A resume from another country may not work well in Canada. Canadian employers expect a short document that shows your skills and results. They do not expect a photo or personal details. This guide explains the Canadian resume format step by step. It includes a simple layout you can copy and an example of how to rewrite your work experience. If you are new to Canada, start here.
Step 1
Remove what Canadian resumes leave out
Many countries ask for personal details on a resume. In Canada, leave these out:
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Photo
Do not add a photo unless the job needs one, such as acting or modelling.
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Personal details
Do not list your age, date of birth, marital status, children, religion, nationality or gender.
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Long life history
You do not need every job you have held. Focus on recent and relevant work.
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References
Prepare your references on a separate page. Give them when the employer asks.
Step 2
Use this Canadian resume layout
Most employers expect these sections, in this order. Try to keep your resume to one or two pages.
Your Name
City, Province | Phone | Email | LinkedIn (if you have one)
Summary
Two or three lines: your job title, years of experience and main strengths.
Skills
Six to eight skills that match the job posting.
Work Experience (newest first)
Job Title, Company, City, Country, Month Year to Month Year
Three to five bullet points, each starting with an action word.
Education
Credential, School, Country, Year. Explain the Canadian equivalent if you have an assessment.
Languages and Certificates
Your languages, plus any licences or certificates.
City, Province | Phone | Email | LinkedIn (if you have one)
Summary
Two or three lines: your job title, years of experience and main strengths.
Skills
Six to eight skills that match the job posting.
Work Experience (newest first)
Job Title, Company, City, Country, Month Year to Month Year
Three to five bullet points, each starting with an action word.
Education
Credential, School, Country, Year. Explain the Canadian equivalent if you have an assessment.
Languages and Certificates
Your languages, plus any licences or certificates.
Step 3
Rewrite your duties as results
Canadian employers want to see what you achieved, not only what you were responsible for. Use numbers when they are true. Here is a made-up example:
BEFORE
Responsible for customer accounts and handling complaints.
AFTER
Managed 120 customer accounts and answered complaints within one business day.
Also explain employers that Canadians may not know. Add one short line, such as “a national bank with 40 branches”. Change local job titles to the closest common English title, as long as it stays accurate.
Step 4
Match each resume to the job
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Read the posting closely
Find the skills it repeats. Use the same words on your resume if they are true for you. Some employers use software that scans for these words.
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Show your Canadian connection
Add local volunteering, courses or part-time work. Put your city and province at the top.
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Save and check your file
Use a simple layout with no tables or graphics. Save it as a PDF unless the posting says otherwise. Ask someone to check your spelling.
Next step
Use your resume on a real job
Pick one job from this list and write your resume for it. It is easier than writing for every job at once.
Official resources
Free help with your resume
Job Bank resume builder →The Government of Canada tool for creating a resume. ALIS resume guide →Alberta government guide to writing a resume. Prepare to work in Canada →IRCC information about working in Canada.
Newcomer settlement agencies may also review your resume. For questions about permits or immigration, check with IRCC.
Questions
Canadian resume FAQ
Q. How long should a Canadian resume be?
Try to keep it to one or two pages. People with little experience can use one page. People with many years of experience may need two.
Q. Should I put a photo on my resume in Canada?
No. Most Canadian employers do not expect a photo. Leave it out unless the job needs one.
Q. Is a resume the same as a CV in Canada?
Usually a resume is short and focused on one job. A CV is longer and is often used for academic, research or medical jobs. If a posting says CV, check what the employer wants.
Q. Should I include my work experience from outside Canada?
Yes. Your international experience counts. Explain the company in a few words and show your results.
Your resume is ready. What next?
See jobs for newcomers, or add your resume so employers can find you.
Jobs for newcomers to Canada Add your resume