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Resumes and Cover Letters
Résumés
You need a resume for almost every job you apply for in Canada. A résumé is generally quite different from the CV (curriculum vitae) written in other countries. It has the very specific purpose of getting you an interview with an employer. It should tell the employer who you are, what you have done before, what you are good at, and where you would like to go with your career. It is a document that presents your background and skill sets. A typical résumé contains a summary of your employment experience and education.
A résumé is a "snapshot" of you and needs to be:
- Written with the employer’s interests in mind
- Professional in appearance
- Targeted for a particular job or organization
- "Letter-perfect" - it should not contain spelling and grammar mistakes
- An honest and clear demonstration of your skills, abilities and achievements
- A clear presentation of what you offer to the employer
There are many different styles of résumés. The most commonly used styles are the Reverse Chronological résumé and the Functional résumé. A Reverse Chronological résumé shows a candidate's job experiences starting with the most recent, generally covering the last 10 to 15 years. A Functional résumé lists work experience and skills sorted by skill area or job function.
The Ontario Human Rights Code states that every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment. It protects every individual from discrimination because of race, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, place of origin, age, colour, record of offences, ethnic origin, marital status, citizenship, family status, creed and disability. Do not refer to any of the above in your résumé. Also, do not include your photo, zodiac sign, names of your parents, political affiliation, number of children, and passport details.
Service Canada has great resources on how to target your résumé, things to consider before writing your résumé, different résumé styles, and more. Local Employment Services can provide assistance with your résumé.
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying a résumé. Job seekers frequently send a cover letter along with their résumé as a way of introducing themselves to potential employers and explaining their suitability for the desired position. The cover letter shows the employers why they should consider your résumé. It is the first impression you make on the employer and shows how well you communicate in writing.
Resources
Resource Centre (information and tips on resume and cover letter creation) - Workopolis
Resume and Cover Letter information and tips - Monster
Cover Letters: General Considerations and Tips - EducationCanada.com
Cover Letters - Service Canada Job Bank
Writing a Cover Letter - Youth Canada
How do I create a Canadian style resume? - Settlement.org
Résumés - Service Canada Job Bank
Writing a Résumé - Youth Canada
Resume information from Service Canada
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