How to Format Your Resume for Canadian Employers

This article explains how Canadian employers choose successful candidates, how to format your resume, and how to talk about yourself on paper.  

The most common issue that Kristan Francis, our Employment Counsellor, sees on the resumes of newcomer Canadians is the use of the CV format. In Canada, this style is mainly used for those looking for careers in academia, research, or scientific positions. However, employers will sometimes use the term “CV” to mean “resume”.

Regardless of whatever term is used, this article will provide tips on how to give your resume the best chance at being selected during the application process. We will be sharing some tips on how to properly format your resume, how to pass through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and how to highlight your past work experiences from your home country. 

Navigating the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Before you understand what makes a resume successful, you need to first understand the Applicant Tracking System. ATS is a software that recruiters use to decide which resumes and cover letters are worth considering. Recruiters and employers use this to lessen the amounts of applications they need to read, and to help make selecting a successful candidate easier.  

Using Relevant Keywords

How ATS knows which applicant is best suited for the role is by searching for keywords within their resume.  

Keywords are chosen based on what duties or responsibilities are highlighted in the job description. “Key responsibilities” can also be highlighted in the job description and are a reliable source for finding keywords to add to your resume. Employers might also include an “About You” section to their job posting, describing their perfect applicant—this is another source for finding keywords.  

The sure way to know what keywords ATS is looking for is by looking for verbs (words that describe an action), adjectives (words that describe people or objects), or previous work experience relevant to the current role. 

Here is an example of a job posting looking for a Retail Associate that describes the type of candidate they are looking for: 

Position: Retail Associate at Happy Feet Shoe Store 

Salary: $17.50/hour 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Create a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a smile, assisting with their needs, and ensuring they have a positive shopping experience. 

• Take on a variety of tasks, from cashier duties and fitting room assistance to backroom support and keeping the store clean and inviting. 

• Embrace opportunities to grow by participating in learning and development programs that build your skills and knowledge. 

• Be a valued part of a supportive and collaborative team, working together to achieve shared goals. 

About You 

• Friendly and approachable – creates a warm and inclusive environment, making everyone feel comfortable and appreciated. 

• A committed teammate – supports colleagues, communicates openly, and is always ready to lend a hand. 

• Great communicator – explains things clearly, listens actively, and addresses concerns with care. 

• Flexible and adaptable – stays organized, manages time well, and thrives in a busy, ever-changing environment. 

As you can see there are many keywords to include in your resume when you describe your previous experience. If you are unsure about ATS choosing your resume, Jobscan.co is able to scan it and provide feedback. 

Using Proper Resume Canadian Format is Key 

Recruiters look at multiple resumes a day and they can and need to quickly spot the difference between a strong resume and a weak one. That is why formatting your resume correctly is the most important step when it comes to applying for a job. Something as simple as the number of pages in a resume can be the reason why your application is not considered. 

In Canada, resumes are typically one to two pages long and are in “reverse chronological order”, which means your most recent work experience appears at the top of your list, while the oldest is at the bottom. 

What is needed in your resume are the following: 

• First and last name 

• Contact details 

• Professional summary or your objectives 

• Soft and hard skills 

• Work experience 

• Education and awards 

Note: Personal details like marital status, age, and height, are not needed in your resume.

Professional, formal language and tone are used when describing your achievements, work experience, and your “summary of self” at the top of your resume.  

Highlight Your Actions and the Results 

Knowing how to concisely explain what you have done in a role in a captivating, impressive way, is not as hard as it sounds. All you need to do is start with an action verb and end with a positive result.  

Let’s look at these two examples: 

Marketing Manager at Halo Halo Inc. October 2017 to January 2023 | Manila, Philippines 

• Led a team of 5  

• Managed all social media platforms and branding strategies 

• Worked with an annual marketing budget of $250,000 

Marketing Coordinator at Adobo & Co. October 2017 to January 2024 | Manila, Philippines 

• Increased social engagement by 50%, resulting in an inflation of sales in Q2 

• Directed a social media team of five, meeting monthly to strengthen content 

• Implemented a successful marketing strategy with an annual $250,000 budget and achieved a 20% increase in sales 

In the first example, the list of duties and achievements is generic. It does not fully show off what was done during that person’s time in the company. With the second example, the recruiter is able to see what exactly was completed in their role and the positive results that came of the applicant’s actions.  

Show Your Productivity

If there is a break in your work experience, you can use that to your advantage. It’s all in the way you write about yourself. 

When it comes to talking about the “gap” in your resume, the important part to highlight is what you did in that time. For example, if the reason you stopped working between 2022 to 2023 is because you newly immigrated to Canada and you attended self-development classes, your resume can look something like this: 

Work Experience 

Graphic Designer at Canadian Company — May 2024 to present

Bridging Program — September 2023 to April 2024

Completed a bridging program to improve English proficiency and computer skills after relocating to Canada in August 2023 

Communications Manager at Foreign Company — December 2019 to June 2023

What this summary shows to employers and recruiters is your drive to grow and push yourself in new environments. It also shows transparency and trustworthiness. 

Showcase Your Volunteer Work

Additionally, it may seem awkward to talk about volunteer opportunities, part-time work, or unpaid gigs in your resume. However, in Canada, it is highly encouraged! Newcomers often overlook the value of volunteer work, community involvement, or training programs being included in their resume, especially if it is from their home country. 

The value that comes from highlighting these experiences in your resume is that it shows the skills you have gained and what you have achieved. The same applies to including previous work experience at globally recognized companies like ISO, Agile, or SAP.

Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter

For your new resume, consider using words from this list of action verbs to make your resume stand out. 

The goal of a resume is to “get your foot in the door”. It is to get people interested in who you are in a short amount of time. Hopefully, if the recruiter or employer likes what they see on your resume, they will then move onto the cover letter.  

A cover letter shows recruiters why you put your foot in the door in the first place. Your resume shows what you've done, your cover letter shows WHY you do what you do.

In a cover letter, you are able to expand on the experiences you have had that are relevant to the job you are applying for. While maintaining a clear and professional tone, a cover letter is the place where you can show off your passion for the role and the company. By aligning your past experiences to who the company is looking for, your uniqueness and personality can set you apart from the rest.  

Check out this article from Indeed for tips on how to write a cover letter.

Lastly, Think Better About Yourself 

Kristan has often seen clients downplay their skillset because of a lack of experiences in Canada. Whether it’s the hard skills you have gained through schooling or technical training, or the soft skills you’ve gained volunteering in your community or working in a team, everything you have done is valuable. It takes so much courage and determination to move from your home country to Canada; don't let a bad resume keep you from getting the jobs you want.

As a word of advice to newcomers looking to work in Canada, Kristan says:

“Don’t apologize for lack. Focus on what you have”. 

If you need help finalizing your resume, we are offering one-on-one resume critiques with our counsellors. Have your resume ready and register to our free services so we can connect you with one of our counsellors.