Formats for writing a CV varies from one country to another, but it’s quite unique when it comes to resume formats in Canada. After arriving in Canada, you need to succeed, and that means you require a CV that inspires and will help you secure a stable and well-paying job. This article delineates the unique Canadian way to showcase your skill-sets, academic qualifications, and experience(s) in a way that will make potential employers prioritize your job application.
What Makes Resume Format in Canada Unique
Canadian resume is different from CV’s used in other countries. In Canada, the CV alone will determine whether you will get a job, as most employers will use the resume to assess your suitability
The trick in writing a perfect CV is focusing on what will interest your potential employer. Instead of wasting space describing everything about yourself, focus on your skill set, qualifications, and achievements that match the expertise needed by your potential employer.
To stand out, avoid the common style of listing down your duties but rather have a unique way that makes your CV stand out from the rest. For your CV to be considered complete in Canada, it must feature the following sections in chronological order.
1. Contact Information
2. Professional/Career Summary (Provide the once that are relevant to the job you are applying)
3. Work Experience (Start by the most recent)
4. Education/Professional Development (Start with the highest or most recent)
Where applicable, adding technical skills, community/volunteer experience, and leadership position you’ve held so far may be an added advantage.
Canada Resume Format: Top 16 Tips to Borrow
1. Your resume should be succinct and to the point. Remember, it is a stepping-stone to securing an interview. For this reason, you need to be brief and concentrate on the skills and qualifications that make you a perfect candidate. Detailed information will have its time during the interview.
2. Keep the CV as Interesting as Possible. No one is willing to spend more than 30 seconds going through your CV. For this reason, present yourself in a concise structure that puts more emphasis on your skills and achievements.
3. Follow a Professional Template that is widely used in Canada.
4. Maintain one font that is easily readable even to people with eye problems. Additionally, avoid long sentences and paragraphs.
5. Avoid Writing in First Person Voice and use shorter precise sentences such as “Increased sales by X %.”)
6. Typical Canadian format; one page CV for entry-level jobs, two pages for experience less than ten years, and three pages for over ten years’ experience.
7. Only list relevant experience that matches the role you are seeking.
8. Use Canadian English and convert terms to match the Canadian format, e.g., use phrases like internships, high school, GPA, etc.
9. Listing personal interests and hobbies will not add value to your CV unless they are part of the relevant achievement.
10. You should include skills such as mastery of a foreign language, but should be relevant to the role you are applying.
11. Personalize your resume; take your time to tailor your resume for specific job applications. Sending a generic version will probably cost you lucrative job opportunities.
12. First impression is key; ensure your CV has no grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Go a notch higher and let an expert proofread a copy before sending it to a potential employer.
13. Do not include any information that shows you will only work for the company for a short period. If your potential employer asks for your residency, status and you have a one-year work permit, conduct thorough research on long-term permanent residency alternatives
14. The CV or resume should never appear at the top of any page, not to mention the date you finalized your resume
15. No signature is needed at the end of your resume
16. Have reference contact details ready to present when requested but do not include a list of references or a line stating “reference available on request” in your resume. It’s a common assumption that you already have them. More importantly, make sure each person on the list is willing to speak on your behalf.
