How to format a resume for jobs in Canada
Canadian employers expect a tailored resume of no more than two pages, focused on recent experience, with no personal details that could invite bias. Here’s the format, based on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank advice.
Updated September 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
- Two pages at most, recent experience first
- Tailored to this job
- No photo, age, marital status or SIN
- References on a separate sheet, on request
- Canadian spelling (“centre”, “organization”) and US Letter paper
Length: two pages at most
Job Bank recommends a maximum of two pages, with the emphasis on your most recent experience. Jobs from more than 15 years ago should be cut or kept very short. A recruiter spends seconds on a first read, so lead with what matters for this job.
Tailor it to each job
Job Bank’s advice is to tailor your resume to each position: put forward the experience and achievements that relate to the job you’re applying for, in the words the job ad uses where they’re true for you.
Leave out personal details
- No photo: it isn’t the norm in Canada and can hurt your chances
- No age, date of birth, height, weight or marital status
- No religion or political views
- Never your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- City and province are enough for your address (common practice)
References
Don’t put references on your resume. Keep them on a separate sheet and give them only when an employer asks, which usually means they’re seriously considering you.
Work rights and languages
If you’re a permanent resident, a citizen, or hold a work permit, saying so near your name answers a question employers will have (common practice). If you speak French, say so: many jobs value it, and many federal public service jobs require it.
Sources
General guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Always follow what the job ad or information pack asks for.