Creating a clear and professional resume and LinkedIn profile is important for getting noticed by employers in Canada. Your resume should highlight your skills and experience in a short, focused way. LinkedIn allows you to share more details about your professional journey and build valuable connections. Here’s how to make both your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out.  

Writing a Targeted Resume for the Canadian Job Market 

In Canada, resumes are typically one or two pages long and focus on highlighting relevant skills and achievements. Resumes should not include personal details like your age, marital status, or photo. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare your resume: 

Start with a Strong Summary 

Write a short paragraph at the top of your resume to introduce yourself. Explain your skills, experience, and career goals. The introduction should be a few sentences that highlight your professional strengths, relevant experience, and what you’re seeking in your next role. Focus this section for each job application to show that you’re a strong fit for the specific position. 

Example: “Experienced marketing professional with over 5 years in digital strategy and content creation. Proven track record in driving engagement and brand growth through targeted campaigns. Seeking an opportunity to bring data-driven insights and creative solutions to a forward-thinking organization.” 

Show Relevant Experience 

When listing your work experience, focus on roles and achievements that align with the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role, and start each bullet point with an action verb (e.g., “led,” “improved,” “increased”). Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to make them more impactful. 

Example: 

• Managed a digital marketing campaign that increased online engagement by 35% within six months. 

• Streamlined team workflows, reducing project completion time by 20%. 

Highlight Transferable Skills 

If you’re transitioning to a new field or adapting your international experience, focus on transferable skills that Canadian employers value. Skills like communication, project management, and teamwork are highly versatile and apply to a wide range of jobs. 

Focus Your Resume to Each Job 

Make small changes to your resume to match the job you are applying for. Customizing your resume to each job shows employers that you’re serious about the position and that you meet their specific requirements. Use keywords from the job description in your resume to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen resumes for relevant skills and experiences. 

Keep It Simple and Professional 

Choose a clean, professional layout with a readable font, and keep formatting consistent. Avoid using colours, graphics, or photos, as these aren’t typically part of Canadian resume standards. Simplicity and clarity are key. 

Building a LinkedIn Profile 

If you’re not comfortable with a social media presence that’s ok, use the steps above. 

LinkedIn is a vital tool for professional networking and job searching, and it’s often the first-place employers go to learn more about you.  Here’s how to make your profile stand out: 

Write an Engaging Headline 

Your headline is the first thing people see, so make it clear and impactful. Describe your current role, industry, or key skills, rather than just your job title. You can also highlight what you’re known for or seeking to accomplish. 

Example: “Financial Analyst | Expertise in Budgeting & Forecasting | Passionate about Data-Driven Decision Making & Business Growth” 

Write a Summary that Tells Your Story 

Your LinkedIn summary should go beyond the resume summary and tell a bit more about your career journey, your strengths, and your goals. Keep it professional yet approachable. Include keywords related to your field to help your profile appear in searches. 

Example: “I’m a software developer with a strong focus on creating efficient, user-friendly applications. With experience in full-stack development, agile methodologies, and a passion for problem-solving, I love building solutions that enhance user experiences and drive business success. I’m always eager to learn new technologies and am excited to bring my skills to a collaborative team that values creativity and innovation.” 

Highlight Key Skills and Experiences 

List your recent work experience, and, similar to your resume, use bullet points to describe your accomplishments. LinkedIn allows more space than a resume, so you can provide additional details and context for each role. 

Use LinkedIn’s “Skills & Endorsements” section to highlight specific skills relevant to your field and ask connections to endorse you for these skills. Prioritize key skills that reflect the requirements of the types of roles you’re targeting. 

Use the Featured Section to Showcase Your Work 

LinkedIn’s “Featured” section is an excellent place to display your portfolio or examples of your work. You can link to articles, presentations, or other projects you’re proud of. This section gives potential employers a visual insight into your skills and accomplishments. 

Engage with the LinkedIn Community 

Being active on LinkedIn is essential to building connections and increasing your visibility. Share articles, comment on posts, and engage with content that aligns with your industry. By doing this, you demonstrate thought leadership and stay top-of-mind with your network. 

Optimize Your Profile for Recruiters 

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is set to “Open to Work” if you’re actively looking for a job. Specify your job preferences, including location and job type, to make it easier for recruiters to find you. Also, customize your LinkedIn URL to make it professional and easy to share. 

Example of a Custom URL: linkedin.com/in/yourname 

Give and Ask for Recommendations 

Recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors can add credibility to your profile. Ask people you trust to write a recommendation for you but also offer to give recommendations to others. Networking is a two-way street—if you know someone whose work you respect, ask if you can write a recommendation for them. Always ask for permission first. 

Connect Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile 

Consistency is key when presenting yourself to employers, so ensure that your resume and LinkedIn profile align in terms of job titles, employment dates, and key achievements. While your LinkedIn profile can expand on the information in your resume, it should still reflect the same experience and skills. 

By focusing your resume and LinkedIn profile, staying professional online, and actively engaging with your network, you can stand out in the Canadian job market. Whether it’s tailoring your resume for a specific job or building a strong presence on LinkedIn, these steps will help you move closer to your career goals.