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Canada · Resume guide

How to write a Canadian Resume

How to write a Canadian resume in 2026: two pages, no photo or date of birth, Canadian spelling, Canadian experience, credentials and the job boards employers use.

CACanadaResume guide · 2026

The short answer

A Canadian resume is usually one to two pages, reverse-chronological, with a short summary and achievement bullets. Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status and SIN. Use Canadian spelling (colour, centre, but organize), and make any Canadian experience, credential assessment or work permit status clear.

Length
1 to 2 pages
Photo
No
Date of birth
No
Spelling
Canadian English
Work status
State it if you're a newcomer
Called
Resume

Include

  • Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, and city and province
  • A summary of qualifications
  • Experience with measurable achievements
  • Education, with a Canadian equivalency if you have an assessment (such as an ECA)
  • Work permit or permanent residence status, if relevant
  • French language level, if the role or province calls for it

Leave out

  • Photo
  • Date of birth or age
  • Marital status, religion, nationality
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Full street address

Canadian spelling

Canada mixes British and American spelling: colour, favour, centre and cheque, but organize, realize and program (for software). Consistency matters more than perfection; we write in Canadian English throughout.

If you're new to Canada

Employers often worry about "Canadian experience". Address it directly: show any work for Canadian or North American clients, volunteering in Canada, Canadian certifications and your credential assessment. Name the size and reputation of overseas employers briefly so a Canadian reader can place them.

Human rights legislation

Federal and provincial human rights laws protect candidates from discrimination on grounds including age, race, religion, family status and place of origin. That's why Canadian resumes leave out photos and personal details.

Quebec and bilingual roles

In Quebec, and for federal and bilingual roles, French matters. State your French level honestly (for example "Professional working proficiency" or a CEFR level). If the employer expects a French resume, you may need a French version as well.

Where to apply

The job boards and sites most used by employers in Canada:

  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed Canada
  • Job Bank (Government of Canada)
  • Eluta
  • Glassdoor
  • GC Jobs (federal public service)

Reviewed by the PenworthCV writing team, October 2026. Conventions change: always follow the instructions in the job ad.

FAQ

Canada CV questions

They're very similar. The main differences are Canadian spelling and, for newcomers, showing Canadian-relevant experience, credential assessments and work status.

If you have permanent residence or an open work permit, a short line such as "Permanent Resident of Canada" helps, because employers often filter for eligibility to work.

Yes. Two pages is normal for experienced professionals.

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