Canadian Resume Format 2025 – Templates, Examples & ATS Tips
Applying for jobs in Canada requires a clean, ATS-friendly resume that highlights impact, not duties. This guide shows the exact Canadian resume format (2025), provides downloadable templates, and explains how to pass Applicant Tracking Systems used by Canadian employers.
Related reads: Top 15 Most In-Demand Jobs in Canada (2025) • How to Apply for Jobs in Canada from Outside the Country (2025 Guide)
What is the Canadian Resume Format (2025)?
A Canadian resume is a 1–2 page document focused on achievements and skills matched to the job ad. It excludes photos and personal details. Keep the layout simple to ensure ATS parsing.
Required Sections (with Examples)
| Section | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Contact + Headline | Name, City/Province, Phone, Email, LinkedIn • Job-aligned headline | Harpreet Kaur — Toronto, ON · 647-000-0000 · hk@email.com · linkedin.com/in/harpreetHeadline: Registered Nurse (Emergency | Triage | BLS) |
| Professional Summary | 3–4 lines on experience + signature wins | RN with 5+ years in high-acuity ER; triaged 40+ patients/shift; led fall-reduction project cutting incidents by 18%. |
| Skills | Match to job ad & NOC keywords | Clinical: Triage, IV, EHR (Epic) · Certifications: BLS, ACLS · Soft: Patient Advocacy, Teamwork |
| Experience | Action verb + task + result with metrics | Reduced LWBS by 12% by redesigning triage flow with charge nurse and MDs. |
| Education & Certifications | Degree, year, institution; licenses | BScN, University of Alberta (2020) · CNO License #XXXX |
| Optional | Projects, Volunteer, Awards | Volunteer, Canadian Red Cross — Community Vaccination Clinics |
Free ATS Resume Templates (Download)
Template A — Single Column (ATS-Classic)
Best for most roles. Clean headings, bullet points, easy parsing.
Download Template A (PDF)Template B — Skills-Forward
Great for newcomers switching careers; emphasizes transferable skills.
Download Template B (PDF)Template C — Tech/IT
Optimized for keywords, stacks, and achievements; perfect for developers.
Download Template C (PDF)ATS Optimization: Do & Don’t
✅ Do
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Times)
- Mirror keywords from the job ad & related NOC
- Save as PDF unless .docx requested
- Use action + result: “Increased retention 9% by…”
- File name:
Firstname-Lastname-Role-Resume.pdf
❌ Don’t
- No photos, tables, text boxes, icons or multiple columns
- Don’t list every job since school—focus last 10 years
- Avoid buzzwords without proof (add metrics)
- Don’t exceed 2 pages
Tips for Foreign Workers & Newcomers
- Convert achievements to Canadian metrics (CAD $, %, KPIs).
- Add ECA if you have international education and it’s relevant.
- Match your profile to the right NOC code for ATS + immigration synergy.
- Include location line: “Open to relocate • Available on 2–4 weeks’ notice.”
- Target the sectors from our Top In-Demand Jobs (2025).
Full Example: Before vs After
❌ Before (Duty-Based)
- Responsible for customer calls
- Did weekly reports
- Helped sales team
✅ After (Impact-Based)
- Resolved 25–30 customer tickets/day with 95% CSAT (Freshdesk)
- Automated weekly report in Excel → saved 3 hrs/week
- Upsold warranty add-ons → +$8.5k/mo revenue
FAQs
Is a photo allowed on a Canadian resume?
No. Photos are discouraged and can hurt ATS parsing and compliance.
Do I list references?
Use “References available on request” or provide when asked.
Should I customize every resume?
Yes. Align headline, summary, and skills to each posting’s keywords.
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