Canadian Resume Format - What NOT to put

When crafting a resume for the Canadian job market, it's important to be aware of the cultural norms and legal requirements regarding what should not be included. Here is a list of items that you typically should not when crafting a resume for the Canadian job market, it's important to be aware of the cultural norms and legal requirements regarding what should not be included. Here is a list of items that you typically should not put on a Canadian resume:

1. Personal Information:

• Date of birth
• Social Insurance Number
• Marital status
• Gender or sex
• Picture of yourself
• Nationality or place of birth (unless it's a legal requirement for the job)

2. Irrelevant Work Experience:

• Jobs that are not relevant to the position you are applying for, especially if they were many years ago

3. Excessive Detail:

• Detailed descriptions of unrelated job duties
• Overly technical jargon that is not commonly understood

4. Salary Information:

• Past salaries or wage requirements
• Salary expectations unless specifically requested

5. References:

• The phrase "References available upon request" is considered outdated
• You should have a separate list of references ready but do not include it in your resume

6. Long Text Blocks:

• Dense paragraphs; use bullet points for readability

7. Unprofessional Email Addresses:

• Ensure that your email address is professional, typically some variation of your [email protected] service

8. Personal Hobbies or Interests:

• Unless they are relevant to the job or demonstrate transferable skills

9. Health Information:

• Any mention of personal health matters

10. Reasons for Leaving Previous Jobs:

• These discussions should be saved for the interview process

11. Negative Language or Content:

• Negative experiences with previous employers or colleagues
• Criticism of past workplaces

12. Lies or Exaggerations:

• Falsified job titles, responsibilities, or education

13. Sensitive Information:

• Anything that could be used to discriminate against you, such as religious affiliation or club memberships that reveal this information

14. Unnecessary Certifications or Awards:

• Certifications or awards that are not relevant to the position

The focus of your resume should be on skills, experiences, and qualifications that are relevant to the job you're applying for. It's also crucial to maintain a professional tone, keep the content concise, and ensure the document is well-organized and error-free. Always tailor your resume to the job description and highlight how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role.