Imagine landing your first job in your new country. For many newcomers to Canada, a thoughtfully written resume may help open the door to that opportunity.
As you begin your job search, understanding how to present your skills and experience in a way that aligns with Canadian employer expectations may be a helpful first step. This article provides useful tips to help you prepare a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and may increase your chances of getting noticed by employers.
Understanding Canadian Resume Formats
In Canada, resumes typically follow one of two main formats. Choosing the right one may depend on your work history and the type of job you’re applying for:
- Functional Resume – This style focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work timeline. It may be especially helpful if you’re changing careers, have gaps in employment, or bring experience from outside Canada.
- Chronological Resume – This format presents your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent role. It may be a good fit if you have a steady work history in your field.[1]
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Eight Ways New Canadians May Strengthen Their Resume for the Canadian Job Market
Building a resume that reflects both your experience and what Canadian employers may be looking for is one of the first steps to take in your job search. Here are eight useful tips:
- Use Keywords from the Job Posting
Many Canadian employers use software called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Including relevant words and phrases from the job posting, especially those that describe required skills or experience, may improve your chances of being noticed. - Format with Care
Keep your resume clean, organized, and easy to read. Use consistent spacing, professional fonts, and clear headings. Bullet points may help make your accomplishments easier to scan – just be cautious not to overuse them. - Use Social Media Professionally
Many Canadian employers may review LinkedIn profiles when considering candidates. Be sure your profile is complete and reflects your resume. If appropriate, include a link to your professional profile on your resume as well. - List Your Volunteer Work
If you’ve volunteered in Canada or elsewhere, be sure to include this. It may help show your involvement in the community and highlight transferable skills, which may be especially helpful if you’re still building Canadian work experience.Ready to bank? Learn more about TD New to Canada Banking Package today
- Keep It Concise
Aim for a resume that’s one to two pages in length. Focus on your most relevant and recent experience and avoid including too much unrelated detail. - Adapt for Each Job
Rather than sending the same resume to every employer, take time to adjust it for each role. Emphasize the skills and experience that most closely match the specific job posting. - Proofread Your Resume
Before sending your resume, take time to review it for spelling, grammar, and clarity. A small mistake can create an unintended impression. If possible, ask a friend, settlement advisor, or mentor to look it over as another set of eyes may help catch things you’ve missed. - Style and Contact Details
Start with your name and contact information at the top, including a professional email address and current phone number. Make sure your layout appears neat and professional, using a font that’s easy to read.[1]
Helpful Resume Habits to Follow – and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Your resume may be the first introduction you make to a Canadian employer, and sometimes, it’s reviewed in just a few seconds. That’s why it’s important to present your skills and experience clearly, professionally, and in a way that matches what hiring managers typically expect in Canada.
Here are some practices that may help your resume stand out, and a few habits that could make it harder for your application to move forward.
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What May Help Your Resume:
✔ Highlight achievements: Where possible, include measurable accomplishments (such as sales increases, cost savings, or team results) to show the impact you’ve made in previous roles.
✔ Use action-oriented language: Choose active verbs like “led,” “developed,” “organized,” or “supported” to describe your contributions.
✔ Check your contact details: Make sure your phone number and email address are current, accurate, and easy to find at the top of your resume.
What May Work Against Your Resume:
✘ Including personal details that aren’t relevant in Canadasuch as age, marital status, or a photo.
✘ Overloading your resume with bullet points or general statements. Focus on a few key examples that clearly show your strengths.[2]
As you prepare your resume for the Canadian job market, one easy-to-use resource you may want to explore is the Resume Builder available through Job Bank. It offers step-by-step guidance to help you create a professional-looking resume, with helpful templates and simplified formatting.
You can save and manage multiple versions of your resume online, to be downloaded or printed when you’re ready to apply for a position.[3]
Your resume is more than just a record of your experience, it’s a way to tell your story, show your potential, and take that next step toward building a new life in Canada. Every improvement you make may bring you closer to opportunities that may be waiting, whether in your field or in a new direction. With the right tools and a clear understanding of what Canadian employers may value, you’re already well on your way.
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Why Choose TD?
150 years helping Canadians:
TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years.
TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.
With over a thousand branches, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.
TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.
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[1] Settlement.Org, How Do I Create a Canadian-Style Resume?Toronto: Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, n.d., https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/resume/how-do-i-create-a-canadian-style-resume/(accessed 14 May 2025).
[2] Job Bank, How to Write a Good ResumeOttawa: Government of Canada, n.d., https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resources/write-good-resume (accessed 14 May 2025).
[3] Job Bank, Resume BuilderOttawa: Government of Canada, n.d., https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resume-builder(accessed 14 May 2025)
