How to write an effective Canadian resume?
— For my job search in Canada? Simple! I take my current resume, I update it and off I go!
— Are you sure about that? If I were you, I’d update it to Canadian standards instead…
A Canadian resume is not like a resume from your home country! What if we had a closer look at the details?
Form: a clear, concise and effective resume
On average, a recruiter spends 6 to 10 seconds looking at a resume. So you need to get straight to the point! Here are the best practices:
Length: 1–2 pages maximum.
Format: PDF or Word.
Layout:
Line layout (no columns).
Simple, clean design with a maximum of two to three colours.
No pictures, no logos, no fancy stuff.
Consistent use of bullet points (or -) and action verbs.
Dates to the left or right (but always in the same place).
Flawless spelling and presentation.
A resume that is disorganized or jammed is very unlikely to be selected. Make it as easy as possible for the recruiter to read!
The content: what to include (and what not to include)?
The following information should be included:
Personal information
Last name, first name.
E-mail address and LinkedIn profile.
Canadian address and phone number (if you do not have one, leave this field blank).
Immigration status (e.g. “Authorized to work in Canada”).
Professional hook
A short, concise paragraph summarizing your experience and objectives.
Tailored to the position you’re looking for (no generic text).
Work experience
Name of company and industry (+ Canadian equivalent if applicable).
Job title + dates of employment.
Responsibilities and achievements in figures (e.g. “increased sales by 20%”).
Use of action verbs (“managed”, “optimized”, “developed”, “implemented”, etc.).
Education and qualifications
Name of qualification with Canadian equivalent.
Name of educational institution and country.
Languages spoken and level (e.g., “Fluent in English”).
Software used and professional skills.
Volunteer experience (especially in Canada).
Information to exclude
Photo.
Age, sex, nationality, marital status.
Driving licence (unless required for the job).
Tools for a successful resume
To help you redesign your resume, consult these resources:
Job bank: tools and templates are available.
Québec Emploi: specifically for candidates in Québec.
Bottom Line
Adapting your resume to Canadian standards is not an option, it is a necessity! A clear, structured resume that is adapted to local expectations will increase your chances of attracting the attention of recruiters. If you would like help with your job search strategy or resume writing, book a coaching session with me!