A lot of people dream of working in Canada but it is only a reality for some. Sometimes when the candidate is applying for permanent residency or job offer, they tend to mess up the resume. Through this article, you will be guided on how to write a resume for Canada that can score you a job and permanent residency.
A resume is a base for finding a job in Canada- it’s not the first step. Finding out the job preferences in the Canadian market before applying and finding the companies you are interested in is better before you sit down to write your resume.
Now before you learn about the Do’s and Don’ts there are a few things you need to remember:
- Employer will have their preferences and agenda
- There are different practices in each sector
Now let’s get down to the Do’s and Don’ts:
The Don’ts
Say no to the photo
Other countries may prefer a photo, but Canada doesn’t require one. The only details that must be mentioned in your resume are why you would be the ideal candidate for the job posting.
Be straightforward
Your personal information should be kept to yourself and should not be mentioned in the resume. The personal information you add is your name and your contact details so that the employer viewing your profile can get in touch with you.
Just include your past work experience, name, and contact details, as that is all that’s required. If you are asked for any other information regarding your marital status that could either be a fraud or a security breach as under the human rights law of Canada it is illegal to ask for such type of personal information.
Keep it short
This is not a novel about you or an essay writing, it is your resume. So, you have to keep the resume short and to the point. The length shouldn’t exceed more than 1 page and the information should be crisp. The person shouldn’t lose interest in the first sentence itself.
Do not put in any references.
Do not include any references unless the employer asks you. If you are including your references, it is advisable that they are aware of it and that you are giving their contact details. Also, talk to your reference and know if he/she intends to give you a good recommendation.
No, let’s get to the Do’s.
Do’s
Adapt your application for the job
Adapting your resume to the job that you are applying for it is advisable that you mention what is required for that particular field or job. Include the skills that you acquired from your experience and the qualifications you have.
Inform about your special expertise
Boasting about yourself is one thing and listing out your experience and expertise is one. When you are writing your resume, include your achievements. Like, if you were a salesperson, mention how many deals you closed.
Let’s say that you were responsible for driving sales by 50% in the last quarter, mention this in the resume, and be ready to prove it in the interview.
Refer to yourself in the third person
Do not talk in the first person, don’t say “I have worked with American Express” Instead say “Nathan has worked as an account manager in American Express”. This does not only show confidence but it also keeps the resume short and crisp
Mention your internships
The internships play a vital role in showing your experiences, and that you have experience. This will also help in creating a visual portfolio for you in front of the employer.
Cover letters are a must
A cover letter is a must in every resume. Your employer may not ask for it but putting one is always better. The cover letter should have the company’s name, contact details, and also your contact details. You can write in the first person in a cover letter. It would help if you made the employer feel connected to you.
Only mention the recruiter’s name if you know it otherwise just wish them for the day.
Your first paragraph should be about you and why you think you are qualified for the job. Mention the position you are aiming for. In the other paragraphs mention why you think you are fit for this job and your experience. You can also boast a little by telling them how you can be an asset to the company and you can help in a given situation.
We could write a separate article about cover letters— and we probably will. Here you will get a basic idea of writing a cover letter.
The company’s contact information and your contact information should be on the cover letter. It should be no more than a couple of paragraphs, and it should not take up a whole page.
Canadian job hunt
Find a job in Canada via platforms like LinkedIn and other platforms that notify about job offerings.
If you find a job that you are interested in and that you want to work in that company then just apply for it, even though you think you may not be qualified.
This shows the confidence and the adrenaline rush of wanting to learn and it will help you enhance your resume even further. You may get the job you may not, but that is not the end. You keep pushing forward and excel in life even more.
So, now coming to an end, one advice that you should follow is “do what you love and nothing in the world can stop you.
