FoliumHow to write a resume for a job in Canada
Canadian employers expect a lean, achievement-focused resume: no photo, no date of birth, no marital status, one or two pages, in English or — especially in Quebec — French. If your current CV follows another country's format, Folium lets you hide the photo with one click, pick an ATS-friendly template and create an English or French copy.
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What a Canadian resume usually includes
The format is close to the US one. A typical Canadian resume has:
- Contact details only: name, city and province, phone, email and LinkedIn — no photo, date of birth, marital status or ID numbers.
- Experience in reverse-chronological order, with achievements rather than duties, measurable where you can.
- One or two pages, in English or French — French is the norm for many jobs in Quebec.
- The keywords of the job posting, because many Canadian employers screen with an applicant tracking system (ATS).
A cover letter is usually expected. If you studied abroad, keep in mind that immigration programs often ask for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and regulated professions — nursing or engineering, for example — are licensed by provincial bodies.
How Folium helps with a resume for Canada
| What Canadian employers expect | In Folium |
|---|---|
| No photo | Hide the photo in any template with one click |
| English or French | “Translate CV” creates an English or French copy (free account) |
| An ATS-friendly format | Real-text PDFs; Classic, Modern, Swiss or Harbor for strict systems |
| The keywords of the posting | ATS checker with a match score (free account) |
| A cover letter | AI draft from your resume and the posting (free account) |
| PDF or Word | Both free, no watermark |
See also ATS-friendly resume templates and which countries expect a photo on a CV.
Build your resume for Canada
ATS-friendly templates · photo off in one click · English or French · free
Start building — freeFrequently asked questions
Should I put a photo on a Canadian resume?
No. Canadian employers generally expect no photo, date of birth or marital status, to keep hiring decisions free of bias. In Folium, switch off “Show photo on the CV” for your Canadian version; the photo stays saved for other applications.
Is it a resume or a CV in Canada?
For most jobs it's a resume: a focused one- or two-page document. “CV” is mostly used for academic, research and medical positions, where a longer, more detailed document is normal.
How long should a Canadian resume be?
One page for early-career applicants, two pages for most experienced ones. Keep the most recent and relevant experience first and cut older roles that don't support the application.
Should my resume be in English or French?
It depends on the job and the province: most of Canada works in English, many jobs in Quebec are in French, and bilingual roles may ask for both. With “Translate CV” you can keep one version and create the other as a separate copy.
Do I need a cover letter in Canada?
Usually yes, and a tailored one makes a difference. Folium drafts one from your resume and the job posting with a free account, fully editable before you send it.