If your resume isn’t getting you interviews, it’s time to fix it. Employers in the USA and Canada receive hundreds of resumes per job post — and most are filtered through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). If your resume doesn’t follow the right format and keywords, it might never be seen.
This guide will help you write a professional, job-winning resume that gets noticed in North America.
📄 Key Differences in USA & Canada Resumes
| Criteria | USA | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 page (entry-level), 2 max | Same as USA |
| Photo | ❌ No photo | ❌ No photo |
| Personal Info | Basic contact only | Basic contact only |
| Language | American English | Canadian English (e.g., “Labour”) |
🧾 Resume Must-Have Sections
- Contact Information
Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile (no address or photo) - Professional Summary
2–3 lines summarizing your strengths, experience, and career goals - Skills Section
Use keywords from the job post: “Microsoft Excel,” “Customer Service,” “JavaScript” - Work Experience
- Job Title, Company, Dates
- Use bullet points:
👉 “Improved website speed by 35% using optimized code.”
👉 “Handled 50+ customer queries per day with 95% satisfaction.”
- Education
Include degree, school name, graduation year - Certifications (if relevant)
e.g., Google Ads, CPR, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
🧠 Resume Writing Tips That Work
- Use action verbs: Managed, Created, Led, Improved
- Quantify results: Use numbers to show impact
- Tailor every resume to the job post
- Keep it concise: 10–12 bullet points max per job
- Use a clean format: No images, fancy fonts, or colors
❌ What to Avoid
- Personal details like age, gender, marital status
- Typos and grammar mistakes
- Using the same resume for every job
- Overused buzzwords like “team player” without proof
✅ Tools to Help You
- Canva or Zety.com for free resume templates
- Jobscan.co to check ATS compatibility
- Grammarly for spell-checking and grammar
🧪 Pro Tip:
Add a link to your LinkedIn or portfolio if you’re in a creative or tech field. Employers love to see real work.
