Free CV formatting guide
The Canadian resume follows rules that differ significantly from European or Middle Eastern formats. Here are the essentials to make sure your resume is accepted by Canadian recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- 1
No photo, age, or marital status
In Canada, including a photo or personal data (birth date, marital status, nationality) is frowned upon and can disqualify your application under employment equity laws.
- 2
One to two pages maximum
One page for entry-level (less than 10 years of experience), two pages for experienced professionals. Avoid three pages.
- 3
Reverse chronological order
Start with your most recent job and degree. For each job: title, company, location, period, then bulleted list of achievements.
- 4
Highlight quantifiable achievements
Action verbs + numbers: "Increased revenue by 25%", "Managed a team of 8", "Cut processing time from 5 to 2 days". That is what stands out.
- 5
Clean, readable font
Calibri, Arial, or Georgia in 10-11 pt for body, 12-14 pt for headings. Avoid decorative fonts and bright colors.
- 6
Report language proficiency with a recognized test
Mention IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF/TCF for French when possible — Canadian recruiters know these tests.
- 7
Tailor the resume to each job
Read the posting, reuse the exact keywords in your resume. ATS filters on these keywords before a human ever sees your application.
- 8
Save as PDF
Use a clear filename: LastName_FirstName_JobTitle.pdf. PDF preserves layout and opens anywhere.