Résumé format guide
How to write a résumé for Canada
Canadian résumés follow North American conventions: short, achievement-focused and free of personal details. For newcomers, stating your work status clearly is one of the most effective changes you can make.
At a glance
- Called
- Résumé
- Length
- 1 page (up to 2 if senior)
- Paper
- US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
- Photo
- Leave it out
- Date of birth, marital status
- Never include
- Spelling
- American English (optimize, color)
- Languages
- Plain level (native, fluent, professional)
The rules recruiters in Canada expect
- One to two pages on Letter paper.
- No photo, age or marital status — human-rights codes discourage it.
- US spelling is the norm in tech; Canadian spelling (colour, centre) is also accepted — just be consistent.
- Newcomers: state your work status (PR, open work permit) near the top.
Leave these out
- Photo
- Date of birth or age
- Marital status or children
- Nationality or religion
- “References available upon request”
Applying from abroad?
Recruiters’ first question is whether you can legally work there. Answer it on the first page — for example “Canadian Permanent Resident” or “Open work permit, valid until 2027”. Write your phone number with the country code, and put your target city in your location (“Relocating to Toronto”).
Check your résumé against the rules for Canada
Free ATS check with local conventions — spelling, personal details, length and keywords.
FAQ
Should I put a photo on my résumé in Canada?
No. In Canada, photos are generally left out to avoid discrimination concerns, and some recruiters discard résumés that include one.
How long should a résumé be in Canada?
1 page for most candidates; up to 2 if you have 10+ years of relevant experience.
How do I show my work status as an international applicant?
Add one clear line near the top, for example "Canadian Permanent Resident" or "Open work permit, valid until 2027". It answers the recruiter’s first screening question before they have to ask.
Should I use US or UK spelling?
American spelling (optimize, organization, color) — and be consistent throughout.