How to Make a Canadian Resume (Format, Template + Examples)

What’s the difference between Canadian and American resumes?

This is an easy one — American and Canadian resumes are basically the same.

Both prioritize clear, concise information that highlights a candidate’s accomplishments, skills and professional history in a straightforward format.

That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when writing a resume for a job in Canada:

• Consider the language requirement closely. Canada has two national languages — French and English. While you may encounter French on street signs, especially in Quebec where it’s the primary language, it’s essential to choose the language of your resume wisely. Opt for the language specified in the job offer.
• Keep your resume brief and focused. Just like in the U.S., Canadian resumes are typically between one and two pages. You should aim to concisely present your most relevant experience and skills without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
• Don’t list references on your resume. In Canada, it’s common practice to provide references only upon request. Instead of listing your references, use the valuable space on your resume to expand on your achievements and skills. Be prepared to provide references later in the application process if the employer asks for them.
• Use the correct date format. It’s common to use the ISO standard date format “YYYY-MM-DD” (e.g., 2023-01-01) on your resume, especially when listing employment history or education dates. This format is preferred for its clarity and consistency, ensuring that there’s no confusion about the timeline.

Otherwise, Canadian resumes are very similar to US resumes. Next, we’ll run down what’s expected on a Canadian resume.

How to write a Canadian resume

Embarking on your job search in Canada requires a well-crafted resume that stands out to employers.

This guide will take you through each step of creating an effective Canadian resume, ensuring that you present your qualifications and experiences in the best possible light.

We’ll cover the following:

• Selecting a Canadian resume format.
• Including the right contact info in your header.
• Crafting a concise professional summary.
• Organizing your work history effectively.
• Highlighting your educational background.
• Showcasing your skills.
• Tailoring your resume with the right keywords.
• Adding a personalized cover letter.

Let’s jump right into it — the first step is choosing the right format.

1. Choose a Canadian resume format

Your resume format is nearly as important as the content itself. A well-designed resume can make a strong first impression on Canadian employers.

Here are the three formats most common in Canada:

• Chronological resume formats list your jobs starting with the most recent and are ideal if you have a steady work history you want to showcase.
• Functional resume formats emphasize your skills rather than your job history, perfect for career changers, individuals with gaps in their employment or newcomers to the workforce.
• Combination resume formats blend the strengths of chronological and functional resumes, starting with your skills and achievements before listing your job history in reverse-chronological order. This format suits those with significant experience and skills who also wish to highlight a consistent work history.

With these formats in mind, let’s look at some tips to make sure your resume looks good and reads well.

2. Include contact info in your header

Make sure employers can easily reach you by including the following:

• Name: Place your full name prominently at the top.
• Phone number: Provide a current number where you can be easily reached.
• Email address: Use a professional email, ideally based on your name.
• LinkedIn profile: Include the URL if you have one (ensure it’s updated).
• Location: Mention your city and province; a full address isn’t necessary..

Avoid including unnecessary personal details like your date of birth, marital status or a photo, which aren’t relevant to your job qualifications and could introduce bias.

3. Craft a compelling summary

Kick off your Canadian resume with a concise resume summary at the top. This should be a two to four sentence paragraph that presents a snapshot of your professional background, key achievements and skills. Tailored for experienced job seekers, this summary highlights your career highlights and core competencies.

Alternatively, if you’re entry-level, transitioning careers or have employment gaps, a resume objective might better suit your needs. This statement outlines your career goals and how you plan to contribute to potential employers, emphasizing your eagerness to align with the company’s objectives.

For example, a summary on a marketing resume could be:

Here’s an objective statement you might find on a graphic designer resume:

4. Detail your work experience

The work experience section is a cornerstone of your Canadian resume, showcasing your professional journey. Start with your most recent job and list down your roles in reverse-chronological order.

In this section, focus on your achievements and how you’ve added value in each role rather than just listing job duties. Use bullet points for clarity and readability, ensuring that each point captures a specific accomplishment or skill.

An example pulled from an automotive engineer resume:

5. Highlight your education

Adding education to your resume is straightforward, focusing on presenting your qualifications clearly and effectively.

When you are listing degrees earned outside of Canada, it’s helpful to indicate their Canadian equivalency or how they align with Canadian standards to provide employers with a clear understanding of your academic achievements.

Additionally, include any certifications or licenses relevant to the job you’re applying for, especially those recognized in Canada.

Here’s an example:

This format showcases your educational achievements in a way that’s easily recognizable to Canadian employers.

6. Showcase your skills

Skills are a key part of any good resume, and it’s no different in Canada.

Skills make you more attractive to employers, and some of them, like transferable skills, are applicable to a wide range of jobs and industries.

One way to organize your skills section — categorize the skills into relevant areas. This could include a technical skills section for specific hard skills and a separate area for soft skills like communication and leadership.

You should also sprinkle skills throughout your entire resume. Highlight them in your professional summary and, in your work history, show how you’ve applied them in previous roles.

The skills you choose to include will depend on the job.

For technical positions, stress computer skills like data analysis, software proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite), programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), and project management methodologies (e.g., Agile).

For roles that emphasize interpersonal interaction, highlight soft skills such as effective communication, leadership, problem-solving and teamwork.

Below are some of the skills you might find on a Canadian resume.

Hard skills:

• Data analysis
• Proficiency in CAD software
• Project management (PMP certified)
• Bilingual (English/French)

Soft skills:

• Effective communication
• Leadership and team coordination
• Strategic problem-solving
• Adaptability

Including a mix of both hard and soft skills, customized to the job’s specific requirements, distinguishes the strongest candidates.

7. Consider adding a cover letter

In Canada, pairing your resume with a cover letter can turbocharge your job application.

Here are a few great reasons to make a cover letter:

• Personalize your application: A cover letter lets you present yourself beyond the resume, sharing your story and ambitions. This connection can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.
• Clarify any questions: Use a cover letter to address any employment gaps or career changes positively, offering context that your resume cannot.
• Stand out from the pack: A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates, showing your commitment and effort in applying for the position.
• Showcase your enthusiasm: Demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company, highlighting how your skills and goals align with their mission and needs.
• Highlight your achievements: It provides an opportunity to emphasize specific achievements or projects relevant to the job, detailing how your contributions can benefit the prospective employer.

And that’s it! Follow the steps above, and you’ll be one step closer to a job in the Great White North.

5 things to leave off of your Canadian resume

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about what shouldn’t be included on your resume.

Here’s what you should leave off your Canadian resume:

• Leave out salary history — Discussing past salaries can hinder salary negotiations. Focus on the value you can bring to the employer instead.
• Skip the photo — Including a photograph is not standard practice in Canada, except for specific roles in the arts or entertainment sectors.
• Avoid mentioning age — Your age or date of birth is irrelevant to job performance and should not be included to avoid age discrimination.
• Omit personal address — Just city and province are enough, considering privacy concerns and the growing prevalence of remote work.
• Exclude marital status and family details — Such personal information is irrelevant to your job qualifications and should not be included on your Canadian resume.

OK, let’s wrap up with some takeaways to help you throughout your career journey.