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How to use the Resume Builder

Step 1 pick a template.

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

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

Use the youth and recent graduates’ template if:

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

Step 2 Fill in the blanks

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

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

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

Step 3 Customize your resume

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

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

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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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How to Write a Canadian Style Resume

Step into the canadian job market with confidence..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Header: This can include your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and optionally, a link to your professional social media profile (e.g., LinkedIn).
Professional Summary/Objective Statement: A concise paragraph highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. It is generally advisable to tailor this section to match the specific job you're applying for.
Work Experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions using bullet points.
Skills: Highlight your key skills relevant to the job. This can include technical skills, software proficiency, language proficiency, and any other abilities that showcase your qualifications for the position.
Education: Here you can provide information about your educational background, including degrees, diplomas, certifications, and relevant coursework. Include the institution name, location, and graduation year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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