How to Write a Canadian Resume: Format & Examples

Canada. Geographic proximity, cultural similarities, plus generous mandated leave and benefits can make Canada a very attractive place to work. But how to get started? What’s the proper Canadian resume format, and is it different from an American one? Check out our Canadian resume template and expert tips to write yours with ease!

This guide will show you the following:

• Canadian resume template you can customize.
• What is the Canadian resume format and how to create one.
• How is the resume format in Canada different from the US format.
• Tips and examples for making an appealing Canadian resume.

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Canadian Resume Template

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Canadian Resume Format Specifics

The best resume format for Canadian jobs is the reverse-chronological resume format, the same as in the U.S. Also called the chronological format, it puts your work experience up front. It’s the format recruiters are most familiar with on both sides of the border. 

Here are the sections a typical chronological Canadian resume consists of:

1. Resume header with candidate’s name, job title, and contact information
2. Resume summary or objective
3. Work experience
4. Education
5. Skills
6. Additional sections

Standard Canada resume format also follows the same layout rules as you’d use in the U.S. A good layout ensures that you’ll have a document that looks professional and is easy to read. 

Here are some basic resume layout guidelines:

• Set your resume margins to one inch on all sides and double space between sections to create plenty of reader-friendly white space.
• Use line spacing set to 1.15.
• Stick to 1–2 pages for your resume length.
• Choose an easy-to-read resume font.
• Use a larger font size to emphasize your resume section headers and make important information stand out with bolding and italics.

In turn, here are the things you shouldn’t include on your resume in Canada:

• A resume photo
• Private information such as marital status, age, and race
• Salary requirements
• Fake information

And that’s it, you’re all set to craft the perfect Canadian style resume.

Are you applying to an organization requesting a Canadian Common CV? Head here: What You Must Know About Canadian Common CV

Is the Canadian Resume Format Different from the American Resume Format? 

Canada and America have their similarities, but there are plenty of differences too. From the way they do politics to selling milk in bags, the land that gave us Jim Carrey and Justin Bieber can seem like a pretty original place.

But do those differences extend to the Canadian resume? See a couple of minor differences between a Canadian resume format and an American resume:

• Language: Canadian resumes might use British spellings, while a typical U.S. resume is written in American English. Some Canadian resumes might also include both English and French languages, particularly in bilingual regions.
• Length: U.S. resumes tend to be limited to one page. On the contrary, Canadian resumes are often extensive and incorporate more details regarding work experience or individual projects.
• Date format: Canadian resumes use the “YYYY-MM-DD” format, while US applications feature the typical “MM-DD-YYYY” format.

Pro Tip: If you live in Europe, Asia, or the Pacific, you probably refer to a resume as a CV. A North American resume is the same as what you call a CV, but to get a better understanding of the two terms, take a look at our guide on the differences between a CV vs a resume.

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How Do You Write a Resume in Canadian Format?

To write a Canadian resume, follow the same rules as people in the U.S. You’ll find detailed advice in our comprehensive how to write a resume guide.

To make a quick start, here’s what sections you should include in your Canadian resume:

1. Add a Header with Contact Information

Include your full name, job title, and contact details. These should consist of your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. There’s no need to include your address on your resume, though. It’s not needed, and it wastes space.

2. Write a Resume Profile

Your resume profile acts as the introduction to the content that follows. The general rule is to use a resume objective if you’re just starting your career and a resume summary if you’re more experienced. A summary of qualifications is another good option if you’ve got plenty of experience and achievements to highlight.

3. List Your Work Experience

This is the most important part of your Canadian resume. 91% of employers prefer their candidates to have work experience, so you need to get your work experience section right to capitalize on that demand. Here’s how to do it:

• Use reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent position.
• Start with the basics: your job title, the employer’s name and location, and dates of employment.
• Add up to six bullet points describing the role and start them off with resume action words for added impact.
• Use accomplishment statements to showcase your professional attainments. And don’t just say what you did; prove how well you did it with quantified achievements.
• Include resume keywords to help you pass the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan your job application.

Showcase any international experience or cross-cultural skills, especially if you have worked or studied abroad. Canadian employers value diversity and global perspectives, and this can set you apart from other candidates by demonstrating your adaptability and broad understanding of global markets.

4. Mention Your Education

Often overlooked but still necessary. List your degree, the school and its location, and your graduation date (use an expected graduation date if you’re still studying). Only include your GPA on your resume if you’ve just graduated, and it’s 3.5 or above.

If you’ve just graduated, include in your education section two more things: relevant coursework and extracurricular activities.

5. Include a List of Skills

The skills employers look for in a Canadian resume are the same as for the U.S. Be sure to feature a mix of hard skills and soft skills and target your resume to the job. It’s how you keep your skills section relevant and focused.

6. Make Use of Additional Sections

Extra sections are the icing on the cake, or seeing as this is a Canadian resume, the gravy on the poutine. Adding them gives you the chance to add extra skills and achievements and stand out from other applicants. 

Here are some of the best options:

• Hobbies and personal interests
• Foreign languages
• Certifications and licenses
• Projects
• Volunteer work
• Publications
• Achievements and awards

And there’s no need to add references to your resume or even to write “references available upon request.” If an employer needs your references, they’ll ask for them later on in the recruitment process. Including them now is just a waste of valuable page real estate.

Just in case you’re looking for alternative resume templates and formats, we’ve got dedicated guides on them, too:

• 18 Free Resume Templates to Download Now
• Best Resume Templates (14+ Picks for Download)
• 99+ Resume Ideas: Creative, Unique, Gallery
• Traditional Resume Template (5 Classic Examples)
• Eye-Catching Resume Templates: How to Get Noticed
• 20+ Types of Resume: Find the Best For You
• Two Column Resume: 15+ Templates to Download
• Resume Design Templates: 15+ Ideas and How-to
• Good Resume Examples That Get Jobs

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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Key Takeaway

Canadian resume format is exactly the same as American resume format. Follow the same guidelines and focus on writing a resume that’s tailored to the job you’re applying for and best shows off your strengths as a candidate. It’s that simple. All the best for your Canadian job search!

Thanks for reading. If you’d like to know more about Canada resume format, please ask in the comments section, and we’ll be happy to help.

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Sources

• https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/employers-prefer-candidates-with-work-experience/
• https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/values-ethics/official-languages/list-bilingual-regions-canada-language-of-work-purposes.html