Resume or CV in Canada?
In Canada, employers in the private sector almost always ask for a resume: a focused, one- to two-page summary tailored to the job. The word CV is mostly used for academic, research and medical roles.
Core format rules
- Length: One page for early-career, up to two pages for 10+ years of experience.
- No photo, age, marital status or date of birth. Canadian human-rights rules discourage employers from asking for them.
- Contact line: Name, city and province, phone, email, LinkedIn. A full street address is not needed.
- Order: Summary, experience (most recent first), education, skills.
- Spelling: Use Canadian English (colour, centre, licence), and stay consistent.
City notes
Toronto and Vancouver
Large employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS), so keep the layout single-column, use standard headings and avoid text inside images or tables.
Montreal and Quebec
French is often expected. If a posting is in French, submit a French resume. Mention your language levels clearly (for example, English: fluent, French: intermediate).
Calgary and Edmonton
Energy, engineering and trades roles value certifications and safety tickets. Give them their own section.
Newcomers to Canada
Add your work authorization status if it helps (for example, Permanent Resident). Describe international employers briefly, since recruiters may not know them, and explain foreign credentials in plain terms.
Final checklist
- Tailor keywords to each job post
- Use measurable results where you honestly have them
- Export a clean PDF
Ready to start? Build your Canadian resume free and export when you are happy with it.