Preparing a CV for the Canadian job market
A well-written résumé and covering letter are essential to your application for employment. You are a salesperson selling your most important product – yourself.
A Canadian résumé is typically only one page in length with a single page covering letter, though this may not be possible for many professionals to achieve.
How should you format your résumé?
Keep it succint, with justified size 10-12 basic font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. Use plain, everyday language and avoid long elaborate sentences. Short and simple is the best method. Use of correct spelling is key, as well. Errors will be a turnoff to a potential employer, as they show a lack of detail and thoroughness. Avoid highlights, fancy fonts or anything potentially distracting to the employer.
Many Canadian employers prefer to use online application forms. If this is the case in your situation, you will need to take the information provided in your résumé and submit it through the employer’s online form.
How should your résumé start?
Your résumé should begin with your name, full mailing address, contact phone numbers and email addresses.
What needs to be included?
Include all relevant employment history. Most commonly it is only the last three to four positions held, or your positions held within the last three to five years. If you do not have employment related to the position you are applying for, include your last three to five employers. These should be listed in order of most recent to least recent.
Next, list any education you have such as university or trade skills. This is normally listed as degree name, year earned and a brief summary (one to two sentences is sufficient).The end of the résumé should be used for referrals. Two professional referrals are generally sufficient, otherwise a simple ‘referrals supplied upon request’ will do. If you state they are available upon request, make sure you bring this information with you to your interview.
What does not need to be included?
Your age, gender, religion and marital status do not need to be specified. It is against Canadian law to request these things or discriminate against hiring you because of any of these things.
Your covering letter is your personal sales page
Always begin with a formal greeting directed to the HR manager or person in charge of hiring. Most wanted ads include this; if they do not, call the employer to find out this information.
The next thing to include is the position you are applying for, your availability date and/or your job objective.
Following that you should include your unique selling position. What makes you the best possible application for this position and why should they hire you as an employee? What are your qualifications for this position? Keep it brief after all they have the résumé to refer to for further information.
Close with a confident and semi-personal note such as ‘I look forward to speaking with you further on this matter’, followed by your signature, typed name and full contact details.
