Are you looking for a job in Canada or are you planning to do so soon? If the answer is yes, then this article is for you, because here we offer you a very successful formula that has given gratifying results to both job seekers and recruiters hoping to find the most attractive resume for their interests and, of course, also to us, Immiland Canada, an immigration services agency that is always at the forefront of relevant information to make the adaptation process easier for foreigners or immigrants who decide to live in Canada.  

‍

You may wonder why we are gratified to know that this formula will help you, and the reason is that, as a company, we also recruit talent, so we know firsthand how valuable it is to know how to prepare a resume and why some applicants are successful in this first step to find employment and others go almost unnoticed. In the search for a job, the resume becomes your cover letter and, therefore, your best or worst ally. In our experience, we have noticed that many job applicants in Canada tend to underestimate the power of this document; we know this from the style they use and the information they choose to add, how they write and organize it, so be careful, your resume is the gateway to job opportunities that could change your life, so make sure it matches what Canadian job recruiters expect to see. Canada is a country known for its competitive and diverse job market, so it is essential that your resume stands out from the crowd from the start. 

‍

My name is Astrid Rosales, caseworker and job recruiter at Immiland, and below, I will share some important things to consider before applying for an international job, so let's get started!

‍

‍

1. Manage the structure in the construction of your curriculum so that it is easily understood.

‍

This means being organized when it comes to your job information, since the description of the position you held, the place where you worked, the date and other information well distributed and classified are the key to your resume capturing the recruiter's attention as a clear and easy to read sheet. Canadian employers value structure, order and concise information. So, take the opportunity to include sections such as: work experience, relevant skills and outstanding achievements. 

We continue with another valuable piece of information!

‍

‍

2. Adapt your curriculum to the Canadian cultural environment

‍

That is to say, before writing your résumé, you should investigate a little bit the Canadian lifestyle so that you take into account the cultural particularities of the country, for example, highlight strong aspects such as punctuality in the delivery of your tasks, since the Canadian values this quality very much. In this sense, I will briefly summarize the spirit of the general culture in Canada and you can complement other points: the inhabitants of this multicultural country are respectful people, with good manners, they are kind and value honesty, so relate your work attributes, experience and contributions to the company with these characteristics; however, avoid falling into exaggerated expressions, rather, focus on highlighting previous experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt and collaborate in a diverse environment. With full knowledge of the facts, I can assure you that this is highly valued in the Canadian job market.

‍

‍

3. Highlight the achievements you made and the contributions you made to the company where you worked.

‍

This third point is extremely important, so rather than simply listing the responsibilities you had in your former job, highlight your specific accomplishments and contributions you made during your employment period. Canadian employers expect to see tangible results and concrete facts about what you did in your previous job, it gives them a better idea of what you can bring to their company and is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and ability to solve problems or situations; by doing this, they are more likely to consider a vacancy that they can make work with your skills. 

‍

For example, you can specify something like: 

• "I managed to increase the number of clients by 50% from February to September of the same year." 
• "I can contribute to the organization and sorting of inputs so that they are distributed more nimbly." If you put this advice into practice, you will be demonstrating how you have added value in previous roles and how you can do so in the new company.

‍

‍

4. Customize your resume for each application

‍

You may be looking for a entry-level job or a diverse job because you have different academic and/or job skills, so know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your resume to align with each position to which you are applying. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job in question, as this is how you will increase your chances of being noticed by including keywords that match the description in the job posting you got or the one that matches your profile.

That is, if your skills are sales and English proficiency, then prioritize one first and place the second as an added value. 

‍

For example, in your general description you can put:

• "I am a senior sales representative and, in addition, I am fluent in Spanish and English." 
• "I am a certified English teacher and, in addition, I have experience in sales."

‍

‍

5. Include a mission statement at the beginning of your resume.

‍

This point involves defining the activity you are capable of performing, your goals and how you will achieve them. In this way, you will help employers understand your career goals at the outset and how they can fit into the company. In this regard, I recommend that you be enthusiastic about the opportunity in front of you and how you plan to contribute to the success of the team.

For example, you can start as follows:

• "Lawyer in immigration law with two years of experience in search of a position as a consultant in a recognized and expanding firm where I can link my bilingual communication skills and persuasive abilities along with my passion for helping others fulfill their dreams of moving out of the country."

‍

‍

What should you avoid in your resume?

‍

Now, I share what you should definitely avoid when writing your resume to apply for a job in Canada.

‍

1. Avoid exaggerating or minimizing your work experience.

‍

In your eagerness to get the job, it may be tempting to exaggerate your accomplishments and contributions, but if you do, you won't be able to demonstrate such experience later and that will hurt you. Don't minimize your previous responsibilities either, think that recruiters are well aware of what they are looking for and your previous knowledge, however small it may seem, can be a window into the new company. Remember that Canadian employers value honesty and transparency, so it is crucial to present an accurate picture of your work experience. Also, if you lie about your profile and they find out, you may not be eligible to apply for the closed work permit.

‍

‍

2. Avoid overly cluttered or unconventional resume styles.

‍

Although creativity is appreciated, overly creative or unconventional resumes tend to distract the attention of the person receiving and reading it. The resume is a visual representation of your professional identity and its appearance has a great potential to influence the first impression that an employer or recruiter has of you, so there is no need to add photos, excessive colors or disproportionate lettering. Often, in an effort to impress, an overly ornate or italicized font is used, but this makes the resume look unprofessional and unreadable. Keep in mind that the classic fonts do not fail, these are: Arial, Cambria, Times New Roman, and they are used in the resume because they convey seriousness, responsibility and your ability to communicate in written form. In short, keep a professional and clean format and make sure your resume is easy to read and understand, otherwise you may not be well received in Canada.

‍

‍

3. Avoid omitting key details of your education and experience or personal information.

‍

Don't leave out relevant information that would allow recruiters to contact you, such as your email address, phone number or links to professional profiles. On the contrary, you should make it easy for recruiters to find you if they are interested in your work, so keep in mind that if you leave out not only your contact information but also professional references, you may miss out on a great opportunity.

On the other hand, in the Canadian market there is an inclusive work culture, so we do NOT recommend mentioning your marital status, placing your photo, your date of birth and much less personal documents such as certificates or identity card. In this sense, it is preferable to let the declared information speak for itself and you will be contacted only for your skills and abilities.

‍

‍

4. Avoid sending your resume out of date.

‍

Finally, the key to success is constant revision. Keep your resume updated with new skills, certifications and accomplishments. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and puts you in a more interesting position with employers.

‍

In short, your resume is your ticket to standing out in the competitive Canadian job market, so take the time to perfect it, highlight your strengths and tailor it to each opportunity. By following these tips, your resume writing will have a stellar result and you'll be one step closer to opening the doors to an exciting life in the "land of the maple tree". Good luck in your job search in Canada!

‍

If you would like to explore our visa processing services or browse our website and job board, we invite you to go to ImmilandCanada.com and visit our recruitment department.

‍

With love,

‍

Astrid Rosales

‍

Immiland Canada