how to create resume for canada

Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]

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:

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.

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:

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.

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. 

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:

#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.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a- boot it for Canadian resumes!

Let’s recap the main things you need to know on the subject:

• Canadian resumes are essentially the same as US resumes. You won’t have any difficulties applying with a US resume for a position in Canada, but Canadian English is preferred over standardized American English.
• A Canadian resume is the equivalent of a CV in Europe and most other parts of the world. However, a CV in Canada is a much longer document that’s used mostly to apply for jobs in academia.
• Keep your formatting clear, and use separate sections and legable fonts when building your resume.
• When applying to jobs in Canada, you should never include anything that could be used to discriminate against you, such as information about your age, nationality, and immigration status, or pictures of yourself.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How to Write a Canadian Style Resume

Step into the canadian job market with confidence..

Having a record of your work and accomplishments is essential to securing employment in Canada. This comprehensive guide equips you with tbest practices on how to craft a compelling Canadian-style resume, including language and style tips, where to find help, useful tools, and more. 

Table of Contents

What is unique about the canadian resume format, what should i include in each key section of a canadian resume, is accreditation important when writing a canadian resume, how can i highlight my skills in a canadian resume, what language and style considerations should i keep in mind, how can i tailor my resume for each job application, what are common mistakes in canadian resumes and how can i avoid them, who can help me prepare a canadian-style resume, what tools and resources can aid my canadian resume writing, contact canadavisa and cohen immigration law for assistance.

In this guide, we provide you with detailed instructions on how to create a successful Canadian-style resume. You'll learn about the standard Canadian resume format, what key sections to include, language and style tips in writing, and how customising your resume for each application can help increase your chances of landing the job. 

For more on finding and securing employment in Canada, you can visit our dedicated webpage here . 

A Canadian-style resume has certain formatting elements that are unique to Canada. Here are the key features:

• Removing photos and personal identification: It is customary to leave out photos, as well as personal details such as age, birth date, gender, or identification information;
• Length: Ideally, a Canadian resume is one page long, although senior positions may extend to a maximum of two pages;
• Format: The preferred format is paragraph style, without using columns of information—though depending on role and context the latter is not unacceptable;
• Resume header: At the top of the resume, include a header with your contact details, such as name, address, phone number, and email. You can also include a link to a relevant social media profile(s);
• Professional summary: Directly below the header, you can include a professional summary that highlights your career accomplishments and skills related to the position. Customise this section for each job application.
• Work experience: Many candidates in Canada list their work experience starting with the most recent position. Include job titles, dates of employment, company names, locations, and a brief description of relevant duties, skills and achievements;
• Relevant areas of expertise: Another optional detail is to add this section before the work experience. List specific skills relevant to the position, providing examples of achievements and quantifiable results whenever possible; and
• Education: The final section includes education, including degrees, educational institutions, and graduation years. Include any relevant training, courses, or seminars. Start with the most recent degree and list them in chronological order.

In terms of structure, there are two common types of Canadian resumes:

• Chronological resume: This format emphasises work experience, starting with the most recent position and listing previous jobs in chronological order. Typically, include the last 10 years of relevant experience, and include any relevant volunteer experience.
• Functional resume: This format focuses on skills and abilities relevant to the position, rather than work history. Highlight critical skills or characteristics mentioned in the job description. If using a functional resume, include the work history section after the skills section.

Here are some of the key sections of your resume and things to include for each:

• Header: This can include your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and optionally, a link to your professional social media profile (e.g., LinkedIn).
• Professional Summary/Objective Statement: A concise paragraph highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. It is generally advisable to tailor this section to match the specific job you're applying for.
• Work Experience: 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.
• 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.
• Education: Here you can provide information about your educational background, including degrees, diplomas, certifications, and relevant coursework. Include the institution name, location, and graduation year.

Some optional information sections that you can include on your resume are:

• Achievements/Awards: If you have notable accomplishments or received awards related to your work or education, mention them in this section.
• Certifications/Training: Include any relevant certifications, licenses, or training programs you have completed.
• Projects/Portfolio: If applicable, showcase any relevant projects or a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your skills and accomplishments.
• Volunteer Work/Community Involvement: If you have volunteered or participated in community activities that are relevant to the job or showcase your character and values, mention them here.
• References: It's common to write "References available upon request" instead of listing them directly on your resume. Be prepared to provide references when requested.

If you are an individual with foreign (outside of Canada) education or work experience that is applicable to your field, accreditation is very important—Both in terms of writing an effective resume, but also as a bottom line to be eligible for, and secure jobs in Canada.

Accreditation can be done through a number of avenues, with slightly varying step depending on the field, education/experience, (and country where these credentials were achieved) that you are trying to get accredited for in Canada. For more information specifically on professional accreditation in Canada, visit the government's dedicated webpage here . 

To learn more about how to get your educational credentials assessed, visit our dedicated webpage here .

Highlighting skills in your Canadian resume can often come down to a few essential sections, and the strategy that you employ in presenting your experience. Some general best practices for effectively highlighting skills in your resume are:

• Qualifications Summary: Creating a section dedicated to showcasing your relevant credentials and skills. Customise it for each role you apply to and include three to five notable skills that align with the job requirements;
• Relevant Skills: Highlighting three to four key skills and providing explanations on how they are applicable to the position. Using specific examples from your previous roles can demonstrate how you utilized or developed these skills;
• Work Experience: If you have work experience, you could consider including one or two relevant examples of times when you used your needed skills to positive effect. Focus on the impact you made rather than listing job duties or dates of employment; and
• Education: It is generally advised to keep the education section simple, ensuring it doesn't overshadow your skills. Include the degree or diploma type, major, school name, city, province/territory, and the date of program completion.

Apart from the already stated, there are some basic language and style considerations that you can give additional thought to, when perfecting your resume:

When developing a Canadian style resume, it is worth considering various style and language aspects that can enhance its effectiveness. One important consideration is the use of action words and active voice to showcase your accomplishments and highlight your proactive approach. By incorporating this language, you can create a strong and impactful impression on potential employers.

For example, one simple change is instead of saying: “At my previous workplace, a lot of the planning work were done by me”, you could instead say: “I did a lot of the planning work at my previous workplace”.

Additionally, maintaining a professional and positive tone throughout your resume is highly recommended. This can help convey confidence and enthusiasm while presenting your qualifications and achievements. Furthermore, adhering to Canadian spelling and grammar norms is advisable to ensure your resume appears polished and professional. Consistency in spelling, punctuation, and grammar demonstrates attention to detail and enhances readability.

Tailoring your resume to the specific job that you are applying to can often be advised, as it helps recruiters better understand how you are a good fit for the company, and helps job searchers pass screening checks that utilise Applicant Tracking Systems.

There are certain strategies and best practices that you can employ when trying to tailor your resume to a specific job posting. These strategies include:

• Above all being truthful—if the job truly is not a good fit, this fact will likely come out during the interview process, or worse, in the course of your new job. Lying to get hired is never advisable and under certain conditions can constitute a criminal offence;
• Understand the job description: Carefully read the job posting and identify the required qualifications and skills. Take note of specific keywords and phrases used throughout the description.
• Match your qualifications: Review your general resume and compare it to the job requirements. Place your key qualifications prominently in the top half of your resume, such as in the summary and experience sections. Use a format (e.g., reverse-chronological, functional, or combination) that highlights your most relevant experiences.
• Update your summary: Customise your summary section to showcase your most relevant skills and accomplishments using the keywords from the job description. Include the job title you're applying for to personalise your resume.
• Customise your work history: Tailor your work history section to highlight experiences that align with the job requirements. Remove or minimize positions that are less relevant. Use the job description's keywords in the bulleted lists and prioritise the most relevant responsibilities or tasks.
• Include measurable results: Enhance your experience section by incorporating quantifiable data and achievements that demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. Highlight specific results and outcomes to showcase your value.
• Update your skills section: Add any remaining relevant skills to your skills section, prioritising those mentioned in the job description. Include preferred skills that can differentiate you as a top candidate.
• Proofread and align: Carefully proofread your resume for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure that the language you use aligns with the keywords and phrases from the job description. Check if your summary accurately reflects the job requirements and if each bullet point in your work history relates to the job responsibilities.

Some common mistakes that newcomers can make when trying to write an effective Canadian resume include:

• Using the same resume for different job applications: It may be tempting to use a generic resume for multiple positions, especially when applying to numerous jobs. However, customizing your resume for each job significantly improves your chances of being selected. Look for keywords in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. Also, include relevant experiences and remove non-essential items.
• Not reading the job description before creating your resume: Reading the job description provides valuable information about the role and the ideal candidate. It helps you tailor your resume accordingly and include keywords that match the job requirements. Balance the use of keywords for the applicant tracking system (ATS) while ensuring readability for human recruiters.
• Listing job responsibilities instead of achievements: Canadian resumes focus on highlighting achievements rather than just outlining responsibilities. Emphasize what you brought to a company or team as an individual, mentioning accomplishments, numbers, data, or challenges overcome. Stand out from other applicants with similar experience by showcasing your unique contributions.
• Creating a resume that's too long or too short: The length of your resume depends on the specific job and your work experience. Generally, resumes should be one to two pages long. If you have more experience, a two-page resume is acceptable, while one page is suitable for those with less experience. Tailor your resume by removing early-career experiences as you progress in your career.
• Not using action verbs: To make your resume impactful, use action verbs that demonstrate your initiative and achievements. Avoid passive phrases and instead use verbs like "led," "managed," "succeeded," "surpassed," "created," and "delivered." Vary your word choices to avoid repetition.
• Submitting a cluttered or improperly formatted resume: Organizse your resume in a clean and easy-to-read manner. Use sufficient white space, appropriate line spacing, and consistent fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Avoid mixing fonts, excessive bolding, underlining, or italicising.
• Listing inaccurate contact information: Ensure your contact information is accurate and up to date, including your phone number and email address. Use a professional email address formatted with your name, avoiding nicknames or slang language.

There are a variety of resources that newcomers can avail when looking for resume help in Canada, including newcomer settlement organisations, university career centres, and non-for-profit organisations.

Canada has an extensive network of immigrant serving organisations—funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) federally, or through provincial and municipal governments—that work to aid newcomer settlement in a variety of areas, including employment help (at little to no cost for newcomers).

These organisations offer a variety of settlement services towards finding a job, often aiding with resumés as well. In fact, (depending on your status in Canada, and your location) you could receive not just resume development and critiques, but also mock interview help, attend skills building workshops receive job-specific language training, and more.

Note that on the national level, newcomer services are only available to permanent residents, protected persons, and some temporary residents—however because these services also operate at the provincial and municipal level, depending on your location you may qualify for settlement assistance even as a temporary resident on a study or work visa. To best understand whether you qualify, it is advisable to contact the specific immigrant serving organisation you would like to receive service from (prior to your visit) to clarify your eligibility and see what services you can avail. For more information on free settlement services for newcomers in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage here . 

In addition to this, international students in Canada will be able to avail employment help from their university or college career centres. These centres are designed to help current students and new graduates with finding employment, often offering them interview and resume training, along with networking and recruiting events, alumni connections, access to mentors and more.

Lastly newcomers who don’t fit into eligibility for either category may want to pursue help with a Non-For-Profit (NFP) or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in their area, to avail employment help. Many of these organisations work to help the community at large, so newcomers may also be eligible, depending on the organisation. These services can be especially potent at securing employment in the specific area or region that the specific NFP or NGO serves and can often have experience and skill with helping newcomers to Canada as well.

There are a multitude of online tools and resources that job applicants can use when writing their resumes, aiding everything from content to design of their documents. Some of these include:

• Canva: Much like Flow CV, Canva can help with designing your resume—however the online program provides much more customizability and freedom in terms of editing resume layouts and designs;
• ChatGPT : The AI chatbot can be a powerful tool, both when writing a compelling resume, but also when applying to jobs. You can read our article full article on the benefits of ChatGPT for job seekers here.
• Flow CV: Flow CV works specifically on designing your CV or resume, with a variety of themes, templates, and colors to choose from, and an easy upload function to start customizing your resume, this free tool can help distinguish you from the pack;
• Indeed career services: offering everything from automated resume analysis, to expert resume help (for a fee), Indeed has an extensive range of career services specifically oriented to writing effective resumes and job applications;
• Resume.io : Another online resume writer, resume.io is a website that aids job applicants in writing better resumes. The site features cover letter options, pre-written AI phrases, multiple formatting options, automatic summary generators, and more; and
• Rezi : An AI powered resume tool that critiques your writing and looks to optimize resume content for specific jobs. Rezi is a powerful and low-cost tool to improving resume content and design.

Do you require Canadian immigration assistance?

Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law is comprised of over 60 Canadian immigration lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals. We are dedicated to helping people achieve their Canadian immigration goals. We assist in areas including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and inadmissibility. CanadaVisa.com was founded in 1994 as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. CanadaVisa has since blossomed into the one of the world's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. Please reach out for assistance. We're happy to help:

Skilled Worker Assistance

Find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada through one of the country's over 100 skilled worker options.

Family Sponsorship Assistance

See if you are eligible to sponsor a loved one, or be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Other Immigration Enquiries

Contact us about work permits, study permits, business immigration, citizenship, and inadmissibility.

Latest News

Canada's express entry draw results from august 14, 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week, issuing 3,200 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates. Here are the results from IRCC's August 14 Express Entry draw.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results from the department's July 31st Express Entry draw.

• Immigrate to Canada
• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Quebec Immigration
• Other Federal Economic Programs
• National Occupational Classification
• Language Test Requirements
• Education Credential Assessment
• Immigration Levels Plan
• About the Immigration Department
• About the Immigration Minister
• Working in Canada
• TFWP & IMP
• Work Permit Process
• Work without a Work Permit
• Get Maintained Status
• Business Visitors
• Options for H-1B Visa Holders
• Tech Talent Options
• LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (IMP)
• LMIA-Based Work Permits (TFWP)
• Employer Compliance
• Family Class Sponsorship
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner
• Child or Other Dependent
• Parents and Grandparents
• Requirements for Each Program
• Study in Canada
• Get a Study Permit
• Study Pathways to PR
• Bringing your Family to Canada
• Working While Studying
• Post-Graduation Work Permits
• About Canadian Citizenship
• Benefits of Canadian Passport
• Apply for Proof of Citizenship
• Dual Citizenship
• Citizenship Ceremony
• Overcome Inadmissibility
• Temporary Resident Permit
• Criminal Rehabilitation
• Inadmissible Legal Opinion Letter
• Visiting with a Criminal Record
• Common Offences
• Charges Within Canada
• Authorization to Return to Canada
• Refusals and Appeals
• Canada Security Clearances
• Overcome Medical Inadmissibility
• Inadmissibility to Canada FAQs
• Canada Border Services Agency
• About Cohen Immigration Law
• How to Avoid Fraud
• Workers' Rights in Canada
• Temporary Resident Visas
• Tools and Resources
• Business Immigration Overview
• Entrepreneurs
• Self-Employed
• Getting Settled in Canada
• Opening a Bank Account
• How to Find Work
• Renting a Home
• Buying a Home
• Free Settlement Services
• Public Transportation
• Buying a Car
• Food and Grocery Options
• Buying Furniture
• How to Dress for the Weather
• TV and Home Entertainment
• Get to Know Canada

Canada Resume: 10+ Examples, Formats, Templates & 2024 Resume Writing Tips

Applying for a job in Canada? 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…”

“Software developer with 10+ years of experience scaling data-intensive software companies…”

The difference between those two lines while appears to be small creates a big difference when you use them on your Canadian resume.

Read further.

This Canadian resume writing guide will help you if:

• You are someone outside of Canada creating a resume for Canadian jobs
• Or, someone within Canada trying to best adapt an existing resume

We will go over the following details in this article:

• Popular Canadian resume formats and how to select the right one for you
• How to write a Canadian resume
• 10 Canadian resume examples to inspire you
• How to convert your current resume to a Canadian-style resume

Before we get into that, try out VisualCV’s resume-building platform - built with love out of Vancouver, Canada - the best way to build a Canadian resume.

What is the Canadian Resume Format?

A Canadian resume format is a structured way of showcasing your contact information, past work experience, skills, education and important information that will help a hiring manager assess your suitability for the job. A typical Canadian resume uses either of these formats: reverse chronological, function, or combination.

The 3 Popular Canadian Resume Formats

The top 3 Canadian resume formats are:

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination resume format

These are the resume formats that are popular across Canada. We saw chronological and functional resumes top the choice while combination resume format was the third choice.

Surprisingly, job seekers in Toronto preferred a reverse chronological resume over any other resume format.

Let’s now take a look at these Canadian resume format examples.

Chronological Canadian Resume Format Example

Here’s what a Canadian resume built using the chronological resume format would look like:

Is a Reverse Chronological Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Reverse chronological resume right for you if:

• You have relevant work experience to highlight.
• You aren’t changing careers (e.g. software engineer applying for a marketing position)
• Your total work experience is less than 20 years.

Functional Canadian Resume Format Example

Here’s what a Canadian resume built using the functional resume format would look like:

Is a Functional Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Functional resume right for you if:

• You have to explain how your skills are relevant to the advertised position
• You wish to highlight your outstanding skills and achievements
• If you wish to lead with your skills instead of experience

Combination Canadian Resume Format Example

Here’s what a Canadian resume built using the combination resume format would look like:

Is a Combination Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Combination resume right for you if:

• If you are right a resume with more than 15 years of experience
• You’ve worked across a range of companies, industries of jobs
• You wish to highlight your overall qualifications in terms of skills and expertise over work experience

Combination resumes are not that popular across Canada though, so if you are planning on using one - exercise caution. Make sure to revisit your resume to ensure it conveys your skills in a meaningful way.

Let's now address the next item on our list - a good Canadian resume template.

Canadian Resume Template

If you are looking for a few more format specific resume templates, here are a few that are just perfect for the popular Canadian resume formats.

Reverse Chronological Canadian Resume Template

Canadian Resume Template with Functional Resume Format

Canadian Resume Template with Combination Resume Format

Alright, you now know what a typical Canadian-style resume looks like and what templates to use. But, what should you add to it? Let’s cover that now.

How to Write a Canadian Resume?

After helping hundreds of thousands of job seekers optimize their Canadian resumes, we can assure you that the best way to write a Canadian resume is:

• Based on your experience and skills, select the right resume format.
• Pick a resume template that supports your important resume sections.
• Add your full name, contact information, and link out to Linkedin or relevant portfolio
• Write a resume summary/objective of two lines.
• Write your work, volunteer, or project experience following the STAR method.
• List your top skills - make sure to customize them based on the job ad.
• List your education in a separate section.

If you follow these 7 points listed above, you can easily beat 9/10 applicants for the job.

But, let’s not leave it here. Let’s show you how you can go from the top 10% to the top 1% of applicants.

To be the best, you’ll have to write each section of your Canadian resume with care. This is where the top 1% of applicants differentiate themselves.

To help you craft your resume’s section with ease, we created these templates that you can use and write those sections. You can find them below.

Work Experience Format for a Canadian Resume

[Job title] [Company name, City, Province] [Date started] - [Date ended]

• [Task 1] [Situatuation faced and the solution used]
• [Task 2] [Situatuation faced and the solution used]
• [Task 3] [Situatuation faced and the solution used]
• [Task 4] [Situatuation faced and the solution used]

Example of Listing Canadian Work Experience on Resume

Important things to keep in mind when using this Canadian resume’s work experience template:

• Ideal to keep each task/achievement to one line
• Using simpler words would help as it improves readability
• Customize your work experience based on the job ad

Canadian Resume Summary Format

"[Job title] with [number of years] experience of [top 2-3 skills] across [industries]. Achieved [top achievement]. Expert at [X], [Y], and [Z]."

You can additionally list the following within your resume summary too:

• Any awards that you’ve received
• Any passions you have

A simple glance by a Canadian hiring manager would provide them with all the right information they need to continue reading further.

You can also adapt this Canadian resume summary format to write an objective too.

Note : If you are writing your Canadian resume for a career transition or your first job - write an objective instead of a summary.

Objectives help connect your skills and experience to the job that you are applying for.

Format to List Skills on Your Canadian Resume

To list skills on your Canadian resume, try the format provided below: Technical Skills

Example of How to List Skills on a Canadian Resume

Make sure to list skills that are relevant to the role that you are applying for and are impactful.

Let’s now look at 10 Canadian Resume Examples. If you wish to access resume examples specific to your job title, click the button below and sign-up.

10 Canadian Resume Examples

Canadian resume example for data engineering.

Sales Canadian Resume Example

Canadian Resume Example for Accountants

Writer Resume Example for Canada

Canadian Resume Example for Executives

Canadian Software Engineering Resume Example

Canadian Designer Resume Example

Project Management Resume for Canada

Retail Canadian Resume Example

Canadian Resume Example for Teachers

Now that you understand how to create a Canadian resume, let’s clear some frequently asked questions.

Is a Canadian Resume Format Different from An American Resume Format?

No, Canadian resumes are extremely similar to American resumes.

Applying for Jobs, but Getting no responses? Maybe, it’s your resume!

How to Convert my Indian Resume to a Canadian Resume?

To convert your Indian resume to a Canadian resume, follow these steps:

• Customize your resume to ensure it is relevant to the job you’re trying to land.
• Remove any hard English words (e.g. esteemed), instead, use easy-to-read words.
• Remove photo, nationality, race, gender, and your full address. Those aren’t required in Canada.
• Follow the STAR method while writing your work experience.
• While listing your certifications, make sure they are recognized by Canadian employers.
• Add a short summary or objective at the top of your resume. Make sure it isn’t more than two lines and is very impactful.
• While listing your education be careful not to list CGPA, instead standardize your scores to a GPA scale and list it. GPAs greater than 3.7 look good, else it is better to not list them.
• While listing your contact information, make sure to list the Canadian city and province along with a Canadian phone number. +91 numbers won’t help here.
• Finally, resumes in India generally appear to be more than two pages. Make sure yours isn’t more than two pages. Ideal to have a relevant resume of one page.

Once you follow these additional instructions and follow our general guidelines at the top - it should be easy to transform your Indian resume into a Canadian resume.

How to Convert my European CV to Canadian Resume?

To change your European CV to a Canadian resume, follow these steps:

• While European CVs differ from country to country, some common things to remove from your resume - birthdate, citizenship, photo, etc.
• Hobbies constantly surface in entry-level EU CVs, we recommend that you remove them when applying for Canadian jobs.
• Select one of the following Canadian resume formats: chronological, functional, or combination.
• Make sure you have a summary/objective, work history, skills, education, and certifications section (if any).
• Follow the STAR method while writing your resume. It is a must!
• Avoid adding paragraphs as it would reduce the readability of your resume.
• Scan your resume for grammatical errors.

Checkout our other international resume guides here.

How Long Should my Canadian Resume be?

A rule of thumb - for students and professionals with less than 15 years of experience the resume should be one page or a maximum of two pages. For Canadian job seekers with more than 15 years of relevant experience, more than two pages is acceptable.

Should I Add a Photo to my Canadian Resume?

No, avoid adding a Photo while creating a Canadian resume.

Is it a Good Idea to List Marital Status on a Resume for Canada?

No Canadian employer would ever ask for this information as a part of their recruitment process. So, we would recommend that you don’t list marital status on your resume.

Should I List My Nationality on a Canadian Resume?

Legally, no Canadian employer can ask you about your nationality. So, we would not recommend that you list it on your resume.

Can I Lie on My Canadian Resume?

Don’t lie on your Canadian resume. With background checks, reference checks, etc being so common, you’ll be caught. Even a small-innocent lie like a difference of month or days in starting dates of your employment could lead to rejection.

How to Write a Canadian Resume with No Canadian Experience?

• Focus on Transferable Skills : Highlight skills from your previous jobs that are relevant to the position you're applying for.
• Canadianize Your Resume : Use Canadian terminology and metrics where applicable.
• Include Volunteer Work and Internships : These can showcase your commitment and experience.
• Emphasize Education : Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant coursework.
• Tailor Your Resume : Customize your resume for each job application to match the job requirements.

Do I need a Cover Letter With my Canadian Resume?

Yes, including a cover letter with your Canadian resume is highly recommended because it allows you to introduce yourself, highlight key qualifications, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and company. A cover letter also provides an opportunity to personalize your application by tailoring it to the specific job and employer, making you stand out among other applicants.

Should I Save my Canadian Resume as .Docx or .PDF Format?

You should save your Canadian resume as a PDF format because it ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software, presents a more polished and professional appearance, and is the preferred format for most employers due to its ease of use and compatibility.

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

Canadian Resume Format & How-to Guide for 2024

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

• Resume Guides

The Novice Guide to Creating A Plain Text Resume (Including Templates)

30+ project manager resume objective and summary examples, can chatgpt write your resume 10+ prompts you can test right now, graduate with honors resume, how to sell yourself on a cv, the 19 best jobs for teens.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Language selection

• Français fr

Name of Web application

How to write a good resume.

Your resume must clearly, concisely and strategically present your qualifications to get a recruiter interested in meeting you. It should convey your skills, work experience and assets. The resume is used to describe what you can accomplish professionally in a manner that also illustrates what you can do for an employer. Job opportunities can arise unexpectedly. An updated modern resume is the key to a successful job search. Here are some do's and don'ts of how to write a good resume and what to include.

Resume Writing Do's

An employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume. You want them to see right away that you are qualified for the position.

Be sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Have someone else read it over as well. A simple spelling mistake on a resume can give a negative impression to the employer. It can even prevent you from getting the job.

Place the emphasis of your resume on your most recent experience. Older jobs and experience that are more than 15 years old should either be cut out or minimized. This way, the employer can focus on more relevant information.

Specify work experience or achievements that are related to the position you are applying to. This can be done by reviewing the job description or the employer website.

You want to be able to identify the best examples of where you demonstrated your skills. These examples should speak to what you achieved in your role, and should demonstrate what kind of employee you are. It is best to include this information in the "Work experience" section of the resume.

Lying on your resume is never a good idea. You don't want to overstate your skills or results as it will mislead the employer. Have confidence in what you have to offer.

Use firm numbers that the employer will understand and be impressed by. For example, how many people you supervised, how many products you sold, by what percentage you increased sales, etc.

The person reading your resume might not always be the employer. Resumes can be reviewed by recruiters or Human Resources specialists who may not be familiar with your specific field. Use simple and plain language, but also persuasive verbs such as handled, managed, led, developed, increased, accomplished, leveraged, etc.

If you have volunteered with a well-known organization or worked for an important cause, put it in your resume. You should include these experiences under the "Work experience" or the "Volunteer work" section, especially if they are related to the position you are applying for.

Your resume should list your name, address, email and phone number. This information should be placed at the top of the first page. Also, make sure this information is accurate. Otherwise, the employer won't be able to contact you.

Resume Writing Don'ts

Make sure your email is easy to read, easy to type, professional and non offensive. In general, your email address should be based on your name. Exclude any nicknames, numbers, or special characters.

It is best to leave out any personal details such as age, weight, height, marital status, religious preference, political views, or any other personal attributes that could be controversial. This will prevent any potential bias. Most importantly, never include your Social Insurance Number in your resume.

Although in some countries it may be acceptable to include a photo, it is not the norm in Canada. It can actually lower your chances of obtaining a position and divert the whole focus of your resume. You want the employer to focus on your skills and experience, not what you look like.

Make your resume easy to read by limiting each resume section or sub section to 5-7 bullet points. This will make it easier for the employer to scan your resume and identify your potential. Each bullet point should be used wisely by keeping the information relevant and concise.

Do not use "I," "my," or "me". Write your resume in the third person, as if it's being written by someone else.

Your job duties will be obvious from your job title. Instead, highlight your achievements by putting a personal spin on your job duties and providing specific examples.

Steer clear from vague statements that don't highlight your actual contribution. Unclear statements such as, "Responsible for improving efficiencies and making cost savings", does not provide any information to an employer. Personalize your experience!

The main purpose of your resume is to promote you, your skills, experience and achievements. It should be entirely positive, and therefore should not include reasons for leaving as it does not add any value to you as a candidate.

An employer only requires references if they are seriously considering hiring you. Keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested.

It is not recommended to mention hobbies because of the judgments potential employers can make. However, if your hobbies relate to the position, you may include them as they can demonstrate to the employer why you are a good fit.

Want to create a professional resume in a few minutes? Sign up for a Job Bank account to use our free Resume Builder tool.

It looks like you are visiting Job Bank from outside Canada.

If you are not legally authorized to work in Canada, you can’t apply for every job on Job Bank . Most Canadian employers will not hire you if you do not have a valid visa or work permit.

Visit Job Bank’s page for foreign candidates to review your options and find jobs from employers who are recruiting outside Canada.

Canadian Style Resume: The Essential Guide (2024)

As a job seeker in Canada, one of the most important tools in your job search is a well-crafted resume that showcases your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. But with so many different resume formats and styles out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where the Canadian-style resume comes in.

In this article, we’ll explore what sets a Canadian-style resume apart from other formats, and provide tips and strategies for crafting a winning Canadian-style resume that will help you stand out to Canadian employers.

Why is it Different from Other Resumes?

5. achievements and awards, 5. include social media, 4. ignoring grammar and spelling mistakes, overview of canadian style resume, what is a canadian-style resume.

A Canadian-style resume is a document that job seekers use to apply for jobs in Canada. It is a one to two-page document that highlights the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and education.

The Canadian-style resume is similar to the American-style resume, but there are some differences in the format and content.

The Canadian-style resume is different from other resumes because it follows a specific format and includes certain information that is unique to Canada. Here are some of the key differences:

• When writing a Canadian-style resume, it’s important to understand the cultural differences between resumes in Canada and those in other countries.
• Canadian resumes tend to be more straightforward and concise , with a focus on relevant work experience and skills.
• Additionally, Canadian employers may place more importance on education and certifications than work experience alone. Therefore, it’s crucial to tailor your resume to the specific job and employer you are applying to.
• Volunteer experience should be included in your work experience section if it relates to the job you are applying for.

Overall, the Canadian-style resume is designed to provide employers with a clear and concise overview of the candidate’s qualifications and experience. By following the Canadian-style resume format, job seekers can increase their chances of getting noticed by employers and securing a job in Canada.

Key Components of a Canadian-Style Resume

When writing a Canadian-style resume, it is important to include specific components that will make it stand out to potential employers. Here are the key components of a Canadian-style resume, broken down into sub-sections:

1. Personal Information

The first section of a Canadian-style resume should include personal information such as the candidate’s full name, address, phone number, and email address. It is also common to include a link to the candidate’s LinkedIn profile.

2. Professional Experience

The professional experience section should highlight the candidate’s work history, starting with the most recent position held. Each position should include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of the duties and responsibilities. It is important to use strong action verbs to describe accomplishments and achievements in each role.

3. Education and Training

The education and training section should include the candidate’s academic background, including degrees earned, certifications, and relevant coursework. It is important to list the name of the institution, the degree or program, and the dates attended.

4. Skills and Abilities

The skills and abilities section should highlight the candidate’s relevant skills and abilities that make them a strong fit for the position. This can include technical skills, language proficiency, and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

The achievements and awards section should highlight any notable accomplishments or recognition received throughout the candidate’s career. This can include awards received, publications, presentations, or other relevant achievements.

In summary, a Canadian-style resume should include personal information, professional experience, education and training, skills and abilities, and achievements and awards. By including these key components, candidates can create a strong, well-rounded resume that will catch the attention of potential employers.

Tips for Writing a Canadian-Style Resume

When applying for a job in Canada, it is important to have a well-written resume that follows the Canadian style format. Here are some tips to help you create a resume that will stand out to Canadian employers.

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Posting

One of the most important things you can do when creating a Canadian-style resume is to tailor it to the job posting . This means carefully reviewing the job description and making sure that your resume highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job posting to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

2. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Canadian employers are interested in what you have accomplished in your previous roles , not just what your responsibilities were. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments, using quantifiable results whenever possible. This will show employers that you are a results-oriented candidate who can deliver on their expectations.

3. Use Action Words and Quantifiable Results

Using action words in your bullet points can help your resume stand out. Instead of saying “responsible for,” use action words like “managed,” “developed,” or “implemented.” Additionally, using quantifiable results can help quantify your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20%.”

4. Keep it Simple and Concise

Canadian-style resumes are typically no longer than two pages . Keep your resume simple and easy to read by using clear headings and bullet points. Use a font size between 10-12 and avoid using overly decorative fonts. Finally, proofread your resume carefully to ensure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

It is common for employers to cross-reference your resume with your online presence. A link to your LinkedIn profile can be included, or if you have an online portfolio or blog related to your work, you can include that as well. 

By following these tips, you can create a Canadian-style resume that will help you stand out to employers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating a Canadian-style resume, there are a few common mistakes that job seekers should avoid. These mistakes can make a negative impression on potential employers and reduce the chances of getting hired. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Including Irrelevant Information

One of the most common mistakes that job seekers make is including irrelevant information in their resumes. This can include personal information such as age, marital status, or hobbies that are not related to the job.

According to OCASI’s settlement.org , you should never use a photo or state your age, ethnicity, physical attributes, marital status, or sexual preferences in your resume.

You can also avoid work experience or skills that are not relevant to the position being applied for. Job seekers should carefully review their resumes and remove any information that is not directly related to the job.

2. Using Clichés and Buzzwords

Another mistake that job seekers make is using clichés and buzzwords in their resumes. These phrases can be overused and do not provide any meaningful information about the job seeker. Examples of clichés and buzzwords include “team player,” “hard worker,” and “detail-oriented.” Instead of using these phrases, job seekers should focus on providing specific examples of their skills and accomplishments.

3. Failing to Customize the Resume

A common mistake that job seekers make is failing to customize their resumes for each job application. Job seekers should tailor their resumes to the specific job they are applying for by highlighting their relevant skills and experience. This can include using keywords from the job posting and adjusting the resume format to match the requirements of the job.

Finally, job seekers should avoid grammar and spelling mistakes in their resumes. These errors can make a negative impression on potential employers and suggest a lack of attention to detail. Job seekers should carefully proofread their resumes and consider having a friend or family member review it as well.

By avoiding these common mistakes, job seekers can increase their chances of getting hired for their desired position.

Writing a Canadian-style resume requires a specific format and attention to detail . It is important to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for and highlight your relevant experience and skills. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• The Canadian resume format typically includes a professional summary statement, work experience, education, and skills sections.
• The summary statement should be brief and highlight your most relevant experience and skills.
• When listing work experience, focus on accomplishments and specific achievements rather than just job duties.
• Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent degree or certification first.
• Skills should be listed in a separate section and should include both technical and soft skills.
• It is important to proofread your resume carefully and ensure that it is free of errors and typos.

By following these guidelines, job seekers can create a strong Canadian-style resume that highlights their qualifications and stands out to potential employers. With a little effort and attention to detail, anyone can create a compelling resume that helps them land their dream job in Canada.

Related Articles

• Canada Cover Letter Format And Samples
• How To Create ATS Friendly Resume For Canada
• How To Tailor Your Canadian Resume To Job Description
• How To Write A Summary Statement For A Canadian Resume
• 300+ Action Words For Canadian Resume

Related Posts

Canadian Resume Format: Complete Guide (2024)

Differences Between CV and Resume in Canada (2024)

300+ Best Action Words for Canadian Resume (2024)

How To Create ATS-Friendly Resume for Canada (2024)

Start typing and press enter to search.

• Free Phone Consultation +1 (514) 989-9700
• Immigrate to Canada
• CRS Score Calculator
• Express Entry Pool of Candidates
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Express Entry Draw
• When is the Next Express Entry Draw?
• Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)
• Proof of Funds for Express Entry
• Latest PNP Draws in Canada
• Farm Stream
• Alberta Express Entry
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Skills Immigration Stream
• BC PNP Tech
• Entrepreneur Immigration Stream
• Farm Investor Pathway
• Skilled Workers in Manitoba
• Skilled Workers Overseas
• International Education Stream
• Business Investor Stream
• Express Entry Labour Market Stream
• Entrepreneurial Stream
• Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream
• Skilled Worker Applicants with Employer Support
• New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot
• New Brunswick Strategic Initiative Stream
• New Brunswick PNP – Information Sessions
• Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
• Skilled Worker Category
• International Graduate Category
• International Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Academic Path
• Priority Skills NL: In-Demand Work Path
• Express Entry
• Employer Driven
• Critical Impact Worker
• Skilled Worker
• Business Driven
• Entrepreneur
• Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry (Closed)
• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
• Entrepreneur Category
• Physician Stream
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
• Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
• Occupations In Demand
• Ontario’s Express Entry Streams
• Employer Job Offer
• Masters Graduates
• PhD Graduates
• Regional Immigration Pilot
• PEI PNP Express Entry
• Business Impact
• Work Permit
• Labour Impact
• Skilled Worker in PEI
• Skilled Worker Outside Canada
• Critical Worker
• International Graduate
• International Skilled Worker
• Saskatchewan Experience
• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur and Farm
• Yukon Express Entry
• Business Nominee
• Yukon Community Pilot
• Immigrate to Quebec
• Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
• Quebec Investor Program – QIIP
• Certificat de Selection du Quebec (CSQ)
• Quebec Immigration FAQ
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Permanent Resident Card (PR card)
• Permanent Resident Card Renewal
• Permanent Resident Travel Document
• Residency Obligations
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Home Child Care Provider Pilot
• Home Support Worker Pilot
• Past Caregiver Programs
• Canada Immigration FAQ
• Moving to Canada from the USA
• Work in Canada
• Business Visitors
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec) List of Occupations
• Canada Global Talent Stream (GTS)
• Intra-Company Transfers
• CUSMA (formerly called NAFTA) Work Permit
• Working with CSQ
• CETA Work Permits
• Post-Graduate Work Permit
• International Experience Canada
• Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) Canada
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada
• Job Search Tool

Social Media Presence Guide

Canadian resume guide.

• For Employers
• Study in Canada: Changes for 2024 -2026
• Our International Student Program
• Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
• Levels of Study
• Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)
• Refusals and Appeals
• International Students in Canada
• Extend a Study Permit
• Quebec Health Insurance Plan for International Students
• Student Accommodation
• Work While Studying
• International Students: Spouse and Family Dependent Visa
• Permanent Residence (PR) for international students

Sponsorship

• Canada Sponsorship
• Inland Sponsorship
• Outland Sponsorship
• Spousal Sponsorship Quebec
• Child or Other Dependant Sponsorship
• Super Visa Canada
• Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Requirements for 2024
• Canada Sponsorship FAQ
• Business Immigration
• Federal Investor Program (Terminated)
• Federal Venture Capital (Closed)
• Federal Entrepreneur Program (Terminated)
• Start-Up Visa Canada
• Federal Self-Employed
• Quebec Self-Employed
• About our Business Immigration Team
• Our Canadian Immigration Services
• Criminal Inadmissibility
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
• Medical Inadmissibility
• Legal Opinion Letters
• DUI Convictions
• Criminal Rehabilitation
• Citizenship Requirements
• Citizenship Application
• Citizenship FAQ
• Canadian Economy
• Taxation in Canada
• Newcomers Services
• How to Find Accommodation in Canada
• Visitor Visa
• Business Visitor Visas
• electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Canadian Immigration News & Updates
• Canadian Immigration Blog & Resources
• CLB Language Converter
• Visiting Canada Tool
• What is a NOC Code in Canada?
• How to Write a Reference Letter
• Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) Guide

Canadian Cover Letter Guide

• Canadim’s Employment Services
• Canadian Language Benchmark Guide
• Canadian Immigration Glossary
• See all guides & FAQs
• Refugees & Humanitarian
• Canadian Immigration Processing Fees

The contents of this guide are intended to direct you as you construct your resume for Canadian employment purposes. Your resume is based on your own experiences and skills. Because of that, every resume is unique.

The following are general guidelines only. You must tailor your resume to suit your own experiences, and to suit the industry you want to work in and the job you are applying for.

What is a Resume?

A resume, sometimes called a curriculum vitae (CV), is a document that contains details about your education, achievements, and employment history,

How to Format Your Resume

There are no strict rules for how to format your Canadian resume, but the following are some guidelines to make your resume look professional and easy to read.

• Headings Include a heading above each new section of your resume.
• Length Keep your resume between one and two pages long. Longer resumes often go unread, while resumes less than a full page can indicate inexperience.
• Font Your font should be consistent throughout your resume. You should use at most two fonts: one for headings and one for content. You should also choose a professional looking font. Your font size should be big enough that it is easy to read when your resume is printed.

You can add emphasis or style to your resume by bolding or italicizing important words or details. This draws the reader’s eye, so only use it sparingly. You want to highlight the content of your resume, not distract from it.

What to Include in Your Resume

There are four sections that should absolutely be on every Canadian resume:

• Contact information
• Work experience

You can also choose to include any volunteer experience you have and any awards you’ve received.

1. Name You should include your first and last name, in that order. You do not need to include your middle name(s). You name is the most important part of your resume; it should stand out on the page and be easy to read. Typically, this will be the largest font on your resume.

2. Contact Information Your contact information should be positioned directly below or beside your name. It should include your basic contact information:

• Email address
• Phone number
• Current residential address

It’s important that you include all of this information, so that your prospective employer will be able to follow up with you.

3. Work History Your work history demonstrates your professional experience. List your previous occupations in chronological order. For each occupation, include:

• Your position
• The name of the company or institution you worked for
• The years you held the position
• Three (3) responsibilities you had or duties you performed in your position.

You can set yourself apart from other candidates by highlighting any policies you implemented, or innovative solutions you came up with in your previous position(s). You may need to highlight different duties depending on the job you are applying for. While remaining truthful to your experiences, don’t be afraid to change the details of this section as needed. Using industry-specific language can help demonstrate your expertise. However, your prospective employer may have limited knowledge of your field. If you use too much industry-specific language, he or she might not be able to understand the scope of your position.

4. Education Start with the highest degree that you have and work down. If you have more than one degree of the same level, order them by relevance to the position you’re applying for. Only include current or completed degrees. For each degree, include:

• Program of study
• Name and type of institution that issued the degree
• The type of degree you earned
• The years you attended

5. Optional: Volunteer Work Volunteer work is highly valued by Canadian employers. If you have volunteer experience, it can help distinguish you from other candidates. Only include volunteer work that is relevant to the industry that you are seeking work in, or that showcases a trait or characteristic that contributes to your qualification for the position you are applying to. For each volunteer experience, include:

• The name of the organization you volunteered for
• Three (3) responsibilities you had or duties you performed

6. Optional: Achievements If you have received any awards or other official recognitions that are relevant to the position you are applying for, you should include them. Limit the achievements you list to the three most relevant and/or significant. Include a short description of what the award was granted for.

What Not to Include in Your Resume

There are some things that may be common to include elsewhere in the world that should not be on your Canadian resume.

1. Overly Personal Information Absolutely do not include any of the following anywhere on your resume:

• Sexual orientation
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Citizenship status
• Family status

2. Information About your Parents Absolutely do not include any information about your parents. Your resume should only include details that are relevant to you and to the position you are applying for.

3. Annexes Do not include any annexes. Your resume should be no more than two pages in total .

4. Personal Pictures You should not include a picture of yourself with your resume.

5. Design elements You should not include design elements such as graphs, tables, icons, or illustrations. If you choose to use colour, keep it simple and make sure that it is easy to read when printed in ‘grayscale’.

6. References You should not include a list of references on your resume. If you reach the stage of the hiring process where references are required, the employer will request them.

Ready to start?

Free immigration assessment.

Discover your Canadian immigration options! Complete our free assessment today and a member of the Canadim Team will contact you to discuss your immigration to Canada.

Download Canadian Resume Templates

Arrive | 88 Queen’s Quay, 10th Floor | Toronto, ON M5N 0B6 | Canada www.arrivein.com See our  Privacy Policy , for more details or  contact us  if you have any questions.

Why do I need a Canadian Resume?

As a newcomer, finding a job in Canada is usually a top priority. The first step for your job search is to have a resume and a cover letter that you can share with potential employers or networking contacts. Resume formats from other countries will not necessarily work in the Canadian job market. On the other hand, a good Canadian-style resume will help you:

• Pass the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many Canadian employers use
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Canadian job market
• Highlight your strengths and professional achievements,
• Position you as an ideal candidate for the role.

Who are these templates for?

These free resume templates are for newcomers who are looking for a job in Canada. Whether you’re just starting your career in Canada, re-entering the job market after a break, or exploring full-time job opportunities in a new industry, these free Canadian resume formats will lay a strong foundation for your job search.

How to create an impressive Canadian resume

An impressive Canadian resume must showcase your unique qualities and strengths that make you a good fit for the job. To do this, your resume should be concise, readable, distraction-free, and rich in keywords that match the job description. With the right resume format, you can draw recruiters’ attention to the strengths of your application, such as your stellar experience, skillset, and more. You can also minimize the visibility of weaknesses, such as employment gaps or lack of industry experience.

Unsure about which resume template is right for you? Download the Canadian resume format that best matches your experience level:

• Experienced professional with no major employment gaps, looking for a job in the same industry – choose the reverse chronological resume template
• Recent graduate OR looking to switch career fields – the functional resume may be the best fit
• Professional with limited experience, multiple short-term work stints, or significant work gaps – your may want to use the combination or hybrid resume .

For more tips and best practices on crafting a resume that will help you land a job in Canada, read our articles on Canadian resumes and cover letters and 10 resume mistakes to avoid while looking for a job in Canada .

Please check your email

We’ve sent the resume and cover letter templates to your inbox!

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Create your resume in 15 minutes

Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

• Career Development

Canadian Resume Format: How to Make a Canadian Resume

12 min read

If you’re looking to find a job in Canada, you need to have a resume -- not a CV – to begin your job search. This is easy for job seekers who already use a USA resume but will require more adjustments for job seekers with a more comprehensive CV. In this article, we will go over some essential tips for creating a Canadian resume. At the end of the article, we’ve included a sample resume you can use to increase your chances of getting a new job in Canada.

ZipJob has a wide network of career experts and hiring managers, so the information on our blog is based on real experience from people who know how to land a job in the US and Canada. Spoiler alert: they're pretty similar systems!

Is the Canadian resume format different from the American resume format?

So, we already spoiled it for you, but there aren’t a whole lot of differences between the Canadian and US resume formats. Both countries use what’s considered a traditional format that includes your contact information, a professional summary, your work history, and education. The biggest difference is in the language. For example, Canadian English uses the word “colour” whereas the US would use “color.” You’d also find metric units on a Canadian resume instead of the imperial system of measurement found on a US resume. 

The 3 resume formats you can use in Canada

There are only three types of formats you should use for a resume in Canada:

Traditional reverse chronological

Strategic functional resume

Balanced hybrid resume

All of these formats include the same basic information with a different layout.

EXPERT TIP: View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a free template and a 2020 guide to writing resumes from our experts, just click here .

It is vital to choose the right resume format for the job. Your choice should be determined by the years of experience you have and the type of job you’re seeking. We’ll go into detail about when to choose a different Canadian resume format, but most job seekers use the reverse chronological resume format.

Most Canadian employers use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen your resume before it's ever seen by a human. About 75% of resumes are filtered due to applicant tracking systems and will never be read by the recruiter or hiring manager. Many times the candidate is qualified, but the resume is not optimized for ATS.

Key Takeaway

KEY TAKEAWAY: If you’re seeking a job in Canada, it’s important to use a proper Canada resume format to maximize your chances of securing employment.

The best resume format for a Canadian resume is the reverse chronological 

A reverse chronological resume details your job experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. This is the best resume format if you have at least some experience in the workforce. It is the best format to use for getting past the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that companies use because the scanning software can easily parse information from a reverse-chronological format. It’s also what hiring managers expect to see. 

To put it bluntly, there isn’t a human being alive who will read your resume. They’re going to skim through it until something jumps off the page at them. Then, they’ll stop and read. The reverse-chronological format puts things in a simple layout with strategically divided sections that lay out your career history in an easily digestible manner. 

However, if you are a recent college graduate or have significant work gaps on your resume, however, you should consider the hybrid or functional resume formats.

When to use a hybrid or functional Canada resume format

The functional resume is a versatile format that focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of experience. While your employment history is still included, it is usually listed after your skills and education section. That places greater emphasis on those skill sets, showcasing your suitability for the position. As a result, this option can sometimes be used effectively by newcomers to the workplace and those who are changing careers.

A hybrid resume retains the expanded reverse chronological work experience section, but it’s no longer the bulk of the resume. Instead, the skills section is also expanded to include a summary of qualifications in addition to the technical skills or core competencies section.

Top 3 things Canadian employers and recruiters want to see on a resume

You can maximize your odds of landing your dream job if you understand what Canadian employers want to see. That can help you to shape your Canadian resume format to fit those desires. Here are the questions you need to answer on your Canadian resume:

1. Hard skills

Make sure your Canada resume format emphasizes the technical skills needed to perform the job. These may include data analysis, language skills, computer skills, or similar qualifications relevant to the position.

2. Soft skills

Canadian employers appreciate soft skills on a resume, including people skills. These soft skills can include everything from communication and teamwork skills to problem-solving, flexibility, and the ability to learn and adapt. Include these vital skills throughout your resume with examples, results, and metrics.

3. Professional qualifications

Canadian employers, like most other employers, value relevant professional qualifications and achievements. Make sure you are qualified by the right institutions for the job you’re applying for.

EXPERT TIP: Enhance your resume with these 7 free certifications .

How to write a Canadian resume

Once you choose the format you’re going to use and have a list of your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications, it’s time to write. Your resume should contain the following sections (at least):

Contact information: This is your name, location (with postal code), telephone number, email address, and any relevant social media profiles (like an optimized LinkedIn profile). Basically, the details that the hiring manager needs to get in touch with you if they want to call you for an interview.

Title and profile summary: At the top of your resume – just beneath your contact information – should be a title that mirrors the title of the job you’re applying to. It should be followed by a three to five-sentence paragraph that highlights your skills and qualifications in a way that shows prospective employers what you bring to the table for them. 

Skills: This is a simple list of up to 15 core competencies . It should contain a mix of hard and soft skills that are specifically tailored to the job you want. 

Work history: Whether you choose the reverse-chronological format or the hybrid format, you’ll always start your work history section with your most recent job. You’ll list the company name, the dates you were employed, the title you held, and three to five bullet points that call attention to the achievements you had in the position. From there, you work backward approximately 10 years to fill in the rest of your work history section. 

Education: The degrees you’ve earned, professional development classes you’ve taken, and any licenses or certifications you possess should go under “Education” at the end of the resume. 

It’s important that you use relevant keywords throughout your resume that are tailored to each job you want to apply to so that your resume makes it through the ATS. These programs are scanning resumes for those keywords, so not including them could be the thing that gets your resume rejected by the system. Being rejected by the ATS is one of the top reasons that job seekers are ghosted by companies – the human beings at the company won’t even know you exist.

The final step is to proofread and edit. If there is one thing that will turn a hiring manager off, that’s typos and grammatical errors. And it happens a lot! Do a quick search for the word “manger” on LinkedIn and you’ll see countless profiles where people use that spelling instead of the “manager.” Not only should you read your resume, but you should also have someone you trust read it to because your brain will interpret the words as they’re supposed to appear, not necessarily how they are actually written. 

Canada resume sample

They say seeing is believing , so to help you visualize all of these steps, here’s a sample Canadian resume. Use it as inspiration or as a template for how to format your own resume. 

Additional tips for writing a Canadian resume

To modify your resume to the Canada resume format, it’s important to pay attention to the small details.

1. Include only the relevant information

Starting with your contact information, include your name, location (city and province), phone, email, and LinkedIn profile URL at the top of your resume . If you have a second page, it should also include your name at the top of the page.

Keep your skills, experience, and additional resume information highly tailored to the job you're applying for. This might mean omitting jobs from 10+ years ago on your resume or adding in volunteer work.

2. Don't include too much information

Don't include any personal details like your date of birth, parent or spouse names, marital status, or identification numbers. Canadian employers don’t want to see this and may reject your resume automatically to avoid discrimination concerns.

3. Include a cover letter

Take the extra time to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply to. It's professional, polite, and shows that you care about this position. It's one of the best things you can do to stack up well against candidates with similar experience to you!

EXPERT TIP: Professional resume writers know how to organize your resume to appeal to hiring managers. Check out our guide to the best resume writing services to find your perfect fit!

Canadian resume vs. European resume

If you’re moving from Europe to Canada or vice versa, you’ll see a great difference in the format of the document you use to apply for a job. Mostly, you’ll see that European companies want a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume. Because a CV is more of a chronicle of your career life, it’ll have a lot more information on it and, therefore, will be longer. A resume in Canada is generally one to two pages in length while the European resume (CV) is up to three pages in length. 

NOTE: In Canada and the US, using three pages can be seen as grandstanding and should be reserved only when you have a lot of career extras like specialized research or publications. 

Additionally, European resumes will contain the information that we mentioned in the “Don’t include too much information” section above, including date of birth, nationality, and marital status. If you’re writing a European resume, you’ll also find that different countries have varied requirements – for example, you wouldn’t include marital status on your resume in Germany – while all provinces of Canada would accept the same resume format. 

Canadian resume frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How long should my resume be? The general rule of thumb is that if you have less than 5 years of experience, then your resume should be on one page; on the other hand, once you get to 5 years of experience (and especially as you approach 10 years of experience), you’ve earned a second page. 

Should I include a photo on my resume? The short answer here is, “No.” The ATS can’t properly parse information from resumes that contain images. It would read the image as a bunch of funky characters which could cause the ATS to think your resume file is corrupt, causing it to be rejected. On top of that, some employers find photos on resumes to be unprofessional – as if the candidate thinks that their looks will help them land the job. 

Should I include references on my resume? Again, the short answer is, “No, never.” Don’t even allude to the fact that references are available. If the hiring manager wants references, they’re going to ask for them whether you have them available or not. The best thing to do is create a new document for your references so that when they ask, you’ll have it available to give over. 

Do I need to translate my resume into French? It depends on the job description. If it is written in French, then your resume should absolutely be translated into French. You’ll see this mostly in Quebec, but it’s possible to see it across all provinces. Don’t assume they’ll accept a resume in English unless the job posting specifically says they will. 

Does my Canadian resume need to include my salary history? It isn’t mandatory to include your salary history, but there are some employers who will ask for it. Even in those instances, it’s a good rule of thumb to have it separate from your resume whenever possible. 

Do hobbies, volunteer work, and interests have a place on my Canadian resume? You can definitely include your hobbies and interests. But remember, they’re not likely to be the things that get you an interview. So, if your resume is spilling over to three pages, consider deleting hobbies and interests. However, if you’re hobbies and interests are professionally relevant, then you probably want to try to find a way to include them. For example, if you are on the board at a local nonprofit organization and were able to raise some money last quarter to ensure the continuance of a failing program, then that would definitely be worth mentioning. 

Keep it simple

The resumes in Canada are very similar to resumes in the US, but vastly different from CVs in other countries. Stick to resume formats that employers will expect, and play up your strengths. By using these Canada resume format tips, you can increase your chances of securing an interview and landing an eventual job.

Good luck with your job search!

If you need a new resume for a job in Canada, ZipJob is ready to help you. Our staff of professional resume writers are fully versed in the ins and outs of what will be required by prospective Canadian employers and we’d love to be your partner in securing a new job.

Recommended reading:

Is There A Difference Between Canada and US Resumes?

How To Find A Job When Moving To Canada

Here is What a Good Cover Letter Looks Like

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

Our resume services get results.

We’ve helped change over 30,000 careers.

Get a free resume review today

Our experts will review your resume’s grammar, layout, and ability to pass ATS — all free and delivered straight to your inbox.

How to Write a Canada Format Resume?

Posted on 21 oct 2019.

Different countries use different resume/CV formats. To land a job in Canada, make sure you send a resume that comes in the standard resume format that Canadian recruiters are used to.

Your resume is the most important document in your job search. If you're applying for a job in Canada, you'll need to submit a concise, easy to understand and appealing resume. Not only that, you have to make sure it adapts to the Canadian way of showcasing your qualifications, skills and experiences. You'll be able to find a job more quickly by using a Canadian-style resume.

Canada resume format

Depending on where you hail from, the Canada resume format may be completely different from the type of resumes you're used to writing. The key points to remember when writing in the Canadian resume format are:

• Resume should be limited to 1-2 pages at the most
• Information on bullet points should be achievement-oriented
• Do not include a photo
• Keep the resume clean, organized, professional-looking, and free of grammatical and spelling errors.

Your Canadian resume must also contain the following information in the following order:

• Contact details – include your name, address, telephone number/s, email address, LinkedIn address. Contact information should be placed at the top of your resume.
• Career summary – three to five sentences that detail your strengths and core competencies.
• Work experience – when listing down your job experiences start with the ones that are most relevant to the position. Start with your job title, the company, address, then years served. The format your bullet points in this manner: responsibility, followed by benefit or result. Start your sentences with action words. Keep your work experience to the jobs you've had in the last 10 years.
• Educational attainment – always include your degree, major, and school name. Graduation year might be added or omitted depending on your writer's advice: in some instances, it is better to display it, in others - to hide. List all degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest educational attainment. You don't have to include your high school education if you have already graduated from college.

You may also add technical skills, volunteering opportunities, and community involvement as long as these relate to the job in question.

Canadian-style resume dos and don’ts

Now that you know what to keep in mind as you build your Canadian resume, here are some do's and don'ts to help you further.

Write a targeted resume – are you used to sending a one-size-fits-all resume to all the jobs you're applying for? Unfortunately, the practice rarely works in Canada, if at all. You need to tailor your resume so that each piece of information relates to the position you're applying for. You also need to ensure it contains keywords—the skills, abilities, qualities and credentials that the employer is looking for in a candidate. You may find these keywords feature prominently in the job posting.

Proofread your resume – remember that in the eyes of the recruiter or hiring manager, your resume is your best professional representation of yourself, and to them, any error or mistake says that you are careless and that you don't take pride in your work. So don't submit your resume until you're sure that it's no less than perfect. Have an English-savvy friend or a professional proofreader go over it as well.

Display your accomplishments in a quantifiable manner – when listing your accomplishments, highlight their measurable results. For instance, don't just say that you trained new recruits—provide details on how your training helped them become better employees and explain the positive results succinctly.

Be honest – don't makeup or overstate experiences to catch the hiring manager's eye. If you get caught in a lie, you could lose your chances of getting hired altogether. Have confidence in your skills and abilities.

Don't include unnecessary info – Canada has stringent laws on discrimination, so you need to keep your resume clear of any unnecessary personal information that could be potentially discriminatory, such as race, gender, nationality, political views, marital status, etc. Most importantly, never include your Social Security/Insurance Number in your resume.

Don't use personal pronouns – do away with the use of pronouns such as 'I,' 'me' or 'my' because their use is already implied. Likewise, use articles and prepositions sparingly.

Don't include hobbies or interests – unless your hobbies and interests relate to the position it's best not to mention them at all in your resume. Hobbies and interests say a lot about you, and you don't want them to color your potential employer's judgment.

Don't generalize – avoid vague or general statements, such as simply providing a list of your responsibilities. For instance, instead of saying 'Responsible for improving cost efficiencies and savings,' provide concrete examples and personalize your experience.

Top five tips for a successful Canadian-style resume submission

Building a proper resume that follows the Canadian resume format takes effort, and you don't want all the work you put in to go to waste. Keep the following tips in mind to increase your chances of landing that interview.

1. Your resume is a tool to secure an interview—though it's clearly important, it's not all there is in your application phase. You don't have to put your entire history in it. Focus on highlighting core skills and experiences. Use your interview to go into detail with your resume.

2. Make it easy to read and understand – recruiters usually take less than 30 seconds to scan a resume, so if your resume doesn't catch their attention in that short span of time, it's likely headed for the trash bin.

3. Save your resume in .pdf or .doc – you'll to save your Canadian resume format in .pdf or .doc so that formatting will be consistent and employers can open the document easily.

4. Follow submission instructions to the letter – although it's a given that you should follow the Canada resume format, an employer, recruiter or hiring manager may have specific requests, such as putting the position immediately below the subject line. It's imperative to follow any special instructions precisely. If you don't, there's a good chance your resume won't make it to the shortlist.

5. Send it to the right person – this is a no-brainer—make sure you send your resume to the email address included in the job posting. Although you can take it a step further by cc'ing the hiring manager to increase your chances of landing the job. Visit the company website to obtain his or her email address.

Need a Canadian-style resume?

Resumeble's professional resume writers are adept at writing a customized resume for specific markets such as Canada. Conact us about building you an IEC Canada resume format today. We may also supply you with a resume sample Canada format at your request. Learn more about resume format for Canada express entry today.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

Transform your career and beat the odds!

Similar Articles

Posted on : 10 May 2024

Posted on : 22 Aug 2024

Posted on : 19 Dec 2023

Posted on : 04 Dec 2023

How To Build a Professional Resume (Plus Examples and Templates)

Understanding the Basics of a Professional Resume

Steps to build a professional resume, detailed guide to filling out each section, tips for making your resume stand out, free professional resume templates and examples, frequently asked questions about building a professional resume.

A professional resume is a crucial tool in the job search process, serving as your marketing document. It showcases your qualifications, experiences, education credentials, and skills to potential employers and is most likely their first impression of you. Exploring our professional resume writing tips will help improve your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job you desire. This resume writing guide will cover the essential steps, provide examples, and offer templates to help you craft a standout document.

Definition and purpose

A professional resume is a formal document that presents your educational background, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate your qualifications to a potential employer. Effective resume writing can make a strong initial impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Key elements of a professional resume

A professional resume should include at least the following elements: contact information, education, experience, and skills. If applicable, additional categories may also be included, such as volunteerism, licenses, certifications, affiliations, and others, which will be described in more detail later in this guide.

Select the right format

There are three formats from which to choose when building a resume:

Chronological: Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Ideal for those with a consistent work history.

Combination/Hybrid: Blends chronological and functional elements. Best for those with diverse work experience and relevant skills. If you are unsure which format is best, you can decide later, and a free resume builder tool may also help.

Functional : Focuses on skills and experiences rather than chronological work history. Suitable for those with gaps in employment or changing careers.

Gather necessary information

Once you have determined which style suits you best, gather the important information needed to start building. Compile personal details, work history, education, skills, certifications, and achievements. You will need to know dates, titles, outcomes, names of courses or papers, and possibly additional details.

You can begin to brainstorm by creating a list of duties at each job. Think about why and how you did each task and the results. If you have less experience but recently completed education or training related to your field, you can prepare a list of the names of the classes you took, assignments or projects completed, or research papers written.

Select a professional template

Choosing a polished and suitable template is essential to make a good impression. There are many professional styles available online that you can customize to suit your needs.

Contact information

Every professional resume begins with your contact information.

What to include: name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, optional address

The full street address is not necessary. Some applicants include city, state, and zip code since some employers use a radius or zip code search from the location of the office as a way to screen candidates. The further you live, the less likely to be contacted; conversely, the closer you live, the more likely, in these scenarios. It is also a good idea to include your LinkedIn profile , which is important to have.

Writing a compelling summary or objective

A summary statement at the top of the page helps focus the reader on who you are and what you do. This powerful piece of information is in the most valuable place on your resume, the top of the page. Objectives such as “To obtain a position as an entry-level accountant” used to be fairly common. These phrases were about stating your (the job seeker) goal.

In recent years, the objective has transformed into a summary, a more substantive statement geared toward the employer’s needs rather than your wants. It is three to five sentences. Introduce yourself by explaining your background and what you can offer while also connecting to the role you are applying.

“Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and CPA eligible with knowledge of managerial and cost accounting. Advanced Excel, Oracle, QuickBooks, and SAP skills developed through honors-level coursework and an internship at a Big 4 accounting firm.” One of the best ways to build a strong summary is to know the top skills needed to be successful in a role you are seeking and mention them in a compelling way.

Detailing your work experience

Most people opt for the chronological style resume. Even if you use another format, include your work history in reverse chronological order. The order is reversed because employers like to see what you are currently doing. You must use action verbs to describe how you performed your duties. Each resume bullet point should begin with a strong verb, as opposed to “Duties included.”

The majority of what we do can be broken down into a handful of categories: technical, administrative, communication, managerial, financial, research, creative, and helping. Dig deeper into describing that skill beyond the broader “communication.” Drill down on communication and use words like write, edit, speak, listen, negotiate, influence, address, advise, interpret, translate, present, lecture, and more. Choose your verbs carefully because the nuances matter.

Being more specific in the skill demonstrates experience, and it’s best to use the keywords most likely found in the job description. Also, add quantifiable achievements as often as possible. This makes a resume go from good to great.

Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the job you are applying to. This could be as simple as reordering information, such as listing technical skills first or revising some of the language used in your resume. Perhaps you swap “managed a team” for “supervised a team” or “led a team,” depending on the employer’s language.

Example: Building and curating content for Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud users increased donor engagement by 34%.

Some achievements are more difficult to quantify than others. Depending on the field you are in, this may be common, but you can still highlight your accomplishments without hard numbers.

Example: Assist the public policy team with logistical planning of a virtual advocacy training and Capitol Hill Day, scheduled for October 2024. Since the event has not occurred yet, you do not have data on registrations, learning outcomes, or other success measures. Yet you can show you are part of the planning process and detail other things, such as securing four speakers for a panel, “A Day in the Life of a Congressional Aide.” Go further by describing your method of outreach and how you secured them. 

Highlighting your education

If you have less than three to five years of experience, present your education at the top of the page. Those with more experience should put it toward the bottom. Your education section should include the name of the institution. You may also include location, but it is not necessary. Add the type of degree earned and graduation (or expected) date.

If you had a concentration in your major and also had a minor, include that as well (if relevant). Also include academic awards or honors, such as the dean’s list. Add relevant coursework, particularly if your work experience is light. You can incorporate more substance into a coursework section by going beyond a laundry list of classes. Include descriptions and learning outcomes. If you had a study abroad experience, add that as well.

Showcasing your skills

Demonstrate both “hard” (job-specific or technical) and “soft” (transferable, work style) skills on your resume. The skills you highlight should be aligned with the company and the job you are seeking. It’s important to do this because it is likely your resume will first be screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in which the software reads your resume looking for matches based on the job description. Thus word choice is imperative. Also, the human reviewer can catch more nuanced information that may show how much of a fit you are for the team.

Adding extra sections

You may need additional sections to round out your experience and skills. Consider the following:

• Affiliations: You can include organizations in which you are a member, and if you hold a position or serve on a committee, feel free to include that information as well. Similar to the volunteer section, if you are using a combination or functional resume, this information may help you advance or pivot your career.
• Awards : These may be academic, but they can also be industry — or community-based. When considering information for your resume, the less relevant and older it is, the less necessary it is, especially if space is running low.
• Certifications : If you are licensed or certified to practice, include that here. If you completed a training course and earned a certificate, that is different from being a certified public accountant or Licensed Series 7 Stock Broker. If applicable, include the organization, date, and license number you earned.
• Languages : Include languages you are proficient in. If they are required for the job, you may want to highlight this skill at the top or in your summary: “Bi-lingual school social worker…”
• Presentations: If you have shared scholarly work or industry developments, strategies, or insights at a conference, training day, or related, you may highlight this achievement in its own category, Be sure to include the name of the function, where it was held, the date, and the topic.
• Publications : Should you be published in a scholarly or industry journal, or if you have written a book, add the title, publisher, and date.
• Training and professional development: If you have attended classes, completed LinkedIn learning, or participated in training through your employer, and feel it has value for your next potential employer, include it. You may note you earned a certificate, as that indicates you successfully completed a learning outcome.
• Volunteerism: You can include community service or volunteer work on a resume. Mention the organization, dates, and your role (other than volunteer, if applicable). For those using a combination or functional style, this experience may serve as a conduit to your next role.

Customizing your resume

With the amount of competition for each job posted, it is crucial to customize rather than use one general resume for all jobs.

Using keywords

Review the job description, identify the keywords, and check your resume for those same words. Resources such as Jobscan help you run your resume and the job description to assess how close of a match you are.

Highlighting achievements over duties

Describing what you have done on a job is important for context, but focus on your accomplishments over duties. This will help you stand out and likely get through ATS.

Proofreading and editing

Always proofread your resume and have someone else also do so. Spellcheck is not sufficient to identify all errors. After you have worked on your resume, step away for a while. Return and slowly read it aloud to help spot any errors.

• Entry-level resume example
• Mid-career professional resume example
• Senior-level resume example

Meera Patel (123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio San Francisco, CA 12345

A passionate UX designer with three years of professional experience specializing in developing accessible technologies to promote empathy and understanding. Adept at collaborating with diverse teams to incorporate different viewpoints and ensure technological solutions meet the needs of all users.

Professional Experience

UX Designer, Black Cat Apps, San Francisco, CA November 2021 – present

• Oversaw UX design for the development of three mobile apps with over 10 million downloads to date, resulting in coverage of applications from Mashable and Techcrunch
• Collaborate with designers, developers, research managers, and producers to develop creative solutions accessible to users with diverse needs
• Conduct front-end programming using HTML 5, CSS, and JavaScript to develop and build web-based prototypes

Junior UX Designer, Excelsior Design Solutions Inc., San Francisco, CA May 2020 – November 2021

• Performed user research to identify opportunities for improving client’s web presence, which included intuitive site navigation to decrease bounce rates by 27%
• Supported with usability testing for landing pages in preparation for website redesign
• Produced wireframes that contributed to user-centered design efforts for the development of four new mobile applications
• User-centered design principles
• Wireframing
• Agile development

Certifications

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate, 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Computer Science University of San Francisco, California, CA September 2016 – May 2020

This IT resume example effectively captures the candidate’s comprehensive understanding of UX design principles. The content also tells a story, emphasizing a commitment to developing accessible technologies. These unique details can sometimes make all the difference in grabbing the hiring manager’s attention during the job search.

Detailed descriptions of coursework and how you applied your learning can also be helpful if you lack experience in your field. Any work experience is good; do not discount your summer job as a lifeguard or your part-time role during the school year at the bookstore. However, you need to be strategic with where you place it and how you discuss those positions.

Roberta Alexander (987) 654-3210 [email protected] LinkedIn San Diego, CA 12345

Dedicated High School Teacher with seven years of experience teaching science and technology. Use varied education methods to optimize learning experiences and outcomes for every student. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish. Master’s Degree in Education.

• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Curriculum Development
• Differentiated Learning
• Process Streamlining
• Student Counseling & Mentoring
• Test Preparation & Delivery

High School Science Teacher, The STEM School, San Diego, CA | August 2020 to Present

• Adapt lesson plans and teaching methods to students with different learning styles
• Introduced new ways to prepare students for standardized tests, resulting in higher average scores
• Organized annual tennis fundraiser that generated $5K for the math department
• Designed and implemented a new science curriculum

Technology Teacher, Lincoln School, San Diego, CA | August 2016 to July 2020

[High school with 400 students and an award-winning math and science program]

• Educated classes of up to 28 students in grades 9 and 10
• Served as student adviser, offering social, academic, and emotional support to 9th graders
• Promoted a positive, interactive learning environment at all points
• Created and delivered tests to gauge students’ progress and grasp of complex topics

University of California San Diego

• Master of Science (MS) — Education | 2016
• Bachelor of Science (BS) — Education Studies | 2014

Certification

California Professional Educator, State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing | 2022

Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian

A mid-career professional will likely use a chronological format, but you may consider a combination one depending on your background and where you envision your next role. Generally speaking, mid-career professionals will list their work experience first, and education is toward the bottom of the page. You can also list additional skills, languages, certifications, and affiliations before education.

Robert Chen (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA

A Senior System Administrator with 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in Azure, Agile methodology, technical project management, and IT services. A strong background in building and leading high-performance technical teams to execute IT initiatives and technology transformations for enterprise clients.

Senior System Administrator, Pennsylvania Tech Solutions Inc, Philadelphia, PA May 2016 – Present

• Lead the implementation, design, and deployment of cloud solutions for medium-sized business and enterprise customer accounts generating $500K-$3M in annual revenue
• Manage a cross-functional team of system administrators, network engineers, and technical personnel to execute 30+ technical projects
• Oversee project budgets valued at up to $2M and coordinate with vendors to secure network equipment, software, and hardware
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance project delivery cycles by integrating a hybrid Agile-Waterfall approach to reduce delays and roadblocks

System Administrator, North Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA May 2011 – May 2016

• Delivered technical support to 150+ end users for a high-volume hospital, which included installing printers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
• Monitored system performance with the IT team and maintained a 99.99% server uptime
• Resolved 10-15 tier III trouble tickets for users related to hardware and software issues and achieved recognition for resolution times

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Information Technology Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA September 2007 – May 2011

• Technical Project Management
• Microsoft Azure
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Agile Methodology
• Process Improvement
• Project Management Professional (PMP), 2017
• Certified Project Management Associate (CAPM), 2015
• CompTIA A+, 2011

Senior-level professionals have similar resumes as mid-career professionals. However, they may have board experience or involvement in professional associations and may have a longer (two-page) resume. It is common for senior-level candidates to also have additional credentials and possible publications or presentations.

If I am still fairly early in my career, do I need to include my variety of experiences? -

It depends on the length of each position, how long ago they were, their relevance to the field you wish to pursue, and the skills used in each. For example, say you were a server for multiple restaurants that were similar level or type and you only stayed at each place for a few months (unless it was strictly a summer job). You might not want to list all, as not only will it show how often you “job hop,” but it will likely read repetitively.

I recently graduated. Should I include my GPA on my resume? -

If your GPA was 3.5 or higher, most sources agree to include it. When a job description states a GPA as a requirement or preference, and you meet or exceed it, definitely add it. If you graduated more than three years ago, despite having a high GPA, it is not necessary. 

What if I have employment gaps? -

If the gaps are short and you have been steadily employed or in school, there is nothing to do. Address any gaps longer than a year by showing what you did with your time. Keep it concise. If you have been looking for a job since you graduated six months ago, for example, you do not need to clarify this.

Example: Traveled throughout Europe, 2021-2022. Illness and recovery, 2022. Family caretaker 2019-2024.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Carolyn Kleiman

Professional Resume Writer

For the last 20 years, Carolyn Kleiman has helped individuals identify and achieve their career goals. Carolyn has held positions in recruiting and training and has helped countless numbers of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and eventually land their dream jobs! Carolyn is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Certified Professional Resume Writer and is a member of the National Career Development Association and Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Graphic Design

• USER EXPERIENCE (UX) DESIGN
• User Interface (UI) Design
• Interior Design
• Motion Graphics
• Student Work
• Graphic design
• USER EXPERIENCE Design
• Motion graphics
• Interior design

How To Create a Resume Using Canva (Plus the Best Canva Resume Templates)

Discover the pros and cons of using Canva to create your resume—along with the best templates.

A well-designed resume is a crucial part of your application package. It should be neatly formatted, easy to read, and must effectively convey your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

If you’re not sure how to structure and format your resume, there are many tools available to help you. 

Canva is one such tool, offering thousands of resume designs and customizable templates to suit a range of industries. However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind when using Canva to create your resume, so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons first. 

If you’re considering using Canva as a resume tool, we’ve put together this guide to help you. We’ll cover everything you need to know before you begin—and we’ll share a selection of the best free Canva resume templates. 

• What is Canva and what is it used for?
• The pros and cons of creating your resume with Canva
• How to create a resume using Canva (step-by-step)
• The best free Canva resume templates  
• Tips and best practices for a professional resume  
• The takeaway

First: a brief introduction to Canva. 

1. What is Canva and what is it used for?

Canva is a free graphic design tool with an easy drag-and-drop interface and thousands of customizable templates. 

No matter your skill level, Canva enables you to create professional designs with ease—from social media posts and presentations to posters, logo designs , business cards, user personas , and resumes. 

You can learn more about Canva (and some popular alternatives) in our complete guide to graphic design tools and software . For now, though, let’s consider the pros and cons of using Canva to create your resume. 

2. The pros and cons of creating your resume with Canva

Creating your resume can feel like a daunting task. Not only have you got to capture and summarize all of your most impressive skills, accomplishments, and experiences. You’ve also got to design your resume in a way that’s clearly structured, visually appealing, and easy to read. 

With its extensive library of ready-made templates, a tool like Canva might seem like the ideal solution. However, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons first:

Those are the pros and cons at a glance, and we explore them in more detail in the following sections. 

The pros of using Canva to create your resume

The greatest advantage of a tool like Canva is the time and effort it can save you when creating your resume.

With thousands of templates to choose from, you already have the structure of your resume in place. Then all you need to do is fill out each section in the template. You might need to make some small adjustments to things like spacing and color, but the bulk of the design work has already been done for you. 

Then there’s the fact that Canva is very easy to use. Even if you’re using the tool for the first time, the interface is so intuitive that there’s almost no learning curve. 

In short: you can create a well-structured, beautifully designed resume in next to no time. 

The cons of using Canva to create your resume

The biggest issue is that Canva resumes do not pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

Applicant tracking systems are the software employers use to scan through resumes automatically. The software checks for relevant keywords to assess how closely a resume matches their criteria. Only once a resume passes through the ATS does it reach a human hiring manager for closer inspection. If an ATS can’t decipher your resume, it’ll automatically reject it—and that’s obviously a huge problem for your job search. 

Given that the majority of employers these days use applicant tracking systems, this is certainly something to consider before you use Canva to create your resume. 

An additional drawback to bear in mind is that, depending on your chosen template, Canva resume designs may be perceived as overly stylized or unnecessarily elaborate. This will vary from industry to industry, but ultimately your resume should focus on readability and professionalism rather than visual creativity. 

Does this mean you should write Canva off altogether as a resume tool?

Not necessarily. If you need help structuring your resume and figuring out how best to organize your content and present your skills, Canva templates are a great place to start. Once you’ve created your resume in Canva, you can then follow the same format and structure to create an ATS-friendly version.

With that, let’s run through the practical process of creating a resume in Canva. 

3. How to create a resume using Canva (step-by-step)

If you’re new to Canva, here’s a quick tutorial to help you get started:

• Go to Canva.com and either log in with your existing account or click “Sign up” to create a new account.
• Navigate to the Canva template library and enter “resume” in the search bar.
• Apply filters to narrow down your search. You can choose to view free templates only, for example, and filter by style, theme, and industry/topic.
• Click on your chosen template (just once), then click “Customize this template.” You’ll be taken to the Canva editor.
• Double-click on individual blocks and text boxes to customize each section of your resume, such as your name and contact details, education and certifications, and professional experience.
• Once you’re happy with the finished product, click “Share” to download your resume. 

As you can see, creating a resume in Canva is very straightforward. 

Next, let’s consider some of the best free Canva resume templates on offer. 

4. The best free Canva resume templates 

In this section, we’ve rounded up ten of the best resume templates available in Canva. They’re all free, and they can all be customized to suit your needs and preferences. 

1. Minimalist white and gray professional resume template

The perfect mix of elegance and professionalism, the Minimalist White and Grey Professional Resume template by Dina Solitah is a versatile choice that will work for any industry.

With clean lines, a straightforward layout, clearly defined sections, and generous use of white space, this resume template is all about clarity and readability. Consider this if you’re striving for a polished, no-frills resume that makes an impression. 

2. Minimalist modern professional CV resume template 

The Minimalist Modern Professional CV Resume template by Mosalama is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple, modern design. 

The template includes sections for your contact information, work experience, education, and skills—all organized in a way that highlights your most relevant qualifications. This makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly scan through and find key information.

With its minimalist design and neutral color palette, this Canva resume template is all about professionalism and readability; suitable for all industries. 

3. Yellow creative graphic designer resume template 

Looking for something a bit bolder for your resume? Try the Yellow Creative Graphic Designer Resume template by Canva Creative Studio.

This vibrant and eye-catching template is designed specifically for creative professionals in the graphic design field. Its bold yellow accents and modern layout make it stand out, ensuring that your resume captures the hiring manager’s attention right from the start.

This template features a unique design that allows for creative expression of your skills and experience. It includes sections for your contact information, work experience, education, and a dedicated area for showcasing your graphic design portfolio or design projects. 

The layout is visually appealing while still maintaining clarity, making it easy for hiring managers to navigate through your qualifications.

4. Black and white minimalist simple monogrammed resume template

The Black and White Minimalist Simple Monogrammed Resume template by Designs For Makers is a great choice if you want a sophisticated and elegant design. 

The classic black and white color scheme ensures a timeless and versatile resume that works for both corporate and creative fields, while the clean layout enhances readability. 

The addition of a monogram adds a personal touch, making this a great template if you want your resume to stand out while maintaining an air of professionalism. 

5. White and blue infographic resume template

If you want to deviate from the classic black and white resume design without compromising on professionalism, try the White and Blue Infographic Resume template by Canva Creative Studio. 

With blue accents against a clean white background, this resume template is fresh and modern—ideal if you’re applying for jobs within the creative industries, or those that value innovative design. 

Another highlight of this template is the use of infographic elements to present key information in a visually digestible format. It includes sections for your contact details, work experience, education, and skills—all organized with icons and charts for optimal readability. 

Overall, this is a great option if you want your resume to stand out from the crowd with a unique design, and convey your skills in a highly skimmable format. 

6. Blue and white geometric modern resume template

The Blue and White Geometric Modern Resume template by Prisma Studio allows you to showcase your creativity while maintaining a professional appearance.

The geometric design elements combined with a blue and white color scheme create a contemporary look that’s visually appealing. And, thanks to the well-organized layout with clearly defined sections, this resume design not only looks great but is also extremely easy to navigate. 

We recommend this template if you’re applying for jobs in creative industries and want to make a bold visual statement with your resume.

7. Black and white simple infographic resume template

This Black and White Simple Infographic Resume template by Dina Maher is a sleek and professional option that prioritizes readability. 

Each section is clearly defined and labeled, ensuring your resume content stands out. The use of icons and visual cues helps to break up the text and highlight key achievements, enabling hiring managers to quickly scan your resume and get an overview of your skills.

This professional resume design works across all industries and sectors, making it a versatile option for all job seekers. 

8. Colorful collage infographic graphic designer resume 

If you’re looking for something bold, eye-catching, and unusual, consider this Colorful Collage Infographic Graphic Designer Resume template by Stevcreative. 

With its bright colors and unique collage-style layout, this vibrant resume design makes a strong first impression—ideal for creative professionals who want to break the mold. 

It includes dedicated sections for your education, skills, experience, and personal profile; everything you need to provide a snapshot of your accomplishments and pique the hiring manager’s interest. 

9. Black, white, and gray minimalist professional graphic designer resume template 

The Black, White, and Gray Minimalist Professional Graphic Designer Resume template by Marissa Abao’s Images offers a sophisticated and modern approach to resume design. 

The monochromatic color palette evokes a sense of professionalism, while the font choice gives it a slightly creative edge—making this template an excellent choice for graphic designers and other artistic professionals.

With a clean, well-organized layout that effectively balances text and white space, this resume template scores high on readability, too, enabling you to guide the reader through your skills and accomplishments. 

10. Black simple UI resume template

Last but not least is the Black Simple UI Resume template by Dina Maher. With its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and straightforward layout, this is a high-impact resume template ideal for those in the tech and design industries.

The template uses clean lines and ample white space, ensuring that each section stands out. And, thanks to clear headings and bullet-point lists, the overall design prioritizes clarity and readability—creating a resume that’s easy to scan and navigate. 

Overall, this is a great option if you want something a little bolder than the classic resume layout without overdoing it. 

5. Tips and best practices for a professional resume 

Whether you’re using a Canva template or designing your resume from scratch, it’s essential that your resume is professional, easy to read, and—most importantly—tailored to the job you’re applying for. 

Follow these tips and best practices to ensure your resume makes the right impression. 

Tailor your resume to the job

We mentioned earlier that many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan incoming resumes for relevant keywords. And human hiring managers will do the same: skim through your resume to quickly assess whether or not you’re a good fit.

To give yourself the best possible chance of landing an interview, tailor your resume to closely match the jobs you’re applying for. 

Read through the job description(s) to see which skills take priority—then highlight those skills, as well as relevant achievements and experiences, throughout your resume. 

You don’t need to recreate your resume from scratch for every role. But, with a few small tweaks, you can make sure that your resume and the job description are closely aligned. 

Keep it concise and relevant 

When creating your resume, you want to strike a balance between brevity and depth. 

One page may not be enough to truly showcase the breadth of your skills and accomplishments—but equally, no hiring manager wants to sift through a five-page document.

Aim to fit your resume within two pages. Feature the most relevant information on the first page (such as a bullet point summary of your key skills), and list your professional experience in reverse chronological order. That way, employers will see your most recent experience first. 

Highlight your achievements and impact

When writing about your employment history, don’t just list the various tasks and responsibilities you had at each role. Instead, focus on what you accomplished—and the value this created for the team, the company, and/or the customer/end user. 

You might include quantifiable metrics, for example, such as “Improved conversion rates by 20%” or “Achieved a 35% increase in email sign-ups.” 

If you don’t have numbers to hand, highlight the qualitative value of your efforts—such as “Successfully implemented a new project management system which enhanced team collaboration and efficiency.” 

Prioritize readability 

Your resume should be easy to read and neatly formatted, allowing the reader to skim through and quickly take in relevant information. 

Choose a clean, easily legible font (check out this guide to font types and styles for more guidance), use headings and bullet points to organize content, and use plenty of white space between sections. 

Proofread, test, and double-check 

Before you send your resume to employers, be sure to proofread it thoroughly—and share it with a trusted friend or colleague for a second review. 

You want to check that your resume is typo-free and that it accurately and effectively conveys your skills and experience. 

Make any necessary edits, check that the design and formatting are still intact, and give it one final check before you hit send. 

6. The takeaway 

We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring some of Canva’s most impressive resume templates. And, bear in mind that we’ve only scratched the surface here; you’ll find many more free templates in the Canva library. Just remember to apply the “free” filter when searching (unless you’re happy to pay for a special design).

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, Canva templates are incredibly useful for helping you structure your resume and come up with a reader-friendly design. However, it’s important to be aware that Canva resumes do not pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), so be sure to create an ATS-friendly version of your resume, too.

For further career tips and guides, check out the following:

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Graphic Designer Resume (With Tips and Examples)

• 17 Graphic Design Interview Questions (and How To Prepare for Them)
• An In-Depth Guide to the Top Graphic Design Jobs in 2024 (and Their Salaries)

7. Next Steps

We hope this guide to creating a resume using Canva was valuable to you. We highly recommend that you check out this Narrative Project by AND learner Bibin S for inspiration to create a strong portfolio to complement your resume. In case you need further assistance, here are some of our resources you can consider:

• Watch this session by design veteran and AND’s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.
• Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
• Pursue our Graphic Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
• Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.

Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.

12 Graphic Design Ideas and Trends To Light Up Your Next Project in 2024 (With Examples)

Looking for the latest graphic design ideas and trends for your next project? Take inspiration from these remarkable options and examples. …

What Is Figma? Uses, Benefits, and Key Features

Figma is one of the most popular design and prototyping tools for UX and UI designers. Learn how it works and why it’s so useful in this guide... …

Graphic Designer Salary in India: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Curious about how much you could make as a graphic designer in India? We’ve got all the information you need, from graphic design salaries and job profiles to...…

What Is Adobe Illustrator?: A Complete Guide (With Use Cases and Benefits)

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics tool—and a staple in the design industry. Explore Illustrator’s core features and use cases in this guide. …

8 Top Graphic Design Courses in Las Vegas to Consider in 2024

Interested in graphic design and looking for courses to learn industry-relevant skills? Get the list of the best graphic design courses in Las Vegas here... …

10 Best Graphic Design Courses in Houston for 2024

Fulfilling your ambitions of a career in graphic design has much to do with the course you pursue. Here’s a handpicked list of the best graphic design courses in Houston...…

What Is Photoshop? : Complete Guide to its History, Features, and Specifications

Photoshop is a raster graphics editor tool used for image and photo editing. Learn all about Photoshop’s key features and use cases in this guide...…

Learn how to create a graphic designer resume that showcases your skills, impresses hiring managers, and increases your chances of getting an interview. …

Consult Course Advisors

Hire Our Graduate / Upskill Your Team

Become An Instructor

Course(s) you can teach

• Join Our Newsletter
• Post a Listing
• Your Listings
• Your Profile
• Your Subscriptions
• Payment History
• Sign up for Daily Headlines
• Sign up for Notifications

HandyDART strike in Metro Vancouver ending as workers ratify new deal with TransDev

• Share by Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Text Message

VANCOUVER — The union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver has voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with TransDev, which says it aims for full service to resume by the end of the week.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 voted Monday to ratify the deal, giving workers a "significant" wage increase, that the union says would address the staffing shortages.

TransDev says it's pleased the three-week strike is coming to an end.

About 600 HandyDART employees started strike action on Sept. 3, pausing service except for essential medical trips.

ATU Local 1724 President Joe McCann says the strike showed the power of the union, and ratifying the contract is great for union members.

The union also says the new contract with TransDev pushes back on the use of taxis through creative language on shift scheduling and reporting.

Transdev is the contracted operator of HandyDART, which serves people who are unable to navigate the conventional transit system.

The company says in a statement that service "will resume progressively this week," with the goal of normal service levels by Friday.

It says customers looking for information about particular trips can phone the HandyDART call centre.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 24, 2024.

The Canadian Press

• See a typo/mistake?
• Have a story/tip?

This has been shared 0 times

More b.c. news.

Featured Flyer