Difference of format

In case you are wondering if your resume needs to be any different than the one you made for American firms, stop already. The format can be the same for USA and Canada.

You may be more familiar with the term Curriculum Vitae or CV if you reside in Asia or Europe. However, a CV or Resume is basically the same thing.

The Format

When in doubt, it is always better to stick with the classics.

The golden oldie in this case is the chronological or reverse-chronological resume. This looks professional and is readable to boot. What this entails is placing your work experience at the top.

So heres how you can fashion your resume.

The Header

Put in your full name, job title and contact details (including your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile). You can skip your address.

The Profile

This is the introduction to the main content of your resume.

In case you are just starting out, use a resume objective. If you have some job experience under your belt, put in a resume summary. You can add a summary of qualifications if you have ample experience and achievements you want to draw attention to.

Work Experience

This is a vital part of your resume.

1. Begin with your current/most-recent position.
2. Stick to the basics – job title, employers name, location, and dates of employment.
3. Describe the role clearly in bullet points. Use action words to add impact.
4. Showcase your professional attainments by mentioning associated achievements.
5. To pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), use resume keywords.

Education

This too is a necessary section. Go reverse-chronological here as well. Start with your latest, most recent diploma or degree and add its details, like location, year, etc.

Skills

Add both soft and hard skills in this section. Remember to keep this part relevant and focused.

Additional Section

You can add some other achievements or skills here, such as hobbies, foreign languages, volunteer work, publications, projects, awards, recognitions, etc. This will help you to stand out among the crowd.

Avoidable Items

You can skip the References section. If they are needed, the employer can always ask for them.

Also, dont add your picture, age, race, marital status, or expected salary.

Important point – Never, ever lie in your resume! It will completely derail your job dream.

Keep it short

Short over long is the sweet deal. Try not to have more than two pages unless you have many years of experience that justify three pages.

Social Media

Interested employers may cross-reference your resume with your online presence, like on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Keep a check on what you have on there, and remove anything you wouldnt want a potential employer to see.

Format

As mentioned, the resume needs to be readable. Keep it neat and clear by using headings, bullet points, and emphatic fonts.

Proof Reading

Check your resume for grammatical mistakes carefully. Double-check the accuracy of mentioned names and titles. Also, send your resume as a PDF to allow prospective employers to open it without facing any difficulty.

Cover Letter

It will be better to send in your resume along with an appropriate cover letter to add weight to your application. You can research and personalize the cover letter to emphasize your interest in the job opening. This will go a long way in impressing the Human Resources person who, in all probability, will be the first one to peruse your resume.

We at Dev immigration Services Inc can provide you with the requisite assistance regarding reviewing your resume so that you can be sure of sending in that perfect resume to your potential Canadian employer/s.