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How to format a Canadian resume

A Canadian resume is short, plain and focused on the job. This guide follows advice from Job Bank and WorkBC.

Not career, legal or immigration advice. This is general information. Date checked: October 23, 2026. Read the sources at the bottom.

Length

Job Bank says to limit your resume to two pages. WorkBC says resumes are usually one to two pages.

Job Bank also says to put the emphasis on your most recent experience. It suggests cutting or shrinking experience that is more than 15 years old.

No photo

Job Bank says not to include a picture of yourself. It says a photo is not the norm in Canada.

No age or personal details

Job Bank says to leave out age, weight, height, marital status, religious preference and political views. WorkBC also says not to include your birthdate or marital status.

Job Bank adds one more rule: never put your Social Insurance Number on a resume.

What goes at the top

Job Bank says to list your name, address, email and phone number at the top of the first page. Check that they are correct.

  • WorkBC suggests one phone number and one email address.
  • Job Bank says to use a professional email address, ideally based on your name, without nicknames, numbers or special characters.

What goes in the middle

Job Bank says to include relevant volunteer or unpaid work, not only paid jobs. Be honest about what you did.

WorkBC says to lead with the most relevant information. It says a strength-based resume, which is not in date order, is acceptable too.

Writing the bullets

  • Use simple words and action verbs.
  • Show what you achieved, not only your duties. Job Bank says to quantify accomplishments where you can.
  • Keep each section to 5 to 7 bullets, says Job Bank.
  • Avoid vague, general statements, says Job Bank.
  • Job Bank says to avoid “I”, “my” and “me”.

What to leave off

  • Reasons for leaving past jobs.
  • References. Keep them on a separate sheet until an employer asks. WorkBC says to ask your references for permission first.
  • Hobbies, unless they relate to the job.

Tailor it

Job Bank says to tailor your resume to the position. Read the posting. WorkBC suggests using keywords from it.

WorkBC also says some employers use online application tools instead of a traditional resume. Check what the posting asks for.

A simple order to follow

This order is our suggestion, not an official rule. Put your contact details first. Then list your experience, starting with the newest job. Add education next. Finish with skills that match the posting. Job Bank also says to include volunteer work that fits the job.

A quick check before you send

  • Is it two pages or fewer?
  • Are your name, address, email and phone at the top of page one?
  • Is there no photo, age, marital status or Social Insurance Number?
  • Does the most recent experience come first and get the most space?
  • Do the bullets show what you did and what came of it?
  • Did you read the posting for any format it asks for?

WorkBC adds that a simple template works best for traditional companies.

A note for newcomers

In Ontario, employers with 25 or more employees cannot put Canadian experience requirements in job postings or application forms. Professional licensing is not covered. See our Ontario checklist. Next, read cover letter basics.

Sources

Date checked: October 23, 2026. Not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules change, so check the official pages before you act.

Want this in a ready-to-use tool? The kit has templates and plain-language guidance for building a resume and cover letter. See the Canadian Resume and Cover Letter Kit for Newcomers (CA$19) or buy it now.

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