sample resume of canada

Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]

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

This goes for resumes, too.

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

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

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

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

Here’s what we’re going to go over:

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

And more! Let’s get started!

Canadian Resume Example

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

Here’s what this resume does right:

Reverse-chronological format. This format highlights your most recent work experience first and is a recruiter favorite all around the world.
Relevant contact details. This resume example highlights the candidate’s first and last name, phone number, email address, location, and LinkedIn URL.
Captivating resume summary. The paragraph nested in the header summarizes the candidate’s most essential skills and accomplishments.
Action words. The candidate uses action verbs and power words to describe work responsibilities.
Bullet points. The resume leverages bullet points to appear easy to read, organized, and reader-friendly.
Additional sections. Language proficiency, certifications, awards, and interests all give a holistic view of the candidate and add value to their application.

Free Canadian Resume Templates

Creating a resume from scratch is time-consuming work.

You need to twitch the margins, keep the fonts uniform, carefully align every element you add, and make sure it never spills over to page two.

But you can skip all that hassle if you use a resume template .

Novoresume’s templates are created in collaboration with recruiters and meet all job market requirements.

Any template you use can save you time and let you write your resume in minutes.

Canadian Resume Specifics

There are a few basic things to keep in mind when crafting your Canadian resume. First things first:

The terms resume and CV can be used interchangeably in parts of Canada. In Quebec, for example, both terms refer to a one or two-page-long summary of a candidate’s career that’s tailored to the job they’re applying for.

Outside of Quebec, however, a CV is different from a resume in that it’s far more detailed and appropriate for academic positions or specific senior-level applications.

Most job postings will ask for a resume unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Some other things to keep in mind about Canadian resumes include:

Keep your resume one to two pages . A one-page resume is more than enough if you’re a recent graduate or new to the job market. Two-page resumes are recommended for seasoned professionals, and in certain cases, a three-page resume can be acceptable.
Write your resume in the same language as the job offer. If you’re going for a position in Quebec and the advertisement is in French, then use French. Don’t assume they’ll accept a resume in English unless it’s explicitly written so on the job posting.
Skip personal information and photos. Your resume should never give away your appearance, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, marital status, number of children, or any personal identification numbers.
Don’t list references with your application unless the employer has requested them. Assumably, you can provide references if requested, so dedicating space on your resume when you’re not asked to is a waste.

Canadian Resume vs. US Resume

Both the USA and Canada prefer using resumes over CVs. In fact, Canadian and US resumes are almost identical.

The biggest difference? The language the document is written in.

You might be thinking - wait, I thought Canada used English?

Only partly.

Canada has two official languages - English and French. Both of these languages have standardized Canadian spellings, so that means they are not 100% the same as American English or European French.

Most of the terminology on your Canadian resume will be just about the same as it would be on its US equivalent. The biggest difference will probably be the added “u” to words like colour, and favourite , and the spelling of words like catalogue, centre, and cheque, as opposed to catalog, center, and check.

Before submitting your application, consider using a grammar checker like Grammarly or QuillBot to make sure your resume is up to par with Canadian spelling conventions .

Canadian Resume vs. European Resume

Typically, a resume in most of Europe, Asia, and the Pacific is referred to as a CV. The term resume in Canada refers to the same document that a CV refers to in Europe.

Both documents are meant to be one to two pages long, and list skills and experience relevant to the position you’re applying for. So in this sense, a European CV is actually different from a Canadian CV.

In Canada, a CV is an extensive document and is usually required in academic settings rather than for corporate job applications. The CV can be anywhere from two to ten pages long since it’s meant to list everything - from work experience to projects to publications.

European resumes also tend to be more detailed. For example, they can include details on high school education and grades, even if the candidate has a college degree. In Canada, that’s not the case. Your high school education is irrelevant if you have a higher degree of education.

The biggest difference between Canadian resumes and European ones is the amount of personal information you’re allowed to give away. For example, in Germany including a picture of yourself on your resume is common, but that’s absolutely not the case in Canada. There, your date of birth and nationality are a no-go.

These bits of information can be used to discriminate against you, so you’re supposed to keep them out of your resume as a precaution to give everyone a fair chance. Recruiters often consider resumes that overshare details of the candidate’s life (e.g.: race, age, date of birth, religion, political affiliation, etc.) unprofessional.

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your Canadian Resume

You’ve seen what a Canadian resume looks like. Now it’s time to write your own.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry - we’ve here to help you get it right.

Just follow these steps:

#1. Use the Correct Format

The most popular resume format in Canada is the reverse-chronological format (which is also called the chronological format).

It’s so widely used that it’s expected by most recruiters. The chronological format puts your most recent work experiences first and then goes back in time.

Here’s an example of what it looks like:

One of the other formats is the functional resume format , also known as the skills-based resume format, which focuses on your key strengths and abilities. It’s recommended for career changers or recent graduates with little-to-no experience in the field they’re applying for.

Then, we have the combination resume format . As the name suggests, it mixes elements of both the chronological and functional format. This format gives equal attention to a candidate’s experience and skills. It provides a detailed skill summary and is a good choice for applicants who have a noticeable employment gap but plenty of work experience nonetheless.

#2. Follow These Layout Tips

If your resume looks cluttered and unorganized, the hiring manager is less likely to want to read it.

But paying attention to your resume’s layout can get you a better chance.

Stick to these formatting tips when building your Canadian resume:

Have separate sections for all the information you want to add.
Use a professional and easily legible resume font .
Let your resume breathe - leave in enough white space so the contents are easier to read, by setting your resume margins to 1” on all sides.
Save your resume in the correct document size. Canadian resumes use a standard North American letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), instead of the A4 size common elsewhere. You can do this easily in the Novoresume editor by choosing “Layout” in the top menu and choosing “US Letter Format”.

#3. List the Right Contact Information

Once you’ve sorted out your resume layout, it’s time to start filling in its content.

The contact information section is the first thing you should list. Here’s what to include:

Name and surname
Canadian phone number
Address (City and Province)
Professional email address

Optionally, you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or an online portfolio. Just make sure they’re updated and relevant to the application.

#4. Write Your Resume Summary

Each resume only has a few seconds to catch a recruiter’s attention, so you have to make yours eye-catching and easy to read.

Here’s where a resume summary comes in.

Going at the top of your resume, a resume summary is a two or three-sentence-long summary of your career. It includes:

Your professional title and years of experience.
Two-three of your biggest achievements.
One-two of your top relevant skills for the position.

If you’re less experienced, you can opt for a resume objective instead. A resume objective focuses on your skills and motivation to grow in your chosen field, rather than on prior experience and professional achievements.

When applying for a remote job for a company based in Canada, mention this in your resume summary. If you’re looking for a company that’s going to relocate you to Canada , make sure to mention that in your resume instead, so you don’t waste time for yourself or the hiring manager.

#5. Include Your Work Experience

Work experience is the most important section on a Canadian resume .

It lets you expand on your past achievements and responsibilities, proving to the hiring manager you’re the best candidate for the job.

Here’s how you should structure this section:

Start with your most recent job and go back in time. That said, don’t go back more than ten or 15 years ago, even if you’re a senior professional. The hiring manager doesn’t care about your job as a server from back in college.
Start with your job title. The recruiter will immediately know if you have the necessary experience for the job from reading your job title.
Add your company name and location. Sometimes you can even add a brief description of your former employer, particularly if it’s a smaller business that isn’t well-known.
Include your dates of employment. There’s no need to be super detailed, so just stick to the mm/yyyy format.
List your job responsibilities and achievements. Provide 4-6 bullet points for your most recent position and 2-3 bullets for older jobs.

Structuring your work experience the right way is only half the work. To stand out from the competition, you want this section to be as impressive as possible.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help with that:

Reference the job ad, and focus on the top skills and qualifications required from candidates. Tailor your work experience around the skills that you do have to draw attention away from the ones you don’t.
Focus more on achievements over day-to-day responsibilities. The hiring manager already has an idea of what your responsibilities for a certain job were. What they’re interested to know is what you achieved while doing it.
Quantify your accomplishments as often as possible. Use the Laszlo Bock formula ( “accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z” ) to provide a timeframe, scale, and results for what you’ve achieved. e,g: “ Increased annual revenue growth from 5% to 10% through the implementation of a financial roadmap. ”
Use powerful words and action verbs . Recruiters hate hearing generic phrases like “responsible for” or “team player,” so using the right vocabulary can help you stick out.

Are you a recent graduate with no work experience on your resume ? Don’t sweat it - we’ve got a guide to help you find your first job .

#6. Add Your Education

In Canadian resumes, the education section typically goes right under your work experience.

Here’s how you should format this section:

Program Name. E.g: “B.A. in Computer Science”
University Name. E.g: “Ohio State University”
Years Attended. E.g: “08/2018 - 06/2022”
Achievements (optional). E.g. “Minor in Linguistics”

It should look something like this:

B.A. in Computer Science

Concordia University

08/2019 - 06/2023

Summa Cum Laude
Minor in Business Analytics

Follow these tips to make this section pop:

Don’t describe your high school education if you have a university degree.
Mention courses you’ve taken that are relevant to the industry you’re applying to. (E.g: Statistics and Probability for a Data Analyst)
Stick to a reverse chronological format when listing your degrees. E.g: A Ph.D. is listed above a Master’s Degree, which is listed above a Bachelor’s degree, etc.
If you don’t have work experience, you can emphasize your academic background. Just list your education at the top of your resume instead of the work experience.

#7. Highlight Your Greatest Skills & Strengths

The skill section shows which candidates have the necessary expertise for the job, and no Canadian resume is complete without it.

Skills are typically divided into two categories:

Soft skills consist of personality traits and characteristics developed in your personal and professional life. They involve communication skills , people skills, interpersonal skills , etc.
Hard skills, or technical abilities, are skills you can gain from experience, training, or education. These can include computer skills or proficiency in the use of specific tools.

The trick here is, don’t list every skill you’ve ever learned, just the ones relevant to the job you’re applying for.

If you’re going to be a graphic designer, your Photoshop skills are more important than your forklift certification. Recruiters want to know which skills make you the right candidate for them, not which skills make you the most well-rounded individual.

Scan the job description and jot down which of your skills the company is looking for. Then add them to your Canadian resume.

Just make sure you don’t focus solely on one type of skill over the other. A good application covers both soft skills and hard skills, depending on the job requirements.

Here’s an example:

#8. Leverage Additional Sections

If you’ve covered all the essential resume sections and have some space left, consider adding some optional resume sections.

These sections aren’t as vital as the ones we’ve covered so far, and they won’t do as much heavy lifting on your resume as your work experience, skills, or education.

However, they can help set you apart from candidates with similar work experience and skills as yours.

For example, if choosing between two equally qualified professionals, and the position includes collaboration with French-speaking employees or business partners, the hiring manager is likely to choose a candidate who can speak French.

Here are the additional sections you can include on your resume:

Languages . Being able to communicate in more than one language gives you an advantage over other candidates.
Internships. Adding any relevant internships to your resume shows you have some experience that’s prepared you for the job you’re applying to.
Volunteer experience . Any experience volunteering is a great addition to any resume since it shows you’re a caring person who wants to give back to your community.
Hobbies and interests . Certain hobbies or interests might give the hiring manager a look into who you are as a person, and work in your favor.
Certifications and awards. Any relevant qualifications or awards, such as online classes, can go here.
Publications. If you’ve published anything, ranging from magazines to research articles, you can add it to your resume.
Projects. Interesting projects you’ve worked on can show the hiring manager your passion and dedication to your field.

#9. Include a cover letter

Cover letters are still an essential companion piece to any resume.

Adding a cover letter to your application shows the hiring manager you’re ready to take all the necessary steps to land the job.

Cover letters also complement resumes by allowing you to elaborate on things you don’t have the space for in your resume, such as certain achievements or employment gaps.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what your cover letter should include:

Header. As with your resume, include your updated contact information with your name, surname, Canadian phone number, and professional email address. Be sure to include the employer’s contact information as well.
Greeting line. Make sure you address the cover letter correctly with a greeting line like “ Dear John Doe, ” or “ Dear Mr. Doe, ”. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, just use something like “ Dear [Department] Team. ”
Introduction. Start off with a brief summary of why you’re writing the letter and which position you’re interested in. To grab the hiring manager’s attention, use your opening paragraph to also describe two or three of your top achievements.
Qualifications and motivation. The body of your cover letter should emphasize your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position. Use it to explain exactly what makes you the right candidate and how you’re the right fit for the company.
Closing paragraph . Wrap up your letter with a call to action and an official signature line.

Struggling to write your cover letter? Check out these cover letter examples to get inspired.

FAQs About Canadian Resumes

Do you still have any questions? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Canadian resumes.

1. How can I create a Canadian resume as an international student?

Whether you’re looking to apply to a university in Canada, secure an internship , or land your first job after your graduation, your main focus should be on your academic achievements.

Education is highly valued in Canada and your credentials and relevant coursework will boost your resume, so long as you keep it relevant to the position you’re applying for.

When describing your education, you can also add the location next to your school or university’s name. E.g.: “Marmara University, Turkey” instead of just “Marmara University”.

2. Should the Canadian resume be in a PDF or Word file format?

Generally speaking, a PDF is the preferred format for resumes since it remains the same regardless of what operating system or device you use to open it. Moreover, it keeps your formatting and illustrations in place, and can’t be edited by accident when a recruiter mislicks.

Most career websites in Canada accept resumes as both PDF and Word files. Nonetheless, we recommend you have your Canadian resume exported to PDF unless the job ad specifically requests Word.

3. Do Canadians say CV or resume?

Depending on what part of Canada you’re in, people might say CV and resume interchangeably. However, outside of Quebec, these are two different documents.

Resumes are typically not longer than two pages and are meant to be tailored to the job you’re applying for. CVs, on the other hand, are far more detailed and appropriate for academic settings or specific senior-level applications.

4. What should you NOT include on a Canadian resume?

As an anti-discrimination measure, pictures of yourself and personal information, are legally prohibited from job applications. This means your nationality, age, gender, religion, immigration status, political affiliation, marital status, and social insurance number, have no place on your resume.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s taboo for applicants to include their salary expectations on a Canadian resume. Salary expectations should only be provided if requested by the employer, and even then, they are best included in a cover letter, never on your resume.

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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Canada Resume Formats, Templates, and Writing Tips

Applying for a job in Canada? This Canada Resume guide has the templates, tips, examples, & format requirements needed to write the perfect resume.

“Software developer looking to work for prestigious software companies…”

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

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

Read further.

This Canadian resume writing guide will help you if:

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

We will go over the following details in this article:

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

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

The 3 Popular Canadian Resume Formats

The top 3 Canadian resume formats are:

Reverse chronological resume format
Functional resume format
Combination resume format

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

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

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

Chronological Canadian Resume Format Example

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

reverse chronological canadian resume format

Is a Reverse Chronological Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Reverse chronological resume right for you if:

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

Functional Canadian Resume Format Example

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

Is a Functional Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Functional resume right for you if:

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

Combination Canadian Resume Format Example

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

Is a Combination Format Right for Your Canadian Resume?

Combination resume right for you if:

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

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

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

How to Write a Canadian Resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work Experience Format for a Canadian Resume

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

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

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

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

Canadian Resume Summary Format

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

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

Any awards that you’ve received
Any passions you have

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

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

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

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

Format to List Skills on Your Canadian Resume

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

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

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

10 Canadian Resume Examples

Canadian resume example for data engineering.

Sales Canadian Resume Example

Canadian Resume Example for Accountants

Writer Resume Example for Canada

Canadian Resume Example for Executives

Canadian resume example for senior management

Canadian Software Engineering Resume Example

Canadian resume example for software engineering

Canadian Designer Resume Example

Project Management Resume for Canada

Canadian resume example for project manager

Retail Canadian Resume Example

Canadian Resume Example for Teachers

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

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

No, Canadian resumes are extremely similar to American resumes.

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

How to Convert my Indian Resume to a Canadian Resume?

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

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

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

How to Convert my European CV to Canadian Resume?

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

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

Checkout our other international resume guides here.

How Long Should my Canadian Resume be?

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

Should I Add a Photo to my Canadian Resume?

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

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

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

Should I List My Nationality on a Canadian Resume?

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

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

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

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

In this article:

What is the difference between a resume and a CV?

Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Reverse chronological resume

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

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

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

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

2. Functional resume

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

When to use a functional resume?

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

3. Combination or hybrid resume

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

When to use a combination or hybrid resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is an ATS?

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

How to optimize a resume for ATS

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

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

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

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

4. Quantify your accomplishments

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

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

Some examples to consider:

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

5. Include a cover letter

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

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

Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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Canadian Resume Format

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

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

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

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

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

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

So let’s dive in…

What is a Canadian style resume?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does Canadian CV format differ from a Canadian resume format?

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

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

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

There is one caveat to this however:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resume header

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

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

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

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

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

Personal Summary

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

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

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

Professional experience

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

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

Canadian resume format sample: professional experience section

For each position, you should give:

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

Education and Professional Qualifications

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

Example of a Canadian style resume: education section

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then it’s a different ballgame altogether.

More on this in the functional resume section .

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

For a job in Canada:

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

Infographic showing Canadian resume format top 10 mistakes. Details as per text that follows.

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

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

Mistake 1: Too long

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

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

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

Mistake 2: Poor spelling and grammar

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

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

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

Mistake 3: Failure to customize

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

Mistake 4: No examples

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

Consider the following two statements:

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

Or, these two statements:

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

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

Mistake 5: Obvious exaggeration

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

Mistake 6: Not getting to the point

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

Mistake 7: Misreporting dates

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

Mistake 8: Underselling yourself

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

Mistake 9: Not explaining gaps

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

Mistake 10: Messy formatting

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

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

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

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

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

Resume sample Canada: page 1 of good example of a Canadian resume

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to our mail list and we'll email you our Canadian resume template

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

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

When to use a functional resume?

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

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

Let’s cover how you do this:

Functional resume format

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

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

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

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

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

Reverse-chronological format work experience statement:

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

Rewritten for a Functional resume:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31 thoughts on “Canadian Resume Format”

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

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

This is so helpful. Thanks 🙏

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

Hey Andrew,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No problem. Happy job hunting! 🙂

Thank you very much. This was really useful.

No worries – glad it was helpful! 🙂

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

No problem! Good luck with your job hunt! 🙂

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

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

Glad you found it useful! Happy job hunting!

Very informative and precise. Thanks for sharing this article.

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

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

Thanks very much, glad it was useful!

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

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

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

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

Thanks for this! Helpful information Thanks a lot.

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

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

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

What is a Resume?

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

How to Format Your Resume

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

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

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

What to Include in Your Resume

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

Contact information
Work experience

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

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

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

Email address
Phone number
Current residential address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Not to Include in Your Resume

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

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

Sexual orientation
Nationality
Marital status
Citizenship status
Family status

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

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

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

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

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

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Resume Guide

An effective resume (cv) is essentially a marketing document wherein you are the product..

Studies show that employers spend no more than 20 seconds glancing over each resume they receive. Your resume should present a well-organized profile of your qualifications, work experience, education, achievements and overall career objectives. What's more, it's vital that the information you present be visually appealing, consistently formatted, and free of errors.

Your resume may need to be altered for Canadian employers. You can create your own custom Canadian resume with the free CanadaVisa Resume Builder .

Canadian employers typically expect to see the following information in a resume:

1. Contact Information

Be sure to include your name, current home address, telephone numbers including area codes, and your personal email address.

2. Professional/Career Objective

Your professional/career objective is basically your resume's opening statement. It defines the field or position for which you are applying. It is important that your career objective be clear, concise and customized to the job that you are applying for.

3. Education

This section of your resume should include details of your academic background, beginning with your most recent degree, diploma or certificate. The standard format lists the college or university, followed by the degree/diploma/certificate, major, and graduation date.

4. Experience

Your career/job experience is what most employers pay particular attention to. Recent graduates with no work experience should include any part-time employment, as well as summer jobs, volunteer work and internships. This section should list company names, locations and employers for whom you have worked, presented in a logical and consistent manner.

It is also advisable that you include a bulleted "job responsibilities list" that outlines your particular job functions and achievements for every job you specify. Remember to include the names and locations of organizations for which you have worked, your position/title, and dates.

5. Qualifications or Skills

It is advisable to include a section that briefly states any skills and qualifications that relate to your professional objective in a bullet list format. Examples include:

Knowledge of Microsoft Office and all associated applications.

6. Honours and Activities

Some resumes also contain a section that summarizes any honours and/or activities that demonstrate strong academic abilities, such as honorary societies, scholarships, and/or extra-curricular activities.

Employers pay attention to how a candidate's personality and personal tastes/lifestyle fits in with the company's corporate culture and vision. Any material you include that casts you as a balanced, well-rounded individual may endear you to a potential employer.

7. References

You may choose to include your references or simply state, "References are available upon request" or something to that effect at the bottom of your resume. If you choose to include references, be sure that the people you list can still be contacted at the telephone numbers you give. Moreover, if you feel that a potential employer may call your references, be sure to advise the people you have listed that they may receive a call from a potential employer.

Resume Writing Tips:

Spell check your document. Make sure that punctuation, grammar, and spelling are free of errors.
Include a customized cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is your chance to express why you believe you're the best person for the job. You may also use this format to effectively communicate your "professional disposition". Remember to address your cover letter to the employer/manager and include the company name.
Include "action words". Action words are terms that describe your job functions such as Achieved, acquired, addressed, analyzed, centralized, coordinated, created, demonstrated, designed, eliminated, enforced, implemented, improved, maintained, managed, organized, oversaw, performed, reorganized, reviewed, selected, supervised, surveyed, trained.
Include relevant skills, such as being able to speak a second language or mastery of particular computer applications.
Avoid using paragraphs or long sentences. The bullet style — use of an action word followed by an account of the action you performed — enables you to include a lot of information about your work-related duties, responsibilities, and achievements in as condensed a form as possible.
Convert all terms to the North American equivalent. For example, use terms like "high school", "GPA" (Grade Point Average — the equivalent for university grades), "internship", etc.
Present results and achievements of previous work projects in quantitative terms. For example: Worked with a small team on an overhaul of the existing website and implementation of a digital marketing strategy, resulting in an increase in web traffic of 92 percent over 12 months.
Left-justify (left-align) the entire document.
Use a standard font, size 10-14 only.
Avoid boldface, underlined or italicized print.
Avoid parentheses (brackets), graphics, shading, tabs, and hard returns.

Create your own custom Canadian resume with the free CanadaVisa Resume Builder .

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How to write a good resume.

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

Resume Writing Do's

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resume Writing Don'ts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How do I create a Canadian-style resume in order to find a job?

Your resume will get noticed more by Canadian recruiters if you have a Canadian-style resume. While Canadian-style resumes come in many different formats, they share some standards that you should know about.

Style and Personal Details

In Canada, you never use a photo on your resume and you also don't include personal details other than your name and contact information. You should never:

state your age
state your ethnicity or cultural background
describe your physical attributes
state your marital status or if you have children
state your sexual orientation or preferences

None of these are considered relevant to obtaining a job. Do showcase how your strengths and achievements in past jobs will benefit the role you're applying to.

Adapt your Resume for Each Role

Career experts recommend that you customize your resume for each job, especially for your most recent work experience. General or generic resumes do not work in today’s labour market. It's advised to follow the requirements of the job posting so that your resume speaks to those specific requirements. Generic resumes are better used for applications to companies that are not advertising a job opening. If you research a company that you want to work for but they don't have an current opening you can use a more generic version of your resume in this instance. Also, remember to use your cover letter to showcase how your experience matches the job role requirement.

The Job Ad. or Posting

In general, the bullets sections for the requirements are listed in order of importance or according to job requirements. The top 5 bullets on the list are typically the highest requirements of the job with the least demands towards the bottom of the list. Ensure that your resume speaks to the top requirements in particular by focusing on comparing your past experiences and achievements those in the top requirements. For some jobs, you can change a few bullets or sentences to focus on certain skills and accomplishments. For others, you may need to rewrite a completely new resume. The important thing to keep in mind is that each application that you submit reflects the role you are applying for specifically. Find what jobs are available in your area from our Where can I find job listing websites? page.

Mind the Length

It's preferred to have a shorter resume over one with many pages. Most people have a resume that is 2 pages long. If you are a junior professional or fresh out of school you might choose a one-page resume. But depending on your seniority level if you have more years of experience it's ok to have up to a 3 page resume if you need it. Don't sacrifice quality details, achievements and past relevant experiences to make a resume shorter.

Include Volunteer Work

You should include your volunteer experience if it relates to the job you are applying for in the section on work experience. It is important to talk about what you have done. It does not matter if it was unpaid work.

Use Social Media

Many employers cross-reference your resume with your online presence. You can include a link to your LinkedIn profile or if you have an online portfolio for your work or related blog you may include that as well.

Employers may also look for you on other social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc First impressions are important - if you don't want a potential employer to see something, don't make it publicly accessible or put it online at all.

Formatting Hints

Format is critical. Your resume should be organized, neat, clear, and consistent in formatting (e.g., font and bullets).

If you are applying for a job which requires that you have attention to detail, then you need to demonstrate this with your résumé.

Use headings to organize the information in your resume. Common resume headings are:

Highlights of Qualifications
Professional Experience

Use formatting tools such as bold and bullets to make important information stand out.

Use Keywords

In today's job market a lot of recruiters use online tools to select resumes. These tools are designed to match keywords from the job ad. to your resume. It's important to use keywords in your resume chosen specifically to match what you see in the job posting and on the company's website. Recruiters sometimes do not read every word on each resume and rely on the keyword matches. Keywords describe skills and qualifications. Enhance your resume by using as many keywords as you can. But, do not make up experiences just to use keywords.

Proof Read it

Look over your résumé before you send it. Make sure the company names, job titles and dates are accurate. Print out your resume to see how it looks when printed if you can or save it as a PDF to review the formatting. It's good to send a resume through as a PDF so that employers will be able to open the document without difficulty

Sample Resumes

There are 2 common types of resumes:

Chronological

You can find general samples of these types, below. You can use these samples as guides. Do not rely on samples or templates to create a good resume.

In some fields, employers will expect to see a resume with a specific format, which may be different than these samples.

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume is time-based. It is organized by the positions you have held, in order of time. You list your most recent position first. These resumes are best if you have a lot of experience in your field. They are also better for people who do not have periods of time when they were not working.

This is an example of a Canadian-style chronological resume:

Chronological Resume Sample [PDF]
Chronological Resume Sample [.doc]

Functional Resume

A functional resume is skills-based. It is organized by skills that you gained in your previous work. Functional resumes are best if you:

Are a recent graduate
Have major time gaps in employment
Are changing careers

This is an example of a Canadian-style functional résumé:

Functional Resume Sample [PDF ,
Functional Resume Sample [.doc]

Many settlement or employment agencies can give you information and advice about your résumé, and how to create resumes for specific fields. To find help, go to Services Near Me and search for "employment services" in your area.

For More Information

Monster.ca Resume Centre - Many tips for creating great résumés.
Resume Writing - Detailed articles and infographics on how to create an effective resume. From UpToWork.Com.

What do I include in my Canadian resume? What do I exclude?
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Canadian Style Resume: The Essential Guide (2023)

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

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

Why is it Different from Other Resumes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Components of a Canadian-Style Resume

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

1. Personal Information

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

2. Professional Experience

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

3. Education and Training

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

4. Skills and Abilities

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

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

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

Tips for Writing a Canadian-Style Resume

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

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Posting

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

2. Highlight Your Accomplishments

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

3. Use Action Words and Quantifiable Results

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

4. Keep it Simple and Concise

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

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

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

1. Including Irrelevant Information

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

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

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

2. Using Clichés and Buzzwords

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

3. Failing to Customize the Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Career Development

Canadian Resume Format: How to Make a Canadian Resume

Marsha Hebert, professional resume writer

12 min read

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

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

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

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

The 3 resume formats you can use in Canada

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

Traditional reverse chronological

Strategic functional resume

Balanced hybrid resume

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaway

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

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

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

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

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

When to use a hybrid or functional Canada resume format

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

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

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

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

1. Hard skills

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

2. Soft skills

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

3. Professional qualifications

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

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

How to write a Canadian resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada resume sample

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

Group Product Manager resume sample after ZipJob's certified professional resume writer optimized the document for applicant tracking systems, employers, and hiring managers.

Additional tips for writing a Canadian resume

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

1. Include only the relevant information

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

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

2. Don't include too much information

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

3. Include a cover letter

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

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

Canadian resume vs. European resume

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

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

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

Canadian resume frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep it simple

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

Good luck with your job search!

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

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

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

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Canadian Resume Format & How-to Guide for 2024

In This Guide:

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

Canada plans to invite 1.45 million new permanent residents by 2025 to address labor shortages and an aging population. This move not only aims to strengthen the workforce and ensure immigrant skills meet job demands but also addresses challenges newcomers face in securing appropriate employment.

The country offers a unique blend of American and European characteristics, and this extends to its job application process, especially when it comes to resumes. Understanding the Canadian resume format is crucial whether you're applying for a job within the country for the first time as a foreigner, or you're a Canadian looking to refine your resume writing skills.

But how does a resume tailored for Canada differ from an American one? This guide provides all the details on what makes a Canadian resume unique, alongside practical advice and examples to help you craft a resume that could open doors to new opportunities in Canada.

Here's what we'll explore:

The distinct features of Canadian resumes compared to American and European formats;
A detailed guide on crafting your resume to meet Canadian standards;
An exploration of frequently asked questions, providing thorough answers and insights;
Advice for making your Canadian resume stand out to employers.

Plus much more! Let's begin!

Find if your resume passes the Canadian format!

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

This template has been optimized to meet the demands of the Canadian resume format. It follows a chronological work experience section. Furthermore, it has no photo in the header, something that’s typically frowned upon in Canada.

Last but not least, Enhancv’s Canadian resume template supports a two-page resume format, which is one of the things that sets apart Canadian and US resumes.

The Canadian resume format is a structured approach to presenting your work history and skills relevant to the job you're applying for. It starts with a header section that contains your name, phone number, current location, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile , include the URL in your contact information. Many Canadian employers use LinkedIn to research potential candidates. Following the header, you need to put either a summary or objective to give a snapshot of your career goals and strengths. Next, the resume details your work history, education, and skills. Personal details like marital status and photos are not included, allowing the focus to remain on your expertise.

Making a resume for Canada is similar to the United States but for a few important differences. Both countries use resumes more than CVs, and they usually look alike. Yet, spelling matters a lot in Canada. Though Canada uses English, it also embraces French, affecting some English spellings. To make sure your resume fits Canadian preferences, follow these tips:

Use Canadian spellings , like " behaviour " and " neighbour ," and prefer " theatre ," " labour ," and " defence ."
Apply the metric system for measurements, showing familiarity with Canada's standards if applicable. For example, if you worked in distribution, you could mention “leading a team that distributed goods across a 300-kilometer area."
Write dates in the DD/MM/YYYY format, which is common in Canada.
Include graphic designs in your resume only if you look for a job as a graphic designer. Typically, Canadians don't include these elements when applying for a new position.
Employ the services of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials to understand the Canadian equivalence of your credentials. Taking this step can help push your job search forward, yet it doesn't secure a job offer.

These small but crucial adjustments show you're ready to work smoothly in Canada. They show your ability to adapt and pay attention to local details, which is appealing to Canadian employers.

The Canadian resume and the European CV serve as key tools in job applications, but they follow different conventions that reflect the job market and cultural expectations of their respective regions. The Canadian resume format is streamlined and job-focused, typically extending to a maximum of two pages and emphasizing the candidate's most relevant experiences and skills for the specific position.

Moreover, in Canada, when we talk about a CV, we're referring to a very detailed document mostly used in academic settings, not for regular job applications. These CVs are pretty lengthy, going from two to ten pages, and they cover everything from your work history to your projects and any papers you've published.

European resumes, commonly called CVs in the Old Continent, tend to be more detailed compared to Canadian resumes. They include high school education and grades, regardless of higher educational achievements. This level of detail is unnecessary in Canada, where the focus shifts to post-secondary education and adequate work experience .

Another big difference is the inclusion of personal information. In some European countries, including a photo on your resume is common and often expected by employers.

Including photos on your resume is not endorsed in Canada. Personal details such as date of birth, nationality, or other information that could potentially lead to discrimination are omitted in Canadian resumes.

The goal is to ensure a fair evaluation process, focusing solely on professional qualifications and experiences.

Believe it or not, the Canadian resume is pretty similar to an American. However while the format is similar, the devil is in the details.

When looking for a job in Canada, picking the right resume format is key because it really affects your chances of success. If you've been working for more than ten years, think about using a reverse chronological resume . This format lists your jobs from newest to oldest, making it easy to see how you've moved up in your career. It's a good way to show your experience in a clear way that employers like, especially in Canada.

In addition to the format, you also need to consider the template. It's important to choose a professionally designed resume template which can enhance the readability of your resume and create a positive first impression with hiring managers. After you've selected your template, the next step is organizing your Canadian resume.

When creating your Canadian resume, start with a well-organized header that grabs attention. Include essential information like your name, job title, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn link. Make sure your name matches what's on your professional records and online profiles to make it easy for recruiters to find you.

Moreover, it would be better to use a professional email provider like Gmail or Outlook. Mention the job you're applying for, not your current position, to align your resume with the job listing. Just listing your city is enough for the location, especially if you're applying for jobs in different places.

Finally, when you include links to your LinkedIn or portfolio, make sure they're up-to-date and match your resume.

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

Jackson Thompson's resume header is thoughtfully organized and offers quick access to his contact and professional information.

Resume summary

Following the header, the career summary section appears, offering a concise overview in no more than five sentences that show your key professional achievements. The professional summary focuses on your main strengths and skills related directly to the position's duties and responsibilities. After reading the information in this section, the recruiter has a better understanding of who you are and what skills and abilities you may bring to the position. Tailor this for every job application to address the company and the position's requirements.

Let’s see an example:

This example shows the applicant's strong expertise in marketing and track record of achievements. Also, it puts the focus on specific skills and growth metrics that are important for Canadian employers.

Work experience

When creating your work experience section list your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions using bullet points.

Here’s an example of the structure:

Begin with the latest job and work backwards, but limit the history to the last 10 to 15 years. Older roles, like a college job, might not interest the hiring manager.
Lead with the position title , which helps the recruiter assess if your experience aligns with the job requirements.
Mention the employer's name and its location . For lesser-known companies, a short description might be helpful.
State the period of employment using the DD/MM/YYYY format , which is concise and clear.
Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments with 4-6 bullet points for recent roles and 2-3 for previous positions .

Check out the example:

• Developed and executed a digital marketing strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in website traffic.
• Managed social media accounts, growing the follower base by 25% in one year.
• Coordinated with the sales team to create promotional materials that led to a 15% rise in sales.
• Organized and directed market research studies to inform future marketing strategies.
• Led a team in implementing innovative email marketing campaigns that boosted lead generation by 20%.
• Spearheaded the redesign of the company website, improving user engagement metrics by 35%.
• Established a content marketing plan that increased brand visibility and market penetration.
• Optimized website content for major search engines, resulting in a top 5 ranking for key terms.
• Analyzed web analytics to adjust SEO strategies and improve overall website performance.
• Collaborated with the content creation team to ensure SEO best practices were consistently applied.
• Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing strategies to enhance brand recognition.
• Supported the organization of promotional events that led to increased customer engagement.
• Conducted competitive analysis to inform the marketing team's strategy adjustments.

This example illustrates an effective way to organize your work history when listing multiple previous roles. It emphasizes the importance of conciseness while clearly detailing your responsibilities and successes.

Carefully read the job posting and identify the required qualifications and skills. Take note of particular keywords and phrases used throughout the description to tailor the resume for the specific role.

The educational background is an essential part of your Canadian resume and it comes right after the work experience. Here is the place to mention the degree, diploma, and certifications earned, the name of the institution, the location, and the year of graduation . Begin with your most recent educational achievement and proceed in reverse chronological order, mirroring the format of your work history section. Don't forget to highlight any honors or academic distinctions you've received.

For your Canadian resume, consider specifying this information in the education section:

State the degree you've earned as your degree title .
Identify the institution where you received your education as your college or university.
Include the location of your educational institution .
Note the year of your graduation or the anticipated graduation year as your completion date.
Mention a minor study , for instance, "Minor in Digital Media," to demonstrate a broader skill set within the marketing field.
List any certificates you obtained related to your field of study.

Here's how this section can look:

• Specialized Coursework: Advanced digital marketing strategies and data-driven marketing decisions
• Graduated with Honors
• Minor in Digital Media
• Core Modules: Marketing principles, consumer behavior, and digital media strategy

This example demonstrates a structured approach to presenting your educational background. It shows how to effectively list degrees, institutions, and relevant coursework, ensuring that your qualifications are easily understood by recruiters in Canada.

You may need to have your documents translated into English, French, or both.

It is generally advised to keep the education section simple, ensuring it doesn't overshadow your skills.

Highlight your key skills relevant to the job. This can include technical skills, software proficiency, language proficiency, and any other abilities that showcase your qualifications for the position.

Skills on your resume are categorized into:

Soft skills refer to personal qualities and behaviors developed through both life and work experiences. These skills encompass communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
Hard skills stand in contrast as the specific technical know-how or proficiencies gained through education, training endeavors, or direct experience. For instance, in the context of finance, include specialized expertise like advanced Excel functions for financial analysis, familiarity with QuickBooks for accounting tasks, and adeptness in using Bloomberg terminals for market research.

When curating your skills list, focus on those most relevant to the job at hand. For a front-end developer position, for instance, your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React or Angular is more relevant than an unrelated skill like martial arts. Employers seek skills that make you an ideal fit for their specific needs, rather than a broad array of abilities.

To ensure your resume resonates with the job description, identify the employer's desired skills and make sure to include them in your Canada resume. Aim for a balanced presentation of both soft and hard skills tailored to meet the requirements of a front-end developer role.

Here’s how you might approach it:

When we talk about resume creation, language skills are more than just a mark of education. They're a bridge to diverse cultures and markets, making them vital in the Canadian job market. Adding languages to your Canadian resume shows your ability to communicate across different cultures.

In Canada, where English and French are widely spoken, being bilingual can significantly boost your job prospects. Including languages on your resume , along with your proficiency levels, signals to employers your capacity to adapt and connect in a multicultural setting. This section is crucial, distinguishing you as a candidate well-suited for the dynamic Canadian work culture.

Languages and additional courses both play a crucial role in enhancing your professional profile, so let's see how to present them properly in your Canadian resume.

This is an ideal moment to demonstrate your passion for learning. Include any relevant training, courses, or seminars to underscore your dedication to ongoing professional growth. It signals to employers your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and techniques, enhancing your appeal as a candidate.

Such educational achievements can be especially crucial in fast-changing sectors, evidencing your readiness to tackle contemporary challenges.

Start with your newest qualifications and list them in time order, similar to how you list job experience and education.

Let's go back to our example of Jackson Thompson, the Marketing Specialist, and check what courses would be relevant for him.

Is your resume good enough?

This part of our guide is your go-to resource for addressing frequently asked questions about crafting resumes for the Canadian job market. Learn how to create cover letters, tips for international applicants, and whether to choose PDF or.docx. Let's begin with the very first topic.

How do I navigate the Canadian job market as a foreigner?

Navigating the Canadian job market as a foreigner can certainly be a challenge, but with the right approach, it's definitely manageable. Here's your compass and map to find your way through.

Let's go forth with precise tips.

Identify the industry you’re educated in and make your resume resonate with Canadian employers by thoroughly researching the Canadian job market .
Start building your network by participating in career fairs, making connections at professional events, and creating a solid LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills.
Take on freelance opportunities to gain valuable Canadian experience and integrate yourself into the local professional community.
Utilize resources such as the Canadian government’s Job Bank and immigrant-serving organizations to find valuable assistance in your job search.
Demonstrate your readiness to thrive in Canada's diverse workplace by emphasizing your cultural awareness and language skills in English or French.
Boost your qualifications by taking courses or getting certifications from well-known institutions or companies in your area. If we go back to our example for the Marketing Specialist Jackson Thompson, he should focus on acquiring certifications from renowned companies such as Google and Microsoft as these certifications are globally recognized and respected and would serve as a testament to an overseas candidate's skills and knowledge.
Tailor your resume with each job description and adapt your application to meet specific employer preferences, including Canadian spelling nuances. Remember, precision, like opting for 'colour' over 'color', demonstrates attention to detail.
Keep a steady pace and stay resilient in your job search in Canada, and know that finding the right opportunity might take time but your efforts will eventually pay off.

Do I need a cover letter to pair with my resume when applying for a job in Canada?

It's a good idea to include a cover letter with your resume. A cover letter lets you detail how your skills match the job and the company's needs. It helps you make a strong first impression and gives you space not only to demonstrate your enthusiasm about the position but also to present yourself professionally .

Here's some practical advice for your cover letter:

Ensure your header aligns with your resume by listing your name, surname, job title, Canadian phone number, and professional email. You can also add a LinkedIn profile or personal website to make your application more engaging.
Address the cover letter properly in your greeting line, using 'Dear [Name]' or 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname].' If the name of the hiring manager is unknown, 'Dear [Department] Team' works well. This personal touch shows effort and interest.
Start your cover letter with a powerful opening sentence that highlights your achievements or unique skills, capturing the hiring manager's attention and setting you apart from other applicants.
In the body of your cover letter, go beyond your resume to tell a compelling story about your skills and experiences. Showcase how you can contribute to the company's success with examples of leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Conclude with a closing paragraph that encourages further dialogue, ensuring you include your signature line.

Open the door to your new job in Canada with our professionally designed cover letter templates . Use our intuitive cover letter builder to make your own for free.

Should I save my Canadian resume as a .docx or a .pdf file?

The PDF format is highly recommended due to its consistent appearance on various devices and operating systems. It preserves your document's design and visuals and eliminates the risk of unintended edits by the recipient.

Job platforms in Canada commonly accept both PDF and Word documents. However, unless specified otherwise in the job posting, opting to submit your resume as a PDF is advisable for preserving its intended presentation.

Include your full name in your document filename to make it memorable (i.e. Jackson-Thompson-Resume.pdf)

Do Canadians say “CV” or “Resume”?

In Canada, the terms "resume" and "CV" (Curriculum Vitae) are both used, but they have different meanings. A resume is usually one or two pages long and shows your skills and experience related to the job you want. It's meant to be quick to read and match the job description. Canadian employers prefer this direct and brief way of showing your capabilities.

On the other hand, a CV is much more detailed and covers your whole career, including education, publications, research, and big achievements. It's mainly used in fields like academia, science, and medicine, where showing the full scope of your work matters a lot. CVs are longer than resumes and can be much more than two pages, based on how much you've done in your career.

What NOT to include in my Canadian resume?

In Canada, your cover letter and resume should not contain personal details such as marital status, religion, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Additionally, unless you're seeking a role in modeling or acting, photos are unnecessary. Including such information not only wastes precious space but could also lead employers to bypass your application to avoid potential discrimination claims. It's worth noting that Canadian law prohibits employers from requesting information regarding your sexual orientation, age, or ethnicity during the application process or interviews. To prevent placing recruiters or employers in a difficult position, it's advisable to exclude these details.

Furthermore, mentioning salary expectations or irrelevant personal interests is considered inappropriate.

Canada's plan to welcome 1.45 million new residents by 2025 underscores the need for job applicants to craft resumes tailored to specific employer requirements and Canadian English standards.
In Canada, a resume is concise and job-focused, unlike CVs, which are detailed for academic roles, differing from European CVs that include personal information.
Adapting your resume for Canada involves using local spellings, the metric system, and specific date formats to meet employer preferences and show an understanding of local culture.
Choosing the chronological resume format is crucial, along with selecting a professional template for a good first impression.
Begin your resume with a detailed header and a summary that shows your excellent results from previous jobs and skills relevant to the job you're applying for.
Including a cover letter with your resume is strongly advised, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the new workplace.

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Canadian Resume Format: Land Your Dream Job in Canada

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

All resume examples in this guide

Canadian Resume Example

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

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

Chief Accountant Keringat Technologies Company June 2018 to Present

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

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

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

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

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

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

Certification & Licenses

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

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

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

Canadian Resume for International Students

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

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

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

How Do Canadian Resumes Differ From American Ones?

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

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

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

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

Begin with The Resume Header

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

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

Create a Resume Profile

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

List Your Work Experience

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

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

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

List Your Education

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

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

Utilize Additional Sections

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

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

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

What Should I Omit in My Canadian-Style Resume?

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

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

Tips for Making a Canadian-Style Resume

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

Choose the Proper Resume Format

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

Chronological Resume

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

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

Functional Resume

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

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

Hybrid Resume

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

Use Short Sentences and Write in an Active Voice

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

Personalize your Resume

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

Include Keywords

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

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

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

Use Canadian English

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

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

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

Quantify Your Achievements

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

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

Include Unpaid Work Experience

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

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

Don’t Include Unnecessary Information

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

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

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

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

Always Include a Cover Letter

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

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

Don’t Include References

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

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

Use a Good Resume Format and Double-Check Your Work

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

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

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

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

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

Carefully follow the Application Instructions

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

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

Key Takeaways When Writing a Canadian Resume

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

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

Here are our key takeaways:

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Do Canadians Say ‘Resume’ or ‘CV’?

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

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

What do Canadian employers look for in a resume?

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

They include:

Hard skills
Soft skills
Professional experience and qualifications

How far back should I include my work experience?

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

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

Create your resume with the best templates

What’s a Rich Text element?

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

Static and dynamic content editing

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

How to customize formatting for each rich text

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

Create your resume in 15 minutes

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

Sample letters to download

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FACTBOX-What led to Canada's arrests over killing of Sikh separatist?

India resumes issuing visas two months later. oct. 29, 2023: tens of thousands of sikhs turn out in surrey, british columbia, at the same gurdwara where nijjar was killed to vote in an unofficial referendum on the creation of an independent sikh state..

Canadian police on Friday charged three people linked to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the province of British Columbia in June 2023, a source directly familiar with the matter said. The following is a timeline of key events leading up to the arrests in a killing that has frayed relations between Canada and India.

June 18, 2023: Nijjar, 45, is shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb with a large Sikh population. He was a Canadian citizen campaigning for the creation of an independent Sikh homeland carved out of India. Sept. 1, 2023: A Canadian trade official says Canada paused talks on a proposed trade treaty with India, an unexpected move that came about three months after both countries said they planned to seal an initial pact this year.

Sept. 10, 2023: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveys strong concerns about Sikh separatist protests in Canada to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of a G20 summit in New Delhi. Sept. 18, 2023: Trudeau tells parliament that Canada was "actively pursuing credible allegations" linking Indian government agents to the killing of Nijjar.

Sept. 19, 2023: India dismisses Trudeau's assertion as "absurd". Each country expels a diplomat in tit-for-tat moves, with Canada throwing out India's top intelligence officer in the country while India expelled his Canadian counterpart. Sept. 22, 2023: India suspends issuing new visas for Canadians and asks Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India. India resumes issuing visas two months later.

Oct. 29, 2023: Tens of thousands of Sikhs turn out in Surrey, British Columbia, at the same gurdwara where Nijjar was killed to vote in an unofficial referendum on the creation of an independent Sikh state. Nov. 21, 2024: India's anti-terror agency files a case against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist, stating that he warned Air India passengers in video messages shared on social media that their lives were in danger.

Nov. 22, 2024: A senior Biden administration official says U.S. authorities thwarted a plot to kill Pannun in the United States and issued a warning to India over concerns the government in New Delhi was involved. Feb. 5, 2024: India's High Commissioner says in an interview with Canada's Globe & Mail newspaper that India will not provide information to Canadian investigators over Nijjar's murder until Canada shares evidence.

April 30, 2024: The White House describes as a serious matter a Washington Post report that an officer in India's intelligence service was directly involved in both Nijjar's killing and the foiled plot to kill Pannun in the U.S. India's foreign ministry said the report contained "unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations."

(Compiled by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Josie Kao)

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Judge says 'chaos' can't continue as province, Anglophone East appear in court

Chief justice says clarity needed before school resumes in september.

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A judge says there needs to be clarity before September over "who's calling the shots at the Anglophone East" as its school board and the province's education minister clash over a gender identity policy.

"This chaos cannot continue," Court of King's Bench Chief Justice Tracey DeWare said Friday to lawyers representing the sides.

"And by the time students return to classes in September, everybody needs to know who is calling the shots at the Anglophone East School District."

DeWare made the comments during a case management conference in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Policy 713, filed by the the education council against the province and Education Minister Bill Hogan.

The education minister changed the policy last year to require parental consent before using the preferred name or pronoun for students under 16 years old.

The education council's case alleges the policy violates student rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Education Act and the provincial Human Rights Act. The council, which oversees 39 schools with 20,000 students in the Moncton region, passed its own policy that says staff should respect a student's wishes.

It's a policy Hogan has demanded be revoked. The district has sought an injunction to prevent Hogan from revoking it and to block him from dissolving the council.

Hogan had set Thursday at 5 p.m. as a deadline for the district to halt spending on the case. After the district refused, Hogan announced he would seek to dissolve the council.

Under the Education Act, that step requires cabinet approval and an application to the Court of King's Bench where a judge would decide the issue. That application has not yet been filed.

The dissolution request was discussed in court Friday where it became clear it wouldn't be a fast process.

'It's not going to happen in the shadows'

"If the minister decides to pursue the dissolution of the council, of course he'll have to file an application," DeWare said. "That needs to be scheduled by the court, so that's not going to take anyone by surprise."

The judge added, "It's not going to happen in the shadows, or it's not going to happen on short notice."

The judge said if the injunction Anglophone East is seeking isn't granted and the minister applies for dissolution, "then very quickly you can see how we're going to run up against September, and I would hope for all concerned that these issues are resolved by that time."

Anglophone East rejects minister's ultimatum in Policy 713 legal clash
Education minister threatens to dissolve Moncton-area education council

DeWare spoke after hearing from lawyers for Anglophone East and Hogan about the injunction hearing dates.

Perri Ravon, a lawyer representing the district, said the situation the district finds itself in is "not sustainable" and suggested a faster timeline.

"It seems the minister is taking measures to try to prevent this matter from being resolved by the court," Ravon said.

Clarence Bennett, a lawyer representing the minister, argued there's no increased urgency.

"There is no urgency, there is no 'sky is falling,' because we can't do anything they're suggesting we're doing without coming forward with that application," Bennett said of the dissolution application.

Bennett said the province intends to file a motion by May 15 seeking to dismiss the Anglophone East case.

That motion is scheduled to be heard June 18 and 19, along with the district's injunction request. It's unclear how quickly a decision will be issued after that hearing.

A man with dark hair and a dark jacket stands outside.

A retired Université de Moncton law professor said he can't recall a minister seeking to dissolve an elected education council before.

"We're in uncharted waters with what the minister wants to do," Michel Doucet said Friday on Information Morning Moncton.

He said since this process hasn't been used before, it's hard to know what threshold the minister will need to meet for a judge to agree with the request and how it will unfold.

Doucet said the minister's request, once filed, could take weeks or months to be decided by a judge. And then it could be appealed, further delaying a final decision.

"We're certainly not close to a resolution of either of the challenges — the one to Policy 713 or to the motion that the minister will be filing," Doucet said.

Hogan has alleged the education council is "using funds in an irresponsible manner" by using its school funding for the lawsuit.

The education council has argued it's a legitimate use of funds as the case seeks to protect students in its care from a policy the council argues would violate their rights.

In a letter to Hogan Thursday, Anglophone East education council chair Harry Doyle wrote that the Education Act allows an education council to sue and be sued.

"Implicit in that legislative authority is the power to expend funds to sue and be sued," Doyle wrote.

Last year , child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock issued a report on the changes to Policy 713, saying the changes "violate the provincial Human Rights Act, the Education Act and children's charter rights."

Lamrock also released a proposed version of the policy he said would comply. Anglophone East modelled its policy on Lamrock's proposal.

Policy 713 says education councils "may develop policies and procedures that are consistent with, or more comprehensive than, this provincial policy." Anglophone East has pointed to that as justification for its policy the minister has sought to revoke.

Hogan has also called on three francophone school districts to revoke their policies on gender identity for being at odds with Policy 713.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shane Magee is a Moncton-based reporter for CBC.

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Canadian Resume [Format, Tips & Examples for 2024]

Canadian Resume Example

Free Canadian Resume Templates

Canadian Resume Specifics

Canadian Resume vs. US Resume

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Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your Canadian Resume

#1. Use the Correct Format

#2. Follow These Layout Tips

#3. List the Right Contact Information

#4. Write Your Resume Summary

#5. Include Your Work Experience

#6. Add Your Education

#7. Highlight Your Greatest Skills & Strengths

#8. Leverage Additional Sections

#9. Include a cover letter

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Key Takeaways

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Chronological Canadian Resume Format Example

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Canadian Resume Summary Format

Format to List Skills on Your Canadian Resume

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

Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada

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

1. Reverse chronological resume

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

2. Functional resume

When to use a functional resume?

3. Combination or hybrid resume

When to use a combination or hybrid resume?

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

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

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

What is an ATS?

How to optimize a resume for ATS

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

4. Quantify your accomplishments

5. Include a cover letter

Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter

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

Things our lawyers want you to know

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About Arrive

Canadian Resume Format

What is a Canadian style resume?

Does Canadian CV format differ from a Canadian resume format?

Resume header

Personal Summary

Professional experience

Education and Professional Qualifications

Mistake 1: Too long

Mistake 2: Poor spelling and grammar

Mistake 3: Failure to customize

Mistake 4: No examples