How To Write a Canadian Resume?

Canadian style resume writing: Do’s and Don’ts

This is not another article, but you should check the spelling of your resume. We will look at some vague advice to get your feet on the Canadian dream job.

The application is not the first step in finding a job in Canada. Before you sit down to write about your profession, research the Canadian labor market and identify the companies you would like to apply to. The Canadian government website offers some tools to help you find a job.

In this article, we will focus on optimizing resumes for Canadian employers. Keep in mind that employers have their own choices and that there are different best practices in each industry. We hope to give you an overview of what to include and what to miss on a Canadian application.

5 things you don't need to write a Canadian Resume

1. Don’t include a photo

Unlike in some countries, you don't need to include a photo in your CV unless you are an actress or model in Canada. Generally, the only information you need in your CV is job posting information.

2. Don’t overshare

You do not need to include most personal information in your CV. At this point, the only personal information employers need is your name and how it relates to you. They don't need to know your age, nationality, race, religion, marital status, or anything in your family. In fact, asking these questions in an interview may be illegal under Canadian human rights law.

Also, your CV is not a place to disclose your Social Insurance Number (SIN). There is no such requirement for employers until you are hired. Your SIN card is a sensitive and personal document and it should only be shared when it is  legally required.

Again, all you need to include in your CV is basic contact information such as your relevant skills, experience, name, phone number, and email. If you are looking for a job in another city, a postal address is not always required. If you want to show that you are far away from your workplace, you may want to include it, but most job seekers find that it takes up valuable space on the page.

3. Don’t write too much

One page is best for length, but two pages is fine.

The person reviewing your application only wants to see your best, most relevant, and most recent experience. If you are just starting your career and you don't have much experience, you can include less relevant things in the article.

In general, write a short biography. You want it to be "oil free". Intermediaries at work should have an understanding of your experience without feeling like they have to read a novel.

4. Don’t include references

If your employer wants a reference, they will want a reference. It is a good practice to know that your reference is naming you and giving you contact information. Talking to your inquiry in advance will help you determine if this person is really going to make a great impression on you.

5. Don’t use an inappropriate email address

Job brokers pay attention to these details, and they may judge you by any email address you thought was ridiculous when you were in high school. Using an email address with your name does not indicate any red flag.

5 do’s of Canadian Resume Writing

1. Make your application according to the job posting

This may take longer, but it is often better to send a large number of general resumes to the position you are looking for than to "spray and pray."

Not sure how to present your experience? Which are the skills that should be included and which are to be excluded? Are you in between word choices?

See job postings. This is your first information in the language of what the recruiter is looking for and what you want to see in your application.

The article lists the job skills and the good things to come next. On the first page of your resume, put the skills you need in the front and main sections, and then enter your "assets."

2. Do quantify your achievements

If possible, try to quantify your accomplishments. For example, if you were a manager, tell us how many people you were in charge of. If you have working experience in sales, how many products did you sell? How much did you earn per month?

Listing certain achievements in an understandable number for the employer will highlight your skills more than a general statement. It's okay to say, "Good job." For example, showing that you have increased traffic to your company's website by 20% in one year shows that your employer knows what you are doing.

3. Do write in third person

Write "I", "me" or "mine" in the third person form. Keep your sentences concise and clear.

For work experience, please include the name and location of your company and some of your responsibilities. You can enter the number of months you have worked for the company or less than one year. There is no need to explain the employment difference on the application form. If the registrant asks, he will appear in the interview.

List your school, program, credentials, and date for your education. Depending on the position you are applying for, you may include a GPA, but it is usually not required. You can enter your prize here or in a separate "Rewards" section.

4. Do include unpaid work experience

You can include things like volunteer experience, as long as it prepares you for your role in the job you are applying for.

5. Do include a cover letter

It is always a good idea to include a cover letter, even if they are not asking for it, but are about to skip it and go straight to the application form.

The purpose of the cover letter is to embellish the application form and show recruiters why it is best to create a job.

We can write a separate article about the folder letter, and we probably will. But here we will give you an overview of how to write a cover letter.

Your homepage should include company contact information as well as your contact information. It should not exceed a few paragraphs and should not occupy an entire page.

You can write here in the first person. The goal here is to be able to connect with the recruiter. Use their names only if you are 100% sure that the name of the person reviewing your application is spelled correctly. Use it if you know their names, but note that no prefix is ​​required. These days, it's often inappropriate to start a letter with "Dear" or "Mrs." if you don't know that the broker prefers it to the job you're reading your letter from.

The first paragraph should tell you who you are and why you want this job. Be sure to include the name of the position you are applying for. In the next paragraph, you will want to show why you are the best candidate for the position based on your previous relevant experience. You can go higher by showing them how your involvement solves their problems and makes them a better company.

Finally, thank them and let them know that you will follow up.

Bonus tips for your Canadian job hunt

You are overcoming more obstacles than the average Canadian-born job seeker, but immigration support services and employment services will help you on your journey. There is a list of free services on the Canadian Immigration Service website, but these are not a complete list of everything there is. You can also check the websites of your state or territory or look for employment services in the city.

As much as possible, try to find out if there are any contacts from acquaintances or open jobs. Linked-In estimates that at least 85% of jobs are found online. If you are in Canada and don't know many people, try an industry networking event in your area that can be found online through event websites such as Eventbrite or social media such as Facebook events and groups.

Also, if you think you don't qualify for the position you're interested in, apply anyway. At best, you will get a job and learn to be the candidate they are looking for, otherwise you will not get the job. By this you actually have nothing to lose and nothing to gain.