how to write a resume government canada

How to write a resume for a Canadian government job

Today, I show you how I structure my resume for government jobs. In the next couple of videos, I will be covering the most common questions I get about the government hiring process.

Want to learn my process for applying for government jobs?

Our D.I.Y Course Fedjobs help you understand what happens at each stage of the hiring process and provides honest advice from the applicant’s perspective. I also share my techniques to “tick all boxes” in the process to ensure your application moves forward to the next step. 

Here is what you will learn

6 videos that walk you through the major steps in the hiring process:

Reading the job posting

There are a lot of acronyms and jargon in Government of Canada job postings that can be hard to decipher. I'll teach you how to analyze a job posting so that you can understand exactly what is being asked for.

Preparing your application

The first step in the application process are the screening questions, which can be very time consuming to complete. I'll show you how to formulate your responses and how to create a system that will help you apply for multiple jobs fast.

Written exercise

In my opinion, this is the most challenging part of the application process. I'll show you the key elements that should be included in a high quality written exercise and how an exercise can be structured.

Federal government interviews are not your typical interview, they are extremely structured and impersonal. They are, however, usually easier to prepare for because you will know in advance what you will be asked about. I'll teach you how to prepare for the interview and how to structure you answers to get as many "points" as possible.

Final steps

Depending on the type of competition, there are a few different things that can take place once you have successfully passed the interview stage. I'll go through the different scenarios and outline what to expect from situations like reference checks and receiving a letter of offer.

Plus additional resources

3 templates that will be useful tools for allowing you to efficiently apply for jobs, nail your written tests and present your best self during an interview. 

How much does fedjobs.ca cost?

Pay once and have access forever.

Self-guided online course on how to land a job with the government of Canada

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Resume builder build a professional resume.

Build a resume in just a few minutes and make a lasting impression with the Resume Builder – a feature of the Standard and Plus accounts on Job Bank.

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Showcase your potential.

Easily build a professional-looking resume that showcases your goals and qualifications. Just pick a template and fill in the blanks. No formatting is needed!

Cut down on writing

Spend less time writing and make sure you use the same words as employers. You can simply select skills and job duties from our thousands of pre-defined options.

Store your resume online

Build multiple resumes for different types of jobs and save them all in your account until the right opportunity comes up. You can download and print them at any time.

How to use the Resume Builder

Step 1 pick a template.

After you create a Standard or Plus account on Job Bank, just login to access the Resume Builder. To build your first resume, pick from one of the two templates currently available. You should choose the resume template that best reflects your current situation.

• you have several years of experience in your field;
• you’re looking for a job in your field;
• your career progression has been stable and your work history is fairly consistent (no major gaps).

Use the youth and recent graduates’ template if:

• you’re a first-time job seeker starting your professional career;
• you’ve just completed your education and you’re looking for an entry-level job in your field of study;
• you have limited paid work experience.

Step 2 Fill in the blanks

Once you’ve picked a resume template, fill in the blanks with details about your education, experience and skills.

To help fill in some sections of your resume, you can search thousands of pre-defined options and select the ones that suit you. For example, you can import job duties for any job title. When you look up a job title, you can select all or any of the associated job duties and add them to your resume in one click.

If you have a Plus account on Job Bank, you can simply import all of your profile details into the Resume Builder to automatically fill the blanks.

Step 3 Customize your resume

Make sure to put a personal spin on your resume: with the ability to add free text descriptions and create new sections, you can easily customize its content to suit your needs.

Not sure where to start? Expert tips on customizing each section of your resume are provided as you fill them in. For more advice, read our do’s and don’ts of writing a good resume .

Build a resume that will land you a job interview.

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Write your resume

A well-written resume will help to sell your skills and abilities, giving you the best chance of getting the job you want. It should be clear and well organized. Consider the following tips when putting together your resume.

Personal information — your name, address, phone number and email address.

Include only one phone number and email address to make it simple for an employer to reach you. Don’t include overly personal information, such as your birthdate or marital status.

Work and volunteer experience — previous job titles, tasks and key accomplishments.

Be specific when describing your previous roles and responsibilities. Use the action words guide to identify verbs that best reflect your experience.

Related skills — job-specific skills, certifications, computer skills and trades credentials.

Include skills that might be useful to the position, such as first aid certification or languages you speak. Look at the job posting and use the same keywords or skills listed to describe your own. Streamline your resume by removing skills or certificates that are not relevant to the job you are applying for.

Relevant education — post-secondary credit, and non-credit programs and courses.

Lead with the information that is most relevant to the job you’re applying for—even if that means putting your work experience or a specific training certificate at the top. Not all resumes need to be in chronological order, so a strength-based resume may do a better job of highlighting your important skills.

Awards and achievements — work-related, academic and community awards.

Include those relevant to the job you’re seeking.

Memberships — professional, business-related, school or community groups.

This is a great way to show a potential employer that you are an involved member of your community—which shows that you will make an engaging co-worker and contribute to a positive work culture. Likewise, if you lack work experience, your involvement in local groups or professional organizations can help supplement your resume.

References — former supervisors or colleagues who will confirm your skills and speak positively about the quality of your work.

Unless the employer requests your references upfront, you do not need to include them in your resume. When you do provide them, remember to contact your references for their permission beforehand.

Additional tips and resources

• Although the resume length for a job can vary depending on the field, resumes usually are between one and two pages.
• Maximize space by only including the information relevant to the job posting. Take the time to customize your resume to fit the job; you are more likely to get an interview.
• Use a resume template to get started. Most document editing software have ready-to-use templates. If you are applying for a traditional company job, consider using a simple template; if you are applying for a creative position, consider using a non-traditional template (or even a website or online portfolio) to showcase your work.
• The Government of Canada provides a resume building tool to help guide you through the process.
• Check the job posting to ensure you are including all the requested information. Some employers use an online application tool to screen potential employees instead of using a traditional resume.
• It’s okay to reach out to a potential employer before applying! If you still have questions about the position after reading the job posting, it’s better to connect with the employer before you apply—you save yourself and the potential employer valuable time.

A strong resume is key to a successful job search. Watch the video below:

Create your cover letter

A cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your resume and explain why you are the right fit for the job. However, not all jobs require a cover letter to apply — so always check the job posting before you send one to ensure the employer requested it. When in doubt, include one! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started.

Address your letter to the hiring manager or program leader

Instead of just saying, “To whom it may concern,” look at the job posting or the company’s website to find the hiring manager’s name to include in your letter.

Use an outline

Treat your cover letter like a short essay. Here’s a basic outline for a simple three-paragraph letter:

• Introduce yourself and why you are interested in the position.
• Include a brief paragraph explaining how you meet the specific experience and/or education requirements.
• Finish with a conclusion describing how your unique combination of education, experience and skills make you the best person for the position.

Watch the length

You want your letter to be direct and concise. Aim to have your cover letter no more than one page.

Share concrete examples

Avoid repeating your resume, rather use it to highlight a few key experiences that relate to the job you are applying for. Show your future employer why you are the right fit.

Include keywords

Highlight how you meet the competencies detailed in the posting, using keywords or skills listed in the job posting. Read Skills for the Future Workforce to learn more about the type of skills employers are looking for.

Use active voice and avoid wordiness

Use active language and avoid wordiness—it will improve your writing and save space for the important details. Example of active versus passive language:

• Active voice: “I led a team of 20 employees at X company.”
• Passive voice: “I had once managed 20 employees as the leader of a team for X company.”

Additional resources

• The University of British Columbia provides advice and examples of resumes and cover letters for students entering the workforce for the first time.
• Want to learn more about what makes a winning resume? Take a look at the LinkedIn Cover Letter Feed .

A strong cover letter is key to a successful job search. Watch the video: Building a Resume and Cover Letter .

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How to write a Canadian resume

This is not another article telling you to spell-check your resume—but do spell-check your resume. We're going to cover the not-so-obvious tips for getting your foot in the door to your Canadian dream job.

The resume is only one step to finding a job in Canada—and it is not even the first. Before you sit down to type up your professional background, do some research on Canada's job market, and identify the companies that you would like to apply for. The Canadian government website offers some tools that can help you in your job search.

For this article, we are going to focus on optimizing your resume for Canadian employers. Keep in mind, employers will have their own preferences, and there are different best practices for every industry. We hope to give you a general idea of what you can include on a Canadian resume and what is best left out.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration

5 don'ts of Canadian resume writing

Don't include a photo

Unlike some countries, in Canada it is not necessary to include a photo with your CV — unless you're an actor or a model. In general, the only information you need on your CV is what is relevant to the job posting.

Don't overshare

You do not need to include most personal information on your CV. At this point, the only personal information the employer needs is your name, and how to contact you. They do not need to know your age, what country you are from, your race, your religion, your marital status, or anything about your family. In fact, if asked these questions in an interview it might be illegal under Canada's human rights laws .

Also, your CV is not the place to disclose your Social Insurance Number (SIN). Employers do not need that until you are already hired for the job. Your SIN card is a sensitive document, and you should only share it when it is legally required .

Again, all you need to include in your CV is your relevant skills, experience, and basic contact information like name, phone number, and email. Mailing address is not always necessary, especially if you are searching for a job in a different city. If you want to demonstrate that you are within a commutable distance from the place of employment, then you may want to include it, but most job seekers find it just takes up precious space on the page.

Don't write too much

In terms of length, one page is ideal but having two is fine.

You want the person reviewing your application to see only your best, most relevant, and recent experience. If you are just starting your career and you do not have a lot of experience, you can include items that may be less relevant to the posting.

In general, just keep your resume short and sweet. You want it to be "skimmable." Recruiters should be able to get an idea of your experience without feeling like they have to read a novel.

Don't include references

If your employer wants references they will ask for them. A good practice is to ensure your reference knows that you are naming them and giving out their contact information. Talking to your reference beforehand also helps you determine if this person really is going to give you a glowing review or not.

Don't use an inappropriate email address

Recruiters do pay attention to these details, and they might judge you based on whatever email address you thought was funny in high school. Using an email address that contains your name does not signal any red flags.

5 dos of Canadian resume writing

Do tailor your application to the job posting

It takes longer, but you will often get better results if you tailor each resume to the position you are looking for rather than the "spray and pray" method where you send out a bunch of generic resumes.

Not sure what order you should present your experience? Which skills to include and which to leave out? Are you between word choices?

Look at the job posting. This is your first clue into exactly what the recruiter is looking for, and the language they want to see in your application.

The posting will list the job qualifications and then the nice-to-haves. Include your necessary skills front and centre on the first page of your resume, then put your "assets" after that.

Do quantify your achievements

Try to quantify your achievements with numbers, if you can. For example, if you were a manager, mention how many people you were responsible for overseeing. If you worked in sales, how many products did you sell? How much profit did you ring in every month?

Listing your specific achievements, in numbers that an employer can understand, will highlight your skills better than a generic statement. Saying you have a "good work ethic" means nothing. Demonstrating that you grew traffic to your company's website by 20% over one year, for example, shows a recruiter that you know what you are doing.

Do write in third person

Write in third-person format, so no "I," "me," or "my." Keep your sentences short and clear.

For your work experience, include the name and location of your company, and list a few of your responsibilities. Include the years you worked at the company, or if you worked for less than a year you can include the number of months. There is no need to explain gaps in employment on the resume. It will come up in the interview if the recruiter even asks.

For your education, list the school, program, credential, and dates. Depending on the position you are applying for, you can include your GPA as well, but it is usually not necessary. You can include your awards here, or in a separate "awards" section.

Do include unpaid work experience

You can include things like your volunteer experience, as long as it prepared you for the duties you will be performing at the job you are applying for.

Do include a cover letter

Even if they do not ask for it, even if they are going to skip it and head straight to your resume, it is always good to include a cover letter.

A cover letter is meant to embellish the resume, and show the recruiter why you are the best fit for their job opening.

We could write a separate article about cover letters— and we probably will. But here we will give you a general idea of how to write a cover letter.

Your cover letter should contain the company's contact information, as well as your contact information. It should be no more than a couple of paragraphs, and it should not take up a whole page.

You can write in the first person here. Your goal is to connect with the recruiter. Use their name only if you are 100% sure you have the correct name of the person who will be reviewing your application. If you do know their name, use it, but note that there is usually no need to include a prefix. These days, starting a letter with "Sir" or "Madame" is usually inappropriate, unless you know for certain that the recruiter reading your letter prefers that.

The first paragraph should introduce who you are and why you want this job. Be sure to name the position you are applying for. In the subsequent paragraphs, you will want to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position, referring to your previous relevant experience. You can go above and beyond by showing them how your involvement will solve their problems, and make them a better company.

Conclude by thanking them, and letting them know that you will be following up.

Bonus tips for your Canadian job hunt

You are dealing with more barriers than the average Canadian-born job-searcher, however, there are immigrant support services, and employment services that can help you in your journey. Immigration Canada has a list of free services on their website , but these are by no means an exhaustive list of everything that's out there. You can also check your provincial, or territorial websites, or search for employment services in your city.

As much as possible, try to ask people you know if they have any connections or know of any job openings. LinkedIn estimates at least 85% of jobs are found through networking. If you are in Canada and you do not know a lot of people, try industry networking events in your area, which can be found online through events websites, like Eventbrite , or on social media, like Facebook events or groups.

Also, if you think you are underqualified for a position that interests you, apply anyway. In the best-case scenario, you get the job and learn to become the candidate that they are looking for, or else you just do not get the job. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

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How to Write a Canadian Style Resume

Step into the canadian job market with confidence..

Having a record of your work and accomplishments is essential to securing employment in Canada. This comprehensive guide equips you with tbest practices on how to craft a compelling Canadian-style resume, including language and style tips, where to find help, useful tools, and more. 

Table of Contents

What is unique about the canadian resume format, what should i include in each key section of a canadian resume, is accreditation important when writing a canadian resume, how can i highlight my skills in a canadian resume, what language and style considerations should i keep in mind, how can i tailor my resume for each job application, what are common mistakes in canadian resumes and how can i avoid them, who can help me prepare a canadian-style resume, what tools and resources can aid my canadian resume writing, contact canadavisa and cohen immigration law for assistance.

In this guide, we provide you with detailed instructions on how to create a successful Canadian-style resume. You'll learn about the standard Canadian resume format, what key sections to include, language and style tips in writing, and how customising your resume for each application can help increase your chances of landing the job. 

For more on finding and securing employment in Canada, you can visit our dedicated webpage here . 

A Canadian-style resume has certain formatting elements that are unique to Canada. Here are the key features:

• Removing photos and personal identification: It is customary to leave out photos, as well as personal details such as age, birth date, gender, or identification information;
• Length: Ideally, a Canadian resume is one page long, although senior positions may extend to a maximum of two pages;
• Format: The preferred format is paragraph style, without using columns of information—though depending on role and context the latter is not unacceptable;
• Resume header: At the top of the resume, include a header with your contact details, such as name, address, phone number, and email. You can also include a link to a relevant social media profile(s);
• Professional summary: Directly below the header, you can include a professional summary that highlights your career accomplishments and skills related to the position. Customise this section for each job application.
• Work experience: Many candidates in Canada list their work experience starting with the most recent position. Include job titles, dates of employment, company names, locations, and a brief description of relevant duties, skills and achievements;
• Relevant areas of expertise: Another optional detail is to add this section before the work experience. List specific skills relevant to the position, providing examples of achievements and quantifiable results whenever possible; and
• Education: The final section includes education, including degrees, educational institutions, and graduation years. Include any relevant training, courses, or seminars. Start with the most recent degree and list them in chronological order.

In terms of structure, there are two common types of Canadian resumes:

• Chronological resume: This format emphasises work experience, starting with the most recent position and listing previous jobs in chronological order. Typically, include the last 10 years of relevant experience, and include any relevant volunteer experience.
• Functional resume: This format focuses on skills and abilities relevant to the position, rather than work history. Highlight critical skills or characteristics mentioned in the job description. If using a functional resume, include the work history section after the skills section.

Here are some of the key sections of your resume and things to include for each:

• Header: This can include your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and optionally, a link to your professional social media profile (e.g., LinkedIn).
• Professional Summary/Objective Statement: A concise paragraph highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals. It is generally advisable to tailor this section to match the specific job you're applying for.
• Work Experience: List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Describe your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions using bullet points.
• Skills: Highlight your key skills relevant to the job. This can include technical skills, software proficiency, language proficiency, and any other abilities that showcase your qualifications for the position.
• Education: Here you can provide information about your educational background, including degrees, diplomas, certifications, and relevant coursework. Include the institution name, location, and graduation year.

Some optional information sections that you can include on your resume are:

• Achievements/Awards: If you have notable accomplishments or received awards related to your work or education, mention them in this section.
• Certifications/Training: Include any relevant certifications, licenses, or training programs you have completed.
• Projects/Portfolio: If applicable, showcase any relevant projects or a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your skills and accomplishments.
• Volunteer Work/Community Involvement: If you have volunteered or participated in community activities that are relevant to the job or showcase your character and values, mention them here.
• References: It's common to write "References available upon request" instead of listing them directly on your resume. Be prepared to provide references when requested.

If you are an individual with foreign (outside of Canada) education or work experience that is applicable to your field, accreditation is very important—Both in terms of writing an effective resume, but also as a bottom line to be eligible for, and secure jobs in Canada.

Accreditation can be done through a number of avenues, with slightly varying step depending on the field, education/experience, (and country where these credentials were achieved) that you are trying to get accredited for in Canada. For more information specifically on professional accreditation in Canada, visit the government's dedicated webpage here . 

To learn more about how to get your educational credentials assessed, visit our dedicated webpage here .

Highlighting skills in your Canadian resume can often come down to a few essential sections, and the strategy that you employ in presenting your experience. Some general best practices for effectively highlighting skills in your resume are:

• Qualifications Summary: Creating a section dedicated to showcasing your relevant credentials and skills. Customise it for each role you apply to and include three to five notable skills that align with the job requirements;
• Relevant Skills: Highlighting three to four key skills and providing explanations on how they are applicable to the position. Using specific examples from your previous roles can demonstrate how you utilized or developed these skills;
• Work Experience: If you have work experience, you could consider including one or two relevant examples of times when you used your needed skills to positive effect. Focus on the impact you made rather than listing job duties or dates of employment; and
• Education: It is generally advised to keep the education section simple, ensuring it doesn't overshadow your skills. Include the degree or diploma type, major, school name, city, province/territory, and the date of program completion.

Apart from the already stated, there are some basic language and style considerations that you can give additional thought to, when perfecting your resume:

When developing a Canadian style resume, it is worth considering various style and language aspects that can enhance its effectiveness. One important consideration is the use of action words and active voice to showcase your accomplishments and highlight your proactive approach. By incorporating this language, you can create a strong and impactful impression on potential employers.

For example, one simple change is instead of saying: “At my previous workplace, a lot of the planning work were done by me”, you could instead say: “I did a lot of the planning work at my previous workplace”.

Additionally, maintaining a professional and positive tone throughout your resume is highly recommended. This can help convey confidence and enthusiasm while presenting your qualifications and achievements. Furthermore, adhering to Canadian spelling and grammar norms is advisable to ensure your resume appears polished and professional. Consistency in spelling, punctuation, and grammar demonstrates attention to detail and enhances readability.

Tailoring your resume to the specific job that you are applying to can often be advised, as it helps recruiters better understand how you are a good fit for the company, and helps job searchers pass screening checks that utilise Applicant Tracking Systems.

There are certain strategies and best practices that you can employ when trying to tailor your resume to a specific job posting. These strategies include:

• Above all being truthful—if the job truly is not a good fit, this fact will likely come out during the interview process, or worse, in the course of your new job. Lying to get hired is never advisable and under certain conditions can constitute a criminal offence;
• Understand the job description: Carefully read the job posting and identify the required qualifications and skills. Take note of specific keywords and phrases used throughout the description.
• Match your qualifications: Review your general resume and compare it to the job requirements. Place your key qualifications prominently in the top half of your resume, such as in the summary and experience sections. Use a format (e.g., reverse-chronological, functional, or combination) that highlights your most relevant experiences.
• Update your summary: Customise your summary section to showcase your most relevant skills and accomplishments using the keywords from the job description. Include the job title you're applying for to personalise your resume.
• Customise your work history: Tailor your work history section to highlight experiences that align with the job requirements. Remove or minimize positions that are less relevant. Use the job description's keywords in the bulleted lists and prioritise the most relevant responsibilities or tasks.
• Include measurable results: Enhance your experience section by incorporating quantifiable data and achievements that demonstrate the impact you made in previous roles. Highlight specific results and outcomes to showcase your value.
• Update your skills section: Add any remaining relevant skills to your skills section, prioritising those mentioned in the job description. Include preferred skills that can differentiate you as a top candidate.
• Proofread and align: Carefully proofread your resume for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure that the language you use aligns with the keywords and phrases from the job description. Check if your summary accurately reflects the job requirements and if each bullet point in your work history relates to the job responsibilities.

Some common mistakes that newcomers can make when trying to write an effective Canadian resume include:

• Using the same resume for different job applications: It may be tempting to use a generic resume for multiple positions, especially when applying to numerous jobs. However, customizing your resume for each job significantly improves your chances of being selected. Look for keywords in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. Also, include relevant experiences and remove non-essential items.
• Not reading the job description before creating your resume: Reading the job description provides valuable information about the role and the ideal candidate. It helps you tailor your resume accordingly and include keywords that match the job requirements. Balance the use of keywords for the applicant tracking system (ATS) while ensuring readability for human recruiters.
• Listing job responsibilities instead of achievements: Canadian resumes focus on highlighting achievements rather than just outlining responsibilities. Emphasize what you brought to a company or team as an individual, mentioning accomplishments, numbers, data, or challenges overcome. Stand out from other applicants with similar experience by showcasing your unique contributions.
• Creating a resume that's too long or too short: The length of your resume depends on the specific job and your work experience. Generally, resumes should be one to two pages long. If you have more experience, a two-page resume is acceptable, while one page is suitable for those with less experience. Tailor your resume by removing early-career experiences as you progress in your career.
• Not using action verbs: To make your resume impactful, use action verbs that demonstrate your initiative and achievements. Avoid passive phrases and instead use verbs like "led," "managed," "succeeded," "surpassed," "created," and "delivered." Vary your word choices to avoid repetition.
• Submitting a cluttered or improperly formatted resume: Organizse your resume in a clean and easy-to-read manner. Use sufficient white space, appropriate line spacing, and consistent fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Avoid mixing fonts, excessive bolding, underlining, or italicising.
• Listing inaccurate contact information: Ensure your contact information is accurate and up to date, including your phone number and email address. Use a professional email address formatted with your name, avoiding nicknames or slang language.

There are a variety of resources that newcomers can avail when looking for resume help in Canada, including newcomer settlement organisations, university career centres, and non-for-profit organisations.

Canada has an extensive network of immigrant serving organisations—funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) federally, or through provincial and municipal governments—that work to aid newcomer settlement in a variety of areas, including employment help (at little to no cost for newcomers).

These organisations offer a variety of settlement services towards finding a job, often aiding with resumés as well. In fact, (depending on your status in Canada, and your location) you could receive not just resume development and critiques, but also mock interview help, attend skills building workshops receive job-specific language training, and more.

Note that on the national level, newcomer services are only available to permanent residents, protected persons, and some temporary residents—however because these services also operate at the provincial and municipal level, depending on your location you may qualify for settlement assistance even as a temporary resident on a study or work visa. To best understand whether you qualify, it is advisable to contact the specific immigrant serving organisation you would like to receive service from (prior to your visit) to clarify your eligibility and see what services you can avail. For more information on free settlement services for newcomers in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage here . 

In addition to this, international students in Canada will be able to avail employment help from their university or college career centres. These centres are designed to help current students and new graduates with finding employment, often offering them interview and resume training, along with networking and recruiting events, alumni connections, access to mentors and more.

Lastly newcomers who don’t fit into eligibility for either category may want to pursue help with a Non-For-Profit (NFP) or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in their area, to avail employment help. Many of these organisations work to help the community at large, so newcomers may also be eligible, depending on the organisation. These services can be especially potent at securing employment in the specific area or region that the specific NFP or NGO serves and can often have experience and skill with helping newcomers to Canada as well.

There are a multitude of online tools and resources that job applicants can use when writing their resumes, aiding everything from content to design of their documents. Some of these include:

• Canva: Much like Flow CV, Canva can help with designing your resume—however the online program provides much more customizability and freedom in terms of editing resume layouts and designs;
• ChatGPT : The AI chatbot can be a powerful tool, both when writing a compelling resume, but also when applying to jobs. You can read our article full article on the benefits of ChatGPT for job seekers here.
• Flow CV: Flow CV works specifically on designing your CV or resume, with a variety of themes, templates, and colors to choose from, and an easy upload function to start customizing your resume, this free tool can help distinguish you from the pack;
• Indeed career services: offering everything from automated resume analysis, to expert resume help (for a fee), Indeed has an extensive range of career services specifically oriented to writing effective resumes and job applications;
• Resume.io : Another online resume writer, resume.io is a website that aids job applicants in writing better resumes. The site features cover letter options, pre-written AI phrases, multiple formatting options, automatic summary generators, and more; and
• Rezi : An AI powered resume tool that critiques your writing and looks to optimize resume content for specific jobs. Rezi is a powerful and low-cost tool to improving resume content and design.

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Resume format in Canada

Updated on March 15, 2024

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The resume format in Canada is quite different from CVs and resumes you may be used to writing in other countries. By following our advice, you too can adapt to the Canadian way of presenting your experience and skills.

Start off with this webinar from recruitment expert and Moving2Canada founder, Ruairi Spillane, about how to create the best resume for the Canadian jobs market:

When you’re done reading through these tips, visit our Jobs Board  and review our  practical advice for finding jobs in Canada.

What you'll find on this page

What’s different about the resume format in canada.

Your resume is key to  finding jobs in Canada . Employers will generally assess your suitability for roles based on this document alone.

Your sole objective in writing a resume is to pique the reader’s interest so that you get an  interview . Shift the focus away from telling the employer everything about yourself.  Instead, focus on things that will make them believe you can help their company.

Avoid simply listing your duties in each role. Instead, refer to  achievements  that other candidates wouldn’t be able to put on their resume. Differentiate yourself from the crowd.

The resume format in Canada must contain (in this order):

1. Contact information 2. Professional / career summary 3. Work experience 4. Education / professional development

Where appropriate, you may also add technical skills and volunteer experience / community involvement.

"I sent countless resumes, but never heard back!"

16 tips to adapt to the resume format in canada.

1. Your resume is a tool to secure an interview. It’s not intended to be a thorough work history document. When you write a resume for Canada, concentrate on presenting the reader with your highlights, not every detail. The interview is the time to go into detail.

2. Keep your resume interesting. Typically, hiring managers will only spend 10-30 seconds browsing your document. Use the resume format in Canada to sell yourself in a concise way that focuses on your achievements.

3. Use a professional resume template. Register for a Moving2Canada account to get a professional resume template for free.

4. Avoid long paragraphs and small fonts (less than size 10 is not a good idea). Use an easily readable font and make sure that only one font is used throughout. Ensure your resume format style is consistent.

5. Do not use the first person (e.g. “I am technical”, “I worked at XYZ”). Use short sentences (e.g. “Increased sales by 10%”).

6. The resume format in Canada means your document should typically be a maximum of two pages. If you do not have a lot of experience, then one page should suffice. If you have 10+ years of experience, then three pages may be acceptable.

7. Don’t waste valuable space. Only list experience relevant for the role to which you are applying.

8. Convert all terms to the Canadian equivalent. For example, use terms like “high school”, “GPA” (Grade Point Average — the equivalent for university grades), “internship”, etc.

9. Do not list personal interests or hobbies unless they are achievements that add to your character. Remember: a good resume sets you apart from other candidates. Mentioning that you like football, play piano, and enjoy the cinema is not likely to boost your chances of success.

10. Include skills such as being able to speak a second language or mastery of particular computer applications. Ensure you only include those that may be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

11. Avoid sending a generic resume to dozens of employers. Your time is better spent being selective and tailoring your resume for each specific job and company you’re applying to.

12. Use a nice resume format, and where possible, have it proofread by an expert in the field. Grammatical and spelling errors on a resume can harm your first impression.

13. Do not list that you are on a “gap year” or “one-year work permit”. Companies want to employ committed candidates who are going to contribute to their success. In an interview, you can discuss your immigration status if the employer requests more information. If you are in Canada on a temporary permit, research longer-term permanent residence options so you can discuss ways of potentially staying in Canada once your work permit expires.

14. Do not include the word ‘resume’ or ‘CV’ at the top of the page, or the date you prepared the document.

15. Do not sign your resume.

16. Do not list references, or include the line ‘references available on request’. It will be assumed that you have these ready, so don’t waste valuable space on your resume by stating this. Have references’ names and contact details ready to present when requested, and make sure they’re willing to speak positively on your behalf.

Preparing for the resume format in Canada

Here’s some useful advice to help you craft the contact, career summary, and work history sections of your resume.

Contact information:

• Do not list your date of birth, gender, marital status, religion, or parents’ names. It’s not required under the employment law in Canada, and is not a necessary part of the resume format in Canada.
• Where possible, ensure you have a Canadian address listed. More importantly, include a Canadian cell phone number.
• Ensure that you have an email address that looks professional. It should include a combination of your first name and last name, and avoid slang terms or nicknames. Avoid using email addresses with country-specific domains, like .co.uk, or .co.in. If necessary, set up a new email address for your job hunt.
• Add your LinkedIn profile URL. Create a custom LinkedIn profile URL so that it isn’t as ‘clunky’ as the one that LinkedIn designated for you. You want to make it as easy as possible for the employer to find your profile, particularly when viewing a printed version of your resume. Also, ensure it’s up to date and that your profile contains a strong summary. See this great guide on being successful with LinkedIn .

Professional / career summary

This is a micro resume that will allow the reader to understand your goals and how you can help their company.

Three or four short sentences will suffice to set the tone for the detail that follows. Outline what makes you different, whether it is personality, technical ability, managerial skills, team building, or some other talents.

Begin by stating your objective clearly. You should list the title of the role you want to target — if you’re responding to a job posting, this role will be the job you’re applying for. Being a “jack of all trades” is not a good thing for an employer. If you want to be a Project Manager, then call yourself a Project Manager. Don’t expect a company to identify what you should be.

If you would like to do two or three different things, then build two or three specific documents, and follow the resume format in Canada in each. Listing “Marketing / Admin / Finance Professional” is not attractive, so have a clear focus for the relevant job application.

• Mention how many years of relevant experience you have, what type of experience this is, and your future ambitions.
• Avoid generic comments (e.g. “honest and hardworking professional”). Instead, give the reader a true insight into your strengths and objectives (e.g. “able to continually identify cost savings and efficiencies, and routinely trusted to manage projects effectively, mentor junior colleagues, and solve problems”). These should be specific to you, and not things that anyone can write on their resume.
• Mention your career aspirations, whether this is professional designations, supervisory work, managerial work, or other work.

Work experience in Canada

Include details of relevant roles. Prospective employers will already be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of these roles, so there’s no need to list them.

Use three or four concise bullet points instead of long lists.

Think about key achievements in each previous role, then build each point by highlighting a specific problem you encountered, actions taken, and results accomplished. Every successful problem solved brings either an increase in revenue or decrease in costs. This is how managers think, so speak their language.

Problem/Situation >> Action taken >> Results/Achievement

Problem/Situation:  Every action that you take in a job is for a reason. Who asked you to perform this task? What was the objective? What was the background behind the task or the problem you set out to solve? Identify what the problem or situation was that prompted the action.

Action taken: This is where you incorporate the duties that you took to resolve a problem or situation.

Results/Achievement: Some questions to think about: What would happen if you didn’t perform this task as well? What was the impact of doing the task well? Did you gain recognition for this work? Did it improve efficiency, increase sales, reduce costs, or all of the above? Where possible, try to quantify the result in terms of either a percentage or Canadian dollar value.

Here’s an example that would meet the resume format in Canada requirements:

Existing phone / communication system was outdated and causing frustration for the staff. Investigated affordable alternatives and project managed the installation of the new system. It increased productivity and efficiency, received widespread positive reaction from staff, and by allowing us to spend more time with customers, generated an estimated $20k in extra sales in six months.

Provide your potential employer with three or four short illustrations of your abilities that showcase what you have achieved in previous roles.

If you’re unsure whether a point you made is useful or not, keep asking yourself “so what?” and try to develop it using the above formula. Explore the impact of your actions and try to bring each point back to a business problem with quantifiable results. Think about the increase in revenues, decrease in costs, or customer satisfaction.

For occupations that are project-driven, outlining your projects in a clear manner is key. Do not make a long list of every project. Focus on outlining a few key projects that demonstrate your skills. Remember, you don’t need to tell them everything you have done — you can do this in the interview . Ensure that you highlight the project name, an outline of the project (e.g. if construction then mention commercial, industrial, residential, etc), project duration, the value of the project in Canadian dollar terms, as well as your role.

Other employment resources in Canada

For vacancies, visit our Moving2Canada Jobs Board . Now that you’ve mastered the resume format in Canada, here are some more resources to help you win interviews and find a job in Canada.

• Practical advice for finding jobs in Canada
• 57 interview questions you could be asked
• How to master networking in Canada
• How to create a targeted job application

Remember also not all recruitment is done through formal interview processes. Find out how to use an informational interview as a tool to develop your network.

Get planning for Canada!  Did you know that Canada offers free pre-arrival services for approved immigrants who plan to arrive in the country within the next 12 months? You can get free employment mentorship and more through government-funded pre-arrival services. Find out about pre-arrival services provided by Canada InfoNet here:

Register for a Moving2Canada account to receive Canadian resume and cover letter templates. You’ll also receive our free Getting Started Guide, which gives exclusive access to our proven techniques for accelerating your job search in Canada.

Happy job hunting!

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Getting a job in Canada begins with creating an impressive resume that catches the attention of recruiters and employers. A resume is crucial in showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications to prospective employers. However, crafting a resume for the Canadian job market can differ from what you are used to in your home country.

Resume writing in Canada is a unique process that requires understanding the local job market, cultural norms, and specific formatting guidelines. By mastering the art of creating a Canadian-style resume, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a job in Canada. So let's dive into the world of resume writing and explore the various elements that make up a winning resume in Canada.

Why You Should Get Your Resume to Canadian Standards

When all is said and done, your Resume should look something like this:

Practice Common Interview Questions

Prepare responses to common questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice your responses with a friend or family member to improve your confidence and delivery.

Dress Professionally

To make a good first impression, dress professionally, such as a suit and tie.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview to allow for any unexpected delays.

Bring Copies of Your Resume and References

Bring copies and a list of professional references if the interviewer requests.

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Qualifications and Experience

During the interview, be ready to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail and provide specific examples of how you have applied your skills in previous roles.

Ask Questions

At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company, role, and work environment to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

Remember to be courteous, professional, and confident during the interview, and always follow up with a thank-you note or email to the interviewer afterward. Learn more about how to prepare for your job interview in Canada here.

How Do I Know If My Job Offer Is Real or Not?

Unfortunately, job scams and fraudulent job offers are prevalent in Canada, especially for newcomers and international job seekers. Being vigilant and aware of the red flags of a fake job offer is essential. Here are some signs that a job offer may be fake:

• The employer asks for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number, passport details, or bank account information, before you have been officially hired.
• The employer offers a job without conducting an interview or verifying your qualifications.
• The job offer includes a request for payment or investment on your part, such as training fees, equipment costs, or travel expenses.
• The employer insists on communicating only via email or refuses to provide a physical address or phone number.

Do not respond or provide personal information if you receive a suspicious job offer. Instead, research the company and the job offer online, and contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local law enforcement if you suspect fraud. 

Take Your First Step in Getting a Job in Canada

• Insider’s Guide to getting a job in the Canadian Government for Professionals
• Insider’s Guide special report on Resumes and Cover Letters
• Public Service Entrance Exams
• Graduate Recruitment Test
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• 2022 Post Secondary Recruitment Campaign – Everything you need to know
• Insider’s Guide to Getting a job in the Canadian Government for Post Secondary Recruitment Applicants
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Government of Canada Resume Tips

It is important to note that resumes and cover letters for hiring managers in the Canadian Federal Public Service must illustrate passion and drive.

In addition to giving government hiring managers something interesting to read, you also want to display to managers that you are confident of your skill set.

Here are a few important points that you must keep in mind:

Use action verbs. When drafting your resume ensure that you use action verbs that illustrate leadership abilities i.e.: resolved, supervised, increased, managed, conducted. Do not be humble but do not exaggerate your skills. Highlight your abilities in an accurate and concise manner.

Customize your resume. It is imperative that you customize your resume for every Canadian Public Service job competition. In addition to greatly increasing your chances of getting screened in, when your resume is reviewed by future hiring managers, they will be able to see the link with your past experience, your education, and the job that you are looking for.

Many individuals try to use the “one resume fits all” for the federal service job applications and do not understand why they are not screened in. Always customize each resume to the job that you are applying for.

Do not make a references section. Usually there is a separate form that asks for this information. You will waste space on your resume providing information that will not be checked until the final screening process.

I recommend that your resume spans a maximum of 2 pages. Apart from the fact that it will illustrate your strong written communication skills, most Government of Canada hiring managers will be reading multiple resumes in one day. They will appreciate your short, precise and detailed resume and be more inclined to read all of it.

Get your resume done professionally if you are not a strong writer, there are many community centres, career placement offices, and professional services that can write your resume for you for free or for a small fee.

Introducing the only proven online resource that will provide you with astonishing and quick results: The Insider's Guide to Canadian Government jobs.

This amazing guide contains years of research, interviews, and experience from Insiders in the Government of Canada to give you the best resource for obtaining your dream job in the Government.

Here is a brief look inside:

• 100+ pages of never seen before insider knowledge on obtaining highly sought after government jobs that will make you the envy of your peers.
• Clear steps and ready to use vocabulary that will land your new winning resume to the top of the pile...everytime, even if you're not good at writing.
• Two done-for-you cover letter templates that explain exactly how to use your work and educational experience to have hiring managers fighting to meet you.
• Also included is our trademarked: Face-To-Face Interview Differentiator TM. Our tested interview cheat sheet that carefully guides you through each step in the interview process taking you from a faceless applicant to a confident job candidate - even if you are usually nervous in interviews.
• Juicy insider tips on how to get more when negotiating your salary, even if you do not have a lot of work experience.
• Also included are free bonus chapters with amazing insider strategies on: Getting a job in the department of Global Affairs and how to excel in the highly competitive Post Secondary Recruitment (PSR) exams, even if you are not good at standardized tests.

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Functional Resume: Writing Guide, Examples, & Template

11 min read · Updated on August 28, 2024

What is a functional resume, and is it suitable for your job search?

Submitting the best resume possible is essential regardless of the job you're applying to. Selecting the proper format for your unique circumstances is one aspect of ensuring that's the case. Many turn to the common chronological resume format. But what happens if your work history and skills don't fall neatly within that format? Then, a functional resume might be an option.

Below, we answer, “What is a functional resume?” and share tips with a template, as well. 

What is a functional resume?

The functional resume format emphasizes your skills over your work history. The goal of a functional resume is to craft your carer history in such a way that proves how the skills you've acquired align with the job you want. It's these skills that will stand out first and foremost to the hiring team. 

You still include your work history in a functional resume, though you don't go into detail about your accomplishments for each specific position. Instead, you include your accomplishments within each skill category. 

FORESHADOWING: We have a functional resume example at the end of this post you can refer to and see how this works. 

A functional resume tends to be a last-resort format for a couple of reasons:

Applicant tracking systems sometimes have a difficult time reading a functional resume format. 

Since the functional format is not that common, it can be more difficult for recruiters and hiring managers to find the information they're seeking quickly.

Still, if you don't have a traditional work history but have many skills relevant to the job you're applying for, a functional resume could be the best choice for you. 

What is a functional resume vs. a chronological resume?

The chronological resume, also referred to as a reverse chronological resume, is the most commonly used resume format. This format focuses on your work history instead of skills like the functional format. 

In the chronological format, you will include your most recent job first, with the rest of your experience in reverse chronological order. Each position will have a set of bullets that flesh out your achievements in that role. 

A chronological resume is an ATS-friendly format when it's written correctly. It also tends to be the most popular among hiring teams since they're familiar with the format and can easily locate the information that matters to them. 

Related reading: How to Use a Reverse Chronological Resume Format

What is a functional resume vs. a hybrid resume?

A hybrid resume, also called a combination resume, blends aspects of the chronological and functional resume formats. The goal of a hybrid resume is to equally emphasize your skills and work history. 

The hybrid resume has become a popular format choice for candidates since it gives the opportunity to emphasize the skills you have in combination with your work history. It's also a format that tends to be easily read by ATS and human readers. 

Related reading: The Best Resume Format to Get You Hired

When should you use a functional resume?

Now that we've answered “What is a functional resume?” let's discuss when you should and shouldn't use this format option.

A functional resume might work well for you if:

You have been out of the workforce for a while. Suppose you're reentering the workforce after some time. In that case, you might not want that fact to be the first thing prospective employers notice about your resume. Instead, you'd prefer they see your impressive categories of skills. 

You have a large gap in your employment history. Similar to being out of the workforce for a while, a functional resume helps to emphasize your relevant skills first to give a positive spin on your resume, helping to take the emphasis off of your employment gap(s). 

You have held jobs that span a lot of different types and industries . If your employment record is all over the place regarding the industries and types of jobs you've held, it might not be easy for a hiring team to connect your experience to the job you're applying for. A functional resume will allow you to emphasize that you have the skills necessary for the job first, so your diverse employment record isn't called into question (hopefully) as much. 

You have little to no work experience. You might not have much work experience if you're right out of college. You do likely, however,  have a lot of skills you've acquired through school activities, sports, part-time work, or school clubs. A functional resume allows you to be creative in the skills you represent first, helping to grab the attention of hiring teams with what's most relevant.

Your skills have been acquired through means other than traditional work experience. Suppose you have relevant skills acquired through things like hobbies, interests, or volunteer experience over conventional work experience. In that case, a functional resume will allow you to emphasize these skills so they stand out better than they would in a chronological format. 

When should you not use a functional resume?

If any of the following pertain to you, then it's likely in your best interest to choose a hybrid or chronological resume format:

You have a traditional employment career trajectory. If you have plenty of work experience related to the job with a typical career growth path, then a chronological or hybrid resume is the way to go. 

You're changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills. If you've gained a lot of transferable skills and are making a career shift, a hybrid resume is an excellent way to highlight your transferable skills first, with your work experience coming in second. 

Your most recent employment history is relevant. If your most recent employment is relevant to the job, even if some of the rest of your work history isn't, you'll likely do better with a hybrid or chronological format over a functional one. 

What to include in a functional resume

Here are the sections to include in a functional resume:

Start with your contact information

Regardless of the format you select, you'll start it off with your contact information. This includes your name, cell phone number, email address, and location (city, state, zip code). You can also include your LinkedIn or professional website URL. 

Kick it off with a resume summary

Another common element across all resume formats is starting it off with a resume summary . Your summary should encapsulate what your resume is about. You want to grab the reader's attention enough for them to want to learn more. Include three to five essential skills and one to two accomplishments, with some powerful adjectives to describe you. 

Categorize your skills

The bulk of your resume for a functional format will be your Professional Skills section. Here's where you'll categorize your skills and include key accomplishments from your experience to showcase how you applied those skills successfully in the past. 

Incorporate your work history

Following your Professional Skills section, include your work history. Here, include the name of the employer, your position, and the dates you were employed. Where you would include bullet points of your accomplishments below each position for a chronological and hybrid format, you will leave those off in the functional format. You've already covered key accomplishments within your categories of skills.

Close it off with education

Like other resume formats, your functional resume will end with your Education section . An exception to this is if you are a new hire with little to no work experience and a few skills to highlight. In that case, you'll emphasize your education by listing it first, followed by your Skills section and then your work history. 

Your Education section should include your degree and where you obtained it. You can also include any honors you might've achieved. 

Many also choose to include any relevant certifications in their Education section. Or, you can opt to include a separate Certifications section if you have more than one to highlight.

Include additional sections as appropriate

You may include additional sections on your resume depending on your unique circumstances. Additional sections could include Volunteer Experience, Hobbies and Interests, Certifications, Special Projects, and Technical Skills.

Tips for writing your functional resume

Here are a few additional tips to help you craft a job-winning resume:

Tailor your resume to each job. Refer to the job description and tailor your resume to include keywords and information that aligns with your skills and experience. 

Use power verbs. Begin each work accomplishment bullet point with a power verb . 

Include as much quantifiable information as possible. When describing your accomplishments, include results and use data to quantify those results as much as possible. 

Example of a functional resume 

Here is an example of a functional resume for someone pursuing an HR-related job. You'll see this individual has a brief employment gap and a bit of an unconventional career path, making a functional resume a suitable option.

Kendra Smith

555.555.5555 | [email protected] | Morgantown, WV 26250 

Intuitive professional with multi-dimensional expertise in Human Resources for diverse group of industries, including oil & gas, finance, Internet marketing, and real estate. Timely and efficient with the ability to work with all levels of staff within an organization. Influential in working with leadership teams to support the best interests and wellbeing of employees. Expertise includes recruiting, employee relations, training and development, and performance management. 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Staffing & Recruiting

• Partnered with recruiters to rebuild workforce after a 40% reduction due to Hurricane Katrina relocation
• Counseled management while going through a reduction in force for 150+ positions
• Recruited for over 500 positions in multi-faceted environments
• Utilized applicant tracking system (ATS) software, including Taleo, JobVite, and SAP, to monitor resume submissions and data
• Designed a one-stop shop website to assist new hires in assimilating to the community and company

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Managed employee relations for global and domestic client groups totaling 500-700 employees for multi-million dollar companies
• Designed and implemented new company-wide Service Award Program
• Developed new Performance Management process resulting in more effective employee development, documentation, and communication
• Directed relocation project and successfully transferred 300+ positions from Austin to Houston, TX

Communications & Policy Design

• Prepared and administered 40+ HR-focused policies, including performance management, non-solicitation, harassment, education reimbursement, annual MVR reviews, and discipline for $4.5B start-up company
• Partnered with HR & Legal departments to develop and present materials for pertinent employee communications, including Austin relocation, benefits open enrollment, and policy updates
• Presented HR updates, including goals and projects, for monthly Leadership staff meetings
• Drafted and wrote 200+ employee, HR, and CEO communications

Training & Development

• Developed 30+ training modules focused on HR Foundational skills for supervisors and managers, including union avoidance, effective communication, performance management, employment law, recruiting, and employee development
• Spearheaded culturally sensitive technical and professional career development plans for 100 international and domestic employees
• Trained HR colleagues on I-9 government compliance

WORK EXPERIENCE

HR SME Copywriter:  IESquared, LLC, Houston, TX, 6/2020 - Present 

Public Relations Specialist:  PrimeWay Credit Union, Houston, TX. 4/2017 - 6/2020 

HR Recruiter:  HighMount E & P, Oklahoma City, OK, 11/2012 - 5/2013

HR Operations Manager:  Dominion E & P, Houston, TX, 9/2010 - 10/2012

EDUCATION   

West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV

• Master of Science in Human Resources and Industrial Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Is a functional resume right for you?

Now that you know the answer to “What is a functional resume?” it's time to decide if it's the right option for you. If you have a traditional work history, recent relevant work, or are applying for a job where your work history is necessary to include in detail, then you should forgo the functional resume format. If you fall into any of the other categories above where a functional resume could be of value, then go for it. And, when in doubt, you can always hire a resume writer to help. Good luck!

Are you using the right format for your resume? Find out by submitting it for a free resume review . Our experts will review it and provide specific tips to help improve it and get past an ATS!

Recommended reading:

How to Check If My Resume Is ATS-Friendly for Free

15 Expert Tips to Working with Recruiters

Strategic Job Search Planning: Land Your Dream Job

Related Articles:

How to Write a Short Bio? (With Examples)

7 Best Personal Skills for Your Resume (With Examples)

Great Jobs for Teens: Top Picks for 16-Year-Olds

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Writing resources—Resumés and job-related letters

By the Translation Bureau

Find tips and tricks to help you write resumés, cover letters and other job-related documents.

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Cover letters, reference letters, thank-you letters.

• All you need to know about the combination resumé format Source: Monster Canada
• Applying for a job: Tips for writing resumés (in French only) Source: Government of Quebec
• Best practices for improving your online resumé (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• Build your resumé or CV Source: University of Guelph
• Creating a concise resumé Source: Monster Canada
• CV and cover letter Source: McGill University
• CV guide Source: University of Saskatchewan
• Example of a French resumé (Word) (in French only) Source: Le français au bureau, Les Publications du Québec
• Guidelines for writing CVs and cover letters (PDF) (in French only) Source: University of Quebec at Montréal
• How to beef up your entry level resumé (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• How to update your resumé Source: Monster Canada
• How to write a good resumé Source: Government of Canada
• How to write an international resumé (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• Nine phrases you should never put on your resumé Source: Monster Canada
• Resources for writing resumés, CVs and cover letters Source: University of Winnipeg
• Resumé and job advice for workers 50 and over (in French only) Source: Jobboom
• Resumé builder Source: Government of Canada
• Resumé template for people with priority entitlement Source: Government of Canada
• Resumé writing: Compelling phrases and verbs (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• Sample resumé Source: Government of Canada
• Sample resumés and cover letters organized by field of study Source: University of Toronto
• Sample resumés and letters, and a guide to career portfolios (in French only) Source: University of Moncton
• Shorten your resumé to win over busy employers (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• Templates for chronological, functional and combination resumés (PDF) Source: Dalhousie University
• The difference between a resumé and a CV in Canada Source: Monster Canada
• The proper use of fonts in your resumé Source: Monster Canada
• Tips for writing resumés Source: Monster Canada
• Toolkit for writing resumés and CVs Source: University of Victoria
• Writing your resumé Source: University of Ottawa
• A guide to writing cover letters and other employment-related letters (PDF) Source: Government of Manitoba
• Applying for a job: Tips for writing cover letters (in French only) Source: Government of Quebec
• Cover letter Source: University of Ottawa
• Cover letter guide Source: University of Saskatchewan
• Cover letter outline Source: Government of Alberta
• How to write a great administrative assistant cover letter Source: Robert Half
• How to write an effective cover letter (video | 2:57) Source: Government of Alberta
• Job application letters (in French only) Source: University of Ottawa
• Sample cover letter Source: Government of Canada
• The ABCs of cover letters (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• Giving quality references to former employees Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Business
• How to write a strong reference letter for a strong volunteer Source: Volunteer Canada
• Reference letter writing 101 (PDF) Source: University of Manitoba
• Sample letter for declining a request for a reference letter (in French only) Source: Le français au bureau, Les Publications du Québec
• Sample reference letter (all text left-justified) (in French only) Source: Le français au bureau, Les Publications du Québec
• Tips for writing a reference letter (in French only) Source: Monster Canada
• After the interview: Thank-you letter (in French only) Source: MonEmploi.com
• Follow-up thank-you email Source: Telfer School of Management – University of Ottawa
• Is it still appropriate to send a thank you after an interview? (in French only) Source: Randstad
• Job acceptance letter Source: Monster Canada
• Sample thank-you letters (in French only) Source: Emploirium.com
• Thank-you letter Source: University of Ottawa
• Thank-you letter trends (in French only) Source: L’œil du recruteur
• The post-interview thank-you email Source: Monster Canada
• Three follow-up emails that appeal to recruiters (in French only) Source: Secrétaire-inc

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NEWS + ADVICE

Nine tips to write your most effective security-cleared resume.

Create a standout security-cleared resume with the help of these nine go-to tips.

Your security-cleared resume is not a biography or a mere list of qualifications. It’s an ad designed to help you land that coveted cleared job interview and move to the next stage of the hiring process. Recruiters typically give your resume a quick scan before deciding to dig deeper and pick up the phone, so it’s crucial to make an immediate impact. Here’s how:

1. Include these Key Details at the Top of Your Resume

Start strong with your name, city and state (no need for a full street address), one primary email, one phone number, and your security clearance. If you’re transitioning from the military, consider adding the specific area you wish to relocate to and the date you’ll be available for hire.

2. Follow With a Brief, Impactful Summary

Your summary should pack a punch by telling employers what you bring to the table. Include two to three lines of crisp, clean, jargon-free critical experience and relevant attributes such as certifications. If you reference technical skills, specify the number of years you’ve been honing those skills.

3. Focus on Accomplishment Statements, Not Lists of Responsibilities

For many cleared job seekers and transitioning military professionals , focusing on accomplishment statements can be the most crucial enhancement to your resume. Apply the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight your achievements in a way that directly aligns with the job requirements. For example:

Assumed management of a failing contract. Within 90 days implemented new procedures that improved team efficiency by 35%, resolved all overdue items, and led the team to a successful contract re-award.

4. Keep Your Resume Design Simple and Clean

Your security-cleared resume shouldn’t stand out in a pile of resumes due to a flashy design. Even if you’re handing it out at a job fair, it’s likely to be scanned electronically. Stick to a simple font and avoid heavy paper, colors, shading, graphics, overbolding, and tiny type. Less is more when it comes to being easily read or uploaded to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

5. Shoot for One to Two Pages

Trim or remove all information that does not directly support your value. Cut down on jobs from more than a decade ago. Don’t waste space on education or training that is irrelevant — this is a common mistake that transitioning military make.

The exception to this two-page rule is if the job posting specifically asks for 15 years or more experience. And that’s rare. Keeping your security-cleared resume concise forces you to cut the fluff and highlight what truly matters.

6. Tailor Your Resume When Possible

Tailor your security-cleared resume to emphasize the skills and experience most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description not only makes your resume more appealing to recruiters but also increases the likelihood that it will pass through the ATS and reach human eyes.

7. Prioritize Operational Security

When uploading your resume to ClearedJobs.Net or sharing it at a Cleared Job Fair , include your security clearance, since only cleared facilities employers have access to our services. However, avoid listing classified project names, colleague names, office size, or budget details on any version of your security-cleared resume. And refrain from including your security clearance on your LinkedIn profile , as some cleared contractors may view this as a red flag.

8. Exclude these Details from Your Security-Cleared Resume

There’s no need to include your picture, social security number, marital status, number of dependents, health details, hobbies, height, weight, or any other personal information. Also, be careful not to share information in a way that may age you. Skip the year you graduated from college and avoid lengthy work experience statements such as “30 years of experience.” That may imply, “I’m expensive, I’ve seen it all, I know it all, and I’m inflexible.”

9. Proofread and Review Meticulously

Your security-cleared resume often serves as your first impression to potential employers. Ensure it’s error-free by proofreading carefully. Read your resume aloud to catch any mistakes that spell check might have missed and always have someone else review it too.

“Keep subjective self-descriptions out of your summary section. I’m looking at you, Results-Oriented Team Players.” – Bill Branstetter, 9th Way Insignia

Ashley Jones is ClearedJobs.Net's blog Editor and a cleared job search expert, dedicated to helping security-cleared job seekers and employers navigate job search and recruitment challenges. With in-depth experience assisting cleared job seekers and transitioning military personnel at in-person and virtual Cleared Job Fairs and military base hiring events, Ashley has a deep understanding of the unique needs of the cleared community. She is also the Editor of ClearedJobs.Net's job search podcast, Security Cleared Jobs: Who's Hiring & How.

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Money Report

U.S. government researchers visit a Korean mine as the race against China for critical minerals heats up

By evelyn cheng,cnbc • published august 28, 2024 • updated on august 28, 2024 at 7:09 am.

• U.S. government researchers recently visited a South Korean mine to assess progress towards boosting supply of a critical metal called tungsten from areas outside China, the mine operator said Wednesday.
• The Sangdong Mine, owned by a subsidiary of Canada-based Almonty Industries, is set to resume operations this year.
• With China dominating over 80% of the metal's supply chain, Almonty claims the mine could potentially produce 50% of the rest of the world's supply of tungsten — an extremely hard metal used for making weapons, semiconductors and industrial cutting machines.

BEIJING — U.S. government researchers recently visited a South Korean mine to assess progress towards boosting supply of a critical metal called tungsten from areas outside China, the mine operator said Wednesday.

The Sangdong Mine, owned by a subsidiary of Canada-based Almonty Industries , is set to resume operations this year. Tungsten is an extremely hard metal used for making weapons, semiconductors and industrial cutting machines.

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With China dominating over 80% of the metal's supply chain, Almonty claims the mine could potentially produce 50% of the rest of the world's tungsten supply.

The U.S. has not commercially mined tungsten since 2015, according to the latest annual report from the U.S. Geological Survey, a government agency that analyzes the availability of natural resources.

Four mineral resource scholars visited the Sangdong Mine in a trip led by Sean Xun, assistant chief at the agency's National Minerals Information Center, the report said.

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The U.S. Geological Survey would make a "significant update" on its assessment of the mine in its 2025 report due out in the first three months of next year, it added.

Thursday's big stock stories: What's likely to move the market in the next trading session

Japan's next prime minister could be the youngest candidate in a crowded election for party leadership

The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment made outside of U.S. business hours.

The Biden administration has identified critical minerals and announced tariffs on tungsten and others as part of a broader effort to bolster national security.

"Of the 35 mineral commodities deemed critical by the Department of the Interior, the United States was 100 percent reliant on foreign sources for 13 in 2019 ," according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Almonty has said it's spending at least $125 million to reopen the Sangdong Mine, which closed in the 1990s.

China, in the past year and a half, has started to use its leverage in parts of the global critical mineral supply chain to control exports.

Beijing has so far avoided any restrictions on tungsten. But forthcoming rules to limit exports of a similar metal called antimony have raised expectations that tungsten will soon be subject to more Chinese export restrictions.

"If Donald Trump wins the US presidency and follows through on his threat to dramatically hike tariffs on China, Beijing might respond with new export controls on critical minerals or deploy existing controls more forcefully," Gabriel Wildau, managing director at consulting firm Teneo, said in a note Tuesday.

"Chinese regulators may also apply controls selectively, denying minerals to specific foreign companies that are viewed as supporting Washington's technological containment agenda."

He added that the U.S. Energy Department has already awarded $151 million in grants to encourage domestic mining and processing of critical minerals, and western nations are expected to respond to Beijing's "calibrated weaponization of critical minerals by accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on China."

Also on CNBC

• China’s state media rebukes Canada over new EV import tariffs
• China's Nongfu Spring sees shares fall over 12% as beverage maker's profit growth slows
• JD.com shares climb after announcing $5 billion share buyback

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Temporary public policy to facilitate work permits for prospective Provincial Nominee Program candidates

The department is focused on recalibrating the temporary resident to permanent resident ratio in Canada, including by supporting provinces and territories in transitioning eligible temporary residents via their Provincial Nominee Programs. Within the existing group of temporary residents in Canada, a plethora of strong Provincial Nominee Program candidates can be found. In their time as temporary residents, these workers have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to establish themselves economically and develop community roots.

To reinforce the department’s priority of transitioning a greater portion of current temporary residents to permanent residency, the department proposes to facilitate access to open work permits to this population via a time-limited public policy. This population will be supported by their province or territory of residence as Provincial Nominee Program candidates, and will be issued letters to this effect by their respective province or territory. Skilled workers already filling critical labour market needs in Canada will be retained and provided a more certain pathway to permanent residence.

Public Policy Considerations

This public policy, pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act), will allow eligible foreign nationals who hold an employment offer, a valid work permit or held a valid work permit which has expired as of May 7 th and a support letter from the province or territory they reside in, outlining their placement in an Expression of Interest pool or other application inventory process following an initial assessment of the candidate by the province/territory, to be issued an open work permit.

I hereby establish that there are sufficient public policy considerations that justify the granting, in accordance with section 25.2 of the Act, exemptions from the requirements of the Regulations listed below to foreign nationals who meet the conditions set out below.

Conditions (eligibility requirements)

Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant to a foreign national an exemption from the requirements of the Regulations identified below if the foreign national meets the following conditions:

• Holds a valid work permit;
• Has submitted an application for a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
• Issued by the Provincial or Territorial authority of the jurisdiction in which the foreign national resides, and that authority has signed a letter of intent with IRCC setting out its role in supporting facilitation under this public policy; and;
• Outlining that the foreign national has been screened by the said Provincial or Territorial authority and has been placed in an Expression of Interest pool, or is in the Provincial or Territorial authority’s application inventory process for determining eligibility, under the Provincial Nominee Program; and
• A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer; OR
• Held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024 but that permit has since expired;
• a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
• an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations, or restoration of their temporary resident status under section 182 of the Regulations; and
• A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer; or
• Was authorized to work pursuant to paragraph 186 (u) of the Regulations on May 7, 2024, and their work permit extension application remains pending or was approved;
• a new work permit under section 200 of the Regulations; and
• an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations; and
• A letter of employment from the foreign national’s current employer.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 1 and 3:

• Paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Regulations - the eligibility requirements that a foreign national must meet in order to be issued a work permit under existing pathways;

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 2:

• The requirement in section 182 – for a visitor, worker or student to apply for restoration within 90 days after losing temporary resident status;
• The requirement in section 182 - for a visitor, worker or student to have complied with any other conditions imposed;
• Paragraph 200(3)( e ) – the requirement that a work permit not be issued to a foreign national who has engaged in unauthorized work or study in Canada or has failed to comply with the conditions of a previous permit or authorization;

Other Admissibility and Selection Criteria

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative eligibility and admissibility requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy.

Effective Date and Expiration

This public policy comes into effect on the date it is signed and applies to applications received on or after the coming into effect and to applications pending under the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Provincial and Territorial Expression of Interest Pools under the Provincial Nominee Program signed on June 26, 2024.

On coming into effect, this public policy revokes and replaces the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Provincial and Territorial Expression of Interest Pools under the Provincial Nominee Program signed on June 26, 2024.

This public policy will expire on December 31, 2024 and may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.

The Honourable Marc Miller, P.C., M.P Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Dated at Ottawa, this 11 th day of August, 2024

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