canadian resume template

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.

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Resume builder build a professional resume.

Build a resume in just a few minutes and make a lasting impression with the Resume Builder – a feature of the Standard and Plus accounts on Job Bank.

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Easily build a professional-looking resume that showcases your goals and qualifications. Just pick a template and fill in the blanks. No formatting is needed!

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Spend less time writing and make sure you use the same words as employers. You can simply select skills and job duties from our thousands of pre-defined options.

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Build multiple resumes for different types of jobs and save them all in your account until the right opportunity comes up. You can download and print them at any time.

How to use the Resume Builder

Step 1 pick a template.

After you create a Standard or Plus account on Job Bank, just login to access the Resume Builder. To build your first resume, pick from one of the two templates currently available. You should choose the resume template that best reflects your current situation.

• you have several years of experience in your field;
• you’re looking for a job in your field;
• your career progression has been stable and your work history is fairly consistent (no major gaps).

Use the youth and recent graduates’ template if:

• you’re a first-time job seeker starting your professional career;
• you’ve just completed your education and you’re looking for an entry-level job in your field of study;
• you have limited paid work experience.

Step 2 Fill in the blanks

Once you’ve picked a resume template, fill in the blanks with details about your education, experience and skills.

To help fill in some sections of your resume, you can search thousands of pre-defined options and select the ones that suit you. For example, you can import job duties for any job title. When you look up a job title, you can select all or any of the associated job duties and add them to your resume in one click.

If you have a Plus account on Job Bank, you can simply import all of your profile details into the Resume Builder to automatically fill the blanks.

Canadian resume and cover letter: Format, tips, and templates

For many newcomers, finding employment quickly after moving to Canada is a high-priority action item. Whether you’re contemplating a career switch or looking to get back in your field of work, the first step is usually the same – to have a resume and a cover letter that you can share with potential employers or networking contacts.    

In this article, we will explore the Canadian-style resume in detail, highlight some key differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV), and help you identify which resume format might be best suited to your career goal. We will also go over some useful tips to craft an ATS-friendly resume to ensure you stand out from the competition and get noticed by employers, hiring managers, and recruiters.

In this article:

• What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada

Tips for writing a canadian-style resume, what is the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (cv).

Often, there are two ways job seekers can showcase their professional experience to an employer: by using a resume or a CV. In Canada, employers prefer a resume. A CV is mainly used only for academic applications such as academic jobs, grants, research fellowships, etc. 

To provide more clarity, here are some key differences between a resume and a CV:

Many countries use a CV instead of a resume, and some have a combination of both. Some regions use both terms interchangeably: for instance, in most European countries as well as New Zealand, the term CV is used to describe an equivalent of a Canadian resume. In Australia and South Africa, “curriculum vitae” and “resume” are synonyms that can be used interchangeably. In South Asia, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably and refer to an equivalent of a traditional CV.  

In some parts of the world, it’s common to include personal information such as marital status, nationality, personal interests, hobbies, date of birth, address, and a photograph on a CV. In Canada, however, you shouldn’t include these details on your resume as it is not required under the employment law, and it is also not a part of the resume format.

As a job seeker in Canada, there are three types of resume formats you should be familiar with. Each of these formats includes the same basic information in a different layout. 

1. Reverse chronological resume

This type of resume outlines your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

If you’re an experienced professional with at least some experience in the workforce, have no major employment gaps , and intend to continue working in the same field.

Tip: The reverse chronological resume is the most popular format in the Canadian job market. Most employers and recruiters are used to and prefer a resume in this format.

2. Functional resume

The functional resume focuses on your overall skills and qualifications instead of specific professional experiences. The employment history is still included, but it is usually listed after skills and education. 

When to use a functional resume?

If you’re looking to switch roles and/or industries and start your career in a new field. It may also be ideal for recent college graduates.  

3. Combination or hybrid resume

A combination resume is a mix of the reverse-chronological layout and the functional layout and is ideal for showcasing transferable skills along with professional experience. In this format, work experience is usually outlined in a reverse chronological format, and the skills section includes a summary of qualifications and technical skills (or core competencies). 

When to use a combination or hybrid resume?

It is commonly used by a variety of job seekers ranging from experienced workers to recent graduates to those with limited experience, multiple short-term work stints, or those having significant work gaps. 

Need more guidance on how to write a Canadian-style resume? For a stepwise approach, check out: How to write a resume for the Canadian job market 10 resume mistakes to avoid when applying for jobs in Canada

Download the free Resume and cover letter templates to craft your Canadian resume

Mastering the art of writing a flawless and impactful Canadian-style resume takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you improve your resume-writing skills. 

1. Adapt your resume to each job listing and keep it relevant

Having a generic resume and sharing it with multiple employers for a variety of positions/roles may not yield the best result for you. It is essential to customize your resume to each position that you’re applying for. Tailor your work experience, skills, and any additional information to the role. Include keywords from the job posting and always start your sentence with relevant action verbs like spearheaded, achieved, managed, trained, etc. Craft a compelling summary for your resume. Avoid including very detailed information for each position you have held; you can share relevant details in the interview instead. 

Job interview resources:  How to prepare for a job interview 10 common job interview questions and how to answer them

2. Optimize for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) but write for humans

Many companies use an ATS to pre-screen resumes and then involve recruiters and hiring managers later in the process. You need to keep both in mind when writing your resume. 

What is an ATS?

An ATS is a software that scans resumes to determine if it is a good match for a specific job listing. Parameters such as work experience, skills, and education are usually considered during the ATS screening process. Resumes that match the pre-defined criteria are forwarded to hiring managers or recruiters, while human eyes never see those rejected by the system. Therefore, even though you may be qualified for the position, if your resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, it may end up being rejected. An ATS is widely used by organizations, recruiters, and job placement agencies in Canada. 

How to optimize a resume for ATS

• Use standard formatting and don’t include images, designs, charts, and tables. 
• Use correct headers and include keywords that match the job description and desired core competencies and skills.
• Send your resume as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document. Most ATS systems tend to process Word files better than PDF. 
• Spell out abbreviations at least once on your resume. 
• Include experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
• Avoid long paragraphs and font size less than size 10. 
• Convert technical terms, grades, and scores to their Canadian equivalents. 

3. Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofread your resume

It’s always a good idea to proofread your resume and check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence formation, especially if English isn’t your first language or mother tongue. There are many free tools that can help you with proofreading: Grammarly as well as the in-built grammar and spelling tool in Microsoft Word, are good starting points. You can also ask a native English speaker to review your resume for language fluency.  

To help you finesse your English language skills and get more tips and advice from an experienced teacher, Karen Thomson, read How to improve your English and adapt to Canadian culture .

4. Quantify your accomplishments

Many job seekers make the mistake of outlining roles and responsibilities instead of achievements. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer seeing quantified accomplishments on resumes. The ‘CAR’ approach is a good way to help you structure individual sentences: 

C = what was the Challenge , A = what Action did you take, and R = what was the Result .

Some examples to consider:

• “Reached eBay Power Seller status within one year by auctioning over 400 items per month, an exceptional accomplishment reached by only 4 per cent of the 29 million eBay sellers at that time.” 
• “Designed and built statistical analysis models on large data sets (e.g. Aster, Teradata) that helped increase online sales (up to 15 per cent per product) and lowered cart-abandonment rate by 23 per cent.” 

5. Include a cover letter

A cover letter is a formal one-page document that accompanies a resume. It is not a rephrased or concise version of your resume, but it is mainly supposed to talk about how you fit the role you’re applying for and why the organization should hire you. The cover letter is also a good way to justify any gaps in your resume or provide any additional info that your resume can’t.

Note that a cover letter doesn’t have to be a separate document but can also be included in the body of an email when applying for a job. Adding a custom, well-written cover letter to your resume can make you stand out from the crowd, thus improving your chances of being approached for an interview. 

Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter

• Limit the length to one page.
• Tailor your cover letter to suit each job application.
• Proofread your cover letter; check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, especially since it serves as a reflection of your communication skills.
• Use a standard font size (10 or 12 points, in a font style such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Avoid using special effects (bold/underline/italics, different fonts, and colour).
• Weave in information you know about the company, their recent projects, or organizational culture and values.

Looking for more guidance on cover letters? Read How to write an effective cover letter for advice and insights from recruiters.

6. Show off your skills with unpaid or local volunteer work

This is a good way for newcomers to show Canadian experience on their resume. If your volunteer work requires you to use skills that may also be valued in the position that you are applying for, adding the volunteer experience to your resume may work to your advantage.

Tip: Volunteering can help you build your network and earn Canadian experience. To discover the importance of volunteering in Canada, and learn how to find volunteering opportunities, read The benefits of volunteering as a newcomer in Canada .

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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Canadian Resume Format: Complete Guide (2023)

The Canadian job market has its own set of standards, and therefore, it is crucial to tailor your resume accordingly. It is common for job seekers to wonder how their resume should be formatted according to Canadian standards.

In this article, we will explore the key components of a Canadian resume format , including the preferred length, format, and content. We will also provide you with expert tips and examples to help you create a winning resume that will catch the attention of Canadian employers.

Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this guide will help you tailor your resume to the Canadian job market and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

How is the Canadian Resume Format Different from Other Formats?

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A Canadian resume is a document that job seekers use to apply for employment in Canada. It is a summary of the applicant’s work experience, education, skills, and other relevant information.

Canadian resumes can be in either chronological or functional format . Chronological resumes list work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent job. Functional resumes focus on skills and experience rather than work history. We will discuss them in detail later.

Why is the Canadian Resume Format Important?

The Canadian resume format is important because it helps job seekers present their qualifications in a way that is clear and easy to read for Canadian employers.

Since Canadian employers receive many resumes for each job posting, it is important for job seekers to make their resumes stand out. By using the Canadian resume format, job seekers can ensure that their resume meets Canadian standards and is more likely to be considered by employers.

While the Canadian resume format is generally similar to other formats used in North America, such as the American resume format, there are a few key differences.

• For instance, Canadian resumes often include a section on language proficiency , as bilingualism (especially knowledge of French) is highly valued in Canada.
• Canadian resumes also often include a summary or objective section at the beginning of the resume, which is not common in other formats.
• Canadian resumes may include a section on professional development or training . This highlights any relevant courses, seminars, or certifications that the applicant has completed.
• Another key difference between Canadian resumes and some Asian countries is that Canadian resumes normally do not include personal information such as the job seeker’s age, marital status, and nationality. Photos are also avoided in most cases unless your looks are important for your profession.
• Canadian resumes typically include contact information such as the applicant’s address, phone number, and email at the top of the document. However, in some countries, this information is only added to a cover letter or given at the end of the document.
• Finally, Canadian resumes may use British English spelling and terminology, which differs slightly from American English. 

Canadian Resume Length

The recommended length of a resume in Canada is typically one to two pages , depending on the individual’s work history and experience. For those with a few years of experience, a one-page resume may suffice, while those with more experience may require a two-page resume. Three pages may be acceptable if you have more than 10 years of experience.

Canada Government’s Job Bank website also recommends limiting your resume to two pages.

However, it’s important to prioritize the content of the resume over its length . Focus on effectively highlighting your skills, experience, and education to make a strong impression on potential employers.

How long is a resume in Canada?

It is typically recommended that you limit your resume in Canada to two pages. In the case of a person without much experience, a single page should be sufficient.

Canadian resumes are typically letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches, 22 x 28 cm), containing one or two pages of information.

Canadian resumes also use standard margins of one inch on all sides and left-aligned text for easy reading.

Key Components of a Canadian Resume

A Canadian-style resume typically includes several sections that provide a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s qualifications and experiences . These sections are crucial in making a strong first impression with potential employers. Here are the key components of a Canadian resume:

1. Resume Header

The resume header typically includes the applicant’s name, contact information, and a professional title. The professional title should be relevant to the job applied for and should showcase the applicant’s skills and experience.

The contact information section should include the applicant’s address, phone number, and email address. It is essential to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. A professional email address is recommended, and it is advisable to avoid using personal email addresses.

2. Resume Summary

The resume summary is a brief statement that highlights the applicant’s skills, experiences, and career goals. It is recommended to keep the summary concise and focused on the job applied for. The summary should be written in a way that captures the employer’s attention and encourages them to read further.

3. Work Experience

The work experience section should include the applicant’s previous work experience, including the job title, company name, dates of employment, and job responsibilities. It is essential to highlight the achievements and accomplishments in each role and quantify them wherever possible.

4. Education

The education section should include the applicant’s educational qualifications, including the degree, school name, and dates of attendance. It is recommended to include any relevant coursework, academic achievements, and certifications.

The skills section should include the applicant’s relevant skills, including technical, soft, and transferable skills. It is recommended to tailor the skills section to the job applied for and highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position.

6. Achievements

The achievements section should highlight the applicant’s accomplishments, including awards, recognition, and other notable achievements. It is recommended to quantify achievements wherever possible and tailor them to the job applied for.

7. Volunteer Experience

The volunteer experience section should include any relevant volunteer work, including the organization name, dates of volunteering, and job responsibilities. It is recommended to highlight any transferable skills gained through volunteer work.

8. Publications

The publications section should include any relevant publications, including books, articles, and research papers. It is recommended to highlight the publication’s relevance to the job applied for and include any relevant details, such as co-authors and publication dates. If you don’t have anything to show or it is irrelevant to the job you are applying for, you can skip this.

The references section should include the applicant’s professional references, including their name, job title, company name, phone number, and email address. It is recommended to ask for permission before including someone as a reference and to inform them when they are contacted by an employer.

Types of Canadian Resume Formats

Canadian resumes come in two main formats: chronological and functional . Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the job seeker’s experience and career goals.

1. Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is the most common type of resume used in Canada.

It lists the job seeker’s work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job and working backwards. This format is best suited to job seekers who have a consistent work history and want to highlight their career progression. This is also more suited for someone who doesn’t have career gaps.

Some tips for formatting a chronological resume include:

• Keep the resume concise and relevant, focusing on the most important details.
• Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and responsibilities.
• Include relevant keywords to help the resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).

2. Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on the job seeker’s skills and abilities, rather than their work history. This format is best suited to job seekers who are changing careers, have gaps in their work history, or have limited work experience .

Some tips for formatting a functional resume include:

• Highlight skills and achievements that are relevant to the job.
• Use bullet points to organize information and make it easy to read.
• Include a summary section at the top of the resume that highlights the job seeker’s key skills and qualifications.

The choice of resume format depends on the job seeker’s experience, career goals, and job requirements.

• If you are someone with a consistent employment history and no career gaps, a chronological format would be the best for you.
• If you are a fresher, or someone changing careers, or have career gaps, a functional resume would be more suited.

Job seekers should choose a format that highlights their strengths and accomplishments, and makes it easy for employers to see why they are the best fit for the job.

When creating a Canadian resume, it is essential to have a well-structured resume as it is the first impression that a potential employer has of you. Employers receive hundreds of resumes, and therefore, a lengthy resume with irrelevant information may not get the attention it deserves.

A well-structured Canadian resume should have a clear and concise summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and additional sections, if necessary. By following the Canadian resume format, job seekers increase their chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

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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 and a european cv, how to write a canadian resume, faq about canadian resumes, key takeaways.

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. Understanding the Canadian resume format is crucial whether you're applying for a job within the country for the first time as a foreigner, or you're a Canadian looking to refine your resume writing skills.

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!

Find if your resume passes the Canadian format!

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

This 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.

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 details 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 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.

A clear and concise header, focusing on these key elements, will demonstrate you're a strong candidate for the job. Here’s an example:

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.

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.

Is your resume good enough?

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.

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Resume in Canadian Format: Canadian resume samples and examples

Hoping to live and work in Canada? Our guide to resumes in Canadian format will get you off to a great start!

Are you hoping to live and work in Canada? We can’t blame you if so – it’s a beautiful country with a reputation for welcoming people from all around the world. Between the friendly, open culture and the beautiful northern scenery, what’s not to love about the prospect of a brand new life abroad?

But if you want to live the life of your dreams in Canada, you’ll need to be able to find a job to support yourself. That means learning how to write a resume in the Canadian format, which has some important differences from other resume formats around the world. Wherever you come from, you’ll probably need to make at least a few changes to your resume if you want to find employment in Canada.

To get you started, we’ve put together this guide to writing your first Canadian resume! We’ll cover all of the following points:

• Why you need a Canadian resume
• The key differences between Canadian resumes and resumes from elsewhere
• What to call attention to when writing your Canadian resume
• How to lay out your Canadian resume

Why Write a Resume in the Canadian Format?

Simply put, you need to write a resume in the Canadian format to maximize your chances of finding a job in Canada.

If you’re coming to Canada from the US, you’ll probably have an easier time, as the two countries share a lot of the same values when it comes to resumes. Though you’ll need to make a few important tweaks, you probably won’t need to overhaul your entire resume to keep Canadian employers happy.

But many people move to Canada from much farther afield, and end up surprised by the differences in employment norms. If you’re coming to Canada from a country where things are done differently, the process of reworking your resume can cost you valuable time on your job search. It could delay your ability to find a job, and to start earning a living in your new country.

If you show up prepared, you’ll have a much easier time. There’s already enough work involved in moving to a new country! Get this task out of the way early, and save yourself some stress once you arrive in Canada.

Key Features of a Canadian Resume

To help you get started on your Canadian resume, here are some of the key features of a resume in the Canadian style. If you’re wondering what differences you need to watch out for, look no further – we’ve got your back!

In the US, the subject of whether or not to include a photo of yourself on your resume is hotly debated. Some people believe it’s inherently unprofessional, unless you’re applying for a job that relies on your appearance – like modeling or acting. Other people believe it’s a great way to give your resume more of a personal touch.

But in Canada, that debate simply doesn’t exist. If you want to find a job in Canada, you shouldn’t include a photo of yourself on your resume.

That’s because your physical appearance isn’t considered relevant to your employability. It’s also worth considering that including a photo of yourself may increase your risk of facing discrimination in the hiring process, particularly if you’re a person of color, gender non-conforming, or a member of another visible minority group. When applying for jobs in Canada, it’s expected that you will leave the photo out.

No Personal Details

The same principle applies to other personal details that you might be tempted to include on your resume. When job searching in Canada, you should avoid including any of the following information:

• Your race, background or ethnicity
• Any physical attributes
• Your marital status
• Whether you have children
• Your sexual orientation

None of this is information that will help an employer decide whether or not to hire you. In fact, due to discrimination laws, it may be against the law for them to take this information into account when considering you as a candidate!

Two Page Maximum

In this respect, Canadian resume standards are fairly similar to American resume standards. You should avoid allowing your resume to take up more than two pages. If you’re a recent graduate or a junior employee, you should aim to limit it to a single page if possible.

Remember, a longer resume doesn’t innately prove that you have more experience. In most cases, all it will prove is that you lack the ability to express yourself concisely. Being able to summarize your skills and experience is a talent in its own right, and hiring managers will be on the lookout for it.

Reverse-Chronological Format

A reverse-chronological resume format is the default resume format in North America. But if you’re not familiar with the term, don’t panic! It just means a resume that lists your work experience from the most recent item to the oldest item.

Under exceptional circumstances, you may want to use a functional resume format instead. If you’re a recent graduate or you have extensive gaps in your work history, this skills-focused resume format will allow you to minimize both your lack of experience and any interruptions to your employment. This format is also accepted in Canada, though it’s much less common than the reverse-chronological format.

What to Highlight on Your Canadian Resume

Once you’ve figured out the most important features of your Canadian resume, it’s time to think about what you can highlight as you write. There are certain qualities and experiences that will give you an edge when looking for your first job in Canada, so make sure you include as many of them as you can!

Canadian Work Experience

Canadian employers strongly value existing Canadian work experience. It’s evidence that you can mesh well with the social and professional norms of a Canadian workplace. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult for newcomers to Canada to find a way into the Canadian workforce – if you don’t already have Canadian work experience, it can be surprisingly hard to obtain any.

That’s why, if you do have Canadian work experience, it should be front and center on your Canadian resume. It will give you a huge advantage as you look for work in Canada!

For the purposes of this guide, ‘Canadian work experience’ is a fairly broad umbrella term. Ideally, Canadian employers will want to see experience of working for a Canadian company. However, if you’ve worked in collaboration with a Canadian company or team while employed elsewhere, that will also give you an advantage on the Canadian job market.

Experience Working Internationally

If you don’t have Canadian work experience – and if you’re new to Canada, you probably don’t – then experience working with international collaborators in general is a useful substitute.

Being able to work with people from other countries shows that you are adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn about other people’s workplace norms and standards. When you’re looking for work internationally, it’s extremely useful to be able to point to experience of international collaboration – even if you’ve only ever worked in your home country. It’s proof that you have what it takes to adapt to a Canadian work environment, which will take you far in your job search.

Right to Work in Canada

There are strict rules governing who is permitted to work in Canada. If you’re already in Canada and you’re looking for work, you will have a huge advantage if you can demonstrate to employers that you already have the right to work in Canada. This doesn’t have to take up much space on your resume – you can easily include it in your header – but it can be a big green flag to hiring managers wondering whether to take a chance on you.

This is because Canadian companies hoping to hire non-Canadians (people who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents) need to complete a LMIA, or Labor Market Impact Assessment, before they can make that hire. The LMIA needs to demonstrate that the non-Canadian applicant is more qualified than any Canadian applicants for the job, and that hiring a non-Canadian won’t take away an opportunity from a qualified Canadian. If you already have the right to work in Canada, the company hoping to hire you can bypass the LMIA, which makes you a much more attractive hiring prospect.

It should go without saying that if you don’t have the right to work in Canada, you shouldn’t lie about it! You will be found out, and you will jeopardize your reputation with that employer. Be honest, but be clear about your work status in the country – it could help you out as you look for work.

How to Format Your Canadian Resume

Now you know what to include, what to exclude, and what to foreground on your Canadian resume. But where do you begin when it comes to laying the whole thing out on the page?

As always, the exact order of your resume will vary depending on your circumstances. Your career trajectory, your work history, and the length of your career so far can all impact how you structure your resume. But as a guide, here’s an approximate order for your Canadian resume.

Resume Header

Your resume header should sit at the top of your resume’s first page. Ideally, it should contain all of the following information:

• A headline job title
• Your address
• Your contact information, including your email address and phone number
• If applicable, a short note about your right to work in Canada

This is a component of your resume that you can’t move around too much – it needs to be at the very beginning, and it needs to stand out from the bulk of your resume.

Your summary, too, will need to sit at the beginning of your resume. It should be the first thing a hiring manager reads after your header, and it should provide a quick snapshot of your relevant skills and expertise. It should also be directly relevant to the job you’re applying for – don’t be afraid to include your hopes and goals for that position, if you have room!

Here’s an example of a good summary for a Canadian resume:

Administrative assistant with six years’ experience across the public and private sectors. Efficient, driven, and highly organized, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Hoping to increase student satisfaction as part of the team at Dalhousie University.

Work Experience

As we’ve discussed, you should ideally list your recent work experience in reverse-chronological order. Remember to focus on your quantifiable achievements in each role, and to refer to the job description wherever you can. Many Canadian companies use ATS tracking software to sort through resumes in the early stages of the hiring process, and will filter out resumes that don’t meet the criteria on the job description!

Because you’re looking for work in a new country, you should remember to list the locations of the places where you’ve worked in the past. This will help Canadian hiring managers contextualize your work experience appropriately.

Here’s an example of a work experience listing on a resume in the Canadian format:

Administrative Assistant, Nyoom Technologies, London, UK, 2021-22

• Provided administrative support to software development teams based all over the world, in line with workplace best practices in each satellite location
• Scheduled regular meetings across multiple time zones, liaising with external travel management companies where appropriate to achieve a 95% meeting attendance rate across the company
• Delivered friendly, professional and effective service to all colleagues and clients

Your education section should include any relevant qualifications, including professional certifications. As the institutions you’ve studied with may not be familiar to Canadian employers, you should make a note of their locations as part of each listing in this section. Likewise, if you can convert the measure of your performance into a Canadian equivalent, you should consider doing so.

You should also keep in mind that any licenses or certifications you received overseas may not be accepted in Canada. If you work in a field that requires a professional license, you should look into acquiring a Canadian license as a matter of urgency – otherwise, you may not be able to find work.

Here’s an example of an education listing on your Canadian resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Communications 2:1 Degree (equiv. 3.5 GPA) University of Warwick, UK, 2011-2014

Thankfully, this section of your resume is fairly universal! It’s an opportunity for you to list your most relevant skills, informed by the job description and its list of requirements. When you have a clear list of what hiring managers want to see from candidates, it’s hard to get this section wrong – even when you’re writing for an international audience.

Remember, you can also incorporate information about your skills into your work experience section! Think about times when you’ve used your skills effectively at work, and mention them there. That way, you can free up space in this section for other skills with less direct applications.

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Canadian Resume Format

When I was planning to move to Canada, one of my big concerns was being able to get a job. And the first step in this was how to write my resume in the Canadian resume format.

Getting a job in Canada is different to what I’d been used to in the UK and took a bit of a different approach. But, by understanding these subtle differences, you can tailor your approach and find the job you’re looking for, just like I did (I’m happily employed in a senior position in a large Canadian firm).

This article will focus on one particular aspect of getting a job in Canada: how to create a resume for Canada in the Canadian resume format.

Our sample interview questions and guide is also useful to read when writing your resume. It can help you figure out the type of things hiring managers are interested in you demonstrating and are therefore good to highlight in your resume.

I’ve been through the process of adapting my CV (as I called it in the UK) to the Canadian resume format to get my job. And now, in a senior position in a large firm, I see tons of resumes of people applying for Canadian jobs.

These perspectives should make me well placed to give you the information you need to make your resume the best it can be and in the right format for the Canadian jobs market. 

So let’s dive in…

What is a Canadian style resume?

Canadian resume format, canadian resume format general rules, top 10: canadian resume common mistakes, canadian resume format samples, canadian resume template, functional resume.

A Canadian resume is not all that different to any other style of resume you’ve likely come across before.

There’s no fundamental difference in the general information you’re trying to get across in a Canadian resume.

There’s no difference between Canadian resume format and USA format, for example.

There are however a few subtle but important differences in emphasis and structure for the Canadian resume format compared to other countries.

But at the end of the day a resume is essentially a summary of your skills, employment and education and this is no different for the Canadian style of resume.

Any differences in how you write your resume for a Canadian job lies in how you might format and structure your resume; not a full overhaul of the substance.  

Does Canadian CV format differ from a Canadian resume format?

My experience is that Canadians use the terms CV and resume interchangeably.

Overall, resume is probably used more frequently but people will understand the term CV as well.

Generally a resume in Canada is the same as what you might know as a CV in other countries and Canadian CV format is the same as a Canadian resume format.  

There is one caveat to this however:

In some sectors, primarily academia, a CV or Curriculum Vitae in Canada often is different to a resume. In such circumstances, CV tends to mean a much more thorough and lengthy overview of your career than a resume. But realistically if it’s this type of CV you’re being asked for it will be abundantly obvious.

For the vast majority of typical jobs and situations, a CV and a resume are the same thing.

The two main formats of resumes used in Canada are the traditional reverse-chronological resume and the functional resume.

The most common Canadian resume format is the reverse-chronological resume. This is the traditional resume format you’re probably familiar with that focuses on your employment history and experience. For most people with employment history in the same field as the role they’re applying for, this is the best format to go for.

Reverse-chronological is the format most hiring managers are most familiar with and therefore makes it easy for them to understand your experience.

The other type of resume is the functional resume which focuses more on your skills rather than employment history. This type of resume may be better suited to those that are looking to change to a new career field or are recent graduates with little employment experience.

Typically, a reverse-chronological resume should have this structure:

• Resume header with your basic information
• A personal summary
• Your professional experience
• Education and professional qualifications

The format is not set in stone and can be flexed to suit your particular situation: the job you’re applying for, your experience or lack thereof, etc. But generally you should be hitting all of the above items at some point in your resume.

You would still cover the same topics as above in a functional resume but just change the emphasis – that is you’d focus more on skills rather than employment history. Move the skills section to the front and beef it up significantly. You can read more about a functional resume later in the article .

Let’s go into a bit more detail about what each of those headings above actually mean and what you should cover in each:

Resume header

Your name and contact details right at the top of the resume.

My experience is that Canadians really go for putting post-nominal letters after their name (i.e. qualification and accreditation letters etc.). So include any relevant post-nominal letters.

I also include my right to work status in Canada such as Canadian Permanent Resident . Include it if that right to work is going to be a definite positive rather than a potential drawback (i.e. if the employer is going to need to sponsor a work visa or such).

I think it’s important to set that right from the start because if the employer scans down your resume and sees work experience and education from a foreign country they might immediately wonder about your visa status – or certainly I do. Often that’s because a role may or may not be doing visa sponsorship.

One final point for the top of the resume: do not write the words resume or CV !

Personal Summary

A paragraph or two to set the scene for your resume. Highlight your best achievements and breadth of experience.

If you’re changing careers talk about your skills that are transferable to your new career. If you’re new to the workforce draw on your skills and education and amp up what skills you gained during any summer jobs, coursework and so forth.

This is your chance to make a good first impression so spend time making sure the paragraph is concise, impactful and relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Professional experience

This is the bit that will probably take up the bulk of the space on your resume (depending on if you’re doing traditional chronological resume or functional resume).

Summarise each role you’ve had from your most recent position backwards – i.e. reverse chronological order.

For each position, you should give:

• The company at which you were employed and city/country where you were based.
• Your job title. Be careful here that the title you state matches what your position actually was as this is one of the most basic reference checks your new employer will do. On the flip though, some professional positions don’t have concrete job titles so if you can massage your title to emphasise the relevance to the role you’re applying to then do. For example if you were a Financial Audit Manager but you’re looking to move out of Financial Audit then you could just put the title Manager. Also, if it makes sense with your experience and the role you’re applying to, try to show career progression in your job titles. Customer Service Representative to Senior Customer Service Representative – that kind of thing.
• The dates you were employed in that role. You don’t need to be specific down to the days of the month here. Month and year will do at the most. This can help if you have small gaps in your employment.
• Details of the role. For each role, you want to write about what you did. Your responsibilities, achievements and assignments. Exactly how best to do this will depend on your experience and the role you’re applying for. But the structure I like is to start with a short introductory paragraph covering what your role was. And then go into bullet points to highlight key assignments, responsibilities & achievements. Remember to not only write what you did but back it up with quantifiable achievements. And, as always – remember to tailor everything you write to match the job you’re going for. Study the job description carefully and make sure you’re demonstrating that you have experience that meets the responsibilities listed in the job description. Use some of the exact same words in your resume as is in the job description’s skills and responsibilities. You could use our sample interview questions to help get the juices flowing or focus your mind on what type of things the hiring manager will be interested in you demonstrating.

Education and Professional Qualifications

List any relevant professional qualifications you have with the dates obtained.

Include any degrees you have along with the dates you attended and the name of the institution.

If you’ve not graduated yet, give your expected graduation date. Include your Grade Point Average (GPA) if you have one.

You can include any relevant coursework, courses, extracurricular activities etc. depending on how light the rest of your resume is.

Honestly I’m not all that certain how useful this section is if you’re doing a reverse-chronological order resume and you’ve written the rest of your resume correctly. Any skills you mention here should really have already been given in context in your professional experience section.

I’ve certainly never given someone an interview because they’ve written “Teamwork” or other generic skills in this section.

If you are going to include this section, make it focused and have a mix of hard skills and soft skills.

Where this section does become more useful is if you’re not doing the traditional reverse-chronological CV.

Then it’s a different ballgame altogether.

More on this in the functional resume section .

Conventions of what to include in your resume or CV vary between counties so here’s a list of some do’s and don’ts, and general points to apply when writing a Canadian resume.

For a job in Canada:

• Never include a photo of yourself in a resume in Canada.
• Do not include your date of birth or any other personal information (other than your name and contact details).
• A Canadian resume should be two pages long. One if you’re junior. Having a longer resume doesn’t demonstrate that you have tons of experience, it just highlights that you can’t convey information concisely or that you haven’t put in the effort to tailor your resume for the role. Figure out the key information you need to get across for that role and then cover that. Needlessly long resumes are always a red flag when I’m reviewing them. Get to the point!
• It’s really important that you make sure your resume is written in perfect English or French with correct grammar. Strong communication skills are crucial for so many jobs. If an employer sees a resume that doesn’t demonstrate a solid grasp of the English or French language it’s likely you won’t get any further in the recruitment process. If you’re writing your resume in a language that you’re not completely fluent in, this is particularly important. Ask someone whose first language is French or English to read through your resume before you submit it. I find a tool called Grammarly is really helpful here. It’s like a super-enhanced grammar checker. But it also checks your document for clarity and engagement like overly wordy and unclear sentences, and passive voice misuse (as per the tip below). Basically it can help make your resume more impactful. You can check out the tool here . Incidentally, if you need help with your spoken English for interviews, a good app my friends and colleagues use is the ELSA app . It’s pretty cool with some fancy AI to teach fluent English. If you want to purchase the PRO pack then you can use this link to get a 80% discount on the lifetime option or a 30% discount on the 1-year option (which is better than the upgrade option you’ll be given in the app). Either way, you can check the app out here . *
• Use short sentences written in the active voice detailing tangible things that you did (not we , or the team ). I hit my sales target of $xx every month .
• Make sure it’s tailored to the position you’re applying for. Always spend the time to read through your resume putting yourself in the position of the hiring manager. Is your resume clearly highlighting the things that would be important to them? Make sure they don’t have to fish out the relevant experience and skills in a sea of generality. Use the key skills and behaviours from the job description.
• If you don’t have any work experience in Canada, try and highlight any experience you have working with international teams. Or projects you’ve done in other countries. Especially if you’ve worked with Canadian teams. My experience is that Canadians really value Canadian work experience so anything you can do to show that you’re adaptable to different ways of working is a bonus.
• If you have professional qualifications from a country other than Canada you may want to convert them to the Canadian equivalent so that they’re more recognized. In many cases this can be done via a conversion course. For example if you qualified as an accountant in India, you may wish to convert your qualification to a Canadian CPA. Most Canadian professional bodies have pages on their website which describe the pathway for converting international qualifications to Canadian certifications.

My team is based across Canada and I see hundreds of resumes every month from people applying for jobs across the country.

Based on this experience, here is my top 10 most common resume mistakes:

Mistake 1: Too long

This is the most common issue I see. Unless you’re writing an academic CV (in which case different rules apply) a resume in Canada shouldn’t be more than two pages.

Most hiring managers will stop reading after the first page, and will often make a decision within a few seconds on whether to read your resume in depth or close it and move on to the next candidate.

Keeping your resume short and to the point makes it more likely that the hiring manager will quickly appreciate your experience and (hopefully!) put you through to the next stage. If your resume is long, the most likely outcome is the hiring manager will just get bored reading it.

Mistake 2: Poor spelling and grammar

It’s surprising how many resumes I see that have spelling mistakes.

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors tell the hiring manager you haven’t taken care and attention in preparing your resume and therefore you likely won’t take care and attention in performing your job! Stop reading and move on to the next candidate!

Run your resume through a tool like Grammarly . It does a good job of finding grammatical errors but also checks your document for clarity and engagement like overly wordy and unclear sentences, and passive voice misuse. Basically it can help make your resume more impactful. You can check out the tool here . *

Mistake 3: Failure to customize

While its time consuming and, let’s face it, a bit boring – customizing your resume to suit every role you apply for is very important. Tailored resumes stand out from the crowd and demonstrate the most relevant skills and experience to the hiring manager.

Mistake 4: No examples

If you’re saying you have a specific skill or type of experience, it’s important that you back that up with quantifiable examples. This grounds your resume and makes it real for the hiring manager.

Consider the following two statements:

• I have a proven track record in increasing sales.
• I have a proven track record in increasing sales – in my role as sales manager for Hat Boxes Inc. I increased sales from $20,000 per month to $50,000 per month over a six month period.

Or, these two statements:

• I am a team player.
• I am a team player. I initiated the practice of a weekly 15-minute team activity over Zoom to improve team morale and productivity during the pandemic.

Giving specific examples adds weight to your resume and provides evidence that you’re the right person for the role.

Mistake 5: Obvious exaggeration

It’s very important to sell yourself, however don’t fall into the trap of blatantly overstating your experience. Over exaggeration is easy to spot in a resume and makes the hiring manager question everything you’ve written.  

Mistake 6: Not getting to the point

This is tied to mistake 1 but, be concise and to the point. Don’t write a paragraph when a sentence will do. Most hiring managers have limited time and will appreciate succinctness.

Mistake 7: Misreporting dates

The most basic checks done by employers will quickly identify any incorrect dates on a resume. Be honest and make sure all of your dates are accurate.

Mistake 8: Underselling yourself

While some people have a tendency to exaggerate, others don’t sell themselves enough. Don’t feel arrogant or have self-doubt about your achievements, your resume is your opportunity to sell yourself! 

Mistake 9: Not explaining gaps

Many people have gaps in their experience, and this in itself doesn’t need to be a problem. But if you’ve not explained the gaps in your resume then it raises alarm bells. Maybe you were raising your children, maybe you had a career break or studied. Explain it in your resume!

Mistake 10: Messy formatting

Margins not aligned, different fonts and sizes, misaligned bullets and so much more. Poor formatting immediately creates a bad impression for the hiring manager and says you don’t have good attention to detail.

Make sure your resume is tidy and well formatted and don’t go overboard on trying to make it look fancy.

I think that the best formatting for a resume is to keep it simple. This makes it immediately easy for the hiring manager to see the structure.

I do see some Canadian resumes that have templates with more elaborate formatting, sidebars and other elements but my approach is to keep is simple.

Using all the guidance outlined above, I’ve created what I think is a good Canadian resume sample. Click below to see the Canadian resume format sample.

Obviously this is just one sample of a Canadian resume and it won’t be right for every situation. Like I said at the beginning, nothing needs to be set in stone. Use the sample resume for guidance rather than being bound by it.

I think that the best formatting for a resume is to keep it simple to make it immediately easy for the hiring manager to see the structure.

I do see some Canadian resumes that have used a template with more elaborate formatting, sidebars and other elements but my approach is to keep is simple.

With this in mind, I’ve created a Canadian resume format doc that you can download and use to format your resume. You can download the Canadian resume template for free in the form below. The resume template is in Word format.

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* You can unsubscribe at an time using the link in the emails.

I’ve focused this article on the reverse-chronological format of Canadian resumes but, as I mentioned at the beginning, there is another Canadian resume format you may want to use called a functional resume.

When to use a functional resume?

If you want to change career fields, have just graduated or generally do not have a lot of employment history directly related to the job you’re applying for then a functional resume might be a good fit for you.

This is because the functional resume format emphasise the transferable skills you have rather than highlighting the lack of experience.

Let’s cover how you do this:

Functional resume format

In a functional resume format you put the skills section right at the top and label it “Skills and Abilities” or some wording that makes sense for you.

List in detail the skills that you have that would be beneficial to the position you’re applying to.

In a functional resume you talk about your skills in general (rather than tied to roles); you’re removing the link of listing skills under a particular previous job to just talking about them all together. So the skills don’t need to be in chronological order or one skill per role or anything.

To demonstrate what I mean, we can use some examples from the chronological resume sample above.

All we need to do is reword the skills listed under the “Professional Experience” section and put them in the “Skills” section on the functional resume.

Reverse-chronological format work experience statement:

• Leadership and career development:  I am an approachable and enthusiastic leader.  I prioritise regular career and development conversations with my team, both formal and informal.  In May 2017 I was selected for the executive leadership programme where I participate in regular workshops to further develop my leadership skills.
• Data privacy & regulatory compliance assurance : I developed a regulatory assurance approach for GDPR (new European data privacy legislation), working closely with the legal department and a third party provider.  My project established a GDPR-compliance assurance approach within Murray-Nader’s European operations.

Rewritten for a Functional resume:

• Leadership and career development:  I am an approachable and enthusiastic leader.  I prioritise regular career and development conversations both formal and informal.  I have completed an executive leadership programme where I participated in regular workshops to further fine-tune my leadership skills.
• Data privacy & regulatory compliance assurance: I have extensive knowledge in developing regulatory assurance approaches for GDPR (new European data privacy legislation).

So with a little tweak to each statement we make them standalone skills, detached from specific roles, which you can include in the skills section of a functional resume.

The benefit over a functional resume if you’re changing career fields is you can highlight the relevant skills you have without highlighting the fact they were in a different field.

By making your skills stand alone in a skills section you remove the risk of them being ignored under a job role that the potential employer doesn’t think is relevant to the position you’re applying to.

* All of the products and services I recommend on Canada for Newbies are independently selected based upon what I’ve personally found to be useful. When you get Grammarly or ELSA using one of the links in this article, I might earn a small affiliate commission. It won’t cost you anything at all and I would never recommend something I don’t believe in or use myself.

So that’s my advice on creating a great Canadian resume to get a job in Canada.

Remember to check out our guide on how to ace your interview and sample interview questions . Not only is it useful prep for interviews it can also help focus your mind to the type of things hiring managers are interested in you demonstrating. And therefore good to include in your resume. Check out the article:

I’d love to hear any feedback on how you’ve found trying to get a job in Canada. Please drop me a comment about anything below.

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31 thoughts on “Canadian Resume Format”

Thanks for this! Now I have an idea of how to ace a Canadian Resume.

I’m really glad you found it useful! Good luck with the job hunt – I hope you find your dream job! 🙂

This is so helpful. Thanks 🙏

Ah excellent – really happy you found it helpful! Good luck with the job hunt!

Hey Andrew,

First of all thank you for this great article it was very informative however I’m not receiving anything whenever I hit the subscribe button,

Hi there, As in you’ve not received the email with the link to download the resume template? I’ve had a look and the email did send to you – have you checked your junk folder? Let me know if you can’t find it and I’ll resend. Cheers!

Thank you for the useful content you shared. It gave me the willingness to start a new career path. Regards and cheers.

No problem! Glad you found it useful. Good luck with the new career!

Wow, I really enjoyed reading this piece! It was so precise and informative.Now I know how to write my resume for my dream job💅💯💯

Glad you liked it. Good luck with the dream job! 🙂

Oh! This is really helpful! Now i know how to make my cv very concise and brief using any of the styles you explained above. I must thank you Andrew! God bless you!

You’re welcome. Hope the job search goes well!

Thank you very much Andrew for the information and the guidance.

No problem. Happy job hunting! 🙂

Thank you very much. This was really useful.

No worries – glad it was helpful! 🙂

Thank you so much for this useful information shared by you.

No problem! Good luck with your job hunt! 🙂

Very informative. Thanks for sharing. Time to get that Canadian job now!!!

This was really helpful and the simplest one that I found on the internet.

Glad you found it useful! Happy job hunting!

Very informative and precise. Thanks for sharing this article.

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the comment! 🙂

Excellent tutorial and model to follow to create a professional resume. Good tips, and clear guidelines. Thanks

Thanks very much, glad it was useful!

thank you very much for this wonderfull informations provided here keep it up

Very useful and really guide me through with important tips to get a job with a winning Canadian CV

Sir, I am happy I came across this section. I can rewrite my resume and with this I know I will find a job in Canada soon. This information you shared here is worth more than my time going through them. Thanks.

thanks for this information. this is very insightful that can land us on our dream job in Canada.

Thanks for this! Helpful information Thanks a lot.

Glad it was helpful. Good luck with the job hunt!

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With a Canadian Resume and Cover letter, you can obtain employment more quickly. Canadian resumes must adhere to a certain format, known as the Canadian Resume format. If you're serious about earning a job offer from a Canadian employer via any Immigration program, you'll need an impressive resume. Your Resume must pass the ATS, reach the HR Recruiter, and be referred to the recruiting manager. Here is a Canadian Resume Template that can be downloaded immediately from your laptop/desktop.

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Perfect Canadian Resume Format: Expert Writing Tips and Samples

Home » Resume Help » Perfect Canadian Resume Format: Expert Writing Tips and Samples

The Canadian job market is a diverse and vibrant space, teeming with opportunities for both local and international job seekers. However, to tap into these opportunities, one needs to understand the nuances of the Canadian resume format. This format, while similar to the American resume format, has its unique characteristics that set it apart.

Unlock the secrets of the perfect Canadian resume format. Our comprehensive guide provides valuable insights, expert tips, and a sample resume to help you stand out in your job search. Get noticed by employers with a professionally crafted Canadian resume that highlights your skills and experiences effectively. Start building your winning resume today.

Similarities and Differences Between Canadian and American Resumes

Crafting the perfect canadian resume: step-by-step guide, tips for adapting an existing resume for canadian jobs, 10 canadian resume samples, common mistakes to avoid in a canadian resume, utilizing resume templates and builders, frequently asked questions.

At first glance, a Canadian resume may seem identical to its American counterpart. Both formats prioritize a clear, concise presentation of the candidate’s work history, skills, and education. They both aim to provide potential employers with a snapshot of the candidate’s capabilities and achievements. However, a closer look reveals subtle differences that can significantly impact your chances of landing a job in Canada.

One of the key differences lies in the presentation of personal information. While American resumes often include the candidate’s full address, Canadian resumes typically only require the city and province. This is due to Canada’s stringent privacy laws, which limit the amount of personal information employers can request.

Another difference is the emphasis on soft skills in Canadian resumes. Canadian employers value interpersonal skills and cultural fit just as much as technical expertise. Therefore, Canadian resumes often include a section dedicated to highlighting the candidate’s soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Choosing the Right Canadian Resume Format

The first step in crafting a Canadian resume is selecting the appropriate format. There are three popular formats used in Canada: the Reverse Chronological, Functional, and Combination formats.

Reverse Chronological Format

The Reverse Chronological format is the most common and straightforward resume format. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is ideal if you have a solid work history in the field you’re applying for and want to showcase your career progression.

Functional Format

The Functional format, on the other hand, focuses more on your skills and less on your work history. It’s a great option if you’re changing careers, have gaps in your employment, or if your most relevant experience isn’t your most recent.

Combination Format

The Combination format, as the name suggests, combines elements of both the Reverse Chronological and Functional formats. It highlights your skills and achievements upfront, followed by a detailed work history. This format is suitable for seasoned professionals with a diverse range of skills and experiences.

Choosing the right format is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of your resume. It should align with your career history, the job you’re applying for, and the expectations of Canadian employers.

Choosing the Right Format Based on Experience and Skills

The first step is to choose the right format for your resume. As mentioned earlier, the three popular formats are Reverse Chronological, Functional, and Combination. The choice depends on your work history, skill set, and the job you’re applying for.

If you have a consistent work history in the field you’re applying for, the Reverse Chronological format is ideal. If you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment, the Functional format would be more suitable. If you’re a seasoned professional with a diverse range of experiences, the Combination format would be the best choice.

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Creating a Professional Header with Contact Information

The header of your resume should include your full name and contact information. This includes your phone number, email address, and the city and province where you live. Unlike some countries, it’s not necessary to include personal information like your age, marital status, or nationality in a Canadian resume.

Crafting an Impactful Resume Summary or Objective

The next step is to write a resume summary or objective. This is a brief statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. It should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and should grab the employer’s attention.

A resume summary is ideal if you have significant work experience in the field. It should highlight your key achievements and skills. On the other hand, a resume objective is more suitable for career changers or recent graduates. It should focus on your career goals and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the job.

Detailing Work Experience Using the STAR Method

The work experience section is a crucial part of your resume. It should provide a detailed overview of your past roles, responsibilities, and achievements. One effective way to present this information is by using the STAR method.

Understanding the STAR Method

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a structured way of presenting your experiences and achievements. Here’s how it works:

• Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation.
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you were faced with.
• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task or challenge.
• Result: Highlight the results or outcomes of your actions.

Using the STAR method can help you present your experiences in a clear, concise, and impactful way. It allows you to showcase your problem-solving skills and the value you can bring to the role.

Listing Relevant Skills

The skills section of your resume should highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job. These can be a mix of hard skills (technical or job-specific skills) and soft skills (interpersonal skills). Be sure to tailor this section to the job description to show the employer that you have the skills they’re looking for.

Including Education Details

The education section should provide a brief overview of your academic background. This includes the name of the institution, the degree or certification obtained, and the dates of attendance. If you’re a recent graduate, you can also include relevant coursework or projects.

Creating a Canadian resume involves careful planning and strategic presentation of your qualifications. By following these steps, you can create a resume that stands out in the Canadian job market.

If you’re an international job seeker looking to enter the Canadian job market, you might need to adapt your existing resume to meet Canadian standards. This doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch, but a few key adjustments can make your resume more appealing to Canadian employers.

Converting an Indian Resume to a Canadian Resume

Adapting an Indian resume for the Canadian job market involves a few specific changes. Here are some steps to guide you:

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.
• Simplify Your Language: Avoid complex English words and phrases. Use clear, straightforward language to improve readability.
• Remove Personal Information: Canadian resumes typically don’t include a photo, nationality, race, gender, or full address. Remove these details from your resume.
• Use the STAR Method: When detailing your work experience, use the STAR method to present your achievements in a clear, structured way.
• List Recognized Certifications: If you have any certifications, make sure they’re recognized by Canadian employers. If not, consider pursuing equivalent certifications in Canada.
• Include a Resume Summary or Objective: Add a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your key qualifications and career goals.
• Standardize Your Education Scores: Instead of listing your CGPA, convert your scores to a GPA scale. If your GPA is less than 3.7, it’s better not to list it.
• Update Your Contact Information: Include a Canadian city and province, along with a Canadian phone number. If you don’t have these yet, consider getting a virtual phone number.

Converting a European CV to a Canadian Resume

European CVs can also be adapted for the Canadian job market. Here are some steps to guide you:

• Remove Personal Information: Like Indian resumes, European CVs often include personal information that’s not required in Canada. Remove details like your birthdate, citizenship, and photo.
• Remove Hobbies: While hobbies are commonly included in entry-level European CVs, they’re typically not included in Canadian resumes. Unless your hobbies are directly relevant to the job, consider removing this section.
• Choose the Right Format: Decide whether a Reverse Chronological, Functional, or Combination format is most suitable for your experiences and the job you’re applying for.
• Include Key Sections: Make sure your resume includes a summary or objective, work history, skills, education, and certifications (if any).
• Use the STAR Method: Detail your work experience using the STAR method to highlight your achievements in a structured way.
• Avoid Paragraphs: Use bullet points instead of paragraphs to improve readability.
• Proofread: Check your resume for grammatical errors. Consider using a proofreading tool or getting a native English speaker to review your resume.

Adapting your resume for the Canadian job market can increase your chances of landing a job. By making these adjustments, you can present your qualifications in a way that’s appealing to Canadian employers.

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While crafting a Canadian resume, it’s essential to be aware of common pitfalls that could potentially undermine your chances of landing a job. Here are some mistakes to avoid when creating your Canadian resume.

Including Unnecessary Personal Information

In Canada, it’s not customary to include personal details such as age, marital status, nationality, or a photograph in your resume. Including these could potentially lead to unconscious bias during the hiring process. Stick to professional details such as your name, contact information, skills, work experience, and education.

Using Complex Language

While it’s important to sound professional, using overly complex language or industry jargon can make your resume difficult to understand. Keep your language clear and straightforward. Remember, the goal is to communicate your skills and experiences effectively, not to showcase your vocabulary.

Exceeding the Recommended Length

While there’s no strict rule on resume length in Canada, it’s generally recommended to keep your resume to one or two pages. For students and professionals with less than 15 years of experience, a one-page resume is usually sufficient. For those with more than 15 years of experience, a two-page resume is acceptable. Remember, the goal is to present your most relevant skills and experiences, not to list every job you’ve ever had.

There are numerous tools available to help you create a professional-looking resume. Resume templates and builders can save you time and ensure your resume is formatted correctly.

Introduction to Resume-Building Platforms

Resume-building platforms are online tools that provide pre-designed templates for resumes. They allow you to input your information into a template and automatically format it into a professional-looking resume. Some platforms also offer additional features such as resume reviews, customization options, and job search tools. check our own resume builder .

Benefits of Using a Resume Template

Using a resume template has several benefits. First, it ensures your resume is formatted correctly, which can save you time and stress. Second, it can help your resume look more professional, which can make a positive impression on employers. Finally, many templates are designed with applicant tracking systems (ATS) in mind, which means they can help your resume get past these systems and into the hands of a human recruiter.

Creating a Canadian resume can be a challenging task, especially for international job seekers. However, by avoiding common mistakes and utilizing available tools, you can create a resume that stands out in the Canadian job market.

Navigating the job market in a new country can be a daunting task, and you may have several questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions about Canadian resumes to help you better understand the expectations and standards.

While there are many similarities between Canadian and American resumes, there are also some key differences. For instance, Canadian resumes typically do not include personal information such as age, marital status, or a photograph. Additionally, Canadian employers place a high value on soft skills, so it’s important to highlight these in your resume.

No, it’s not customary to include a photo in a Canadian resume. Including a photo could potentially lead to unconscious bias during the hiring process. Stick to professional details such as your name, contact information, skills, work experience, and education.

No, it’s not necessary to list your nationality on a Canadian resume. In fact, including this information could potentially lead to unconscious bias during the hiring process. Your skills and experiences should be the focus of your resume.

Absolutely not. Honesty is crucial when applying for jobs. Even a small lie about your qualifications or work history could lead to job termination or legal consequences. Always be truthful and accurate when creating your resume.

Creating a standout Canadian resume is a crucial step in landing a job in Canada. By understanding the expectations and standards of Canadian employers, you can tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.

Remember, a Canadian resume is more than just a list of your past jobs. It’s a tool to showcase your abilities, achievements, and potential. It’s your first impression on an employer, so make it count.

Whether you’re a local job seeker or an international candidate, following these guidelines can help you create a resume that stands out in the Canadian job market. Good luck with your job search!

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Published by Sarah Samson

Sarah Samson is a professional career advisor and resume expert. She specializes in helping recent college graduates and mid-career professionals improve their resumes and format them for the modern job market. In addition, she has also been a contributor to several online publications.

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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 .

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How to write a Canadian resume

This is not another article telling you to spell-check your resume—but do spell-check your resume. We're going to cover the not-so-obvious tips for getting your foot in the door to your Canadian dream job.

The resume is only one step to finding a job in Canada—and it is not even the first. Before you sit down to type up your professional background, do some research on Canada's job market, and identify the companies that you would like to apply for. The Canadian government website offers some tools that can help you in your job search.

For this article, we are going to focus on optimizing your resume for Canadian employers. Keep in mind, employers will have their own preferences, and there are different best practices for every industry. We hope to give you a general idea of what you can include on a Canadian resume and what is best left out.

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5 don'ts of Canadian resume writing

Don't include a photo

Unlike some countries, in Canada it is not necessary to include a photo with your CV — unless you're an actor or a model. In general, the only information you need on your CV is what is relevant to the job posting.

Don't overshare

You do not need to include most personal information on your CV. At this point, the only personal information the employer needs is your name, and how to contact you. They do not need to know your age, what country you are from, your race, your religion, your marital status, or anything about your family. In fact, if asked these questions in an interview it might be illegal under Canada's human rights laws .

Also, your CV is not the place to disclose your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Employers do not need that until you are already hired for the job. Your SIN card is a sensitive document, and you should only share it when it is legally required .

Again, all you need to include in your CV is your relevant skills, experience, and basic contact information like name, phone number, and email. Mailing address is not always necessary, especially if you are searching for a job in a different city. If you want to demonstrate that you are within a commutable distance from the place of employment, then you may want to include it, but most job seekers find it just takes up precious space on the page.

Don't write too much

In terms of length, one page is ideal but having two is fine.

You want the person reviewing your application to see only your best, most relevant, and recent experience. If you are just starting your career and you do not have a lot of experience, you can include items that may be less relevant to the posting.

In general, just keep your resume short and sweet. You want it to be "skimmable." Recruiters should be able to get an idea of your experience without feeling like they have to read a novel.

Don't include references

If your employer wants references they will ask for them. A good practice is to ensure your reference knows that you are naming them and giving out their contact information. Talking to your reference beforehand also helps you determine if this person really is going to give you a glowing review or not.

Don't use an inappropriate email address

Recruiters do pay attention to these details, and they might judge you based on whatever email address you thought was funny in high school. Using an email address that contains your name does not signal any red flags.

5 dos of Canadian resume writing

Do tailor your application to the job posting

It takes longer, but you will often get better results if you tailor each resume to the position you are looking for rather than the "spray and pray" method where you send out a bunch of generic resumes.

Not sure what order you should present your experience? Which skills to include and which to leave out? Are you between word choices?

Look at the job posting. This is your first clue into exactly what the recruiter is looking for, and the language they want to see in your application.

The posting will list the job qualifications and then the nice-to-haves. Include your necessary skills front and centre on the first page of your resume, then put your "assets" after that.

Do quantify your achievements

Try to quantify your achievements with numbers, if you can. For example, if you were a manager, mention how many people you were responsible for overseeing. If you worked in sales, how many products did you sell? How much profit did you ring in every month?

Listing your specific achievements, in numbers that an employer can understand, will highlight your skills better than a generic statement. Saying you have a "good work ethic" means nothing. Demonstrating that you grew traffic to your company's website by 20% over one year, for example, shows a recruiter that you know what you are doing.

Do write in third person

Write in third-person format, so no "I," "me," or "my." Keep your sentences short and clear.

For your work experience, include the name and location of your company, and list a few of your responsibilities. Include the years you worked at the company, or if you worked for less than a year you can include the number of months. There is no need to explain gaps in employment on the resume. It will come up in the interview if the recruiter even asks.

For your education, list the school, program, credential, and dates. Depending on the position you are applying for, you can include your GPA as well, but it is usually not necessary. You can include your awards here, or in a separate "awards" section.

Do include unpaid work experience

You can include things like your volunteer experience, as long as it prepared you for the duties you will be performing at the job you are applying for.

Do include a cover letter

Even if they do not ask for it, even if they are going to skip it and head straight to your resume, it is always good to include a cover letter.

A cover letter is meant to embellish the resume, and show the recruiter why you are the best fit for their job opening.

We could write a separate article about cover letters— and we probably will. But here we will give you a general idea of how to write a cover letter.

Your cover letter should contain the company's contact information, as well as your contact information. It should be no more than a couple of paragraphs, and it should not take up a whole page.

You can write in the first person here. Your goal is to connect with the recruiter. Use their name only if you are 100% sure you have the correct name of the person who will be reviewing your application. If you do know their name, use it, but note that there is usually no need to include a prefix. These days, starting a letter with "Sir" or "Madame" is usually inappropriate, unless you know for certain that the recruiter reading your letter prefers that.

The first paragraph should introduce who you are and why you want this job. Be sure to name the position you are applying for. In the subsequent paragraphs, you will want to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position, referring to your previous relevant experience. You can go above and beyond by showing them how your involvement will solve their problems, and make them a better company.

Conclude by thanking them, and letting them know that you will be following up.

Bonus tips for your Canadian job hunt

You are dealing with more barriers than the average Canadian-born job-searcher, however, there are immigrant support services, and employment services that can help you in your journey. Immigration Canada has a list of free services on their website , but these are by no means an exhaustive list of everything that's out there. You can also check your provincial, or territorial websites, or search for employment services in your city.

As much as possible, try to ask people you know if they have any connections or know of any job openings. LinkedIn estimates at least 85% of jobs are found through networking. If you are in Canada and you do not know a lot of people, try industry networking events in your area, which can be found online through events websites, like Eventbrite , or on social media, like Facebook events or groups.

Also, if you think you are underqualified for a position that interests you, apply anyway. In the best-case scenario, you get the job and learn to become the candidate that they are looking for, or else you just do not get the job. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

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Canadian Resume Format Template (CV)

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Table of Contents

Everything in your resume has to be contribute in a focus and user-friendly way towards getting a job interview with a specific company for a specific position.

You’ve been sweating bullets over your resume that you will be handing out to prospective employers in Canada. You’ve gone over your experience and work history and education and tried your absolute best to put together an overwhelmingly positive account of your professional or vocational life.

Stop. Ask yourself this before you go any further:

Why am I writing this resume?

To get a job interview. A. Job. Interview. Not just any job interview. A job interview with a specific company for a specific position. Everything in your resume has to be contribute in a focus and user-friendly way towards that goal.

Now ask yourself this:

Who is Reading My Resume?

I.e. w ho is the “user” you want your resume to be friendly for?

While it may be the owner of a small company, most likely it will be someone in human resources who has to work through a stack of interviews and will spend less than a minute – perhaps 10 to 20 seconds – on your resume. They have a problem. They need to fill an opening. If they don’t find someone who can successfully fill an opening, their own jobs might even be at risk.

How can you help them? Show them quickly and clearly how you will solve that problem:

• Once you have listed contact information and written up your profile, which should list your core strengths and competencies in a few sentences, you should then begin your work experience with your most relevant jobs .
• Highlight your work experience that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for . If you have a number of years of work experience you don’t have to list every single job. The HR person won’t even read your about first telemarketing job in Mumbai 12 years ago. They will have already decided if you’re worth inviting to an interview.
• By all means use keywords that may help with scanning algorithms etc. but make sure they’re relevant keywords to the industry and job you’re hoping to land. Do NOT keyword stuff your resume with exaggerated, general-purpose language . That will land your resume in the reject pile.
• Link your keywords to specific achievements in those jobs you decide to highlight . Or in volunteer work you have done that you feel is relevant to the position.
• Finally, always proofread your resume several times , or have a professional proofread it. Any mistakes, even sloppy punctuation, will be picked up and will warn the employer that you don’t pay as much attention to detail as you should.

This means researching the job you’re applying for and reading as much as you can about what your responsibilities in your new job would actually entail. Go to Job Bank. Look at industry blogs. The better your research, the better you can customize your resume and get that recruiter’s attention. You can be sure that will take a little time. Do it. Take the time.

In other words, you should have a resume customized for every job you apply for in Canada. While that sounds like an annoying amount of preparation, it makes a difference. And here’s how to make the process of customizing your resume for each individual job application a little easier:

• Build a Master Resume , one that includes anything and everything you feel is relevant to your prospects as a potential employee in Canada for any job you might apply for. You’ll have to make sure the format is Canadian, which we get into below.
• Once you have pulled together all your relevant information, you can then fairly easily adjust and trim your Master Resume to produce individual customized resumes for specific job applications. If you’re not sure it’s relevant for a specific job, then it’s best to leave that information out when customizing your resume. A good resume is 1 to 2 pages long . Remember that.

Let’s now look at how to format a Canadian-style resume. There are two formats you can use:

• Chronological resume : this lists your work experience starting with your most recent position and moving back towards your first employment. It is generally suitable for older applicants with a lot of work experience.
• You have large gaps in your work history.
• You took time off for family reasons.
• You don’t have much work experience because you graduated recently.

Chronological Resume

Now let’s analyze this chronological resume.

What’s missing from the Contact Information shown above?

• Your date of birth.
• Your gender.
• Your parent’s names.

These are types of information that do NOT have to go in your contact information and in fact should NOT be included in a Canadian resume . Your contact information only needs the following as is shown above:

• Your name .
• Your address in Canada : This can be tricky if you still haven’t moved to Canada and want to send out resumes before you arrive in the country. If you have family or friends in Canada that you’ll be staying when you first arrive, try using their address, as long as you contact them to let them know.
• Your phone number : try if at all possible, to use a Canadian cell phone number if you can.
• Your email address : It should be professional looking which means no silly nicknames and preferably your own name in the address making it easy to remember and use.
• In most cases, in a Canadian resume, you do NOT need to include a photograph of yourself .
• Your social media profile – especially if you have one at LinkedIn – is often appreciated as well, although this may depend on what type of job you’re applying for.

From just observing how your contact information on your chronological (and functional) resume should look, it is fairly clear that you should NOT send out resumes too early. In other words, if it’s going to be many weeks or even months before you actually arrive in Canada, don’t send out your resumes .

Employers make a quick decision in general and often will then wish to contact you immediately. If your contact information is confusing and has addresses and phone numbers from abroad, they may likely not bother following up for an interview. If possible, it may be best to wait until you arrive in Canada and have a Canadian cell phone number and mailing address before you start sending out resumes.

The Summary of Qualifications is vital and that’s what will help your employer decide whether to keep reading or not. It should be brief with bullet points listing your qualifications and skills that make you an asset for that job.

Next, look at the Professional Experience section. Look carefully at the verbs used. While this is merely a generic sample, you should use proactive and positive verbs such as some of the ones used above:

• Conducted, designed, investigated, supervised, created, answered, solved, maintained, etc.
• Use clear and direct language with action verbs.
• Leave out personal pronouns. Use third-person narrative, as in the resume above.
• Don’t explain why you left a job. Focus on why you took on a new job. Keep it positive.
• Don’t list personal hobbies unless you feel they are directly relevant to your work experience and to the job you’re applying for. In general it’s best to leave them out.
• Don’t put the words “resume” or “CV” on your resume and don’t put the date you created the resume.
• As well, you don’t need to sign it. It’s not a contract, after all. That will come later, hopefully.

In the education section, you should always point out if you have had a credentials assessment . If you have applied to come to Canada through a program like Express Entry, you almost certainly will have had to obtain a credentials assessment of any degree, diploma, or certificate obtained abroad. Make sure to mention this.

List Volunteer work, especially if you feel it is relevant to the job.

Do NOT list references, but you may indicate that you can produce them if a potential employer is interested in following up on you.

Remember, your resume will be looked over in perhaps 30 seconds or so. Or much less if it’s lousy.

Functional Resume

Now it’s time to consider the second format which lists what skills and abilities you have rather than providing a timeline of your work experience. As mentioned above, this format is useful for people with gaps in their working life as well as recent graduates with less working experience.

Let’s analyze an example of a functional resume, one that focuses on the skills you have acquired rather than first listing your jobs in chronological order:

What strikes you immediately about this functional resume?

Look at the work experience of our man from Lethbridge. He went from Assistant Manager at a branch of a major Canadian bank, to a low-level employee at a Fed EX office. Did he get fired? Did he quit in perhaps less-than-ideal circumstances? He doesn’t say because his functional resume focuses on what he has achieved since then, including the degrees he has acquired more recently. And he’s ambitious, looking for a career in politics or administration with the provincial government of Alberta.

The functional resume is way to tell the story you need to tell to get that job, even when your past work history is not letter-perfect. It presents your skill set in a clear and concise manner and relegates your work history to 2 nd place, if you will. For many of us at certain points in our working lives, a functional resume is often the best resume to use for certain job applications.

So remember, a Canadian-style resume is brief, to-the-point, and transparent and is always customized to the particular job you are using it for.

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