canadian Resume Templates
Creating a resume from scratch is time-consuming work.
You need to twitch the margins, keep the fonts uniform, carefully align every element you add, and make sure it never spills over to page two.
But you can skip all that hassle if you use a resume template .
Novoresume’s templates are created in collaboration with recruiters and meet all job market requirements.
Any template you use can save you time and let you write your resume in minutes.
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Canadian Resume Specifics
There are a few basic things to keep in mind when crafting your Canadian resume. First things first:
The terms resume and CV can be used interchangeably in parts of Canada. In Quebec, for example, both terms refer to a one or two-page-long summary of a candidate’s career that’s tailored to the job they’re applying for.
Outside of Quebec, however, a CV is different from a resume in that it’s far more detailed and appropriate for academic positions or specific senior-level applications.
Most job postings will ask for a resume unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Some other things to keep in mind about Canadian resumes include:
- Keep your resume one to two pages . A one-page resume is more than enough if you’re a recent graduate or new to the job market. Two-page resumes are recommended for seasoned professionals, and in certain cases, a three-page resume can be acceptable.
- Write your resume in the same language as the job offer. If you’re going for a position in Quebec and the advertisement is in French, then use French. Don’t assume they’ll accept a resume in English unless it’s explicitly written so on the job posting.
- Skip personal information and photos. Your resume should never give away your appearance, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, marital status, number of children, or any personal identification numbers.
- Don’t list references with your application unless the employer has requested them. Assumably, you can provide references if requested, so dedicating space on your resume when you’re not asked to is a waste.
Canadian Resume vs. US Resume
Both the USA and Canada prefer using resumes over CVs. In fact, Canadian and US resumes are almost identical.
The biggest difference? The language the document is written in.
You might be thinking - wait, I thought Canada used English?
Only partly.
Canada has two official languages - English and French. Both of these languages have standardized Canadian spellings, so that means they are not 100% the same as American English or European French.
Most of the terminology on your Canadian resume will be just about the same as it would be on its US equivalent. The biggest difference will probably be the added “u” to words like colour, and favourite , and the spelling of words like catalogue, centre, and cheque, as opposed to catalog, center, and check.
Before submitting your application, consider using a grammar checker like Grammarly or QuillBot to make sure your resume is up to par with Canadian spelling conventions .
Canadian Resume vs. European Resume
Typically, a resume in most of Europe, Asia, and the Pacific is referred to as a CV. The term resume in Canada refers to the same document that a CV refers to in Europe.
Both documents are meant to be one to two pages long, and list skills and experience relevant to the position you’re applying for. So in this sense, a European CV is actually different from a Canadian CV.
In Canada, a CV is an extensive document and is usually required in academic settings rather than for corporate job applications. The CV can be anywhere from two to ten pages long since it’s meant to list everything - from work experience to projects to publications.
European resumes also tend to be more detailed. For example, they can include details on high school education and grades, even if the candidate has a college degree. In Canada, that’s not the case. Your high school education is irrelevant if you have a higher degree of education.
The biggest difference between Canadian resumes and European ones is the amount of personal information you’re allowed to give away. For example, in Germany including a picture of yourself on your resume is common, but that’s absolutely not the case in Canada. There, your date of birth and nationality are a no-go.
These bits of information can be used to discriminate against you, so you’re supposed to keep them out of your resume as a precaution to give everyone a fair chance. Recruiters often consider resumes that overshare details of the candidate’s life (e.g.: race, age, date of birth, religion, political affiliation, etc.) unprofessional.
Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your Canadian Resume
You’ve seen what a Canadian resume looks like. Now it’s time to write your own.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry - we’ve here to help you get it right.
Just follow these steps:
#1. Use the Correct Format
The most popular resume format in Canada is the reverse-chronological format (which is also called the chronological format).
It’s so widely used that it’s expected by most recruiters. The chronological format puts your most recent work experiences first and then goes back in time.
Here’s an example of what it looks like:
![canadian resume format word free download reverse chronological resume format](https://cdn-blog.novoresume.com/articles/canada-resume-format/reverse-chronological-resume-format.png)
One of the other formats is the functional resume format , also known as the skills-based resume format, which focuses on your key strengths and abilities. It’s recommended for career changers or recent graduates with little-to-no experience in the field they’re applying for.
Then, we have the combination resume format . As the name suggests, it mixes elements of both the chronological and functional format. This format gives equal attention to a candidate’s experience and skills. It provides a detailed skill summary and is a good choice for applicants who have a noticeable employment gap but plenty of work experience nonetheless.
#2. Follow These Layout Tips
If your resume looks cluttered and unorganized, the hiring manager is less likely to want to read it.
But paying attention to your resume’s layout can get you a better chance.
Stick to these formatting tips when building your Canadian resume:
- Have separate sections for all the information you want to add.
- Use a professional and easily legible resume font .
- Let your resume breathe - leave in enough white space so the contents are easier to read, by setting your resume margins to 1” on all sides.
- Save your resume in the correct document size. Canadian resumes use a standard North American letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), instead of the A4 size common elsewhere. You can do this easily in the Novoresume editor by choosing “Layout” in the top menu and choosing “US Letter Format”.
#3. List the Right Contact Information
Once you’ve sorted out your resume layout, it’s time to start filling in its content.
The contact information section is the first thing you should list. Here’s what to include:
- Name and surname
- Canadian phone number
- Address (City and Province)
- Professional email address
Optionally, you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or an online portfolio. Just make sure they’re updated and relevant to the application.
#4. Write Your Resume Summary
Each resume only has a few seconds to catch a recruiter’s attention, so you have to make yours eye-catching and easy to read.
Here’s where a resume summary comes in.
Going at the top of your resume, a resume summary is a two or three-sentence-long summary of your career. It includes:
- Your professional title and years of experience.
- Two-three of your biggest achievements.
- One-two of your top relevant skills for the position.
![canadian resume format word free download resume summary formula](https://cdn-blog.novoresume.com/articles/canada-resume-format/resume-summary-formula.png)
If you’re less experienced, you can opt for a resume objective instead. A resume objective focuses on your skills and motivation to grow in your chosen field, rather than on prior experience and professional achievements.
When applying for a remote job for a company based in Canada, mention this in your resume summary. If you’re looking for a company that’s going to relocate you to Canada , make sure to mention that in your resume instead, so you don’t waste time for yourself or the hiring manager.
#5. Include Your Work Experience
Work experience is the most important section on a Canadian resume .
It lets you expand on your past achievements and responsibilities, proving to the hiring manager you’re the best candidate for the job.
Here’s how you should structure this section:
- Start with your most recent job and go back in time. That said, don’t go back more than ten or 15 years ago, even if you’re a senior professional. The hiring manager doesn’t care about your job as a server from back in college.
- Start with your job title. The recruiter will immediately know if you have the necessary experience for the job from reading your job title.
- Add your company name and location. Sometimes you can even add a brief description of your former employer, particularly if it’s a smaller business that isn’t well-known.
- Include your dates of employment. There’s no need to be super detailed, so just stick to the mm/yyyy format.
- List your job responsibilities and achievements. Provide 4-6 bullet points for your most recent position and 2-3 bullets for older jobs.
Structuring your work experience the right way is only half the work. To stand out from the competition, you want this section to be as impressive as possible.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help with that:
- Reference the job ad, and focus on the top skills and qualifications required from candidates. Tailor your work experience around the skills that you do have to draw attention away from the ones you don’t.
- Focus more on achievements over day-to-day responsibilities. The hiring manager already has an idea of what your responsibilities for a certain job were. What they’re interested to know is what you achieved while doing it.
- Quantify your accomplishments as often as possible. Use the Laszlo Bock formula ( “accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z” ) to provide a timeframe, scale, and results for what you’ve achieved. e,g: “ Increased annual revenue growth from 5% to 10% through the implementation of a financial roadmap. ”
- Use powerful words and action verbs . Recruiters hate hearing generic phrases like “responsible for” or “team player,” so using the right vocabulary can help you stick out.
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Are you a recent graduate with no work experience on your resume ? Don’t sweat it - we’ve got a guide to help you find your first job .
#6. Add Your Education
In Canadian resumes, the education section typically goes right under your work experience.
Here’s how you should format this section:
- Program Name. E.g: “B.A. in Computer Science”
- University Name. E.g: “Ohio State University”
- Years Attended. E.g: “08/2018 - 06/2022”
- Achievements (optional). E.g. “Minor in Linguistics”
It should look something like this:
B.A. in Computer Science
Concordia University
08/2019 - 06/2023
- Summa Cum Laude
- Minor in Business Analytics
Follow these tips to make this section pop:
- Don’t describe your high school education if you have a university degree.
- Mention courses you’ve taken that are relevant to the industry you’re applying to. (E.g: Statistics and Probability for a Data Analyst)
- Stick to a reverse chronological format when listing your degrees. E.g: A Ph.D. is listed above a Master’s Degree, which is listed above a Bachelor’s degree, etc.
- If you don’t have work experience, you can emphasize your academic background. Just list your education at the top of your resume instead of the work experience.
#7. Highlight Your Greatest Skills & Strengths
The skill section shows which candidates have the necessary expertise for the job, and no Canadian resume is complete without it.
Skills are typically divided into two categories:
- Soft skills consist of personality traits and characteristics developed in your personal and professional life. They involve communication skills , people skills, interpersonal skills , etc.
- Hard skills, or technical abilities, are skills you can gain from experience, training, or education. These can include computer skills or proficiency in the use of specific tools.
The trick here is, don’t list every skill you’ve ever learned, just the ones relevant to the job you’re applying for.
If you’re going to be a graphic designer, your Photoshop skills are more important than your forklift certification. Recruiters want to know which skills make you the right candidate for them, not which skills make you the most well-rounded individual.
Scan the job description and jot down which of your skills the company is looking for. Then add them to your Canadian resume.
Just make sure you don’t focus solely on one type of skill over the other. A good application covers both soft skills and hard skills, depending on the job requirements.
Here’s an example:
![canadian resume format word free download skills on resume](https://cdn-blog.novoresume.com/articles/canada-resume-format/skills-on-resume.png)
#8. Leverage Additional Sections
If you’ve covered all the essential resume sections and have some space left, consider adding some optional resume sections.
These sections aren’t as vital as the ones we’ve covered so far, and they won’t do as much heavy lifting on your resume as your work experience, skills, or education.
However, they can help set you apart from candidates with similar work experience and skills as yours.
For example, if choosing between two equally qualified professionals, and the position includes collaboration with French-speaking employees or business partners, the hiring manager is likely to choose a candidate who can speak French.
Here are the additional sections you can include on your resume:
- Languages . Being able to communicate in more than one language gives you an advantage over other candidates.
- Internships. Adding any relevant internships to your resume shows you have some experience that’s prepared you for the job you’re applying to.
- Volunteer experience . Any experience volunteering is a great addition to any resume since it shows you’re a caring person who wants to give back to your community.
- Hobbies and interests . Certain hobbies or interests might give the hiring manager a look into who you are as a person, and work in your favor.
- Certifications and awards. Any relevant qualifications or awards, such as online classes, can go here.
- Publications. If you’ve published anything, ranging from magazines to research articles, you can add it to your resume.
- Projects. Interesting projects you’ve worked on can show the hiring manager your passion and dedication to your field.
#9. Include a cover letter
Cover letters are still an essential companion piece to any resume.
Adding a cover letter to your application shows the hiring manager you’re ready to take all the necessary steps to land the job.
Cover letters also complement resumes by allowing you to elaborate on things you don’t have the space for in your resume, such as certain achievements or employment gaps.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what your cover letter should include:
- Header. As with your resume, include your updated contact information with your name, surname, Canadian phone number, and professional email address. Be sure to include the employer’s contact information as well.
- Greeting line. Make sure you address the cover letter correctly with a greeting line like “ Dear John Doe, ” or “ Dear Mr. Doe, ”. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, just use something like “ Dear [Department] Team. ”
- Introduction. Start off with a brief summary of why you’re writing the letter and which position you’re interested in. To grab the hiring manager’s attention, use your opening paragraph to also describe two or three of your top achievements.
- Qualifications and motivation. The body of your cover letter should emphasize your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position. Use it to explain exactly what makes you the right candidate and how you’re the right fit for the company.
- Closing paragraph . Wrap up your letter with a call to action and an official signature line.
Struggling to write your cover letter? Check out these cover letter examples to get inspired.
FAQs About Canadian Resumes
Do you still have any questions? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Canadian resumes.
1. How can I create a Canadian resume as an international student?
Whether you’re looking to apply to a university in Canada, secure an internship , or land your first job after your graduation, your main focus should be on your academic achievements.
Education is highly valued in Canada and your credentials and relevant coursework will boost your resume, so long as you keep it relevant to the position you’re applying for.
When describing your education, you can also add the location next to your school or university’s name. E.g.: “Marmara University, Turkey” instead of just “Marmara University”.
2. Should the Canadian resume be in a PDF or Word file format?
Generally speaking, a PDF is the preferred format for resumes since it remains the same regardless of what operating system or device you use to open it. Moreover, it keeps your formatting and illustrations in place, and can’t be edited by accident when a recruiter mislicks.
Most career websites in Canada accept resumes as both PDF and Word files. Nonetheless, we recommend you have your Canadian resume exported to PDF unless the job ad specifically requests Word.
3. Do Canadians say CV or resume?
Depending on what part of Canada you’re in, people might say CV and resume interchangeably. However, outside of Quebec, these are two different documents.
Resumes are typically not longer than two pages and are meant to be tailored to the job you’re applying for. CVs, on the other hand, are far more detailed and appropriate for academic settings or specific senior-level applications.
4. What should you NOT include on a Canadian resume?
As an anti-discrimination measure, pictures of yourself and personal information, are legally prohibited from job applications. This means your nationality, age, gender, religion, immigration status, political affiliation, marital status, and social insurance number, have no place on your resume.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s taboo for applicants to include their salary expectations on a Canadian resume. Salary expectations should only be provided if requested by the employer, and even then, they are best included in a cover letter, never on your resume.
Canadian resume and cover letter: Format, tips, and templates
For many newcomers, finding employment quickly after moving to Canada is a high-priority action item. Whether you’re contemplating a career switch or looking to get back in your field of work, the first step is usually the same – to have a resume and a cover letter that you can share with potential employers or networking contacts.
In this article, we will explore the Canadian-style resume in detail, highlight some key differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV), and help you identify which resume format might be best suited to your career goal. We will also go over some useful tips to craft an ATS-friendly resume to ensure you stand out from the competition and get noticed by employers, hiring managers, and recruiters.
Download our editable, to craft the perfect resume for your job search. Whether you’re applying for your first job or showcasing years of experience, these ready-to-use Canadian resume templates will help position you as the ideal candidate. Download templates for: |
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In this article:
- What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada
Tips for writing a canadian-style resume, what is the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (cv).
Often, there are two ways job seekers can showcase their professional experience to an employer: by using a resume or a CV. In Canada, employers prefer a resume. A CV is mainly used only for academic applications such as academic jobs, grants, research fellowships, etc.
To provide more clarity, here are some key differences between a resume and a CV:
Very brief – about one or two pages long. | Usually, two pages or longer; no maximum limit on pages. | |
Includes a summary of work experience, education, and skills relevant to the role. | It is very detailed and includes work experience, education, skills, publications, awards, honours, research, affiliations, etc. over the entire course of your career. | |
Job applications. | Academic applications. |
Many countries use a CV instead of a resume, and some have a combination of both. Some regions use both terms interchangeably: for instance, in most European countries as well as New Zealand, the term CV is used to describe an equivalent of a Canadian resume. In Australia and South Africa, “curriculum vitae” and “resume” are synonyms that can be used interchangeably. In South Asia, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably and refer to an equivalent of a traditional CV.
In some parts of the world, it’s common to include personal information such as marital status, nationality, personal interests, hobbies, date of birth, address, and a photograph on a CV. In Canada, however, you shouldn’t include these details on your resume as it is not required under the employment law, and it is also not a part of the resume format.
As a job seeker in Canada, there are three types of resume formats you should be familiar with. Each of these formats includes the same basic information in a different layout.
1. Reverse chronological resume
This type of resume outlines your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.
When to use a reverse chronological resume?
If you’re an experienced professional with at least some experience in the workforce, have no major employment gaps , and intend to continue working in the same field.
Tip: The reverse chronological resume is the most popular format in the Canadian job market. Most employers and recruiters are used to and prefer a resume in this format.
2. Functional resume
The functional resume focuses on your overall skills and qualifications instead of specific professional experiences. The employment history is still included, but it is usually listed after skills and education.
When to use a functional resume?
If you’re looking to switch roles and/or industries and start your career in a new field. It may also be ideal for recent college graduates.
3. Combination or hybrid resume
A combination resume is a mix of the reverse-chronological layout and the functional layout and is ideal for showcasing transferable skills along with professional experience. In this format, work experience is usually outlined in a reverse chronological format, and the skills section includes a summary of qualifications and technical skills (or core competencies).
When to use a combination or hybrid resume?
It is commonly used by a variety of job seekers ranging from experienced workers to recent graduates to those with limited experience, multiple short-term work stints, or those having significant work gaps.
Need more guidance on how to write a Canadian-style resume? For a stepwise approach, check out: How to write a resume for the Canadian job market 10 resume mistakes to avoid when applying for jobs in Canada
Download the free Resume and cover letter templates to craft your Canadian resume
Mastering the art of writing a flawless and impactful Canadian-style resume takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you improve your resume-writing skills.
1. Adapt your resume to each job listing and keep it relevant
Having a generic resume and sharing it with multiple employers for a variety of positions/roles may not yield the best result for you. It is essential to customize your resume to each position that you’re applying for. Tailor your work experience, skills, and any additional information to the role. Include keywords from the job posting and always start your sentence with relevant action verbs like spearheaded, achieved, managed, trained, etc. Craft a compelling summary for your resume. Avoid including very detailed information for each position you have held; you can share relevant details in the interview instead.
Job interview resources: How to prepare for a job interview 10 common job interview questions and how to answer them
2. Optimize for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) but write for humans
Many companies use an ATS to pre-screen resumes and then involve recruiters and hiring managers later in the process. You need to keep both in mind when writing your resume.
What is an ATS?
An ATS is a software that scans resumes to determine if it is a good match for a specific job listing. Parameters such as work experience, skills, and education are usually considered during the ATS screening process. Resumes that match the pre-defined criteria are forwarded to hiring managers or recruiters, while human eyes never see those rejected by the system. Therefore, even though you may be qualified for the position, if your resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, it may end up being rejected. An ATS is widely used by organizations, recruiters, and job placement agencies in Canada.
How to optimize a resume for ATS
- Use standard formatting and don’t include images, designs, charts, and tables.
- Use correct headers and include keywords that match the job description and desired core competencies and skills.
- Send your resume as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document. Most ATS systems tend to process Word files better than PDF.
- Spell out abbreviations at least once on your resume.
- Include experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
- Avoid long paragraphs and font size less than size 10.
- Convert technical terms, grades, and scores to their Canadian equivalents.
3. Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofread your resume
It’s always a good idea to proofread your resume and check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence formation, especially if English isn’t your first language or mother tongue. There are many free tools that can help you with proofreading: Grammarly as well as the in-built grammar and spelling tool in Microsoft Word, are good starting points. You can also ask a native English speaker to review your resume for language fluency.
To help you finesse your English language skills and get more tips and advice from an experienced teacher, Karen Thomson, read How to improve your English and adapt to Canadian culture .
4. Quantify your accomplishments
Many job seekers make the mistake of outlining roles and responsibilities instead of achievements. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer seeing quantified accomplishments on resumes. The ‘CAR’ approach is a good way to help you structure individual sentences:
C = what was the Challenge , A = what Action did you take, and R = what was the Result .
Some examples to consider:
- “Reached eBay Power Seller status within one year by auctioning over 400 items per month, an exceptional accomplishment reached by only 4 per cent of the 29 million eBay sellers at that time.”
- “Designed and built statistical analysis models on large data sets (e.g. Aster, Teradata) that helped increase online sales (up to 15 per cent per product) and lowered cart-abandonment rate by 23 per cent.”
5. Include a cover letter
A cover letter is a formal one-page document that accompanies a resume. It is not a rephrased or concise version of your resume, but it is mainly supposed to talk about how you fit the role you’re applying for and why the organization should hire you. The cover letter is also a good way to justify any gaps in your resume or provide any additional info that your resume can’t.
Note that a cover letter doesn’t have to be a separate document but can also be included in the body of an email when applying for a job. Adding a custom, well-written cover letter to your resume can make you stand out from the crowd, thus improving your chances of being approached for an interview.
Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter
- Limit the length to one page.
- Tailor your cover letter to suit each job application.
- Proofread your cover letter; check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, especially since it serves as a reflection of your communication skills.
- Use a standard font size (10 or 12 points, in a font style such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Avoid using special effects (bold/underline/italics, different fonts, and colour).
- Weave in information you know about the company, their recent projects, or organizational culture and values.
Looking for more guidance on cover letters? Read How to write an effective cover letter for advice and insights from recruiters.
6. Show off your skills with unpaid or local volunteer work
This is a good way for newcomers to show Canadian experience on their resume. If your volunteer work requires you to use skills that may also be valued in the position that you are applying for, adding the volunteer experience to your resume may work to your advantage.
Tip: Volunteering can help you build your network and earn Canadian experience. To discover the importance of volunteering in Canada, and learn how to find volunteering opportunities, read The benefits of volunteering as a newcomer in Canada .
Things our lawyers want you to know
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
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Disclaimer: This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.
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Canadian Style Resume Template
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Canadian Resume Format & How-to Guide for 2024
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In This Guide:
Canadian resume template, what is the canadian resume format, what is the difference between a canadian and an american (us) resume, what is the difference between a canadian resume format and a european cv, how to write a canadian resume — what to include, getting a job in canada as an immigrant, faq about canadian resumes, key takeaways, how we wrote and reviewed this article.
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Understanding the Canadian resume format is crucial whether you're applying for a job within the country for the first time, or you're a Canadian looking to refine your resume.
Canada plans to invite 1.45 million new permanent residents by 2025 to address labor shortages and an aging population. This move not only aims to strengthen the workforce and ensure immigrant skills meet job demands but also addresses challenges newcomers face in securing appropriate employment.
The country offers a unique blend of American and European characteristics, and this extends to its job application process, especially when it comes to resumes.
But how does a resume tailored for Canada differ from an American one? This guide provides all the details on what makes a Canadian resume unique, alongside practical advice and examples to help you craft a resume that could open doors to new opportunities in Canada.
Here's what we'll explore:
- The distinct features of Canadian resumes compared to American and European formats;
- A detailed guide on crafting your resume to meet Canadian standards;
- An exploration of frequently asked questions, providing thorough answers and insights;
- Advice for making your Canadian resume stand out to employers.
Plus much more! Let's begin!
Is your resume good enough?
Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
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Enhancv’s Canadian resume template has been optimized to meet the demands of the Canadian resume format. It follows a chronological work experience section. Furthermore, it has no photo in the header, something that’s typically frowned upon in Canada.
Last but not least, Enhancv’s Canadian resume template supports a two-page resume format , which is one of the things that sets apart Canadian and US resumes.
Canadian resume examples for the most popular jobs
Registered nurse resume.
Registered nurses are in particularly high demand across Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. There are several immigration pathways available for nurses looking to work in Canada .
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Software engineer resume
Software engineers are in high demand in Canada , especially in provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. They earn an average annual salary of $127,379.03 CAD.
![canadian resume format word free download Full Stack Developer | Web Development | 3D Applications resume example](https://cdn.enhancv.com/images/1920/i/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uZW5oYW5jdi5jb20vcHJlZGVmaW5lZC1leGFtcGxlcy80RmRYeDZFRndXTkt0QnV6QVVVVEIwdUtSWURvSlZIZWtZWHY0VTVXL2ltYWdlLnBuZw~~.png)
Administrative assistant resume
Administrative assistants are essential in keeping organizations running smoothly. They earn an average annual salary of $61,923.42 CAD, with high demand in provinces like Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Yukon Territory.
![canadian resume format word free download Administrative Specialist | SAP Expert | MS Office Pro resume example](https://cdn.enhancv.com/images/1920/i/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uZW5oYW5jdi5jb20vcHJlZGVmaW5lZC1leGFtcGxlcy9vWHZ3OFJEa1VaVnJ0UlJCNDhCdFNFaXV3UWg3MnZ4Rk5Dc005Y2NvL2ltYWdlLnBuZw~~.png)
Web developer resume
Web developers are in high demand in Canada's booming tech industry . The Global Talent Stream and various Provincial Nominee Programs provide pathways for web developers to obtain a Canada work permit.
![canadian resume format word free download Web Developer | UX/UI Designer | Content Strategist resume example](https://cdn.enhancv.com/images/1920/i/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uZW5oYW5jdi5jb20vcHJlZGVmaW5lZC1leGFtcGxlcy9xdDBZMjg2WUpwTW5kdGVmRnVDQ2YxME9oRGNiRnhaaEt5QjBaaDVkL2ltYWdlLnBuZw~~.png)
Truck driver resume
Truck drivers are one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada , with a vacancy rate around 8%. They are needed across the country to transport commercial goods.
![canadian resume format word free download Haul Truck Operator | Open Pit Mining Specialist resume example](https://cdn.enhancv.com/images/1920/i/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uZW5oYW5jdi5jb20vcHJlZGVmaW5lZC1leGFtcGxlcy8xY1NnaWJxYmVDNWFIVTFSZHlKSUN5R2hJVWZ6VktVODk4QUFGdDc1L2ltYWdlLnBuZw~~.png)
Other popular and in-demand jobs in Canada include electrical engineers , welders , veterinarians , licensed practical nurses , and accountants .
The Canadian resume format is a structured approach to presenting your work history and skills relevant to the job you're applying for. It starts with a header section that contains your name, phone number, current location, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile, include the URL in your contact information .
Many Canadian employers use LinkedIn to research potential candidates. Following the header, you need to put either a summary or objective to give a snapshot of your career goals and strengths. Next, the resume should detail your work history, education, and skills. Personal details like marital status and photos are not included, allowing the focus to remain on your expertise.
Making a resume for Canada is similar to the United States but for a few important differences. Both countries use resumes more than CVs, and they usually look alike. Yet, spelling matters a lot in Canada. Though Canada uses English, it also embraces French, affecting some English spellings. To make sure your resume fits Canadian preferences, follow these tips:
- Use Canadian spellings , like " behaviour " and " neighbour ," and prefer " theatre ," " labour ," and " defence ."
- Apply the metric system for measurements, showing familiarity with Canada's standards if applicable. For example, if you worked in distribution, you could mention “leading a team that distributed goods across a 300-kilometer area."
- Write dates in the DD/MM/YYYY format, which is common in Canada.
- Include graphic designs in your resume only if you look for a job as a graphic designer. Typically, Canadians don't include these elements when applying for a new position.
- Employ the services of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials to understand the Canadian equivalence of your credentials. Taking this step can help push your job search forward, yet it doesn't secure a job offer.
These small but crucial adjustments show you're ready to work smoothly in Canada. They show your ability to adapt and pay attention to local details, which is appealing to Canadian employers.
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The Canadian resume format and the European CV serve as key tools in job applications, but they follow different conventions that reflect the job market and cultural expectations of their respective regions. The Canadian resume format is streamlined and job-focused, typically extending to a maximum of two pages and emphasizing the candidate's most relevant experiences and skills for the specific position.
Moreover, in Canada, when we talk about a CV, we're referring to a very detailed document mostly used in academic settings, not for regular job applications. These CVs are pretty lengthy, going from two to ten pages, and they cover everything from your work history to your projects and any papers you've published.
European resumes, commonly called CVs in the Old Continent, tend to be more detailed compared to Canadian resumes. They include high school education and grades, regardless of higher educational achievements. This level of detail is unnecessary in Canada, where the focus shifts to post-secondary education and adequate work experience .
Another big difference is the inclusion of personal information. In some European countries, including a photo on your resume is common and often expected by employers.
Including photos on your resume is not endorsed in Canada. Personal details such as date of birth, nationality, or other information that could potentially lead to discrimination are omitted in Canadian resumes.
The goal is to ensure a fair evaluation process, focusing solely on professional qualifications and experiences.
Believe it or not, the Canadian resume is pretty similar to an American. However while the format is similar, the devil is in the details.
When looking for a job in Canada, picking the right resume format is key because it really affects your chances of success. If you've been working for more than ten years, think about using a reverse chronological resume . This format lists your jobs from newest to oldest, making it easy to see how you've moved up in your career. It's a good way to show your experience in a clear way that employers like, especially in Canada.
In addition to the format, you also need to consider the template. It's important to choose a professionally designed resume template which can enhance the readability of your resume and create a positive first impression with hiring managers. After you've selected your template, the next step is organizing your Canadian resume.
![canadian resume format word free download](https://cdn.enhancv.com/images/1920/i/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uZW5oYW5jdi5jb20vQ2FuYWRpYW5fUmVzdW1lX0Zvcm1hdF9SZXN1bWVfQnVpbGRlcl9iZDI0N2MzZWRlLnBuZw~~.png)
When creating your Canadian resume, start with a well-organized header that grabs attention . Include essential information like your name, job title, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn link. Make sure your name matches what's on your professional records and online profiles to make it easy for recruiters to find you.
Moreover, it would be better to use a professional email provider like Gmail or Outlook. Mention the job you're applying for, not your current position, to align your resume with the job listing. Just listing your city is enough for the location , especially if you're applying for jobs in different places.
Finally, when you include links to your LinkedIn or portfolio , make sure they're up-to-date and match your resume.
In Canada, including a photo on your resume is typically reserved for roles where appearance is a job requirement, such as in modeling or acting. For other jobs, adding a photo can look odd and might worry some employers, so better not to include it to avoid misinterpretations.
Jackson Thompson's resume header is thoughtfully organized and offers quick access to his contact and professional information.
Resume summary
Following the header, the career summary section appears, offering a concise overview in no more than five sentences that show your key professional achievements. The professional summary focuses on your main strengths and skills related directly to the position's duties and responsibilities. After reading the information in this section, the recruiter has a better understanding of who you are and what skills and abilities you may bring to the position. Tailor this for every job application to address the company and the position's requirements.
Let’s see an example:
This example shows the applicant's strong expertise in marketing and track record of achievements. Also, it puts the focus on specific skills and growth metrics that are important for Canadian employers.
Work experience
When creating your work experience section list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions using bullet points.
Here’s an example of the structure:
- Begin with the latest job and work backwards, but limit the history to the last 10 to 15 years. Older roles, like a college job, might not interest the hiring manager.
- Lead with the position title , which helps the recruiter assess if your experience aligns with the job requirements.
- Mention the employer's name and its location . For lesser-known companies, a short description might be helpful.
- State the period of employment using the DD/MM/YYYY format , which is concise and clear.
- Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments with 4-6 bullet points for recent roles and 2-3 for previous positions .
Check out the example:
- • Developed and executed a digital marketing strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic.
- • Managed social media accounts, growing the follower base by 25% in one year.
- • Coordinated with the sales team to create promotional materials that led to a 15% rise in sales.
- • Organized and directed market research studies to inform future marketing strategies.
- • Led a team in implementing innovative email marketing campaigns that boosted lead generation by 20%.
- • Spearheaded the redesign of the company website, improving user engagement metrics by 35%.
- • Established a content marketing plan that increased brand visibility and market penetration.
- • Optimized website content for major search engines, resulting in a top 5 ranking for key terms.
- • Analyzed web analytics to adjust SEO strategies and improve overall website performance.
- • Collaborated with the content creation team to ensure SEO best practices were consistently applied.
- • Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing strategies to enhance brand recognition.
- • Supported the organization of promotional events that led to increased customer engagement.
- • Conducted competitive analysis to inform the marketing team's strategy adjustments.
This example illustrates an effective way to organize your work history when listing multiple previous roles. It emphasizes the importance of conciseness while clearly detailing your responsibilities and successes.
Carefully read the job posting and identify the required qualifications and skills. Take note of particular keywords and phrases used throughout the description to tailor the resume for the specific role.
The educational background is an essential part of your Canadian resume and it comes right after the work experience. Here is the place to mention the degree, diploma, and certifications earned, the name of the institution, the location, and the year of graduation . Begin with your most recent educational achievement and proceed in reverse chronological order, mirroring the format of your work history section. Don't forget to highlight any honors or academic distinctions you've received.
For your Canadian resume, consider specifying this information in the education section:
- State the degree you've earned as your degree title .
- Identify the institution where you received your education as your college or university.
- Include the location of your educational institution .
- Note the year of your graduation or the anticipated graduation year as your completion date.
- Mention a minor study , for instance, "Minor in Digital Media," to demonstrate a broader skill set within the marketing field.
- List any certificates you obtained related to your field of study.
Here's how this section can look:
- • Specialized Coursework: Advanced digital marketing strategies and data-driven marketing decisions
- • Graduated with Honors
- • Minor in Digital Media
- • Core Modules: Marketing principles, consumer behavior, and digital media strategy
This example demonstrates a structured approach to presenting your educational background. It shows how to effectively list degrees, institutions, and relevant coursework, ensuring that your qualifications are easily understood by recruiters in Canada.
You may need to have your documents translated into English, French, or both.
It is generally advised to keep the education section simple, ensuring it doesn't overshadow your skills.
Highlight your key skills relevant to the job. This can include technical skills, software proficiency, language proficiency, and any other abilities that showcase your qualifications for the position.
Skills on your resume are categorized into:
- Soft skills refer to personal qualities and behaviors developed through both life and work experiences. These skills encompass communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
- Hard skills stand in contrast as the specific technical know-how or proficiencies gained through education, training endeavors, or direct experience. For instance, in the context of finance, include specialized expertise like advanced Excel functions for financial analysis, familiarity with QuickBooks for accounting tasks, and adeptness in using Bloomberg terminals for market research.
When curating your skills list, focus on those most relevant to the job at hand. For a front-end developer position, for instance, your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React or Angular is more relevant than an unrelated skill like martial arts. Employers seek skills that make you an ideal fit for their specific needs, rather than a broad array of abilities.
To ensure your resume resonates with the job description, identify the employer's desired skills and make sure to include them in your Canada resume. Aim for a balanced presentation of both soft and hard skills tailored to meet the requirements of a front-end developer role.
The most in-demand hard skills in Canada for 2024 center around cybersecurity, data analytics, sustainability , remote work, and emerging technologies like generative AI . Employers are seeking candidates with specialized technical expertise in these areas.
And for soft skills, employers look for communication , adaptability , collaboration , critical thinking , and digital literacy . Overall, employers are looking for well-rounded professionals who can navigate the evolving job market and contribute effectively to their organizations.
Here’s how you might approach it:
When we talk about resume creation, language skills are more than just a mark of education. They're a bridge to diverse cultures and markets, making them vital in the Canadian job market. Adding languages to your Canadian resume shows your ability to communicate across different cultures.
In Canada, where English and French are widely spoken, being bilingual can significantly boost your job prospects. Including languages on your resume , along with your proficiency levels, signals to employers your capacity to adapt and connect in a multicultural setting. This section is crucial, distinguishing you as a candidate well-suited for the dynamic Canadian work culture.
Languages and additional courses both play a crucial role in enhancing your professional profile, so let's see how to present them properly in your Canadian resume.
This is an ideal moment to demonstrate your passion for learning. Include any relevant training, courses, or seminars to underscore your dedication to ongoing professional growth. It signals to employers your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and techniques, enhancing your appeal as a candidate.
Such educational achievements can be especially crucial in fast-changing sectors, evidencing your readiness to tackle contemporary challenges.
Start with your newest qualifications and list them in time order, similar to how you list job experience and education.
Let's go back to our example of Jackson Thompson, the Marketing Specialist, and check what courses would be relevant for him.
Securing a job in Canada as an immigrant is a significant step toward starting a new life. The process involves understanding eligibility criteria, choosing the right immigration pathway, preparing necessary documents, and planning for settlement. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through this journey.
First, determine your eligibility . Ensure you have at least a senior secondary education, a minimum of one year of relevant work experience, and proficiency in English or French, depending on where you plan to settle. You also need to meet the minimum points requirement on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) , Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) , or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) .
Next, choose your immigration pathway. The Express Entry system offers various programs. The FSWP is ideal for skilled workers with specific qualifications, while the FSTP caters to tradespersons with Canadian job offers or valid certificate qualifications. The CEC is designed for those with at least three years of Canadian work experience. Alternatively, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a more accessible route and can integrate with the Express Entry system. If you have a family member who can sponsor your migration, family sponsorship might be an option . Business Immigration Programs are also available for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons looking to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Once you have chosen your pathway, prepare your application by creating an online Express Entry profile and uploading your qualifications. Gather all required documents, including proof of language proficiency (such as IELTS or TEF ), education (degrees, diplomas), work experience (letters, certificates), and other necessary documents like a clean criminal record and proof of settlement funds.
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) . For Express Entry, ITAs are sent to the highest-scoring candidates. For PNPs, you will need to wait for a nomination from the province. Once you receive an ITA or provincial nomination, submit your application for permanent residency (PR) . The approval process typically takes about six months for both Express Entry and PNPs.
As you prepare for settlement, ensure you have the required settlement funds—at least CAD$13,757 for a single applicant under Express Entry, and the necessary amount for your family size under PNPs. Plan your move by arranging housing, starting your job search in your field, and considering further language training to improve proficiency.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully securing a job in Canada as an immigrant. Thorough preparation will ensure a smoother transition and help you integrate into your new life in Canada.
This part of our guide is your go-to resource for addressing frequently asked questions about crafting resumes for the Canadian job market. Learn how to create cover letters, tips for international applicants, and whether to choose PDF or.docx. Let's begin with the very first topic.
How do I navigate the Canadian job market as a foreigner?
Navigating the Canadian job market as a foreigner can certainly be a challenge, but with the right approach, it's definitely manageable. Here's your compass and map to find your way through.
Let's go forth with precise tips.
- Identify the industry you’re educated in and make your resume resonate with Canadian employers by thoroughly researching the Canadian job market .
- Start building your network by participating in career fairs, making connections at professional events, and creating a solid LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills.
- Take on freelance opportunities to gain valuable Canadian experience and integrate yourself into the local professional community.
- Utilize resources such as the Canadian government’s Job Bank and immigrant-serving organizations to find valuable assistance in your job search.
- Demonstrate your readiness to thrive in Canada's diverse workplace by emphasizing your cultural awareness and language skills in English or French.
- Boost your qualifications by taking courses or getting certifications from well-known institutions or companies in your area. If we go back to our example for the Marketing Specialist Jackson Thompson, he should focus on acquiring certifications from renowned companies such as Google and Microsoft as these certifications are globally recognized and respected and would serve as a testament to an overseas candidate's skills and knowledge.
- Tailor your resume with each job description and adapt your application to meet specific employer preferences, including Canadian spelling nuances. Remember, precision, like opting for 'colour' over 'color', demonstrates attention to detail.
- Keep a steady pace and stay resilient in your job search in Canada, and know that finding the right opportunity might take time but your efforts will eventually pay off.
Do I need a cover letter to pair with my resume when applying for a job in Canada?
It's a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter lets you detail how your skills match the job and the company's needs. It helps you make a strong first impression and gives you space not only to demonstrate your enthusiasm about the position but also to present yourself professionally .
Here's some practical advice for your cover letter:
- Ensure your header aligns with your resume by listing your name, surname, job title, Canadian phone number, and professional email. You can also add a LinkedIn profile or personal website to make your application more engaging.
- Address the cover letter properly in your greeting line, using 'Dear [Name]' or 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname].' If the name of the hiring manager is unknown, 'Dear [Department] Team' works well. This personal touch shows effort and interest.
- Start your cover letter with a powerful opening sentence that highlights your achievements or unique skills, capturing the hiring manager's attention and setting you apart from other applicants.
- In the body of your cover letter, go beyond your resume to tell a compelling story about your skills and experiences. Showcase how you can contribute to the company's success with examples of leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Conclude with a closing paragraph that encourages further dialogue, ensuring you include your signature line.
Open the door to your new job in Canada with our professionally designed cover letter templates . Use our intuitive cover letter builder to make your own for free.
Should I save my Canadian resume as a .docx or a .pdf file?
The PDF format is highly recommended due to its consistent appearance on various devices and operating systems. It preserves your document's design and visuals and eliminates the risk of unintended edits by the recipient.
Job platforms in Canada commonly accept both PDF and Word documents. However, unless specified otherwise in the job posting, opting to submit your resume as a PDF is advisable for preserving its intended presentation.
Include your full name in your document filename to make it memorable (i.e. Jackson-Thompson-Resume.pdf)
Do Canadians say “CV” or “Resume”?
In Canada, the terms "resume" and "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) are both used, but they have different meanings. A resume is usually one or two pages long and shows your skills and experience related to the job you want. It's meant to be quick to read and match the job description. Canadian employers prefer this direct and brief way of showing your capabilities.
On the other hand, a CV is much more detailed and covers your whole career, including education, publications, research, and big achievements. It's mainly used in fields like academia, science, and medicine, where showing the full scope of your work matters a lot. CVs are longer than resumes and can be much more than two pages, based on how much you've done in your career.
What NOT to include in my Canadian resume?
In Canada, your cover letter and resume should not contain personal details such as marital status, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Additionally, unless you're seeking a role in modeling or acting, photos are unnecessary. Including such information not only wastes precious space but could also lead employers to bypass your application to avoid potential discrimination claims. It's worth noting that Canadian law prohibits employers from requesting information regarding your sexual orientation, age, or ethnicity during the application process or interviews. To prevent placing recruiters or employers in a difficult position, it's advisable to exclude these details.
Furthermore, mentioning salary expectations or irrelevant personal interests is considered inappropriate.
- Canada's plan to welcome 1.45 million new residents by 2025 underscores the need for job applicants to craft resumes tailored to specific employer requirements and Canadian English standards.
- In Canada, a resume is concise and job-focused, unlike CVs, which are detailed for academic roles, differing from European CVs that include personal information.
- Adapting your resume for Canada involves using local spellings, the metric system, and specific date formats to meet employer preferences and show an understanding of local culture.
- Choosing the chronological resume format is crucial, along with selecting a professional template for a good first impression.
- Begin your resume with a detailed header and a summary that shows your excellent results from previous jobs and skills relevant to the job you're applying for.
- Including a cover letter with your resume is strongly advised, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the new workplace.
The team at Enhancv tries to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information — we often use a mix of internal data and external sources to create a cohesive, detailed picture of the topic at hand.
For this guide on canadian resumes we referred to our career coaching team where they provided key insights from working with canadian clients — most sought after skills, the difference between a canadian resume style and the US resume. We also used news reports and statistics to form our opinion and advice:
- Employment and unemployment statistics in Canada (Statistics Canada)
- Resume writing tips for international students in Canada (Arrive)
- Transitioning to the Canadian job market (Moving 2 Canada)
- Working in Canada as an international student (Canada.ca)
- An Often Overlooked Jobs Indicator Points to Deep Cracks in Canada’s Labor Market (Bloomberg)
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How to Write in Canadian Resume format
1- introduction.
For Canadian Resume Format , In the vast landscape of job applications, tailoring your resume to the specific requirements of a particular country can significantly impact your chances of landing your dream job. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of crafting a resume in Canadian format. Understanding the nuances of the Canadian job market and its expectations will set you on the path to success.
Table of Contents
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2-Understanding the Canadian Job Market
Canada boasts a diverse and dynamic job market. Statistics reveal a growing demand for skilled professionals across various industries. Adapting your resume to the Canadian resume format becomes crucial as employers often appreciate candidates who align with their expectations and preferences.
3-Key Components of a Canadian Resume Format
When structuring your Canadian resume, the chronological format takes precedence. Ensure you include personal details and contact information at the beginning, setting the stage for a comprehensive overview.
4-Professional Summary and Objective Statement
Crafting an impactful professional summary sets the tone for your Canadian resume format. It’s a snapshot of your career and serves as a compelling introduction to potential employers. Additionally, an objective statement tailored to the job you’re applying for can enhance your candidacy.
5- Highlighting Skills and Qualifications
Canadian employers value specific skills tailored to the job. Clearly articulate your strengths and qualifications, emphasizing how they align with the requirements of the position. Don’t forget to showcase your educational background and any relevant certifications
6- Work Experience Section , Canadian Resume Format
Detail your work experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting achievements and responsibilities. Quantify your accomplishments to provide a tangible understanding of your contributions
7- Education and Certifications
Format your educational details professionally. Include any certifications that bolster your qualifications and align with Canadian industry standards.
8- Language Skills in a Canadian Resume format
Given Canada’s bilingual nature, showcasing language proficiency is crucial. Clearly indicate your language skills, ensuring accuracy and honesty in your self-assessment.
9- Customizing Your Resume for Canadian Employers
Research the industry and company you’re applying to. Tailor your resume to showcase how your skills and experiences align with the employer’s needs.
10- Formatting and Style Guidelines
Pay attention to formatting details. Choose an easy-to-read font, maintain consistent spacing, and present your resume in a visually appealing manner.
11- Keywords and ATS Compatibility
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are widely used in the Canadian job market. Optimize your resume by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description
12- Networking and References
Leverage networking opportunities to enhance your job search. Include references on your resume, adhering to Canadian norms.
13- Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be mindful of common errors such as typos and inaccuracies. Proofread your resume thoroughly to present a polished document to potential employers.
14- Keeping Up with Industry Trends
The job market evolves, and so should your resume. Stay updated on industry trends to ensure your application remains competitive.
15- Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a resume in Canadian format is a strategic endeavor that can significantly elevate your job search. By understanding the intricacies of the Canadian job market and tailoring your resume accordingly, you increase your chances of catching the attention of prospective employers
Are you looking Professional Resume writers , who can help to create Professional Canadian CV? Click here
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Do I need to create a new resume for every job application in Canada?
While a generic resume might work, customizing it for each application increases your chances of success. What is the significance of language skills on a Canadian resume?
Language skills are crucial, especially in bilingual regions like Canada, and should be accurately represented. How often should I update my Canadian format resume?
Regular updates are advisable, especially when there’s a change in your skills, qualifications, or job responsibilities. Can I include hobbies and interests on my Canadian resume?
It’s optional, but if relevant to the job or showcasing valuable skills, it can be included. What’s the role of networking in the Canadian job market?
Networking is essential; it can open doors to opportunities and provide insights into the job market.
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Navigating the job market can be challenging, but having a standout resume is a crucial step in landing your dream job. At Canada Hires, we understand the importance of making a great first impression. That's why we've crafted a Canadian Resume Template tailored to highlight your strengths and experiences, aligning with Canadian employers' expectations.
Why Use Our Canadian Resume Template?
Our template is designed to help you:.
- Showcase Your Skills and Experience: Organize your professional history in a way that's both comprehensive and easy to read.
- Meet Canadian Standards: Our template is updated with the latest trends and requirements in the Canadian job market.
- Save Time: Spend less time formatting and more time tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for.
How to Use the Canadian Resume Template
- Use the Template: Copy our easy-to-use Canadian Resume Template.
- Customize Your Information: Fill in each section with your personal and professional details.
- Copy and Paste: Once you've filled in the template, you're ready to copy and paste your resume into job applications, or convert it into a PDF for a professional look.
What's Included in the Template?
- Personal Information: Start with your name, contact details, and a professional email address.
- Career Objective: Briefly outline your career goals and how you plan to achieve them.
- Work Experience: List your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
- Education: Include your degrees, certifications, and any relevant training.
- Skills: Highlight specific skills that make you a strong candidate for the position.
- Volunteer Experience: Optional, but a great way to showcase your community involvement.
Tips for Maximizing Your Resume's Impact
- Tailor your resume for each job application, emphasizing the experience and skills most relevant to the position.
- Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements when possible.
- Keep your resume concise—ideally, no more than two pages.
- Proofread carefully to avoid typos and grammatical errors.
The Canadian format Resume Template
[Your Full Name] [Your Canadian Address] | Mobile: [+1-XXX-XXX-XXXX] | Email: [[email protected]] | LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/yourprofile]
Career Objective
Craft a compelling summary of your career goals and how you plan to achieve them, tailored to the position and organization you're applying to.
Example: Aspiring to leverage my extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry] with [Company Name], aiming to contribute to [specific company goal or project] while fostering personal growth and continuous learning.
List your educational background, starting with the most recent. Canadian employers value Canadian credentials or their recognized equivalents.
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Specialization in Finance, 2020 University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
- Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, 2017 Seneca College, Toronto, ON
Professional Experience
Showcase your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that align with the job you’re applying for, using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.
Example: Senior Financial Analyst ABC Corporation, Toronto, ON (January 2019 – Present)
- Spearheaded the budgeting process, reducing expenses by 15% through strategic cost analysis.
- Led a team of 4 in the successful rollout of a financial reporting system, improving reporting efficiency by 25%.
Financial Analyst XYZ Inc., Vancouver, BC (May 2016 – December 2018)
- Conducted comprehensive market research that informed a pivot in strategic direction, resulting in a 10% increase in market share.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing monthly closing time by 30%.
Certifications and Professional Development
Include relevant certifications, licenses, workshops, and courses that enhance your candidacy.
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Certification, 2021
- Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 2019
- Continuous Education Course in Advanced Data Analysis, University of British Columbia, 2018
Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to the job. For a Canadian audience, emphasize bilingual skills or any skills particularly sought after in your industry.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Advanced Excel skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in English and French.
Volunteer Experience (Optional)
Demonstrate your commitment to the community and any leadership or teamwork skills gained through volunteer work.
Example: Volunteer Coordinator, Toronto Food Bank (2020 – Present)
- Coordinated a team of 20+ volunteers, organizing schedules and tasks for weekly food distribution events.
Professional Affiliations (Optional)
List memberships in professional organizations related to your field.
- Member, Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CAMC)
- Member, Toronto Finance Institute (TFI)
Personal Interests (Optional)
Briefly mention interests or hobbies that showcase your personality, especially those that reflect skills relevant to the job or industry.
- Avid marathon runner, completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2021.
- Volunteer dog walker for the local animal shelter.
Available upon request.
Download Canadian Resume Template
Highlights of the Canadian Resume
1. Why should I choose the Canada Hires Canadian Resume Template over others?
Using the Canada Hires Canadian Resume Template ensures that your resume aligns with the expectations and standards of Canadian employers. Our template is specifically designed to:
- Showcase your skills and experience in a structured and reader-friendly format, making it easy for employers to assess your qualifications.
- Meet Canadian job market trends and requirements , incorporating elements that are currently favored by recruiters and hiring managers in various industries.
- Save you valuable time on formatting and structuring, allowing you to focus on customizing your resume with relevant information for each job application.
2. How can I effectively use the Canadian Resume Template for my job applications?
Maximizing the impact of your resume with our Canadian Resume Template involves a few key steps:
- Download and use our template as the foundation for your resume. This ensures you start with a format that is professional and Canada-specific.
- Customize your resume by filling in your personal and professional details in each designated section of the template. Tailor your career objective, work experience, education, and skills to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.
- Convert your completed resume into a PDF to maintain formatting and ensure a professional appearance. Attach this PDF to your job applications or copy and paste the content as needed.
3. What are the essential components included in the Canadian Resume Template, and how should they be filled out?
Our Canadian Resume Template includes several key sections designed to present your credentials effectively:
- Personal Information: Start with your name, contact details, and professional email address. Ensure your contact information is current and professional.
- Career Objective: Write a succinct summary of your career goals and how you align with the position and company. Make it specific to each job application to show your enthusiasm and relevance.
- Education: List your highest qualifications first, including the degree, institution, and year of completion. Highlight Canadian credentials or equivalent qualifications.
- Professional Experience: Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to the job you're applying for. Use quantifiable achievements and action verbs to demonstrate your impact.
- Skills: Include both technical and soft skills pertinent to the job. Mention any bilingual abilities or industry-specific skills.
- Volunteer Experience: (Optional) Show your community involvement and any transferable skills gained.
- Professional Affiliations and Personal Interests: (Optional) These sections can further personalize your resume and show your engagement in your field or personal qualities.
Remember, tailoring your resume to each job application by emphasizing the most relevant experience and skills is key to making a strong impression on Canadian employers.
Navigating the job market can be a challenging journey, but with our dedicated page offering Canadian resume formats, the path becomes clearer and more accessible. Recognizing the high demand for specialized resume formats, we have meticulously designed a collection that caters specifically to the Canadian job market. Our offerings include Canadian resume formats available for Word download, allowing for easy customization to reflect your unique skills and experiences. While we provide these templates in Word format to facilitate editing, we encourage users to convert their final documents into PDF format before submission. This ensures that the formatting remains intact when viewed by potential employers, presenting your professional profile in the best light possible. Whether you're seeking a template to kickstart your resume creation process or a comprehensive format ready for detailed customization, our resources are designed to empower you in your job search. Start with our Canadian resume formats to take the first step towards landing your dream job in Canada.
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To download a Canadian style resume
Canadian resume template- a free copy or canadian resume format - word download, resume frequently asked questions (faq).
Have a question about crafting your resume? Feel free to drop it in the comments section below. We'll promptly update our FAQ list with both your question and our answer. Please ensure your queries are related to resume formats, styling, content inclusion or exclusion, and strategies best suited for the Canadian job market. We’re here to help you tailor your resume effectively!
What is the most accepted CV format in Canada? The reverse-chronological format wins the favor of Canadian employers. It lists your latest job first and is preferred for its clear timeline of your career progression..
Can a Canadian resume be 2 pages? Absolutely, especially if your experience warrants it. Two pages are acceptable if they are filled with relevant information that showcases your qualifications comprehensively.
What is a professional summary on a Canadian resume? At the top of your resume, a professional summary section quickly introduces you, highlighting your key achievements, skills, and how they align with the job you’re applying for.
What's the difference between Canadian format resume and regular resume?
Canadian resumes often include a detailed skills section and a professional summary. They may also highlight bilingual language skills, which are a plus in the multilingual Canadian job market.
Do you really need a professional summary for a resume? Including a professional summary is not mandatory but recommended. It distills your accomplishments and expertise into a brief segment that captures an employer's attention.
What is a good example of a resume summary? "Experienced project manager with a decade in commercial construction management, known for completing projects efficiently and under budget. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills."
Should you have a summary on your resume in 2024? Yes, a well-crafted summary can serve as a powerful introduction to your resume, offering a concise overview of your professional background and objectives.
What's a good summary for a resume? "IT professional with 5+ years in network security and system administration, adept at resolving complex network issues and improving system functionality."
Is a resume summary outdated? Not at all. A concise and compelling summary can significantly elevate your resume by setting the tone for your professional narrative.
What is an example of a professional statement? "Passionate healthcare professional with 12 years’ experience in patient care management, dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative and effective care coordination."
What is an example of a summary about yourself? "Creative marketing expert enthusiastic about digital strategy and data-driven results. Proven track record in leading successful campaigns that increase brand awareness and sales."
How can you describe yourself professionally? "I am a driven and diligent professional, noted for my deep commitment to achieving business goals and my ability to thrive under pressure."
How to end a resume? Conclude with your educational background, any certifications, and professional affiliations that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Ensure your contact information is updated and formatted professionally.
What to put in a resume with no experience? Highlight educational achievements, relevant coursework, internships, and any volunteer work. These elements can effectively demonstrate your capabilities and readiness for the workplace.
What do I say if I have no job experience? Focus on your skills, educational background, and any extracurricular activities that show your potential to succeed in a professional setting.
What are three general tips for your resume? Tailor your resume to the job, emphasizing relevant accomplishments over general duties. Ensure the layout is uncluttered and professional. Finally, always proofread to eliminate any errors.
What is the best resume format for 2024? Stick with the tried-and-true reverse-chronological format, which focuses on your work history and is easy for employers to scan.
What is the most hired resume format? The reverse-chronological format is typically most favored by recruiters, as it clearly showcases your work history and career progression.
What kind of resume do employers prefer? Employers prefer a resume that is clear, well-organized, and tailored to the position, with a strong emphasis on relevant experiences and skills.
What is the most attractive resume format? The combination format is very appealing because it highlights both your skills and your employment history, making it perfect for those with a robust set of skills and experiences.
How far back should a resume go? Keep your resume relevant by focusing on the last 10 to 15 years of your career, which provides enough context for employers without overwhelming them with too much information.
Do you put your address on a resume? It’s enough to list your city and province. Full addresses are not necessary and can be omitted for privacy and brevity.
How to make an eye-catching resume? Use a clean format, consistent font styles, and a touch of color if appropriate. Make sure each section is clearly defined and easy to read.
What is the most important part of the cover letter? The opening paragraph is crucial as it must grab the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and explain succinctly why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
How do I make a beautiful resume in Word? Utilize Microsoft Word’s resume templates as a starting point. Customize your resume by choosing a professional font and adding subtle styling details that reflect your personal brand without distracting from the content.
How do you write a powerful resume? Start with a strong summary, use action verbs to describe your achievements, and include quantifiable results whenever possible.
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Your resume is the primary tool to secure a job in Canada. So creating a Canadian style resume is by far the most crucial step for any new immigrant in Canada who is looking for a job. Learn how to write a resume for jobs in Canada.
One of the most common and easy to fix challenge as a job hunter in Canada is to work on your resume. Suppose your resume is not in the correct format and with the right keywords popping out. In that case, it will not attract the recruiter’s attention.
Average employer skims through a resume in 7.4 seconds. – Eye tracking study at The Ladders
It means you have less than 10 seconds to make your mark. You want them to see that you are an excellent fit for the job within the first few seconds. Hence your resume must present your qualifications concisely and strategically to get an employer interested in calling you for an interview.
An employer might not always be the person reading your resume. Hence you must prioritize your information.
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We'll send you a free Canadian style sample resume that will boost your chances in landing a Canadian job interview. Get the free resume sample by subscribing below.
The first review of your resume may occur at a third-party recruiter hired by the employer or by any Human Resources executive from an unrelated field. Hence, it is vital to use simple language along with persuasive verbs and industry-relevant keywords. Remember, a resume may be selected or tossed aside in the first few seconds so its important that you make it clear and concise.
Your resume should promote your attributes in the following manner:
- Achievements
Ensure that you should spend at least one week to prepare and perfect your resume.
Make sure it clearly describes what you can accomplish professionally and what value will you bring to an employer otherwise a headhunter will simply move on to the next resume.
Canada style resume structure
Canadian style resume structure primarily consists of the following information in that order:
- Contact details
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education History
Types of resumes in Canada
There are two main types of resumes in Canada:
- Chronological resume
- Functional resume
Chronological Resume:
A chronological resume focuses more on work experience so it is suitable for candidates with experience.
Hence, the chronological resume format is the most preferred resume template of Canadian employers. Key points:
- Highlights most recent work experience
- Presents data in reverse chronological order with your current position stated first followed by previous experience and education
- Shows vertical career progression in a specific field
- For those with no gaps in employment history
Functional Resume:
A functional resume is suitable for freshers who have recently graduated and focuses more on skills learnt during education and part-time jobs.
Hence a functional resume is perfect for individuals who want to switch industries and want to emphasize specific skills and expertise.
Key Points:
- For freshers and those with gaps in employment history
- Great for highlighting specific skillset
Canada Resume Format writing do’s:
- Resume should be clear and concise
- Proofread several times to check for grammatical errors
- The CV should be limited to 1 or 2 pages
- Bullets points should be achievement-oriented
- Be specific about your skills and achievements
- Target and personalize your resume for each job that you are applying for
- Quantify your contributions and achievements
- Always save resume in doc or pdf format to maintain consistency
- Always include a cover letter
- Use action verbs
Canada Resume Format writing dont’s:
- Must not include a photo
- Must not include unnecessary information
- Don’t present your job responsibilities as skills
- Don’t be vague
- Please don’t use personal pronouns (I, me or my)
- Don’t add hobbies or interests
- Avoid reasons for leaving previous jobs
- Don’t use too many bullets
- Don’t use an inappropriate email address
Objectives and hobbies are not required for a Canadian resume so you can omit them.
Hope you got to learn something new today and are on your way to creating your first Canadian style resume. If you have any questions around landing your first interview, please feel free to post in Canada Immigration Forum
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Canadian Resume Format
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When I was planning to move to Canada, one of my big concerns was being able to get a job. And the first step in this was how to write my resume in the Canadian resume format.
Getting a job in Canada is different to what I’d been used to in the UK and took a bit of a different approach. But, by understanding these subtle differences, you can tailor your approach and find the job you’re looking for, just like I did (I’m happily employed in a senior position in a large Canadian firm).
This article will focus on one particular aspect of getting a job in Canada: how to create a resume for Canada in the Canadian resume format.
Our sample interview questions and guide is also useful to read when writing your resume. It can help you figure out the type of things hiring managers are interested in you demonstrating and are therefore good to highlight in your resume.
I’ve been through the process of adapting my CV (as I called it in the UK) to the Canadian resume format to get my job. And now, in a senior position in a large firm, I see tons of resumes of people applying for Canadian jobs.
These perspectives should make me well placed to give you the information you need to make your resume the best it can be and in the right format for the Canadian jobs market.
So let’s dive in…
What is a Canadian style resume?
Canadian resume format, canadian resume format general rules, top 10: canadian resume common mistakes, canadian resume format samples, canadian resume template, functional resume.
A Canadian resume is not all that different to any other style of resume you’ve likely come across before.
There’s no fundamental difference in the general information you’re trying to get across in a Canadian resume.
There’s no difference between Canadian resume format and USA format, for example.
There are however a few subtle but important differences in emphasis and structure for the Canadian resume format compared to other countries.
But at the end of the day a resume is essentially a summary of your skills, employment and education and this is no different for the Canadian style of resume.
Any differences in how you write your resume for a Canadian job lies in how you might format and structure your resume; not a full overhaul of the substance.
Does Canadian CV format differ from a Canadian resume format?
My experience is that Canadians use the terms CV and resume interchangeably.
Overall, resume is probably used more frequently but people will understand the term CV as well.
Generally a resume in Canada is the same as what you might know as a CV in other countries and Canadian CV format is the same as a Canadian resume format.
There is one caveat to this however:
In some sectors, primarily academia, a CV or Curriculum Vitae in Canada often is different to a resume. In such circumstances, CV tends to mean a much more thorough and lengthy overview of your career than a resume. But realistically if it’s this type of CV you’re being asked for it will be abundantly obvious.
For the vast majority of typical jobs and situations, a CV and a resume are the same thing.
The two main formats of resumes used in Canada are the traditional reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume.
The most common Canadian resume format is the reverse-chronological resume. This is the traditional resume format you’re probably familiar with that focuses on your employment history and experience. For most people with employment history in the same field as the role they’re applying for, this is the best format to go for.
Reverse-chronological is the format most hiring managers are most familiar with and therefore makes it easy for them to understand your experience.
The other type of resume is the functional resume which focuses more on your skills rather than employment history. This type of resume may be better suited to those that are looking to change to a new career field or are recent graduates with little employment experience.
Typically, a reverse-chronological resume should have this structure:
- Resume header with your basic information
- A personal summary
- Your professional experience
- Education and professional qualifications
The format is not set in stone and can be flexed to suit your particular situation: the job you’re applying for, your experience or lack thereof, etc. But generally you should be hitting all of the above items at some point in your resume.
You would still cover the same topics as above in a functional resume but just change the emphasis – that is you’d focus more on skills rather than employment history. Move the skills section to the front and beef it up significantly. You can read more about a functional resume later in the article .
Let’s go into a bit more detail about what each of those headings above actually mean and what you should cover in each:
Resume header
Your name and contact details right at the top of the resume.
![canadian resume format word free download Example of a Canadian resume header.](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Resume-header-2.png?resize=755%2C167&ssl=1)
My experience is that Canadians really go for putting post-nominal letters after their name (i.e. qualification and accreditation letters etc.). So include any relevant post-nominal letters.
I also include my right to work status in Canada such as Canadian Permanent Resident . Include it if that right to work is going to be a definite positive rather than a potential drawback (i.e. if the employer is going to need to sponsor a work visa or such).
I think it’s important to set that right from the start because if the employer scans down your resume and sees work experience and education from a foreign country they might immediately wonder about your visa status – or certainly I do. Often that’s because a role may or may not be doing visa sponsorship.
One final point for the top of the resume: do not write the words resume or CV !
Personal Summary
A paragraph or two to set the scene for your resume. Highlight your best achievements and breadth of experience.
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If you’re changing careers talk about your skills that are transferable to your new career. If you’re new to the workforce draw on your skills and education and amp up what skills you gained during any summer jobs, coursework and so forth.
This is your chance to make a good first impression so spend time making sure the paragraph is concise, impactful and relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Professional experience
This is the bit that will probably take up the bulk of the space on your resume (depending on if you’re doing traditional chronological resume or functional resume).
Summarise each role you’ve had from your most recent position backwards – i.e. reverse chronological order.
![canadian resume format word free download Canadian resume format sample: professional experience section](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Professional-experience.png?resize=751%2C334&ssl=1)
For each position, you should give:
- The company at which you were employed and city/country where you were based.
- Your job title. Be careful here that the title you state matches what your position actually was as this is one of the most basic reference checks your new employer will do. On the flip though, some professional positions don’t have concrete job titles so if you can massage your title to emphasise the relevance to the role you’re applying to then do. For example if you were a Financial Audit Manager but you’re looking to move out of Financial Audit then you could just put the title Manager. Also, if it makes sense with your experience and the role you’re applying to, try to show career progression in your job titles. Customer Service Representative to Senior Customer Service Representative – that kind of thing.
- The dates you were employed in that role. You don’t need to be specific down to the days of the month here. Month and year will do at the most. This can help if you have small gaps in your employment.
- Details of the role. For each role, you want to write about what you did. Your responsibilities, achievements and assignments. Exactly how best to do this will depend on your experience and the role you’re applying for. But the structure I like is to start with a short introductory paragraph covering what your role was. And then go into bullet points to highlight key assignments, responsibilities & achievements. Remember to not only write what you did but back it up with quantifiable achievements. And, as always – remember to tailor everything you write to match the job you’re going for. Study the job description carefully and make sure you’re demonstrating that you have experience that meets the responsibilities listed in the job description. Use some of the exact same words in your resume as is in the job description’s skills and responsibilities. You could use our sample interview questions to help get the juices flowing or focus your mind on what type of things the hiring manager will be interested in you demonstrating.
Education and Professional Qualifications
List any relevant professional qualifications you have with the dates obtained.
![canadian resume format word free download Example of a Canadian style resume: education section](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Education.png?resize=751%2C221&ssl=1)
Include any degrees you have along with the dates you attended and the name of the institution.
If you’ve not graduated yet, give your expected graduation date. Include your Grade Point Average (GPA) if you have one.
You can include any relevant coursework, courses, extracurricular activities etc. depending on how light the rest of your resume is.
Honestly I’m not all that certain how useful this section is if you’re doing a reverse-chronological order resume and you’ve written the rest of your resume correctly. Any skills you mention here should really have already been given in context in your professional experience section.
I’ve certainly never given someone an interview because they’ve written “Teamwork” or other generic skills in this section.
If you are going to include this section, make it focused and have a mix of hard skills and soft skills.
Where this section does become more useful is if you’re not doing the traditional reverse-chronological CV.
Then it’s a different ballgame altogether.
More on this in the functional resume section .
Conventions of what to include in your resume or CV vary between counties so here’s a list of some do’s and don’ts, and general points to apply when writing a Canadian resume.
For a job in Canada:
- Never include a photo of yourself in a resume in Canada.
- Do not include your date of birth or any other personal information (other than your name and contact details).
- A Canadian resume should be two pages long. One if you’re junior. Having a longer resume doesn’t demonstrate that you have tons of experience, it just highlights that you can’t convey information concisely or that you haven’t put in the effort to tailor your resume for the role. Figure out the key information you need to get across for that role and then cover that. Needlessly long resumes are always a red flag when I’m reviewing them. Get to the point!
- It’s really important that you make sure your resume is written in perfect English or French with correct grammar. Strong communication skills are crucial for so many jobs. If an employer sees a resume that doesn’t demonstrate a solid grasp of the English or French language it’s likely you won’t get any further in the recruitment process. If you’re writing your resume in a language that you’re not completely fluent in, this is particularly important. Ask someone whose first language is French or English to read through your resume before you submit it. I find a tool called Grammarly is really helpful here. It’s like a super-enhanced grammar checker. But it also checks your document for clarity and engagement like overly wordy and unclear sentences, and passive voice misuse (as per the tip below). Basically it can help make your resume more impactful. You can check out the tool here . Incidentally, if you need help with your spoken English for interviews, a good app my friends and colleagues use is the ELSA app . It’s pretty cool with some fancy AI to teach fluent English. If you want to purchase the PRO pack then you can use this link to get a 80% discount on the lifetime option or a 30% discount on the 1-year option (which is better than the upgrade option you’ll be given in the app). Either way, you can check the app out here . *
- Use short sentences written in the active voice detailing tangible things that you did (not we , or the team ). I hit my sales target of $xx every month .
- Make sure it’s tailored to the position you’re applying for. Always spend the time to read through your resume putting yourself in the position of the hiring manager. Is your resume clearly highlighting the things that would be important to them? Make sure they don’t have to fish out the relevant experience and skills in a sea of generality. Use the key skills and behaviours from the job description.
- If you don’t have any work experience in Canada, try and highlight any experience you have working with international teams. Or projects you’ve done in other countries. Especially if you’ve worked with Canadian teams. My experience is that Canadians really value Canadian work experience so anything you can do to show that you’re adaptable to different ways of working is a bonus.
- If you have professional qualifications from a country other than Canada you may want to convert them to the Canadian equivalent so that they’re more recognized. In many cases this can be done via a conversion course. For example if you qualified as an accountant in India, you may wish to convert your qualification to a Canadian CPA. Most Canadian professional bodies have pages on their website which describe the pathway for converting international qualifications to Canadian certifications.
![canadian resume format word free download Infographic showing Canadian resume format top 10 mistakes. Details as per text that follows.](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Canadian-resume-format-top-10-mistakes.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1)
My team is based across Canada and I see hundreds of resumes every month from people applying for jobs across the country.
Based on this experience, here is my top 10 most common resume mistakes:
Mistake 1: Too long
This is the most common issue I see. Unless you’re writing an academic CV (in which case different rules apply) a resume in Canada shouldn’t be more than two pages.
Most hiring managers will stop reading after the first page, and will often make a decision within a few seconds on whether to read your resume in depth or close it and move on to the next candidate.
Keeping your resume short and to the point makes it more likely that the hiring manager will quickly appreciate your experience and (hopefully!) put you through to the next stage. If your resume is long, the most likely outcome is the hiring manager will just get bored reading it.
Mistake 2: Poor spelling and grammar
It’s surprising how many resumes I see that have spelling mistakes.
Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors tell the hiring manager you haven’t taken care and attention in preparing your resume and therefore you likely won’t take care and attention in performing your job! Stop reading and move on to the next candidate!
Run your resume through a tool like Grammarly . It does a good job of finding grammatical errors but also checks your document for clarity and engagement like overly wordy and unclear sentences, and passive voice misuse. Basically it can help make your resume more impactful. You can check out the tool here . *
Mistake 3: Failure to customize
While its time consuming and, let’s face it, a bit boring – customizing your resume to suit every role you apply for is very important. Tailored resumes stand out from the crowd and demonstrate the most relevant skills and experience to the hiring manager.
Mistake 4: No examples
If you’re saying you have a specific skill or type of experience, it’s important that you back that up with quantifiable examples. This grounds your resume and makes it real for the hiring manager.
Consider the following two statements:
- I have a proven track record in increasing sales.
- I have a proven track record in increasing sales – in my role as sales manager for Hat Boxes Inc. I increased sales from $20,000 per month to $50,000 per month over a six month period.
Or, these two statements:
- I am a team player.
- I am a team player. I initiated the practice of a weekly 15-minute team activity over Zoom to improve team morale and productivity during the pandemic.
Giving specific examples adds weight to your resume and provides evidence that you’re the right person for the role.
Mistake 5: Obvious exaggeration
It’s very important to sell yourself, however don’t fall into the trap of blatantly overstating your experience. Over exaggeration is easy to spot in a resume and makes the hiring manager question everything you’ve written.
Mistake 6: Not getting to the point
This is tied to mistake 1 but, be concise and to the point. Don’t write a paragraph when a sentence will do. Most hiring managers have limited time and will appreciate succinctness.
Mistake 7: Misreporting dates
The most basic checks done by employers will quickly identify any incorrect dates on a resume. Be honest and make sure all of your dates are accurate.
Mistake 8: Underselling yourself
While some people have a tendency to exaggerate, others don’t sell themselves enough. Don’t feel arrogant or have self-doubt about your achievements, your resume is your opportunity to sell yourself!
Mistake 9: Not explaining gaps
Many people have gaps in their experience, and this in itself doesn’t need to be a problem. But if you’ve not explained the gaps in your resume then it raises alarm bells. Maybe you were raising your children, maybe you had a career break or studied. Explain it in your resume!
Mistake 10: Messy formatting
Margins not aligned, different fonts and sizes, misaligned bullets and so much more. Poor formatting immediately creates a bad impression for the hiring manager and says you don’t have good attention to detail.
Make sure your resume is tidy and well formatted and don’t go overboard on trying to make it look fancy.
I think that the best formatting for a resume is to keep it simple. This makes it immediately easy for the hiring manager to see the structure.
I do see some Canadian resumes that have templates with more elaborate formatting, sidebars and other elements but my approach is to keep is simple.
Using all the guidance outlined above, I’ve created what I think is a good Canadian resume sample. Click below to see the Canadian resume format sample.
![canadian resume format word free download Resume sample Canada: page 1 of good example of a Canadian resume](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Resume-samples-Canada-p5.1.png?ssl=1)
Obviously this is just one sample of a Canadian resume and it won’t be right for every situation. Like I said at the beginning, nothing needs to be set in stone. Use the sample resume for guidance rather than being bound by it.
I think that the best formatting for a resume is to keep it simple to make it immediately easy for the hiring manager to see the structure.
I do see some Canadian resumes that have used a template with more elaborate formatting, sidebars and other elements but my approach is to keep is simple.
With this in mind, I’ve created a Canadian resume format doc that you can download and use to format your resume. You can download the Canadian resume template for free in the form below. The resume template is in Word format.
Subscribe to our mail list and we'll email you our Canadian resume template
* You can unsubscribe at an time using the link in the emails.
I’ve focused this article on the reverse-chronological format of Canadian resumes but, as I mentioned at the beginning, there is another Canadian resume format you may want to use called a functional resume.
When to use a functional resume?
If you want to change career fields, have just graduated or generally do not have a lot of employment history directly related to the job you’re applying for then a functional resume might be a good fit for you.
This is because the functional resume format emphasise the transferable skills you have rather than highlighting the lack of experience.
Let’s cover how you do this:
Functional resume format
In a functional resume format you put the skills section right at the top and label it “Skills and Abilities” or some wording that makes sense for you.
List in detail the skills that you have that would be beneficial to the position you’re applying to.
In a functional resume you talk about your skills in general (rather than tied to roles); you’re removing the link of listing skills under a particular previous job to just talking about them all together. So the skills don’t need to be in chronological order or one skill per role or anything.
To demonstrate what I mean, we can use some examples from the chronological resume sample above.
All we need to do is reword the skills listed under the “Professional Experience” section and put them in the “Skills” section on the functional resume.
Reverse-chronological format work experience statement:
- Leadership and career development: I am an approachable and enthusiastic leader. I prioritise regular career and development conversations with my team, both formal and informal. In May 2017 I was selected for the executive leadership programme where I participate in regular workshops to further develop my leadership skills.
- Data privacy & regulatory compliance assurance : I developed a regulatory assurance approach for GDPR (new European data privacy legislation), working closely with the legal department and a third party provider. My project established a GDPR-compliance assurance approach within Murray-Nader’s European operations.
Rewritten for a Functional resume:
- Leadership and career development: I am an approachable and enthusiastic leader. I prioritise regular career and development conversations both formal and informal. I have completed an executive leadership programme where I participated in regular workshops to further fine-tune my leadership skills.
- Data privacy & regulatory compliance assurance: I have extensive knowledge in developing regulatory assurance approaches for GDPR (new European data privacy legislation).
So with a little tweak to each statement we make them standalone skills, detached from specific roles, which you can include in the skills section of a functional resume.
The benefit over a functional resume if you’re changing career fields is you can highlight the relevant skills you have without highlighting the fact they were in a different field.
By making your skills stand alone in a skills section you remove the risk of them being ignored under a job role that the potential employer doesn’t think is relevant to the position you’re applying to.
* All of the products and services I recommend on Canada for Newbies are independently selected based upon what I’ve personally found to be useful. When you get Grammarly or ELSA using one of the links in this article, I might earn a small affiliate commission. It won’t cost you anything at all and I would never recommend something I don’t believe in or use myself.
So that’s my advice on creating a great Canadian resume to get a job in Canada.
Remember to check out our guide on how to ace your interview and sample interview questions . Not only is it useful prep for interviews it can also help focus your mind to the type of things hiring managers are interested in you demonstrating. And therefore good to include in your resume. Check out the article:
![canadian resume format word free download](https://i0.wp.com/www.canadafornewbies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Interview-questions-FB.png?resize=300%2C251&ssl=1)
I’d love to hear any feedback on how you’ve found trying to get a job in Canada. Please drop me a comment about anything below.
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31 thoughts on “Canadian Resume Format”
Thanks for this! Now I have an idea of how to ace a Canadian Resume.
I’m really glad you found it useful! Good luck with the job hunt – I hope you find your dream job! 🙂
This is so helpful. Thanks 🙏
Ah excellent – really happy you found it helpful! Good luck with the job hunt!
Hey Andrew,
First of all thank you for this great article it was very informative however I’m not receiving anything whenever I hit the subscribe button,
Hi there, As in you’ve not received the email with the link to download the resume template? I’ve had a look and the email did send to you – have you checked your junk folder? Let me know if you can’t find it and I’ll resend. Cheers!
Thank you for the useful content you shared. It gave me the willingness to start a new career path. Regards and cheers.
No problem! Glad you found it useful. Good luck with the new career!
Wow, I really enjoyed reading this piece! It was so precise and informative.Now I know how to write my resume for my dream job💅💯💯
Glad you liked it. Good luck with the dream job! 🙂
Oh! This is really helpful! Now i know how to make my cv very concise and brief using any of the styles you explained above. I must thank you Andrew! God bless you!
You’re welcome. Hope the job search goes well!
Thank you very much Andrew for the information and the guidance.
No problem. Happy job hunting! 🙂
Thank you very much. This was really useful.
No worries – glad it was helpful! 🙂
Thank you so much for this useful information shared by you.
No problem! Good luck with your job hunt! 🙂
Very informative. Thanks for sharing. Time to get that Canadian job now!!!
This was really helpful and the simplest one that I found on the internet.
Glad you found it useful! Happy job hunting!
Very informative and precise. Thanks for sharing this article.
Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the comment! 🙂
Excellent tutorial and model to follow to create a professional resume. Good tips, and clear guidelines. Thanks
Thanks very much, glad it was useful!
thank you very much for this wonderfull informations provided here keep it up
Very useful and really guide me through with important tips to get a job with a winning Canadian CV
Sir, I am happy I came across this section. I can rewrite my resume and with this I know I will find a job in Canada soon. This information you shared here is worth more than my time going through them. Thanks.
thanks for this information. this is very insightful that can land us on our dream job in Canada.
Thanks for this! Helpful information Thanks a lot.
Glad it was helpful. Good luck with the job hunt!
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![canadian resume format word free download Learnersroom](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LearnersRoom.png)
Career Tips
Canadian resume: format, types and free templates.
Gotten the Canadian job of your dreams? Update your resume. We cover Canadian resume types and offer free templates.
Writing a resume might be intimidating. It can take eight hours to polish and engage the recruiter or manager reading it. Perfectionism might make it hard to find terms that showcase your job and skills.
Luckily, we offer free Canadian resume templates. Let’s discuss the Canadian resume format, what to avoid, and four customizable resume templates.
Parts of the Canadian Resume Format
Let’s break down the five must-hit components of the Canadian resume format and tips on how to make your resume stand out from the rest.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/how-to-write-a-canadian-resume.png)
The header is the first thing you see when looking at a resume. It’s front and center at the very top and includes your personal information and contact details.
A header should include your:
- Post-nominal abbreviations for qualifications and accreditations
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- City and province
- LinkedIn profile link (optional)
Leave out potentially discriminatory facts like:
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
Photos are becoming increasingly common in resumes, but we recommend leaving them out of the header. Recruiters reject 88 percent of resumes that include photos.
TIP: Keep a version as a template with all of your experience. If you need to cut out irrelevant information, it’s nice to have a backup of your original.
2. Professional Summary
The optional professional or personal summary is located beneath the header. This is a paragraph in which you can give your elevator pitch for your career.
It is entirely up to you whether or not to include a professional summary. Some industries and companies may regard this as outdated, but if you’re starting out or changing fields, it could be a beneficial addition. Keep your personal summary professional – leave out personal elements like hobbies because 79% of employers skip over them.
TIP: Reverse chronological order of job history is the most common Canadian resume format. Functional order is another option that prioritizes skills over employment history.
3. Work Experience
Work history takes up the bulk of your resume. So when you’re writing this section, keep these tips in mind for each position:
- Include your job title, employer, location, and employment dates.
- List out your job responsibilities and achievements in bullets. Prioritize achievements over general job duties.
- Use numbers and specifics to describe your accomplishments.
- Incorporate keywords found in the job description to pass through applicant tracking software.
TIP: Keep it simple, organized, and skimmable.
4. Education
Keep education brief on a CV because it shouldn’t overshadow professional experience. List the institution, degree, and specialty. Exclude your high school diploma if you went to college.
Including your GPA is optional. If you graduated recently and want to show off, feel free.
TIP: Write your resume for the job you want, not the job you have.
You can include skills in your work experience or add a skills section to your CV. Software experience and soft skills like problem-solving should be included. If applicable. mention job description keywords here(i this section).
Modern resumes grade skills or show competence. We suggest mentioning only your strongest skills and omitting your worst.
TIP: Attach your resume as a PDF on job applications.
Industry-Specific Resume Templates
You may create a résumé now that you know what to include.
Industry-specific resume formats apply. Keep your resume traditional for finance and healthcare. Color, typography, and layout may reflect personality in creative careers like graphic design and advertising. Your CV can stand out by showing personality. However, don’t overdo it—your CV should be clear and succinct.
Use one of these four Canadian resume templates to impress hiring managers.
Business Resume Template
You should format business resumes in a traditional layout with a common black font.. Include industry certificates and awards when applying for business jobs. When applying for corporate jobs, hiring managers employ technologies to screen applicants.
Our business resume template works for:
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resource Coordinator
- Operations Manager
- Sales Representative
- Business Development Officer
However, a traditional format like our business resume template is safe for any job.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/business-resume.png)
Health Care Resume Template
A standard/traditional resume is also appropriate for health care workers. Hospitals, for example, receive a large number of applicants and expect to see resumes that seem similar.
Our health care resume template can be used for positions such as:
- Pharmacists or Pharmacy Technicians
- Registered Nurses or Nursing Assistants
- Physician Assistants
- Health Care Aides
- Massage Therapists
- Health Care Administrators
When writing your health care resumes, prioritize your licensure, certifications, and education.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/health-care-resume.png)
Education Resume Template
Your resume could showcase your creativity as a teacher. A teaching resume should still be fairly traditional regarding what you include, but you can show your personality using Color, fonts, and style may express your personality on a teaching resume. Your resume design shouldn’t overshadow your qualifications.
You can use our education resume template for jobs like:
- Early Childhood Educators
- Education Administrators
- Primary or Secondary School Teachers
- Teacher Assists
- Post-secondary Professors
- Recreation Program Leaders
If you’ve worked as a Substitute Teacher, Coach, Camp Counselor, or anything similar, those roles can make great work history examples for those starting their careers.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/educator-resume.png)
Technology Resume Template
Tech companies and occupations are broad. This broad sector needs data analysis, computer tech assistance, and entry-level cybersecurity abilities. Tech professions, like teaching, require creativity, which your resume can demonstrate.
You can use our technology resume template for positions like:
- Software Engineers
- Web Developers
- Computer Support Technicians
- Cyber Security Officers
- DevOps Director
If you’re applying for a tech position with an established company, you should use a traditional resume format such as our business resume template above. Startups, on the other hand, are likely to be lot more relaxed and love to see unusual CV styles.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/technology-resume.png)
4 Common Resume Mistakes
If you’re applying for job after job and your qualifications meet each job description but aren’t receiving as much as a phone interview, you might want to reassess your resume. You could be making one of these four common resume mistakes.
1. Your Resume Has Spelling and Grammar Errors
Your resume must be properly grammatically correct. Spelling errors and bad grammar indicate a lack of effort or writing talent. Although it may appear clear, this is a common yet avoidable error.
Also, try to use an energetic voice. Active voice helps cut out unnecessary words and improves sentence structure for reading comprehension.
2. Your Resume is Too Long
A single job opening receives about 250 applications, and recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a single resume. So, it’s important to keep your resume on one page. This means everything on your resume should add value and showcase your accomplishments and talents.
3. You Undersell Yourself
Hiring managers make initial impressions of you based on your résumé. While you should avoid exaggerating or lying about your skills, you must market yourself. Include your most notable accomplishments in relation to the job you’re looking for.
A good rule of thumb — ask yourself, “Would I want to interview myself based on this resume?”
4. Your Resume Descriptions Are Too Vague
You may sell yourself in your work experience descriptions. Vague descriptions loaded with excessively general responsibilities and jargon can be misconstrued as filler stuff.
Make an effort to be specific. Instead of writing, “Managed a team of 20 people,” say, “Decreased employee turnover by 20% by re-assessing benefits and conducting biweekly one-on-one check-ins.”
Does My Resume Need To Be Different For Each Job?
Tailoring your CV to the job is preferable. That doesn’t mean your CV must be different for every job. To match your talents to the job, make tiny changes. Only alter your resume if you’re applying for a different job.
However, cover letters should vary every job. Thus, tailor your cover letter to the specific company and role.
Should I Put My Address On My Resume?
There’s no reason a company should need personal details such as your physical address or social insurance number unless they hire you. You do not need to put your full address on your resume. At most, include your city and postal code.
Should I Include an Objective Statement On My Resume?
Personal preference dictates whether an objective statement or professional summary is included. It’s completely fine to include or exclude this step from your resume.
Some businesses consider resume objectives to be an obsolete and superfluous practice. Many employers still need cover letters, which elaborate on the same issue as a resume aim.
How Many Jobs Should Be On My Resume?
No specific number of jobs is needed on a resume because most companies care about how long you’ve worked in the field. However, list at least two jobs. Start your career with practicum or internship experiences. One-page resumes are best.
If the job doesn’t demand more than 10 to 15 years of experience, don’t include it.
Should I Leave Out Irrelevant Experience?
To keep your resume brief, simply list the most relevant experience for each job. You can leave out irrelevant experience on your CV. Just be ready to explain resume gaps in an interview.
If you have no relevant or limited work history, you can mention irrelevant jobs to show professional experience.
Should I Add Volunteer Work To My Resume?
Adding volunteer work on your CV can be a good way to round out your resume, but it is not required. A For volunteer experience within your field, add it to your work experience. If it’s unimportant or you have a lot of jobs, mentioned, list your volunteer work separately(in a separate section).
Are Resumes and CVs The Same Thing?
Resumes and curriculum vitae (CV) are similar, but CVs are longer and typically reserved for those with Master’s Degrees or Doctorates applying for teaching, research, medical, and science positions.
![canadian resume format word free download canadian resume format word free download](https://learnersroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LearnersRoom.png)
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Resume in Canadian Format: Canadian resume samples and examples
Hoping to live and work in Canada? Our guide to resumes in Canadian format will get you off to a great start!
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Are you hoping to live and work in Canada? We can’t blame you if so – it’s a beautiful country with a reputation for welcoming people from all around the world. Between the friendly, open culture and the beautiful northern scenery, what’s not to love about the prospect of a brand new life abroad?
But if you want to live the life of your dreams in Canada, you’ll need to be able to find a job to support yourself. That means learning how to write a resume in the Canadian format, which has some important differences from other resume formats around the world. Wherever you come from, you’ll probably need to make at least a few changes to your resume if you want to find employment in Canada.
To get you started, we’ve put together this guide to writing your first Canadian resume! We’ll cover all of the following points:
- Why you need a Canadian resume
- The key differences between Canadian resumes and resumes from elsewhere
- What to call attention to when writing your Canadian resume
- How to lay out your Canadian resume
Why Write a Resume in the Canadian Format?
Simply put, you need to write a resume in the Canadian format to maximize your chances of finding a job in Canada.
If you’re coming to Canada from the US, you’ll probably have an easier time, as the two countries share a lot of the same values when it comes to resumes. Though you’ll need to make a few important tweaks, you probably won’t need to overhaul your entire resume to keep Canadian employers happy.
But many people move to Canada from much farther afield, and end up surprised by the differences in employment norms. If you’re coming to Canada from a country where things are done differently, the process of reworking your resume can cost you valuable time on your job search. It could delay your ability to find a job, and to start earning a living in your new country.
If you show up prepared, you’ll have a much easier time. There’s already enough work involved in moving to a new country! Get this task out of the way early, and save yourself some stress once you arrive in Canada.
Key Features of a Canadian Resume
To help you get started on your Canadian resume, here are some of the key features of a resume in the Canadian style. If you’re wondering what differences you need to watch out for, look no further – we’ve got your back!
In the US, the subject of whether or not to include a photo of yourself on your resume is hotly debated. Some people believe it’s inherently unprofessional, unless you’re applying for a job that relies on your appearance – like modeling or acting. Other people believe it’s a great way to give your resume more of a personal touch.
But in Canada, that debate simply doesn’t exist. If you want to find a job in Canada, you shouldn’t include a photo of yourself on your resume.
That’s because your physical appearance isn’t considered relevant to your employability. It’s also worth considering that including a photo of yourself may increase your risk of facing discrimination in the hiring process, particularly if you’re a person of color, gender non-conforming, or a member of another visible minority group. When applying for jobs in Canada, it’s expected that you will leave the photo out.
No Personal Details
The same principle applies to other personal details that you might be tempted to include on your resume. When job searching in Canada, you should avoid including any of the following information:
- Your race, background or ethnicity
- Any physical attributes
- Your marital status
- Whether you have children
- Your sexual orientation
None of this is information that will help an employer decide whether or not to hire you. In fact, due to discrimination laws, it may be against the law for them to take this information into account when considering you as a candidate!
Two Page Maximum
In this respect, Canadian resume standards are fairly similar to American resume standards. You should avoid allowing your resume to take up more than two pages. If you’re a recent graduate or a junior employee, you should aim to limit it to a single page if possible.
Remember, a longer resume doesn’t innately prove that you have more experience. In most cases, all it will prove is that you lack the ability to express yourself concisely. Being able to summarize your skills and experience is a talent in its own right, and hiring managers will be on the lookout for it.
Reverse-Chronological Format
A reverse-chronological resume format is the default resume format in North America. But if you’re not familiar with the term, don’t panic! It just means a resume that lists your work experience from the most recent item to the oldest item.
Under exceptional circumstances, you may want to use a functional resume format instead. If you’re a recent graduate or you have extensive gaps in your work history, this skills-focused resume format will allow you to minimize both your lack of experience and any interruptions to your employment. This format is also accepted in Canada, though it’s much less common than the reverse-chronological format.
What to Highlight on Your Canadian Resume
Once you’ve figured out the most important features of your Canadian resume, it’s time to think about what you can highlight as you write. There are certain qualities and experiences that will give you an edge when looking for your first job in Canada, so make sure you include as many of them as you can!
Canadian Work Experience
Canadian employers strongly value existing Canadian work experience. It’s evidence that you can mesh well with the social and professional norms of a Canadian workplace. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult for newcomers to Canada to find a way into the Canadian workforce – if you don’t already have Canadian work experience, it can be surprisingly hard to obtain any.
That’s why, if you do have Canadian work experience, it should be front and center on your Canadian resume. It will give you a huge advantage as you look for work in Canada!
For the purposes of this guide, ‘Canadian work experience’ is a fairly broad umbrella term. Ideally, Canadian employers will want to see experience of working for a Canadian company. However, if you’ve worked in collaboration with a Canadian company or team while employed elsewhere, that will also give you an advantage on the Canadian job market.
Experience Working Internationally
If you don’t have Canadian work experience – and if you’re new to Canada, you probably don’t – then experience working with international collaborators in general is a useful substitute.
Being able to work with people from other countries shows that you are adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn about other people’s workplace norms and standards. When you’re looking for work internationally, it’s extremely useful to be able to point to experience of international collaboration – even if you’ve only ever worked in your home country. It’s proof that you have what it takes to adapt to a Canadian work environment, which will take you far in your job search.
Right to Work in Canada
There are strict rules governing who is permitted to work in Canada. If you’re already in Canada and you’re looking for work, you will have a huge advantage if you can demonstrate to employers that you already have the right to work in Canada. This doesn’t have to take up much space on your resume – you can easily include it in your header – but it can be a big green flag to hiring managers wondering whether to take a chance on you.
This is because Canadian companies hoping to hire non-Canadians (people who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents) need to complete a LMIA, or Labor Market Impact Assessment, before they can make that hire. The LMIA needs to demonstrate that the non-Canadian applicant is more qualified than any Canadian applicants for the job, and that hiring a non-Canadian won’t take away an opportunity from a qualified Canadian. If you already have the right to work in Canada, the company hoping to hire you can bypass the LMIA, which makes you a much more attractive hiring prospect.
It should go without saying that if you don’t have the right to work in Canada, you shouldn’t lie about it! You will be found out, and you will jeopardize your reputation with that employer. Be honest, but be clear about your work status in the country – it could help you out as you look for work.
How to Format Your Canadian Resume
Now you know what to include, what to exclude, and what to foreground on your Canadian resume. But where do you begin when it comes to laying the whole thing out on the page?
As always, the exact order of your resume will vary depending on your circumstances. Your career trajectory, your work history, and the length of your career so far can all impact how you structure your resume. But as a guide, here’s an approximate order for your Canadian resume.
Resume Header
Your resume header should sit at the top of your resume’s first page. Ideally, it should contain all of the following information:
- A headline job title
- Your address
- Your contact information, including your email address and phone number
- If applicable, a short note about your right to work in Canada
This is a component of your resume that you can’t move around too much – it needs to be at the very beginning, and it needs to stand out from the bulk of your resume.
Your summary, too, will need to sit at the beginning of your resume. It should be the first thing a hiring manager reads after your header, and it should provide a quick snapshot of your relevant skills and expertise. It should also be directly relevant to the job you’re applying for – don’t be afraid to include your hopes and goals for that position, if you have room!
Here’s an example of a good summary for a Canadian resume:
Administrative assistant with six years’ experience across the public and private sectors. Efficient, driven, and highly organized, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Hoping to increase student satisfaction as part of the team at Dalhousie University.
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Work Experience
As we’ve discussed, you should ideally list your recent work experience in reverse-chronological order. Remember to focus on your quantifiable achievements in each role, and to refer to the job description wherever you can. Many Canadian companies use ATS tracking software to sort through resumes in the early stages of the hiring process, and will filter out resumes that don’t meet the criteria on the job description!
Because you’re looking for work in a new country, you should remember to list the locations of the places where you’ve worked in the past. This will help Canadian hiring managers contextualize your work experience appropriately.
Here’s an example of a work experience listing on a resume in the Canadian format:
Administrative Assistant, Nyoom Technologies, London, UK, 2021-22
- Provided administrative support to software development teams based all over the world, in line with workplace best practices in each satellite location
- Scheduled regular meetings across multiple time zones, liaising with external travel management companies where appropriate to achieve a 95% meeting attendance rate across the company
- Delivered friendly, professional and effective service to all colleagues and clients
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Your education section should include any relevant qualifications, including professional certifications. As the institutions you’ve studied with may not be familiar to Canadian employers, you should make a note of their locations as part of each listing in this section. Likewise, if you can convert the measure of your performance into a Canadian equivalent, you should consider doing so.
You should also keep in mind that any licenses or certifications you received overseas may not be accepted in Canada. If you work in a field that requires a professional license, you should look into acquiring a Canadian license as a matter of urgency – otherwise, you may not be able to find work.
Here’s an example of an education listing on your Canadian resume:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications 2:1 Degree (equiv. 3.5 GPA) University of Warwick, UK, 2011-2014
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Thankfully, this section of your resume is fairly universal! It’s an opportunity for you to list your most relevant skills, informed by the job description and its list of requirements. When you have a clear list of what hiring managers want to see from candidates, it’s hard to get this section wrong – even when you’re writing for an international audience.
Remember, you can also incorporate information about your skills into your work experience section! Think about times when you’ve used your skills effectively at work, and mention them there. That way, you can free up space in this section for other skills with less direct applications.
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Canadian Resume Format: Land Your Dream Job in Canada
Canada, known for vast job opportunities, requires the Canadian resume format. This style meets local employer expectations, enhancing your job prospects. Master the Canadian-style resume to stand out in the Great White North .
All resume examples in this guide
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Canadian Resume Example
Joan Brown Top Chief Accountant 317-555-686 [email protected] linkedin.com/in/joanbrown
Chief accountant with six years of experience seeking a more challenging position as a Top Chief Accountant in a leading organization with opportunities for continuous development. Fully experienced in managing accounting and finance procedures, I aim to increase productivity and enhance compliance.
Chief Accountant Keringat Technologies Company June 2018 to Present
- Oversee the preparation of the company’s budget.
- Preparing filed tax statements and annual tax statements.
- Conduct regular internal checks to prevent any discrepancies.
- Verifying monthly bank accounts and accounts payables and receivables.
- Training accounting staff and evaluating their performance.
- Answering any inquiries presented by the federal agencies.
Assistant Auditor Absa Auditing & Accounting Firm May 2016- May 2018
- Prepared financial statements, reports, and commentaries.
- Analyzed the company's financial information and accounts.
- Aligned the company’s financial activities with the set regulations.
- Ensured compliance with tax regulations.
Masters of Business Administration York University, Toronto, ON Graduated 2015
B.A Degree in Accounting and Finance York University, Toronto, ON 2010-2014
- Interpersonal communication skills
- Time management
- Analytical skills
- Knowledge of GAAP
- Strong accounting and auditing knowledge
Certification & Licenses
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
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Also, how is the Canadian resume format different from that of other countries like the USA? To help you answer these questions, compiled below is a Canadian-style resume guide, including resume templates , to help you succeed with a resume for canadian jobs .
Follow this Canadian resume example to know the correct format to use.
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Canadian Resume for International Students
Are you an international student and intend to stay in the country after graduation? If so, you need to create a North American resume to help you land job opportunities. Your Canadian resume may differ in style and format from your home country.
Here is a Canadian resume format for international students to guide you:
- Health and Safety
- First Aid and CPR
- Excellent communication skills
- Refined leadership skills
- Building effective collaboration relations
- Able to prove the necessary training and mentorship
- Collaborated with other team members to come up with initiatives and product promotions.
- Managed a corporate social responsibility campaign that accelerated sales by 60%.
- Led mandatory employee training for increased awareness on product promotion, pricing, and sales planning.
- Worked with a focused team to discover market opportunities.
- Participated in employee training and development programs and increased sales volume by 35%.
- Engaged with customers leading to more market opportunities.
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How Do Canadian Resumes Differ From American Ones?
Unlike many deem, a Canadian resume model does not differ from the American resume in terms of style and format. However, the two differ in the English variation in several aspects.
Therefore, you may want to use Canadian English when writing a Canadian resume. You also need to know what information to include and what to omit in your Canadian-style resume.
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How to Create a Canadian Resume? Create a Canadian-Styled Resume Step-by-Step
While there are different structures for writing a Canadian resume, there is standard formatting. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to write a Canadian-style resume.
Begin with The Resume Header
You need a resume header at the top of your resume. When writing it, we highly recommend keeping it simple and clear. In this part of the resume, ensure that you include your name, title, contact information, and LinkedIn profile URL.
A well-written resume header will quickly give the hiring manager information about the resume and how they reach out to them.
Create a Resume Profile
The next step is to create a brief introduction of the content in your resume. This includes writing a resume summary if you have more achievements and experience and a resume objective to start your career. A summary of qualifications can be useful if you have more qualifications to showcase.
List Your Work Experience
You should pay attention to the professional experience section since most employers are most interested in it. We highly recommend using the reverse chronological order, where you first state your most recent work experience down to your initial career experience.
Here are effective tips on how to list your work experience:
- Start with the basic information including, the company’s name, the job title, and period of employment.
- Insert bulletproofs elaborating details of the role.
- Comprehensively describe your achievements using accomplishment statements rather than general words.
- Insert resume keywords when writing this part. This is crucial since the Application Tracking Systems (ATS) use resume keywords during the resume filtering process.
- Be specific and avoid vague language.
List Your Education
Besides your experience, you also need to talk about your education when writing a Canadian resume . List your education and professional qualifications and the data obtained. Mention the degrees, name of institution, and the date attended. If you are yet to graduate, mention the expected graduation date and your Grade Point Average if it's 3.5 or above.
Like U.S. employers, Canadian employers look for applicants' skills when going through a Canadian resume. Therefore, it helps to include your hard and soft skills and try as much as possible to keep this list simple and relevant. Teamwork skills show that you are a team player and are a plus in your Canadian resume.
Utilize Additional Sections
To create a creative resume that stands out from the rest, ensure that you use additional sections to include extra skills and achievements.
Some extra sections that you may want to include are such as:
- Volunteer experience
- Hobbies and interests
- Social media (professional ones)
- Achievements and awards
- Licenses and certifications
- Publications
- Foreign languages
- Mentoring programs
What Should I Omit in My Canadian-Style Resume?
Before you write a resume when searching for a job in the Canadian market, it is crucial to know what not to include. Here are things that are best left out in your Canadian-style resume.
- The words ‘resume’, ‘CV’, and ‘curriculum vitae’, especially in the title
- Third-person voice
- Unnecessary jargon words
- Irrelevant hobbies and interests
- Unimportant job from more than 15 years ago
- Current work email address or an inappropriate email
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Tips for Making a Canadian-Style Resume
To land your dream job in Canada, you need to know how to masterfully write a Canadian-style resume. Below are some tips to help you create a Canadian-style resume that will give you an edge over other candidates.
Choose the Proper Resume Format
There are three resume formats that you can use when writing a Canadian-style resume.
- Chronological Resume
This Canadian resume format highlights your resume experience in reverse chronological order, beginning from the most recent position to the previous ones. Generally, this traditional resume includes the last ten years of experience as they occurred.
It works best for job seekers with previous work experience and may not be ideal for those without relevant work experience in the industry. Besides, most hiring managers are more familiar with this resume format.
- Functional Resume
The functional resume format may work best for you if you have the skills and abilities relevant to the job you are applying for. Therefore, it can justify you if you have minimal work experience, are changing careers, or have gaps in your employment history.
To optimize this Canadian resume model , consider starting with your skills and abilities first. This should be followed by your work experience.
- Hybrid Resume
As the name may suggest, this is a combination of functional and hybrid resumes. With a combination resume , you can focus on your work experience and skills. Nevertheless, it puts more emphasis on your hard and soft skills.
Use Short Sentences and Write in an Active Voice
Most employers will not read a CV with more than two pages. Therefore, keep it short and simple and scrape off unnecessary details. Also, avoid the first person and instead use active voice. For example, ‘Increased sales by 50%.’
Personalize your Resume
Your prospective employer has probably seen thousands of resumes from applicants before and is most likely looking for something different. To stand out from other applicants in the job search, it would be best to customize your resume based on the requirements of the job you are applying for. Review the employer’s website to know what is expected and tailor your resume to it.
Include Keywords
Try as much as possible to include keywords related to the employer's words on the job posting. This is important since some employers use automated software known as ATS to narrow down applicants and the keywords are considered favourable during this process.
An Application Tracking System (ATS) is used in the scanning process to scan resumes and establish whether they are the right fit for the job at hand. This software automatically rejects resumes that are not optimized for the position.
By including key phrases in the work experience, skills, and professional experience section, you will grab the attention of your prospective employer with ease. Nevertheless, you still want to write for humans since recruiters and hiring managers will be making the final hiring decision.
Use Canadian English
In a Canadian resume , it is crucial to use the right variation. As we mentioned above, the language variations are slightly different, but a recruiter may take your American spelling as a misspelling, which is critical.
To make sure your resume is spot on, check the differences between both variations .
Also, include Canadian-acceptable terms. These may include words like internship, Grade Point Average (GPA), high school, and more.
Quantify Your Achievements
If you have handled, managed, led, or accomplished something, mention it in your Canadian resume using numbers. Generally, it is wise to be specific when mentioning your skills rather than generic. For instance, you can mention that you helped increase the sales of your current or previous company by 10%.
You can use the CAR approach to describe what the Challenge was, what Action you took, and the Results . This gives your prospective employer or recruiter better insight into who you are and what you can do. However, you should be honest when giving this or any other information lest the recruiter contacts your former employer to verify the information.
Include Unpaid Work Experience
Don’t pass the opportunity to include unpaid work experiences, particularly in the position you are applying for. This includes volunteer work, which is always a plus when writing a Canadian resume and is a good way to showcase your Canadian experience.
You can include unpaid work experience under the “Work Experience” section or the “Additional” section.
Don’t Include Unnecessary Information
While you may have too much to write about yourself, it is best to avoid unnecessary personal information. Any information that you provide in your resume should be tailored to suit the job application.
Ideally, never include any personal information that shows biasness such as political views, marital status, height, nationality, or weight, unless required. Also, avoid including hobbies and interests unrelated to the job you are applying for.
Omit outdated skills, date of birth, nicknames, visa status, and nonessentials, and keep everything professional as much as possible.
If the employer asks about your immigration status during the interview, be honest. Also, let them know your commitment to becoming a permanent resident if you stay in Canada on a temporary permit.
Always Include a Cover Letter
It is necessary to include a cover letter to help elaborate on your skills, strengths, and experience. A well-written cover letter will help the hiring manager or the employer know you better and evaluate your suitability for the position.
Besides, you can leverage the cover letter to validate the gaps in your resume. Include it in the body on your email and limit it to one page only. Also, ensure that it is relevant and tailored to the job you are applying for. Don’t use any special effects like colour, bold, underline, or Italic but keep it professional with fonts like Arial, Time New Roman, or Calibri and font size of 10 or 12.
Don’t Include References
The Canadian resume format does not include references unless your potential employer asks for them. In most cases, Canadian employers will only require references if they consider hiring a candidate.
In this case, you should contact your references in advance and mention that you want to include them in your resume. Consequently, you can be assured that they will be available when contacted and speak positively about you.
Use a Good Resume Format and Double-Check Your Work
Use a nice Canadian-style resume format and ensure that you double-check your resume for grammatical errors before sending it. Generally, you want to ensure that nothing harms your first impression.
Ensure that the content is well-aligned and that the fonts and style of bullets points used throughout the document are uniform.
Before you submit, get someone else to proofread your work and check spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence formation. You may also want to pass your document through useful grammar and spelling tools like Grammarly to ensure that it is well-written.
Besides grammar and spelling, other things to double-check include:
- Length of the article
- Your contact details
- Clear and easy-to-read information
- Whether the content and design appear professional
- If the resume is well aligned with the job description
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Carefully follow the Application Instructions
Different companies have varying instructions on how job applications should be made. Whether you are writing a substitute teacher resume or any other Canadian-style resume, ensure that you understand the company’s instructions and follow them to the letter when submitting your application.
This should include the Canadian resume format pdf to be followed, the deadline for submission, and the method for sending, whether through email, fax, etc.
Key Takeaways When Writing a Canadian Resume
While the Canadian job market is promising, landing the job of your dreams requires that you become familiar with the best practices of writing a winning resume to exceed the employer’s expectations. As aforementioned, the Canadian resume follows the same style and format as would resume in the U.S.
Nonetheless, there are specific items and information Canadian employers look for in resumes.
Here are our key takeaways:
- Tailor your resume to match the job description.
- The resume should be clear and have easy-to-read information.
- It should not be longer than two pages.
- It should look professional and contain all the necessary information.
To accelerate your job search for your dream job in the Great White North , don’t hesitate to download our Canadian resume template . Our resume templates will guide you in writing winning resumes that can significantly increase your chances of being called for an interview and eventually getting the job.
Besides, our website also contains a Canadian resume sample for each profession to guide you. For instance, our French resume template can come in handy when creating a French teacher resume .
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a lot to know regarding the best practices for writing a Canadian resume. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you optimize your resume.
Do Canadians Say ‘Resume’ or ‘CV’?
Typically, the main difference between a Canadian resume and a Canadian CV is the length-while a resume has a maximum of two pages, a CV extends beyond two pages. Since C.V.s are highly detailed, they are preferred when applying for academic or technical jobs.
There is no clear distinction between a CV and a resume in Canada, and the two can be used interchangeably. However, like in the U.S., most companies in the Great White North prefer a resume to work in Canada.
What do Canadian employers look for in a resume?
Knowing what your potential employer expects from you when writing your resume is the first step to getting closer to your dream job. In Canada, employers consider several things when narrowing down their list of potential employees.
They include:
- Hard skills
- Soft skills
- Professional experience and qualifications
How far back should I include my work experience?
It is a good thing if you have many professional experience and qualifications. However, with just two pages provided for your English teacher resume , you should avoid giving too much information about your years of experience.
Ideally, it is advisable to keep it current and go as far as 10 to 15 years. Otherwise, your work experience will be considered outdated and irrelevant.
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Canadian resumes must adhere to a certain format, known as the Canadian Resume format. If you're serious about earning a job offer from a Canadian employer via any Immigration program, you'll need an impressive resume. Your Resume must pass the ATS, reach the HR Recruiter, and be referred to the recruiting manager.
Download resume formats that suit your experience level and industry for your job search in Canada. Learn how to create an impressive Canadian resume with tips and best practices from Arrive.
Download a professionally designed Word document template for Canadian CVs that aligns with the standards and includes all necessary sections. Customize and export your CV to PDF format for easy sharing with potential employers.
Here's an example of an applicant's resume header: 2. Write a compelling resume objective. Your resume objective (or career objective) is an important section that comes up after your resume header and is your opportunity to explain why you're a top candidate for your target role.
Learn how to create a reverse-chronological resume for Canadian jobs with tips and examples. See a sample resume template and use our resume builder to save time and get ready-made content.
Learn how to write a compelling Canadian resume with this guide. Find out the differences between Canadian, US, and European resumes, and get free templates to download.
Download the free Resume and cover letter templates to craft your Canadian resume Tips for writing a Canadian-style resume. Mastering the art of writing a flawless and impactful Canadian-style resume takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you improve your resume-writing skills. 1.
Our free Canadian-style resume template will give you all the information you need to create a resume tailored to the Canadian job market. This template takes all the guess work out of creating your resume, so you can focus on what matters the most- getting the job. With this template, you can quickly and easily create an effective resume that ...
The Canadian resume format is a structured approach to presenting your work history and skills relevant to the job you're applying for. It starts with a header section that contains your name, phone number, current location, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile, include the URL in your contact information.
This Canada resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume. "Software developer looking to work for prestigious software companies…". Vs. "Software developer with 10+ years of experience scaling data-intensive software companies…". The difference between those two lines while ...
Here are the key components of a Canadian resume: 1. Resume Header. The resume header typically includes the applicant's name, contact information, and a professional title. The professional title should be relevant to the job applied for and should showcase the applicant's skills and experience.
1-Introduction. 2-Understanding the Canadian Job Market. 3-Key Components of a Canadian Resume Format. 4-Professional Summary and Objective Statement. 5-Highlighting Skills and Qualifications. 6-Work Experience Section, Canadian Resume Format. 7-Education and Certifications. 8-Language Skills in a Canadian Resume format.
Tips to write a Canadian resume. Choose a resume format according to your career stage. Use standard formatting for a professional resume: 1.5-inch margins, 10-12 font size for your content and 12-14 font size for your heading. Use the job description as a guide to customize the information on your resume.
Let's break down the five must-hit components of the Canadian resume format and tips on how to make your resume stand out from the rest. 1. Header. The header is the first thing you see when looking at a resume. It's front and center at the very top and includes your personal information and contact details.
Canadian Resume Template- A FREE copy Or Canadian Resume format - Word download Resume Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Have a question about crafting your resume? Feel free to drop it in the comments section below. We'll promptly update our FAQ list with both your question and our answer. Please ensure your queries are related to resume ...
Hence, the chronological resume format is the most preferred resume template of Canadian employers. Key points: Highlights most recent work experience. Presents data in reverse chronological order with your current position stated first followed by previous experience and education. Shows vertical career progression in a specific field.
Canadian resume format. The two main formats of resumes used in Canada are the traditional reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume. The most common Canadian resume format is the reverse-chronological resume. This is the traditional resume format you're probably familiar with that focuses on your employment history and experience.
Let's break down the five must-hit components of the Canadian resume format and tips on how to make your resume stand out from the rest. 1. Header. The header is the first thing you see when looking at a resume. It's front and center at the very top and includes your personal information and contact details.
Pro tip: Start your bullet points with dynamic action verbs like "Initiated," "Directed," "Managed" and "Worked" to highlight your leadership and impact. This approach aligns with Canadian employers' preferences for candidates who demonstrate proactive problem-solving and teamwork. 5. Highlight your education.
Here's an example of a work experience listing on a resume in the Canadian format: Administrative Assistant, Nyoom Technologies, London, UK, 2021-22. Provided administrative support to software development teams based all over the world, in line with workplace best practices in each satellite location.
Your Canadian resume may differ in style and format from your home country. Here is a Canadian resume format for international students to guide you: Alex Texas. Marketing and Sales Director. 555-674-5678. [email protected].
These resume templates are organized into Chronological, Functional, Combined, New Graduate ... Click on any of the link below to download the format that best fits your resume preparation needs. Resume Templates By Format. ... U.S.A. & Canada Toll free: 1-877-212-5444 Email: [email protected]. Young Professional Resumes; Middle-Career
Create your resume by choosing from one of many Canadian resume templates. Create Unlimited resumes. Choose a Template Resources Login Back Resume Builder 1 Choose a template. 2 Enter Information. 3. Download. Canada Standard . Select Template . Canada Optimized . Select Template . Canada Concise . Select Template . Canada Compact . Select ...