What should I include in my resume for my first job in Canada?

Finding your first job in Canada will be a challenge even for professionals. If you don't know where to start, start by writing a resume that meets Canadian standards. This is your first step towards successful employment. Let's look at what to include in a resume for your first job in Canada and provide useful examples.

Contact information

Your resume should start with contact information:

  • Include your full name and surname.
  • Write a current number so that the employer can call you if necessary.
  • Use a professional address that includes your first and last name, avoiding nicknames.
  • You can include the city and province where you live.

Example:

Ivanenko Ivan Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: ivan.ivanenko@email.com Address: Calgary, Alberta

Purpose or profile

This section allows you to briefly describe your goals and motivation. It should be concise (1-2 sentences) and specific.

Example:

*A driven university graduate with a degree in marketing, looking for an opportunity to develop in the field of digital marketing. Ready to apply my analytical and creative skills to achieve the success of the company.

Education.

As this is your first job in Canada, education will be an important part of your resume. Include the name of your school, degree (bachelor's, master's), dates of graduation (month and year), and specialty in your resume.

Example:

Kyiv National University, Kyiv, Ukraine Bachelor of Marketing, September 2019 - June 2023

Work experience

If you don't have any formal work experience, you can include volunteer experience, internships, or even projects you did during your studies. It is important to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Example:

Volunteer at the charity organization “Help Children”, Kyiv, Ukraine July 2022 - August 2023

  • Organized fundraising events that raised over $5000.
  • Conducted social media campaigns to attract new volunteers.

Skills

This section should include both technical and soft skills. Focus on those skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Example:

Technical skills:

  • SEO and SEM basics
  • Using Google Analytics
  • Graphic design basics (Adobe Photoshop)

Soft skills:

  • Communication skills
  • Work in a team
  • Organizational skills.

Additional information

This section can include certificates, courses, language skills, or other achievements. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Example:

Courses:

  • Digital Marketing Certificate (Coursera), 2023
  • Python Programming Fundamentals (edX), 2022

Languages:

  • Ukrainian (native)
  • English (fluent)
  • Russian (intermediate level)

Recommendations

Canadian resumes usually do not list references directly. Instead, you can write “References on request”, which will allow the employer to contact your former supervisors or teachers if necessary.

General tips for writing your first resume

  • Tailor your resume to a specific job every time. Read the job description and indicate the skills and experience that best match the requirements.
  • Use simple language and a clear structure. Avoid complex sentences and excessive information.
  • Use a clean and professional design. The font should be readable (for example, Arial or Calibri) and the structure should be logical.
  • Check your resume carefully for grammatical and spelling errors before sending it.
  • Don't be afraid to showcase yourself. If you have achievements or projects that you are proud of, don't hesitate to include them!

Writing a resume for your first job in Canada will not be an easy task. But with the right approach, you will create an effective document that will attract the attention of your potential employers.