Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]

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Canada is a unique country that combines some traits you’ll find in the USA with some you’ll find in Europe.

This goes for resumes, too.

That’s why, when applying for a job in Canada, you have to make sure your resume conforms to Canadian application standards.

Naturally, you might be wondering - what does a Canadian resume even look like?

If you’re a foreigner, you’re likely drawing a blank trying to figure out what makes a Canadian resume different from the one in your own country. Even if you’re Canadian, you might still need to brush up on your resume writing skills.

Luckily for you, we’re here to show you how to write a compelling Canadian resume.

Here’s what we’re going to go over:

  • Differences Between Canadian, US, and European Resumes
  • Canadian Resume Formatting
  • A Step-By-Step Breakdown on How To Write A Canadian Resume

And more!  Let’s get started!

Canadian Resume Example

Let’s take a look at a Canadian resume example:

canadian resume format

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.

novoresume templates

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:

reverse chronological resume format

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.

resume summary formula

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. 

work experience on a resume

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:

skills on resume

#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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Canadian Resume Format & How-to Guide for 2024

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In This Guide:

Canadian resume template, what is the canadian resume format, what is the difference between a canadian and an american (us) resume, what is the difference between a canadian resume and a european cv, how to write a canadian resume, faq about canadian resumes, key takeaways.

Resume image 1

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.

Senior Data Analyst resume example

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.

resume samples for canada pdf

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.

resume samples for canada pdf

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!

A person holding a red maple leaf in a forest

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.

Summary Canadian Format

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

Work Experience Canadian Format Example

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

Canadian format education example

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: Complete Guide (2023)

Canadian Resume Format

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?

What is the standard page size for a resume in canada, 9. references, which format is best suited for you, understanding the canadian resume format, what is a canadian resume.

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 resume examples & templates

Canadian Resume Format resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for Canada

Include your contact information, craft a compelling summary, outline your work experience, include the key skills that make you a great employee , detail your education & relevant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a canadian resume, what type of salary you can expect in canada.

With employees all over the world becoming enamored with remote work over the past few years, you may be considering a relocation. With proximity and a shared language, Canada is a compelling option for those looking to leave the US but not feel too far from home.

Entry-level Canadian Resume Format Translation missing: en.examples.resume_example

If you find the right type of job in Canada, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right Canadian resume format. The best Canadian resumes are not too dissimilar to those in the US. However, there are some key differences of which you should be aware. 

Resume guide for a Canadian resume format

Increase your chances of success by building your Canadian resume with Resume.io. With guides and resume examples covering over 500 careers, plus a resume builder , we make it easier than ever to create an excellent resume, whether you’re seeking a US or Canadian format. 

This resume guide and corresponding Canadian resume example will cover the following:

  • How to write a resume using the right Canadian format
  • Choosing the right resume structure
  • How to add your contact information
  • Using summaries or profiles
  • Adding your relevant experience
  • Listing your educational credentials
  • Picking the right resume design/layout
  • What the Canadian job market and salaries look like

How to write a Canadian resume

The first step to writing your Canadian resume is understanding what sections to include. Make sure your resume contains the following:

  • The resume header
  • The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
  • The employment history section
  • The resume skills section
  • The education section

As we mentioned, there are some differences between resume formats in the US and Canada. The major ones to watch for are as follows:

  • Language and spelling. A US resume will use American English, while Canadian resumes often use British English. Depending on the part of Canada, Canadian resumes may even be written in French.
  • Data format. In the US, it’s customary to write dates as Month - Day - Year (e.g., May 5, 2024). In Canada, resumes should display the date using a Year - Month - Day.
  • Resume length. Resumes in the US can be 1-2 pages in length, while Canadian resumes can be a bit longer especially if the writer has extensive work experience.

Even with these differences, there’s plenty in common. To set your resume up to land the job, keep these things in mind: 

  • Highlight accomplishments rather than responsibilities. Regardless of the country, the reader of your resume wants to understand what you achieved and how you made an impact.
  • Just like you’re tailoring your resume to a new country, do the same for each employer. Adjust your content, tone, and style to be the most relevant.
  • Use a resume template that suits the Canadian resume format and is easy to read.
  • Optimize your resume with relevant keywords so it’s clear to the reader—or an applicant tracking system —how you’re the best fit.

Optimize for the ATS

An applicant tracking system is used by companies to collect and track all of their candidates and job applications. Some advanced systems use algorithms to scan and assess resumes based on how well they match up to the job posting.

To ensure the most success, review the job description for the most important keywords and ensure they’re well-reflected on your resume. 

Our article about resume ATS optimization offers additional tips and tricks.

Just like in the US, reverse chronological is the best resume format. This puts the focus on your specific work history and experience, giving the hiring manager exactly what they are looking for. To use this format, simply display your work history from the most recent to the earliest.

If you’re light on work experience or making a major career change, you may find success with a functional format , which emphasizes your skills and traits over your specific work history. Or, try to merge the two formats into one that captures the best of both worlds.

Whichever you choose, you can see examples in action and check out different resume templates in our resume builder. 

The best design for your resume will depend on the type of work you do. Sift through our modern , creative , professional , and simple versions to see which best suits your experience.

Your resume’s header is important regardless of which format you use and in which country you’re searching. Without it, the reader won’t know how to get in touch to invite you for an interview. The header has a single goal: communicate your contact information.

There are a few items you should be sure to include in your Canadian resume header:

  • Your full name & title . List your first and last name and the title of the role you are pursuing.
  • A professional email address . Your email address should be professional, like [email protected] , not silly or quirky.
  • Your phone number . Include the phone number where you can most easily be reached, and make sure your voicemail is set up. Since you’re applying to a role in a new country, include your country code.
  • Your current and future location . In general, you need only list your city and state . It’s best to avoid your full address for safety reasons, and a zip code won’t be relevant to a Canadian reader. However, since you’re looking to relocate, state “Willing to Relocate” or “Relocating to Canada” here.
  • Your LinkedIn profile . If you have an active LinkedIn profile , include it here.

Don’t include:

  • Date of birth : This isn’t necessary in the US or Canada, and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
  • Personal details : Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc. can all be left off.

Sara Winchester

Sales Manager

[email protected]

+1 360-345-3275

Seattle, WA - Relocating to Vancouver, BC

1723 Summit Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

A summary is the first part of your resume that will really grab the hiring manager’s attention. It’s where you get to pull together your experience, expertise, and enthusiasm for the role and craft a narrative. But don’t say too much—the summary should only be 2-4 sentences, so keep it light. 

Don’t just reiterate your resume or use vague statements. Instead, use action verbs and specific achievements to show how you’re the best fit for the job at hand. For example, if you’re applying to a sales role, you might include something like, “High-achieving sales leader with a track record of exceeding quota five years in a row, while expanding into new territories.” 

Imagine you’re in an elevator with the hiring manager and have just a few minutes to pitch yourself as the solution to their business problem. The summary is a written version of your elevator pitch.  

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

  • Career change resume example
  • Traditional resume example
  • General resume example

You can find an adaptable Canadian example summary below:

Experienced telemarketer with a proven track record of achieving sales targets and building strong customer relationships. Skilled in lead generation, cold calling, and customer service. Proficient in using various telemarketing software and CRM tools. Committed to delivering exceptional results and contributing to company growth.

If you’re using the reverse chronological format, list your current or most recent job first, then work your way backwards. Only go back 10-15 years to keep the focus on the most recent and relevant work. Try to keep your experience related to the job you’re applying to; if you have unrelated experience that you feel strongly about including, you can create an “other experience” section. 

List your company, title, and dates of work (being mindful of Canadian date conventions). Underneath each job, use concise bullet points to describe your achievements and results. Just like with a US resume format, there’s no need to write complete sentences or use pronouns like “my” or “I.” Do, however, start each bullet point with a verb—delivered, innovated, accomplished, directed, sold, negotiated, led. 

Don’t simply reiterate your role’s job description. Your resume should showcase how you made a unique impact in the position, not just detail the tasks you were assigned. For example, you can imagine an administrative assistant resume with bullets like:

  • "Assisted with administrative tasks.”
  • "Helped the boss manage his calendar.”
  • “Ordered office supplies.”

While those are all accurate to an administrative assistant job, nothing about them stands out or proves how the writer is the best candidate for the job. And if you’re applying to a job in an entirely new country, especially if you require relocation assistance, you’ve got to pull out all the stops to set yourself apart as the very best. 

That’s where results come in. Shoot for each bullet point to include a specific metric, result, or impact. When you do this, it transforms your resume: 

  • "Owned all administrative tasks for a busy law firm, including booking 5 travel arrangements per month, achieving 100% accurate data entry, and greeting all visitors.”
  • "Coordinated and managed executive’s schedule, including daily calendaring and complex scheduling of 10+ meetings per week.”
  • “Managed office supply inventory and ordering for office of 50, ensuring adequate stock and timely replacements as needed.”

Now, that looks like someone you want to hire! 

Take a look at the Canadian employment history resume sample below:

Senior Telemarketer at ABC Industries, Ottawa, ON  November 2018 - Present 

  • Consistently exceed monthly sales targets by an average of 25% through effective lead generation and cold calling techniques.
  • Develop and maintain a deep understanding of company products and services to provide tailored solutions to customers.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities, resulting in a 15% increase in average order value.
  • Train and mentor new telemarketing staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Telemarketer at XYZ Corporation, Ottawa, ON  July 2016 - October 2018 

  • Conducted outbound calls to potential customers, generating leads and setting appointments for the sales team.
  • Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate by actively listening to customer needs and providing appropriate solutions.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date records in the CRM system, ensuring data integrity and facilitating effective follow-up.
  • Participated in regular training sessions to stay updated on product knowledge and sales techniques.

How to write a Canadian resume with no experience

If you don’t have direct work experience for the role intended with your Canadian resume, you can still shoot your shot at the job. By focusing on your transferable skills and any relevant education, you can show yourself as an excellent fit even without exact experience doing the job. 

What information you include will depend on the sort of job you’re targeting. If you’re seeking a role as a software engineer, for instance, you might include your bachelor’s in computer science, previous internships , and any side projects you’ve done on your own. 

If you’re looking to break into sales, you might include experience working as a server in a restaurant and honing your communication and interpersonal skills. 

Just like in the US, your Canadian resume should display your top skills in the skills section. List both your hard and soft skills to paint a comprehensive picture of your abilities. 

Hard skills are those that can be demonstrated and assessed, like expertise with a specific software system or knowledge of a project management methodology. 

Soft skills , on the other hand, are those that pertain to interpersonal or intrinsic abilities like customer service, communication skills , or strong time management skills. 

Resume.io’s resume builder includes several skills from which to choose, and you also have the option to add your own. 

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our Canadian resume template. 

Key Skills and Proficiencies

However, the skills section is just one place to show your expertise. You should also display your skills throughout your resume, especially in the summary and work experience sections.

For example, consider highlight things like:

  • Role-related experience by describing past accomplishments and expertise in similar positions
  • Interpersonal skills by detailing the role you’ve played on a team or as a leader, or how you’ve provided excellent customer service
  • Ability to learn quickly by sharing an example of something you had to learn and how you quickly got up to speed

Whatever the role, the job description is the best place to look as you determine the most important skills to include. 

In general, your resume’s education section is fairly straightforward. Just like with your work history, you’ll list your educational experience in reverse chronological order, including the institution name, the degree or certification you earned, and — if within the past five years — the date achieved.

If you have a university degree or higher, there’s no need to include high school information. But formal education isn’t the only thing to include here. You can also incorporate the following:

  • Training and certifications . If you’ve taken any certificate programs, courses, workshops, or even highly relevant webinars, they can be added here.
  • Internships or apprenticeships . If you gained on-the-job experience and training through an internship, apprenticeship, or similar, that can be shared in the education section.
  • Professional development or affiliations . Are you a member of a trade association or industry group? This can show your passion for the industry as well as your commitment to staying aware of trends and changes in your field.
  • Language skills . This may only be relevant if you’re applying in a French-speaking part of Canada, but if you’ve taken courses to brush up on your French, it can help to include that.

Associate of Science in Business Administration, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON  August 2014 - May 2016

The design and layout of your resume has a big impact on the hiring manager’s first impression, so you want to get it right. It should grab the attention of the reader, be simple to understand, and be representative of your professionalism. 

A great layout contains ample whitespace, clean lines, and limited color and fonts. While it’s fine to show a little personality with a pop of color or a modern font , don’t go overboard. 

Although there’s no shortcut to a perfect resume, if you’re searching for a free Canadian resume format template, check out our field-tested resume templates . We take care of the hardest part for you, helping your skills to shine.

Canadian text-only resume example

Employment history

  • Computer Skills
  • Customer Service
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Mentoring & Coaching
  • Microsoft Office
  • Cold-Calling
  • Phone Etiquette
  • Client Communication
  • Cross-Selling & Upselling

Canadian job market and outlook

Overall, the job market in Canada is in flux just like that in the US. Unemployment is higher than that of the US, but the country is seeing increases in work within sectors like healthcare, natural resources, food services, and professional, scientific, and technical services.

  • Canada’s unemployment rate is approximately 6.1% .
  • The working population in Canada tops out at 21,721,000.
  • There are approximately 678,475 job vacancies throughout Canada.

How much a professional will earn in Canada depends on the type of role, just like in any other location. Some of the highest-paying professions include medical roles like surgeon, physician, or psychologist; first responder work such as firefighter or police officer; and technical roles like data scientist or engineer. 

It’s also the case that average salaries are similar between the US and Canada, but one must factor in the cost of living and how it can impact their overall take-home pay. 

Taking all roles into consideration, the average weekly earnings in Canada range from $1,200 to $1,305 per week ($62,400 to $67,860 per year). 

Key takeaways for building a Canadian resume

Canada offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to leave the US and experience a new country while not straying far from the comforts of home. For your best chances at a job, you need the best Canadian resume format and content.

Luckily, the differences between resumes meant for the US or Canada are slight, so most of your current resume can stay the same with some minor tweaks. Be sure to focus on achievements, top skills, and relevant education for the most success. 

Our online resume builder can help you streamline the process, land an interview, and win the job. Happy trails!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Toronto: 416-438-3606 / Text: 647.389.2284

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resume samples for canada pdf

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

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

Download our editable,  to craft the perfect resume for your job search. Whether you’re applying for your first job or showcasing years of experience, these ready-to-use Canadian resume templates will help position you as the ideal candidate. Download templates for:

resume samples for canada pdf

In this article:

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

Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada

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

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

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

Very brief – about one or two pages long. Usually, two pages or longer; no maximum limit on pages.
Includes a summary of work experience, education, and skills relevant to the role. It is very detailed and includes work experience, education, skills, publications, awards, honours, research, affiliations, etc. over the entire course of your career.
Job applications. Academic applications.

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

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

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

1. Reverse chronological resume

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

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

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

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

2. Functional resume

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

When to use a functional resume?

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

3. Combination or hybrid resume

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

When to use a combination or hybrid resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is an ATS?

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

How to optimize a resume for ATS

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

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

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

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

4. Quantify your accomplishments

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

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

Some examples to consider:

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

5. Include a cover letter

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

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

Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter

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

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

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

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

Things our lawyers want you to know

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

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About Arrive

Arrive is operated by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the largest bank in Canada* and one of the most reputed banks in the world, employing 80,000 people worldwide. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada.

*Based on market capitalization

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

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Hiring Job in Canada, Job Opportunities in Canada

Navigating the job market can be challenging, but having a standout resume is a crucial step in landing your dream job. At Canada Hires, we understand the importance of making a great first impression. That's why we've crafted a Canadian Resume Template tailored to highlight your strengths and experiences, aligning with Canadian employers' expectations.

Why Use Our Canadian Resume Template?

Our template is designed to help you:.

  • Showcase Your Skills and Experience: Organize your professional history in a way that's both comprehensive and easy to read.
  • Meet Canadian Standards: Our template is updated with the latest trends and requirements in the Canadian job market.
  • Save Time: Spend less time formatting and more time tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for.

How to Use the Canadian Resume Template

  • Use the Template: Copy our easy-to-use Canadian Resume Template.
  • Customize Your Information: Fill in each section with your personal and professional details.
  • Copy and Paste: Once you've filled in the template, you're ready to copy and paste your resume into job applications, or convert it into a PDF for a professional look.

What's Included in the Template?

  • Personal Information: Start with your name, contact details, and a professional email address.
  • Career Objective: Briefly outline your career goals and how you plan to achieve them.
  • Work Experience: List your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
  • Education: Include your degrees, certifications, and any relevant training.
  • Skills: Highlight specific skills that make you a strong candidate for the position.
  • Volunteer Experience: Optional, but a great way to showcase your community involvement.

Tips for Maximizing Your Resume's Impact

  • Tailor your resume for each job application, emphasizing the experience and skills most relevant to the position.
  • Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements when possible.
  • Keep your resume concise—ideally, no more than two pages.
  • Proofread carefully to avoid typos and grammatical errors.

The Canadian format Resume Template

[Your Full Name] [Your Canadian Address] | Mobile: [+1-XXX-XXX-XXXX] | Email: [[email protected]] | LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/yourprofile]

Career Objective

Craft a compelling summary of your career goals and how you plan to achieve them, tailored to the position and organization you're applying to.

Example: Aspiring to leverage my extensive experience in [Your Field/Industry] with [Company Name], aiming to contribute to [specific company goal or project] while fostering personal growth and continuous learning.

List your educational background, starting with the most recent. Canadian employers value Canadian credentials or their recognized equivalents.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Specialization in Finance, 2020 University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, 2017 Seneca College, Toronto, ON

Professional Experience

Showcase your work experience in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that align with the job you’re applying for, using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.

Example: Senior Financial Analyst ABC Corporation, Toronto, ON (January 2019 – Present)

  • Spearheaded the budgeting process, reducing expenses by 15% through strategic cost analysis.
  • Led a team of 4 in the successful rollout of a financial reporting system, improving reporting efficiency by 25%.

Financial Analyst XYZ Inc., Vancouver, BC (May 2016 – December 2018)

  • Conducted comprehensive market research that informed a pivot in strategic direction, resulting in a 10% increase in market share.
  • Streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing monthly closing time by 30%.

Certifications and Professional Development

Include relevant certifications, licenses, workshops, and courses that enhance your candidacy.

  • Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Certification, 2021
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 2019
  • Continuous Education Course in Advanced Data Analysis, University of British Columbia, 2018

Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to the job. For a Canadian audience, emphasize bilingual skills or any skills particularly sought after in your industry.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Advanced Excel skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, fluent in English and French.

Volunteer Experience (Optional)

Demonstrate your commitment to the community and any leadership or teamwork skills gained through volunteer work.

Example: Volunteer Coordinator, Toronto Food Bank (2020 – Present)

  • Coordinated a team of 20+ volunteers, organizing schedules and tasks for weekly food distribution events.

Professional Affiliations (Optional)

List memberships in professional organizations related to your field.

  • Member, Canadian Association of Management Consultants (CAMC)
  • Member, Toronto Finance Institute (TFI)

Personal Interests (Optional)

Briefly mention interests or hobbies that showcase your personality, especially those that reflect skills relevant to the job or industry.

  • Avid marathon runner, completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2021.
  • Volunteer dog walker for the local animal shelter.

Available upon request.

Download Canadian Resume Template

Highlights of the Canadian Resume

1. Why should I choose the Canada Hires Canadian Resume Template over others?

Using the Canada Hires Canadian Resume Template ensures that your resume aligns with the expectations and standards of Canadian employers. Our template is specifically designed to:

  • Showcase your skills and experience in a structured and reader-friendly format, making it easy for employers to assess your qualifications.
  • Meet Canadian job market trends and requirements , incorporating elements that are currently favored by recruiters and hiring managers in various industries.
  • Save you valuable time on formatting and structuring, allowing you to focus on customizing your resume with relevant information for each job application.

2. How can I effectively use the Canadian Resume Template for my job applications?

Maximizing the impact of your resume with our Canadian Resume Template involves a few key steps:

  • Download and use our template as the foundation for your resume. This ensures you start with a format that is professional and Canada-specific.
  • Customize your resume by filling in your personal and professional details in each designated section of the template. Tailor your career objective, work experience, education, and skills to match the requirements of the job you're applying for.
  • Convert your completed resume into a PDF to maintain formatting and ensure a professional appearance. Attach this PDF to your job applications or copy and paste the content as needed.

3. What are the essential components included in the Canadian Resume Template, and how should they be filled out?

Our Canadian Resume Template includes several key sections designed to present your credentials effectively:

  • Personal Information: Start with your name, contact details, and professional email address. Ensure your contact information is current and professional.
  • Career Objective: Write a succinct summary of your career goals and how you align with the position and company. Make it specific to each job application to show your enthusiasm and relevance.
  • Education: List your highest qualifications first, including the degree, institution, and year of completion. Highlight Canadian credentials or equivalent qualifications.
  • Professional Experience: Detail your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to the job you're applying for. Use quantifiable achievements and action verbs to demonstrate your impact.
  • Skills: Include both technical and soft skills pertinent to the job. Mention any bilingual abilities or industry-specific skills.
  • Volunteer Experience: (Optional) Show your community involvement and any transferable skills gained.
  • Professional Affiliations and Personal Interests: (Optional) These sections can further personalize your resume and show your engagement in your field or personal qualities.

Remember, tailoring your resume to each job application by emphasizing the most relevant experience and skills is key to making a strong impression on Canadian employers.

Navigating the job market can be a challenging journey, but with our dedicated page offering Canadian resume formats, the path becomes clearer and more accessible. Recognizing the high demand for specialized resume formats, we have meticulously designed a collection that caters specifically to the Canadian job market. Our offerings include Canadian resume formats available for Word download, allowing for easy customization to reflect your unique skills and experiences. While we provide these templates in Word format to facilitate editing, we encourage users to convert their final documents into PDF format before submission. This ensures that the formatting remains intact when viewed by potential employers, presenting your professional profile in the best light possible. Whether you're seeking a template to kickstart your resume creation process or a comprehensive format ready for detailed customization, our resources are designed to empower you in your job search. Start with our Canadian resume formats to take the first step towards landing your dream job in Canada.

To download a Canadian style resume

Canadian resume template- a free copy   or  canadian resume format - word download, resume frequently asked questions (faq).

Have a question about crafting your resume? Feel free to drop it in the comments section below. We'll promptly update our FAQ list with both your question and our answer. Please ensure your queries are related to resume formats, styling, content inclusion or exclusion, and strategies best suited for the Canadian job market. We’re here to help you tailor your resume effectively!

What is the most accepted CV format in Canada? The reverse-chronological format wins the favor of Canadian employers. It lists your latest job first and is preferred for its clear timeline of your career progression..

Can a Canadian resume be 2 pages? Absolutely, especially if your experience warrants it. Two pages are acceptable if they are filled with relevant information that showcases your qualifications comprehensively.

What is a professional summary on a Canadian resume? At the top of your resume, a professional summary section quickly introduces you, highlighting your key achievements, skills, and how they align with the job you’re applying for.

What's the difference between Canadian format resume and regular resume?

Canadian resumes often include a detailed skills section and a professional summary. They may also highlight bilingual language skills, which are a plus in the multilingual Canadian job market.

Do you really need a professional summary for a resume? Including a professional summary is not mandatory but recommended. It distills your accomplishments and expertise into a brief segment that captures an employer's attention.

What is a good example of a resume summary? "Experienced project manager with a decade in commercial construction management, known for completing projects efficiently and under budget. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills."

Should you have a summary on your resume in 2024? Yes, a well-crafted summary can serve as a powerful introduction to your resume, offering a concise overview of your professional background and objectives.

What's a good summary for a resume? "IT professional with 5+ years in network security and system administration, adept at resolving complex network issues and improving system functionality."

Is a resume summary outdated? Not at all. A concise and compelling summary can significantly elevate your resume by setting the tone for your professional narrative.

What is an example of a professional statement? "Passionate healthcare professional with 12 years’ experience in patient care management, dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative and effective care coordination."

What is an example of a summary about yourself? "Creative marketing expert enthusiastic about digital strategy and data-driven results. Proven track record in leading successful campaigns that increase brand awareness and sales."

How can you describe yourself professionally? "I am a driven and diligent professional, noted for my deep commitment to achieving business goals and my ability to thrive under pressure."

How to end a resume? Conclude with your educational background, any certifications, and professional affiliations that are pertinent to the job you are applying for. Ensure your contact information is updated and formatted professionally.

What to put in a resume with no experience? Highlight educational achievements, relevant coursework, internships, and any volunteer work. These elements can effectively demonstrate your capabilities and readiness for the workplace.

What do I say if I have no job experience? Focus on your skills, educational background, and any extracurricular activities that show your potential to succeed in a professional setting.

What are three general tips for your resume? Tailor your resume to the job, emphasizing relevant accomplishments over general duties. Ensure the layout is uncluttered and professional. Finally, always proofread to eliminate any errors.

What is the best resume format for 2024? Stick with the tried-and-true reverse-chronological format, which focuses on your work history and is easy for employers to scan.

What is the most hired resume format? The reverse-chronological format is typically most favored by recruiters, as it clearly showcases your work history and career progression.

What kind of resume do employers prefer? Employers prefer a resume that is clear, well-organized, and tailored to the position, with a strong emphasis on relevant experiences and skills.

What is the most attractive resume format? The combination format is very appealing because it highlights both your skills and your employment history, making it perfect for those with a robust set of skills and experiences.

How far back should a resume go? Keep your resume relevant by focusing on the last 10 to 15 years of your career, which provides enough context for employers without overwhelming them with too much information.

Do you put your address on a resume? It’s enough to list your city and province. Full addresses are not necessary and can be omitted for privacy and brevity.

How to make an eye-catching resume? Use a clean format, consistent font styles, and a touch of color if appropriate. Make sure each section is clearly defined and easy to read.

What is the most important part of the cover letter? The opening paragraph is crucial as it must grab the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and explain succinctly why you are the ideal candidate for the job.

How do I make a beautiful resume in Word? Utilize Microsoft Word’s resume templates as a starting point. Customize your resume by choosing a professional font and adding subtle styling details that reflect your personal brand without distracting from the content.

How do you write a powerful resume? Start with a strong summary, use action verbs to describe your achievements, and include quantifiable results whenever possible. 

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resume samples for canada pdf

resume samples for canada pdf

Canadian Resume Format: Land Your Dream Job in Canada

Canada, known for vast job opportunities, requires the Canadian resume format. This style meets local employer expectations, enhancing your job prospects. Master the Canadian-style resume to stand out in the Great White North .

All resume examples in this guide

resume samples for canada pdf

Canadian Resume Example

Joan Brown Top Chief Accountant 317-555-686 [email protected] linkedin.com/in/joanbrown

Chief accountant with six years of experience seeking a more challenging position as a Top Chief Accountant in a leading organization with opportunities for continuous development. Fully experienced in managing accounting and finance procedures, I aim to increase productivity and enhance compliance.

Chief Accountant Keringat Technologies Company June 2018 to Present

  • Oversee the preparation of the company’s budget.
  • Preparing filed tax statements and annual tax statements.
  • Conduct regular internal checks to prevent any discrepancies.
  • Verifying monthly bank accounts and accounts payables and receivables.
  • Training accounting staff and evaluating their performance.
  • Answering any inquiries presented by the federal agencies.

Assistant Auditor Absa Auditing & Accounting Firm May 2016- May 2018

  • Prepared financial statements, reports, and commentaries.
  • Analyzed the company's financial information and accounts.
  • Aligned the company’s financial activities with the set regulations.
  • Ensured compliance with tax regulations.

Masters of Business Administration ‍ York University, Toronto, ON Graduated 2015

B.A Degree in Accounting and Finance ‍ York University, Toronto, ON 2010-2014

  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Time management
  • Analytical skills
  • Knowledge of GAAP
  • Strong accounting and auditing knowledge

Certification & Licenses

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Also, how is the Canadian resume format different from that of other countries like the USA? To help you answer these questions, compiled below is a Canadian-style resume guide, including resume templates , to help you succeed with a resume for canadian jobs .

Follow this Canadian resume example to know the correct format to use.

Canadian style Resume format

Canadian Resume for International Students

Are you an international student and intend to stay in the country after graduation? If so, you need to create a North American resume to help you land job opportunities. Your Canadian resume may differ in style and format from your home country.

Here is a Canadian resume format for international students to guide you:

  • Health and Safety
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Refined leadership skills
  • Building effective collaboration relations
  • Able to prove the necessary training and mentorship
  • Collaborated with other team members to come up with initiatives and product promotions.
  • Managed a corporate social responsibility campaign that accelerated sales by 60%.
  • Led mandatory employee training for increased awareness on product promotion, pricing, and sales planning.
  • Worked with a focused team to discover market opportunities.
  • Participated in employee training and development programs and increased sales volume by 35%.
  • Engaged with customers leading to more market opportunities.

canadian resume

How Do Canadian Resumes Differ From American Ones?

Unlike many deem, a Canadian resume model does not differ from the American resume in terms of style and format. However, the two differ in the English variation in several aspects.

Therefore, you may want to use Canadian English when writing a Canadian resume. You also need to know what information to include and what to omit in your Canadian-style resume.

Feature Canadian Resume American Resume
Up to two pages Typically limited to one page
More work experiences and volunteer work More personality-oriented details
Fewer power words (jargon) Uses more jargon words

How to Create a Canadian Resume? Create a Canadian-Styled Resume Step-by-Step

While there are different structures for writing a Canadian resume, there is standard formatting. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to write a Canadian-style resume.

Begin with The Resume Header

You need a resume header at the top of your resume. When writing it, we highly recommend keeping it simple and clear. In this part of the resume, ensure that you include your name, title, contact information, and LinkedIn profile URL.

A well-written resume header will quickly give the hiring manager information about the resume and how they reach out to them.

Create a Resume Profile

The next step is to create a brief introduction of the content in your resume. This includes writing a resume summary if you have more achievements and experience and a resume objective to start your career. A summary of qualifications can be useful if you have more qualifications to showcase.

List Your Work Experience

You should pay attention to the professional experience section since most employers are most interested in it. We highly recommend using the reverse chronological order, where you first state your most recent work experience down to your initial career experience.

Here are effective tips on how to list your work experience:

  • Start with the basic information including, the company’s name, the job title, and period of employment.
  • Insert bulletproofs elaborating details of the role.
  • Comprehensively describe your achievements using accomplishment statements rather than general words.
  • Insert resume keywords when writing this part. This is crucial since the Application Tracking Systems (ATS) use resume keywords during the resume filtering process.
  • Be specific and avoid vague language.

List Your Education

Besides your experience, you also need to talk about your education when writing a Canadian resume . List your education and professional qualifications and the data obtained. Mention the degrees, name of institution, and the date attended. If you are yet to graduate, mention the expected graduation date and your Grade Point Average if it's 3.5 or above.

Like U.S. employers, Canadian employers look for applicants' skills when going through a Canadian resume. Therefore, it helps to include your hard and soft skills and try as much as possible to keep this list simple and relevant. Teamwork skills show that you are a team player and are a plus in your Canadian resume.

Utilize Additional Sections

To create a creative resume that stands out from the rest, ensure that you use additional sections to include extra skills and achievements.

Some extra sections that you may want to include are such as:

  • Volunteer experience
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Social media (professional ones)
  • Achievements and awards
  • Licenses and certifications
  • Publications
  • Foreign languages
  • Mentoring programs

What Should I Omit in My Canadian-Style Resume?

Before you write a resume when searching for a job in the Canadian market, it is crucial to know what not to include. Here are things that are best left out in your Canadian-style resume.

  • The words ‘resume’, ‘CV’, and ‘curriculum vitae’, especially in the title
  • Third-person voice
  • Unnecessary jargon words
  • Irrelevant hobbies and interests
  • Unimportant job from more than 15 years ago
  • Current work email address or an inappropriate email

canadian-resume

Tips for Making a Canadian-Style Resume

To land your dream job in Canada, you need to know how to masterfully write a Canadian-style resume. Below are some tips to help you create a Canadian-style resume that will give you an edge over other candidates.

Choose the Proper Resume Format

There are three resume formats that you can use when writing a Canadian-style resume.

  • Chronological Resume

This Canadian resume format highlights your resume experience in reverse chronological order, beginning from the most recent position to the previous ones. Generally, this traditional resume includes the last ten years of experience as they occurred.

It works best for job seekers with previous work experience and may not be ideal for those without relevant work experience in the industry. Besides, most hiring managers are more familiar with this resume format.

  • Functional Resume

The functional resume format may work best for you if you have the skills and abilities relevant to the job you are applying for. Therefore, it can justify you if you have minimal work experience, are changing careers, or have gaps in your employment history.

To optimize this Canadian resume model , consider starting with your skills and abilities first. This should be followed by your work experience.

  • Hybrid Resume

As the name may suggest, this is a combination of functional and hybrid resumes. With a combination resume , you can focus on your work experience and skills. Nevertheless, it puts more emphasis on your hard and soft skills.

Use Short Sentences and Write in an Active Voice

Most employers will not read a CV with more than two pages. Therefore, keep it short and simple and scrape off unnecessary details. Also, avoid the first person and instead use active voice. For example, ‘Increased sales by 50%.’

Personalize your Resume

Your prospective employer has probably seen thousands of resumes from applicants before and is most likely looking for something different. To stand out from other applicants in the job search, it would be best to customize your resume based on the requirements of the job you are applying for. Review the employer’s website to know what is expected and tailor your resume to it.

Include Keywords

Try as much as possible to include keywords related to the employer's words on the job posting. This is important since some employers use automated software known as ATS to narrow down applicants and the keywords are considered favourable during this process.

An Application Tracking System (ATS) is used in the scanning process to scan resumes and establish whether they are the right fit for the job at hand. This software automatically rejects resumes that are not optimized for the position.

By including key phrases in the work experience, skills, and professional experience section, you will grab the attention of your prospective employer with ease. Nevertheless, you still want to write for humans since recruiters and hiring managers will be making the final hiring decision.

Use Canadian English

In a Canadian resume , it is crucial to use the right variation. As we mentioned above, the language variations are slightly different, but a recruiter may take your American spelling as a misspelling, which is critical.

To make sure your resume is spot on, check the differences between both variations .

Also, include Canadian-acceptable terms. These may include words like internship, Grade Point Average (GPA), high school, and more.

Quantify Your Achievements

If you have handled, managed, led, or accomplished something, mention it in your Canadian resume using numbers. Generally, it is wise to be specific when mentioning your skills rather than generic. For instance, you can mention that you helped increase the sales of your current or previous company by 10%.

You can use the CAR approach to describe what the Challenge was, what Action you took, and the Results . This gives your prospective employer or recruiter better insight into who you are and what you can do. However, you should be honest when giving this or any other information lest the recruiter contacts your former employer to verify the information.

Include Unpaid Work Experience

Don’t pass the opportunity to include unpaid work experiences, particularly in the position you are applying for. This includes volunteer work, which is always a plus when writing a Canadian resume and is a good way to showcase your Canadian experience.

You can include unpaid work experience under the “Work Experience” section or the “Additional” section.

Don’t Include Unnecessary Information

While you may have too much to write about yourself, it is best to avoid unnecessary personal information. Any information that you provide in your resume should be tailored to suit the job application.

Ideally, never include any personal information that shows biasness such as political views, marital status, height, nationality, or weight, unless required. Also, avoid including hobbies and interests unrelated to the job you are applying for.

Omit outdated skills, date of birth, nicknames, visa status, and nonessentials, and keep everything professional as much as possible.

If the employer asks about your immigration status during the interview, be honest. Also, let them know your commitment to becoming a permanent resident if you stay in Canada on a temporary permit.

Always Include a Cover Letter

It is necessary to include a cover letter to help elaborate on your skills, strengths, and experience. A well-written cover letter will help the hiring manager or the employer know you better and evaluate your suitability for the position.

Besides, you can leverage the cover letter to validate the gaps in your resume. Include it in the body on your email and limit it to one page only. Also, ensure that it is relevant and tailored to the job you are applying for. Don’t use any special effects like colour, bold, underline, or Italic but keep it professional with fonts like Arial, Time New Roman, or Calibri and font size of 10 or 12.

Don’t Include References

The Canadian resume format does not include references unless your potential employer asks for them. In most cases, Canadian employers will only require references if they consider hiring a candidate.

In this case, you should contact your references in advance and mention that you want to include them in your resume. Consequently, you can be assured that they will be available when contacted and speak positively about you.

Use a Good Resume Format and Double-Check Your Work

Use a nice Canadian-style resume format and ensure that you double-check your resume for grammatical errors before sending it. Generally, you want to ensure that nothing harms your first impression.

Ensure that the content is well-aligned and that the fonts and style of bullets points used throughout the document are uniform.

Before you submit, get someone else to proofread your work and check spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence formation. You may also want to pass your document through useful grammar and spelling tools like Grammarly to ensure that it is well-written.

Besides grammar and spelling, other things to double-check include:

  • Length of the article
  • Your contact details
  • Clear and easy-to-read information
  • Whether the content and design appear professional
  • If the resume is well aligned with the job description

canadian-resume

Carefully follow the Application Instructions

Different companies have varying instructions on how job applications should be made. Whether you are writing a substitute teacher resume or any other Canadian-style resume, ensure that you understand the company’s instructions and follow them to the letter when submitting your application.

This should include the Canadian resume format pdf to be followed, the deadline for submission, and the method for sending, whether through email, fax, etc.

Key Takeaways When Writing a Canadian Resume

While the Canadian job market is promising, landing the job of your dreams requires that you become familiar with the best practices of writing a winning resume to exceed the employer’s expectations. As aforementioned, the Canadian resume follows the same style and format as would resume in the U.S.

Nonetheless, there are specific items and information Canadian employers look for in resumes.

Here are our key takeaways:

  • Tailor your resume to match the job description.
  • The resume should be clear and have easy-to-read information.
  • It should not be longer than two pages.
  • It should look professional and contain all the necessary information.

To accelerate your job search for your dream job in the Great White North , don’t hesitate to download our Canadian resume template . Our resume templates will guide you in writing winning resumes that can significantly increase your chances of being called for an interview and eventually getting the job.

Besides, our website also contains a Canadian resume sample for each profession to guide you. For instance, our French resume template can come in handy when creating a French teacher resume .

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a lot to know regarding the best practices for writing a Canadian resume. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help you optimize your resume.

Do Canadians Say ‘Resume’ or ‘CV’?

Typically, the main difference between a Canadian resume and a Canadian CV is the length-while a resume has a maximum of two pages, a CV extends beyond two pages. Since C.V.s are highly detailed, they are preferred when applying for academic or technical jobs.

There is no clear distinction between a CV and a resume in Canada, and the two can be used interchangeably. However, like in the U.S., most companies in the Great White North prefer a resume to work in Canada.

What do Canadian employers look for in a resume?

Knowing what your potential employer expects from you when writing your resume is the first step to getting closer to your dream job. In Canada, employers consider several things when narrowing down their list of potential employees.

They include:

  • Hard skills
  • Soft skills
  • Professional experience and qualifications

How far back should I include my work experience?

It is a good thing if you have many professional experience and qualifications. However, with just two pages provided for your English teacher resume , you should avoid giving too much information about your years of experience.

Ideally, it is advisable to keep it current and go as far as 10 to 15 years. Otherwise, your work experience will be considered outdated and irrelevant.

Create your resume with the best templates

resume samples for canada pdf

What’s a Rich Text element?

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

Static and dynamic content editing

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

How to customize formatting for each rich text

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

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

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Sample letters to download

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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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Showcase your potential.

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!

Cut down on writing

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.

Store your resume online

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.

Step 3 Customize your resume

Make sure to put a personal spin on your resume: with the ability to add free text descriptions and create new sections, you can easily customize its content to suit your needs.

Not sure where to start? Expert tips on customizing each section of your resume are provided as you fill them in. For more advice, read our do’s and don’ts of writing a good resume .

Build a resume that will land you a job interview.

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

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

How to Write a Canada Format Resume?

Posted on 21 oct 2019.

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

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

Canada resume format

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian-style resume dos and don’ts

resume samples for canada pdf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top five tips for a successful Canadian-style resume submission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need a Canadian-style resume?

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

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

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The resume format in Canada is quite different from CVs and resumes you may be used to writing in other countries. By following our advice, you too can adapt to the Canadian way of presenting your experience and skills.

Start off with this webinar from recruitment expert and Moving2Canada founder, Ruairi Spillane, about how to create the best resume for the Canadian jobs market:

When you’re done reading through these tips, visit our Jobs Board  and review our  practical advice for finding jobs in Canada.

What you'll find on this page

What’s different about the resume format in canada.

Your resume is key to  finding jobs in Canada . Employers will generally assess your suitability for roles based on this document alone.

Your sole objective in writing a resume is to pique the reader’s interest so that you get an  interview . Shift the focus away from telling the employer everything about yourself.  Instead, focus on things that will make them believe you can help their company.

Avoid simply listing your duties in each role. Instead, refer to  achievements  that other candidates wouldn’t be able to put on their resume. Differentiate yourself from the crowd.

The resume format in Canada must contain (in this order):

1. Contact information 2. Professional / career summary 3. Work experience 4. Education / professional development

Where appropriate, you may also add technical skills and volunteer experience / community involvement.

resume samples for canada pdf

"I sent countless resumes, but never heard back!"

16 tips to adapt to the resume format in canada.

1. Your resume is a tool to secure an interview. It’s not intended to be a thorough work history document. When you write a resume for Canada, concentrate on presenting the reader with your highlights, not every detail. The interview is the time to go into detail.

2. Keep your resume interesting. Typically, hiring managers will only spend 10-30 seconds browsing your document. Use the resume format in Canada to sell yourself in a concise way that focuses on your achievements.

3. Use a professional resume template. Register for a Moving2Canada account to get a professional resume template for free.

4. Avoid long paragraphs and small fonts (less than size 10 is not a good idea). Use an easily readable font and make sure that only one font is used throughout. Ensure your resume format style is consistent.

5. Do not use the first person (e.g. “I am technical”, “I worked at XYZ”). Use short sentences (e.g. “Increased sales by 10%”).

6. The resume format in Canada means your document should typically be a maximum of two pages. If you do not have a lot of experience, then one page should suffice. If you have 10+ years of experience, then three pages may be acceptable.

7. Don’t waste valuable space. Only list experience relevant for the role to which you are applying.

8. Convert all terms to the Canadian equivalent. For example, use terms like “high school”, “GPA” (Grade Point Average — the equivalent for university grades), “internship”, etc.

9. Do not list personal interests or hobbies unless they are achievements that add to your character. Remember: a good resume sets you apart from other candidates. Mentioning that you like football, play piano, and enjoy the cinema is not likely to boost your chances of success.

10. Include skills such as being able to speak a second language or mastery of particular computer applications. Ensure you only include those that may be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

11. Avoid sending a generic resume to dozens of employers. Your time is better spent being selective and tailoring your resume for each specific job and company you’re applying to.

12. Use a nice resume format, and where possible, have it proofread by an expert in the field. Grammatical and spelling errors on a resume can harm your first impression.

13. Do not list that you are on a “gap year” or “one-year work permit”. Companies want to employ committed candidates who are going to contribute to their success. In an interview, you can discuss your immigration status if the employer requests more information. If you are in Canada on a temporary permit, research longer-term permanent residence options so you can discuss ways of potentially staying in Canada once your work permit expires.

14. Do not include the word ‘resume’ or ‘CV’ at the top of the page, or the date you prepared the document.

15. Do not sign your resume.

16. Do not list references, or include the line ‘references available on request’. It will be assumed that you have these ready, so don’t waste valuable space on your resume by stating this. Have references’ names and contact details ready to present when requested, and make sure they’re willing to speak positively on your behalf.

Preparing for the resume format in Canada

Here’s some useful advice to help you craft the contact, career summary, and work history sections of your resume.

Contact information:

  • Do not list your date of birth, gender, marital status, religion, or parents’ names. It’s not required under the employment law in Canada, and is not a necessary part of the resume format in Canada.
  • Where possible, ensure you have a Canadian address listed. More importantly, include a Canadian cell phone number.
  • Ensure that you have an email address that looks professional. It should include a combination of your first name and last name, and avoid slang terms or nicknames. Avoid using email addresses with country-specific domains, like .co.uk, or .co.in. If necessary, set up a new email address for your job hunt.
  • Add your LinkedIn profile URL. Create a custom LinkedIn profile URL so that it isn’t as ‘clunky’ as the one that LinkedIn designated for you. You want to make it as easy as possible for the employer to find your profile, particularly when viewing a printed version of your resume. Also, ensure it’s up to date and that your profile contains a strong summary. See this great guide on being successful with LinkedIn .

Professional / career summary

This is a micro resume that will allow the reader to understand your goals and how you can help their company.

Three or four short sentences will suffice to set the tone for the detail that follows. Outline what makes you different, whether it is personality, technical ability, managerial skills, team building, or some other talents.

Begin by stating your objective clearly. You should list the title of the role you want to target — if you’re responding to a job posting, this role will be the job you’re applying for. Being a “jack of all trades” is not a good thing for an employer. If you want to be a Project Manager, then call yourself a Project Manager. Don’t expect a company to identify what you should be.

If you would like to do two or three different things, then build two or three specific documents, and follow the resume format in Canada in each. Listing “Marketing / Admin / Finance Professional” is not attractive, so have a clear focus for the relevant job application.

  • Mention how many years of relevant experience you have, what type of experience this is, and your future ambitions.
  • Avoid generic comments (e.g. “honest and hardworking professional”). Instead, give the reader a true insight into your strengths and objectives (e.g. “able to continually identify cost savings and efficiencies, and routinely trusted to manage projects effectively, mentor junior colleagues, and solve problems”). These should be specific to you, and not things that anyone can write on their resume.
  • Mention your career aspirations, whether this is professional designations, supervisory work, managerial work, or other work.

Work experience in Canada

Include details of relevant roles. Prospective employers will already be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of these roles, so there’s no need to list them.

Use three or four concise bullet points instead of long lists.

Think about key achievements in each previous role, then build each point by highlighting a specific problem you encountered, actions taken, and results accomplished. Every successful problem solved brings either an increase in revenue or decrease in costs. This is how managers think, so speak their language.

Problem/Situation >> Action taken >> Results/Achievement

Problem/Situation:  Every action that you take in a job is for a reason. Who asked you to perform this task? What was the objective? What was the background behind the task or the problem you set out to solve? Identify what the problem or situation was that prompted the action.

Action taken: This is where you incorporate the duties that you took to resolve a problem or situation.

Results/Achievement: Some questions to think about: What would happen if you didn’t perform this task as well? What was the impact of doing the task well? Did you gain recognition for this work? Did it improve efficiency, increase sales, reduce costs, or all of the above? Where possible, try to quantify the result in terms of either a percentage or Canadian dollar value.

Here’s an example that would meet the resume format in Canada requirements:

Existing phone / communication system was outdated and causing frustration for the staff. Investigated affordable alternatives and project managed the installation of the new system. It increased productivity and efficiency, received widespread positive reaction from staff, and by allowing us to spend more time with customers, generated an estimated $20k in extra sales in six months.

Provide your potential employer with three or four short illustrations of your abilities that showcase what you have achieved in previous roles.

If you’re unsure whether a point you made is useful or not, keep asking yourself “so what?” and try to develop it using the above formula. Explore the impact of your actions and try to bring each point back to a business problem with quantifiable results. Think about the increase in revenues, decrease in costs, or customer satisfaction.

For occupations that are project-driven, outlining your projects in a clear manner is key. Do not make a long list of every project. Focus on outlining a few key projects that demonstrate your skills. Remember, you don’t need to tell them everything you have done — you can do this in the interview . Ensure that you highlight the project name, an outline of the project (e.g. if construction then mention commercial, industrial, residential, etc), project duration, the value of the project in Canadian dollar terms, as well as your role.

Other employment resources in Canada

For vacancies, visit our Moving2Canada Jobs Board . Now that you’ve mastered the resume format in Canada, here are some more resources to help you win interviews and find a job in Canada.

  • Practical advice for finding jobs in Canada
  • 57 interview questions you could be asked
  • How to master networking in Canada
  • How to create a targeted job application

Remember also not all recruitment is done through formal interview processes. Find out how to use an informational interview as a tool to develop your network.

Get planning for Canada!  Did you know that Canada offers free pre-arrival services for approved immigrants who plan to arrive in the country within the next 12 months? You can get free employment mentorship and more through government-funded pre-arrival services. Find out about pre-arrival services provided by Canada InfoNet here:

Register for a Moving2Canada account to receive Canadian resume and cover letter templates. You’ll also receive our free Getting Started Guide, which gives exclusive access to our proven techniques for accelerating your job search in Canada.

Happy job hunting!

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Best Canadian Resume Format Sample [How to Write Guide]

Sashika Dilshan

Sashika Dilshan

“Knowing how to write a Canadian resume format right, is the first step of experiencing Canadian jobs”

Canada is a diverse country and shares a lot of differences from other countries; From the way they ask questions with an ‘eh’ at the end to selling milk in bags. They are different. But what about when applying for a job? Is the Canadian resume format different from other countries, especially from the USA format ? These are the common questions that people ask when it comes to resume building. Therefore, we thought of explaining to you everything about the Canadian Resume format.

Canadian resume formats you can use

There are basically three resume formats you can use in Canada. They are, traditional reverse chronological, strategic functional resume and balanced hybrid resume. Which format to choose, primarily depends on the job you are trying to apply for, and the experience you have. Because, each of these types involves specific purposes.

When to use the traditional reverse chronological format in Canada?

This is usually used when you have experience in several companies or different positions. What is unique about this is, you mention your experience in a reverse chronological order so that the recruiters may identify your career progress or experience clearly. Hence, this is not the best resume format if you do not have experience or are naïve to the industry. For example, Students, school leavers, and graduates immediately after college.

When to use the strategic functional resume format in Canada?

This type of resume format focuses on the skills and the qualifications of the applicant. Meaning this resume format will have more emphasis on your skills and qualifications to convince the recruiter rather than the experience. This is usually used when you have gaps in professional experience and you are changing your career.

When to use the hybrid resume format in Canada?

This is also named as a combination resume because, this is actually a combination of both chronological and functional resume format. Meaning the resume includes an extension of both experience and skills. Yet with more focus on the skills (both soft and hard) you have developed. Hence, these types of resumes are usually considered to be beneficial for the ones who are changing their career, or new to the workforce or who have gaps with work experience.

Best Canadian Resume Format

Canada resume format featured image - Cresuma

Experts in Canada advise job seekers to stay close to a reverse chronological format. Therefore it is always best and safe to go with the reverse chronological resume format in Canada.

Below are the elements of the chronological resume

  • Resume header (Mention candidate name, contact information, job title)
  • Resume summary or objective
  • Work experience

Additional sections

Important tips to follow when you are writing a Canadian resume format

  • Use a clear and easy to read font
  • Select/set line spacing to 1.15
  • Stick to one page rule. But if you really need 2, it’s ok. But never exceed the page 2 limit.
  • Use bold and larger font sizes in headings and header section
  • Do not mention your marital status, gender or religion
  • Do not insert your photo
  • Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides

Canada Resume Format Sample

Senior Marketing Executive

416-555-333

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/seanndavis

[Example] Accomplished marketing professional with over 5 years of distinguished performance in the FMCG industry. Key achievements include increasing revenue, brand awareness and improving profits

Marketing Senior Executive

Dairy Milk Companies, Toronto, ON

September 2018–Present

  • Doubled revenue of the ABC pdf tool within the first year of joining the company
  • Increased brand awareness upto 80% of the market
  • Increased product’s online presence by 50% through digital strategy
  • Led 10 people in the department, motivating them to achieve monthly targets
  • Achieved a 99% customer feedback score in the first month of employment and maintained it constantly ever since.

Marketing Executive

Maple Foods, Toronto, ON

January 2018–February 2023

  • Promoted company products and achieved 100% sales achievement
  • Multiplied digital sales by 3X times within 2 years
  • Maintained social media accounts and increased the Facebook community upto 500K from 190K

Master of Marketing

University of Alberta, Alberta

Graduated 2018

  • Analytical Skills
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Digital Marketing
  • Time management
  • Product & brand knowledge
  • Empathy & friendliness
  • Conflict management

Certifications & Licenses

  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK)
  • Certified Professional Marketer (Asia)

How to write a Canadian Resume Format

  • Resume Header

Resume headers for Canadian jobs should be clear and simple. The most common mistake that people make is that they try to insert a photo there next to their name. Actually, Canadian companies never look for your photographs. Therefore, do not try to insert your photo. Be it at the heading or wherever. What primarily has to be there in the resume header is, just your full name, title and contact information (also add your LinkedIn URL as a contact method).

2. Resume summary or objective

This includes a brief introduction to your content on the resume. If you have more experience and achievements, this is a good place to briefly highlight them as well. The general practice of this section is to write an objective if you are new to a career and a summary if you have more experience and achievements to showcase.

3. Work experience

  • First, use reverse chronological order (Latest experience first, then the second and so on)
  • Stick to basics. Mention the name of the company, the job title and the year or the period of time you worked there
  • Do not be vague with language. Be specific of what you did.
  • Do not use general or overused resume buzzwords . Rather, mention your achievements in a quantifiable manner. Eg. Increased sales by 20% within the first year of joining the company.
  • Insert bullet points for each achievement or sentence
  • Make sure that you insert resume keywords when you are writing each because ATS (Application Tracking Systems) identify them as favorable in the resume filtering process.
  • Do not write a long list of experiences. Usually, the maximum is number of bullet points is considered to be 6

4 . Education

Most people think that this is not that relevant as they have got a lot of experience that talks of their skills and capabilities. But this section talks of you as well. Therefore, never underestimate the power of this section. Mention your degrees, your school or college and its location with the year you graduated. Also GPA as well, especially if it is above 3.5.

When you list skills, make sure that you include both soft skills and hard skills . Because most recruiters in both Canada and the USA are particularly interested in your skills

Extra sections add more flavors to your resume. For instance, if collaboration is one of your skills, in your volunteer work you highlight the fact that you were the coordinator in the volunteer work you were involved in last summer.

Below are some extra sections you may consider putting in.

  • Volunteer work experience
  • License and Certifications
  • Projects involved in
  • Mentoring programs you did
  • Awards and Achievements
  • Publications

You do not need to mention references. Usually Canadian recruiters do not ask for them at the initial stage. If they require it, they will ask for references in the later stages of the recruitment process.

Is there any difference between USA and Canadian Resume Format?

Canadian Resume format VS USA resume format

Finally, it is natural if this question comes to you. Because, both Canada and USA share a pretty similar culture around being the countries next to each other. Well, this same similarity reflects on their resume formats as well. They both share a "traditional" resume format. Most of the people think that US CVs are different from the ones used by Canadians because, their social dynamics are different up to an extent. But this is not actually the case. You can use the same CV you used for USA jobs, for the jobs in Canada as well.

This is everything you need to know about the Canadian resume format. If you focus and fulfill these criteria, there should be no reason for you to be rejected by the ATS system at the initial stages.

Anyway, if you would like to explore more on what Canadian government says about this, you may also have a look on Canadian Government resume guide too.

People who read this also read: Best Resume Formats in 2024 to use for any Job in the World (Resume format samples included)

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  1. How to Write a Canadian Resume (Format & Examples)

    Tips to write a Canadian resume. Choose a resume format according to your career stage. Use standard formatting for a professional resume: 1.5-inch margins, 10-12 font size for your content and 12-14 font size for your heading. Use the job description as a guide to customize the information on your resume.

  2. Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]

    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.

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    Pro tip: Start your bullet points with dynamic action verbs like "Initiated," "Directed," "Managed" and "Worked" to highlight your leadership and impact. This approach aligns with Canadian employers' preferences for candidates who demonstrate proactive problem-solving and teamwork. 5. Highlight your education.

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    Let's break down the five must-hit components of the Canadian resume format and tips on how to make your resume stand out from the rest. 1. Header. The header is the first thing you see when looking at a resume. It's front and center at the very top and includes your personal information and contact details.

  5. Canadian Resume Format & How-to Guide for 2024

    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.

  6. FREE Canadian Resume Template

    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.

  7. How to Make a Canadian Resume (Format & Examples)

    Here's an example of an applicant's resume header: 2. Write a compelling resume objective. Your resume objective (or career objective) is an important section that comes up after your resume header and is your opportunity to explain why you're a top candidate for your target role.

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    Download the Canadian resume format that best matches your experience level: Experienced professional with no major employment gaps, looking for a job in the same industry - choose the reverse chronological resume template. Recent graduate OR looking to switch career fields - the functional resume may be the best fit.

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    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.

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    This formatting allows recruiters to see your most relevant accomplishments first. You must also outline your achievements for each job listed in your resume work experience section. Some examples of accomplishments to list in your work experience include: Quantifiable achievements. Projects and initiatives.

  12. Canadian Resume Format: Complete Guide (2023)

    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.

  13. Canadian Resume Format resume examples & templates

    A US resume will use American English, while Canadian resumes often use British English. Depending on the part of Canada, Canadian resumes may even be written in French. Data format. In the US, it's customary to write dates as Month - Day - Year (e.g., May 5, 2024). In Canada, resumes should display the date using a Year - Month - Day. Resume ...

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    Stick to 1-2 pages for your resume length. Choose an easy-to-read resume font. Use a larger font size to emphasize your resume section headers and make important information stand out with bolding and italics. In turn, here are the things you shouldn't include on your resume in Canada: A resume photo.

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    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.

  17. How To Write a Resume in a Canadian Format (With Example)

    1. Choose a format. Consider your work experience history to choose the right format for your Canadian resume. Typically, Canadian resumes use one of two formats, which are: Reverse-chronological: This resume format lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent position.

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  19. Canadian Resume Format: Land Your Dream Job in Canada

    Your Canadian resume may differ in style and format from your home country. Here is a Canadian resume format for international students to guide you: Alex Texas. Marketing and Sales Director. 555-674-5678. [email protected].

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    Ensure your resume format style is consistent. 5. Do not use the first person (e.g. "I am technical", "I worked at XYZ"). Use short sentences (e.g. "Increased sales by 10%"). 6. The resume format in Canada means your document should typically be a maximum of two pages.

  23. Best Canadian Resume Format Sample [How to Write Guide]

    Be it at the heading or wherever. What primarily has to be there in the resume header is, just your full name, title and contact information (also add your LinkedIn URL as a contact method). 2. Resume summary or objective. This includes a brief introduction to your content on the resume.

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