When you are new to Canada, chances are that you are looking for guidance and tips on various aspects related to income generation and sustenance, including wages, occupations, professional opportunities, and more. Since finding a job will be one of your foremost requirements, it is important to create a resume that is relevant to the Canadian job context. Preparing a resume in Canada is not all that different than anywhere else in the world. However, understanding the nuances will help make your Canadian job search more efficient and successful.

Read on to learn more about building a strong and compelling resume while looking for job opportunities in Canada.

Why are Resumes and Cover Letters Important?

Your resume is the first step in securing an interview. However, recruiters usually tend to spend just a few seconds on each profile as they typically browse through large volumes of applications for each role. Creating a solid resume that is concise, relevant, and interesting enough for the recruiters or hiring managers will take you one step closer towards success in your Canadian job search.

Similarly, the cover letter is a window to your candidature. It highlights your qualifications, work experience, and credentials in a manner that tells the job search agency, recruiter, or hiring manager that you may be a good fit for the job and your application is worth a detailed scrutiny.

Create a Resume that Sets You up For Success in the Canadian Job Market

Here are some aspects to keep in mind while fine-tuning your resume for the Canadian job market:

• Restrict your resume to a maximum of 2 pages in length (3 pages is acceptable if you have more than 10 years of work experience). List only those experiences that are relevant to the role that you are applying for.
• Avoid sending a generic resume to dozens of employers. Tailor your resume to the job description and company for each application. Remember to proofread your final resume each time you modify it. Issues with formatting, spellings, or grammatical construct can tarnish your first impression.
• Do not include a photo, list your gender, religion, marital status, or date or country of birth as it is not a necessary part of the resume format in Canada. Similarly, do not list hobbies or personal interests unless they are relevant to the role, or are a major achievement that add to your character and personality.
• While listing your work experience, try to structure your details in concise bullet points in a manner that lists a situation or problem statement, along with the actions taken and results achieved. This is in line with how Canadian managers think. Speaking their language will help in getting them interested in your application.

Useful Tips for Formatting, and Final Touches to Your Resume

• As a general rule of thumb, present information on your resume in this order:
  • Contact information
  • Professional / career summary
  • Work experience
  • Education / qualifications / professional development details
  • Technical skills and volunteering experience (wherever appropriate or necessary, depending on the type of job)
• Use a professional template with a simple layout, a uniform and legible font (ideal font size between 10 and 12) and clean text formatting
• List your experiences or qualifications in the reverse chronological format
• Avoid using first person and keep your bullet points short and crisp instead of writing long paragraphs  

We are Committed to Supporting Newcomers in Canada

At Newcomers Canada, we are dedicated to supporting you and your families during your transition into a new life in Canada. Whether you are an immigrant, a permanent resident, or a foreign professional, we can help you explore new opportunities or alternative careers with employers across Canada. We have partnered with a vast network of organizations who are looking to find and hire newcomers and immigrants to Canada. Our goal is to ensure that skilled workers and professionals like you have all the relevant information for connecting with Canadian employers and landing suitable jobs or assignments.

Check out our Events page to learn more about our global talent expos, webinars and other support initiatives for new Canadian immigrants.