Getting started on your job search is an exciting step, and the first thing you’ll want to do is create an effective resume and cover letter. These documents are marketing tools to showcase your skills and experiences to employers. As you dive into this process, it’s helpful to get to know three main types of resume formats that can help you shine. 

1. Chronological Resume: This is a popular choice for many job seekers! It highlights your work experience by listing your most recent job with previous jobs below. This format l allows employers to get a glimpse of your career journey, reflecting your responsibilities and accomplishments for each role. If your work history aligns with the desired role, this format will make your experience pop!

2. Functional Resume: If you’re thinking about switching careers or have gaps in your work history, a functional resume might be just what you need. This format typically excludes the date and time range that highlights your skills and qualifications. You’ll start with a professional summary reflecting your experience, followed by sections detailing specific skills and achievements relevant to the job. This way, you can showcase your strengths without being tied to specific job titles.

Understanding the different resume formats will enable you to present your qualifications effectively. Remember, the goal is to tailor your resume to align your journey with the role.  So, have fun with it, and let your unique personality shine through! Good luck on your job search journey!

Canadian Resume Format 

Resumes are designed to highlight your qualifications and experience while making a powerful impression on potential employers. Let’s take a closer look at each section: 

1. Resume Header: This, section features your name in a prominent position, and your contact information. Consider including links to your professional profiles or portfolios to showcase your work. The header sets the stage for your professional identity.

2. Resume Summary: Craft a compelling overview that captures your career achievements, areas of expertise, and professional aspirations. Tailor this summary to each job application, presenting a strong narrative that grabs the employer’s attention and sets you apart from the crowd.

3. Professional Experience: This section is crucial for demonstrating your value. Present your work history in reverse chronological order, highlighting job titles, company names, locations, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and accomplishments, employing powerful action verbs and quantifiable results to present your impact in each role.

4. Education: List of academic credentials, i.e. degrees obtained and institutions attended. You’ll also want to include relevant certifications and ongoing education, as these reflect your commitment to professional growth and knowledge in your field.

5. Skills: Clearly articulate your hard and soft skills relevant to the position. Be specific and strategically align your skills with the job requirements, reinforcing your candidacy and demonstrating your readiness for the challenges ahead.

6. Additional Sections: Depending on your unique background, consider including additional sections such as certifications, volunteer experience, professional affiliations, or publications. These elements offer deeper insights into your qualifications and help differentiate you from other candidates.

By structuring your resume around these compelling components, you create a powerful, engaging representation of a professional profile that resonates with employers and recruiters. 

Basic Canadian resume layout guidelines

• Use a larger font size to emphasize your resume section headers and make important information stand out with bolding and italics.
• Set your resume margins to 1 inch on all sides and double space between sections to create plenty of reader-friendly white space.
• Use line spacing set to 1.15
• Keep your resume to one or two pages. You can make an exception for 3 or more pages for more senior roles or academic positions that require research projects or publications. 
• Use a standard 10-12 pt font
• Choose an easy-to-read resume font

Things to avoid in Canadian resume

• leave out personal information like marital status, age, and race
• Leave out your photos
• Salary requirements
• Unprofessional email addresses

In using any of the resume formats and adhering to the format specifics, remember to carefully adjust your resume according to the field and job description.

Canadian resume vs American resume 

Let’s explore some key differences between resumes in Canada and the United States:

Language: Canadian resumes may use spellings similar to British English, while American resumes use American English.

Free Canadian resume review

Excited to find job opportunities in Canada but still trying to figure out where to start? Utilize our free Canadian resume review options.

Frequently Asked Question | Canadian Resume

How Can I Write a Resume When I Change Careers?

Focus on transferrable skills. If you were worked in marketing and you are now transitioning to business development, list project management and collaboration skills. You can also consider technical skills that apply to both fields.

What Format Should I Use When Submitting a Resume?

It is recommended that you submit a resume as a PDF, unless otherwise specified in the job posting. PDF ensures formatting is correct upon receipt and is compatible with most devices and operating systems.