A newcomer’s guide to making a strong first impression with Canadian employers

One of the most important things you can do to continue your career is create a Canadian-style resume. Resume formats in Canada and their content are often different from those used in other countries. Discover how to make your resume stand out to employers and how to select the best resume format based on your unique situation.

Why do you need a Canadian-style resume format?

Your resume is often your first chance to impress an employer. In Canada, hiring managers can receive hundreds of applications for each job opening, so they usually spend only a few seconds scanning each resume. So, your resume should be clear, well-formatted, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

8 tips for a strong Canadian-style resume

1. Choose the right resume format

There are three main formats used in Canada:

I. Chronological Resume

Lists your work experience in reverse order (most recent first). Great if you have steady work experience.

II. Functional Resume

Focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. Ideal if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment.

III. Combination or Hybrid Resume

Highlights your skills and work history. This is a good option for newcomers with relevant international experience.

Choose the format that best highlights your strengths.

2. Read the job description carefully

Before you write your resume, read the job posting carefully and get a clear picture of the requirements, including:

• Main job responsibilities
• Skills (both technical and soft skills)
• Education or certifications.

Highlight the parts that match your own experience. This will help you tailor your resume more effectively.

3. Tailor your resume for each job

Avoid sending the same resume to every employer. Instead, adjust your resume to match the job description. Use examples from your past work that relate to the role and clearly show how your skills and experience match.

TIP: Include a short summary or career objective at the top that reflects the job you’re applying for.

4. Use keywords from the job posting

Many companies in Canada use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan for keywords that match the job description. If your resume includes those words, it’s more likely to reach a hiring manager.

Look for common phrases or technical terms in the job ad and include them naturally in your resume.

5. Highlight the right information

Keep your resume clear and concise, ideally, no longer than two pages.

• Focus on achievements, not just duties.
  • Instead of: Responsible for customer service.
  • Use: Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through faster response times.
• Include education, certifications, and skills that are directly relevant to the job.

6. Omit unnecessary details in your Canadian resume

Some information that’s common on resumes in other countries should not be included on Canadian resumes. Avoid listing:

• Your photo
• Age or date of birth
• Marital status
• Nationality
• SIN (Social Insurance Number)
• Political or religious views
• Hobbies (unless directly related to the job).

Canadian employers can’t ask for this information during the recruitment process. It can lead to an unfair hiring bias and violate the Canadian Human Rights Act.

7. Use strong, clear language

Showcase your accomplishments and capabilities using strong action verbs such as:

• Advised
• Analyzed
• Evaluated
• Exceeded
• Influenced
• Negotiated
• Resolved.

Use the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense if you are still in a role. Avoid long paragraphs and use bullet points for easy reading.

8. Proofread your resume

Mistakes can cost you an interview. Carefully check your spelling, grammar, and formatting. It helps to:

• Read it out loud
• Use a spell-checker
• Ask a friend or a settlement agency to review it.

Even small mistakes can leave a negative impression, especially when the job requires attention to detail.

How to choose the right Canadian-style resume format

Canadian employers seek specific resume formats that allow them to find relevant information quickly. They may overlook your resume if the format is difficult to read or follow, even if you have great experience. Choosing the right Canadian-style resume is a key first step.

Here’s an overview of each type so you can decide which format works best for your background.

Chronological Resume

BEST FOR	WHY EMPLOYERS LIKE IT
People with consistent work experience Job seekers applying within their current field	Easy to read Shows career growth and employment history clearly Helps spot gaps or job changes

Chronological Resume Example:

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Electrical Engineer
2020 – 2025
Company Name, City, Country

• Researched and advised on the feasibility, design, operation, and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks that met strict budget and project timelines.
• Designed electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems, and equipment that exceeded client expectations and quality control.
• Managed and inspected the installation, modification, testing, and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment to meet quality control standards.

Computer Programmer
2017 – 2020
Company Name, City, Country

• Created, tested, debugged, documented, and implemented client-tracking software for Company Name, utilizing skills in C# and VB.net
• Worked directly with end-users to maximize efficiencies and user-friendliness
• Designed and delivered “Train the Trainers” workshops.

Customer Service Representative

2014 – 2016

Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)

• Delivered exceptional customer service to resolve issues and meet quality service targets.
• Accurately processed financial transactions in a fast-paced environment to achieve on-time monthly targets.

Avoid using a chronological resume if you:

• Have gaps in your work history
• Have insufficient work history
• Are transitioning into a new career with limited relevant experience.

In these cases, a functional resume may be better.

Functional Resume (Focus on Skills)

This Canadian-style resume format focuses on skills and abilities instead of work history. It’s helpful if you’re new to the workforce or switching careers.

Best For:

• New graduates
• Career changers
• People with gaps in employment

Functional Resume Example:

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Customer Service

• Handled customer inquiries by phone and in person while achieving satisfaction targets and goals.
• Identified and resolved customer issues efficiently and reduced complaint escalation scores by 20%.

Technical Skills

• Skilled in Microsoft Office and data entry
• Experience with CRM software

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
You still list your jobs, but in less detail and at the end.

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Be Careful:

Many employers in Canada do not prefer functional resumes. They may find them harder to read or think you are hiding something. Use this format only if your situation truly calls for it.

Hybrid Resume (Mix of Skills and Work History)

A hybrid resume combines the best of both formats. You highlight your skills at the top, followed by your employment history in reverse order.

Best For:

• Experienced professionals with strong skills
• Those who want to show achievements and career progress.

Why Use It:

• Shows off key skills right away
• Provides a clear work history.

Hybrid Resume Example:

SKILLS & HIGHLIGHTS

• 10+ years in construction project management25
• Strong leadership and budgeting skills

WORK EXPERIENCE

Project Manager
2016 – 2023
Company Name, City

Led a team of 10 and managed multimillion-dollar projects.

Which Canadian-Style Resume Format Should You Use?

SITUATION	BEST RESUME FORMAT
You have solid, recent work experience	Chronological
You’re chaning careers or have gaps	Functional
You have experience and want to show key skills	You’re changing careers or have gaps

Canadian Resume Checklist for Newcomers

Before sending your resume, ask yourself:

• Is it professional and clean-looking (easy to scan, no long paragraphs)?
• Is it tailored to the job posting?
• Is it less than 2 pages?
• Are your contact details easy to find (include your Canadian phone number and professional email)?
• Did you include a cover letter to introduce yourself and explain why you’re a good fit?