canadian resume and cover letter sample

Canadian Cover Letter Format and Template (2024)

Welcome to the page dedicated to the Canadian cover letter format and template for the year 2024! Here, you will find all the essential information and guidance to help you craft a professional and effective cover letter when applying for jobs in Canada.

A well-written cover letter is a crucial component of any job application, as it allows you to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications and experiences, and demonstrate your fit for the position and the company you’re applying to. By following the Canadian cover letter format and utilizing the provided template, you can create a compelling document that increases your chances of securing your desired job.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specific components of the Canadian cover letter format and provide you with a ready-to-use template that you can customize according to your circumstances. Additionally, we will share valuable tips on how to write a professional cover letter tailored to the Canadian job market.

So whether you’re a seasoned professional or a job seeker just starting your career, this page will serve as your go-to resource for mastering the art of crafting a persuasive Canadian cover letter. No matter the industry, position, or level of experience, we’ve got you covered!

Please read on to discover the Canadian cover letter format, template, and expert tips for 2024. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, feel free to reach out in the comments section.

Canadian Cover Letter Format

Introduction: State the position you are applying for and briefly introduce yourself. Mention how you discovered the job opening and convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Body: Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Customize this section to align with the job requirements and showcase how your qualifications make you a strong candidate. Provide specific examples to illustrate your skills and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Value Proposition: Explain why you are interested in working for the company and how your skills and values align with their mission and goals. Display your knowledge about the organization and reference any specific projects or initiatives that resonate with you.

Closing: Summarize your key qualifications and express your keenness to discuss your application further. Thank the recipient for considering your application and mention that you have attached your resume or any other supporting documents as required.

Complimentary Close: End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.

Canadian Cover Letter Template

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Province, Postal Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Job Title] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, Province, Postal Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Source of Job Posting]. With my strong background in [Relevant Skills/Experience], I believe I would be a valuable asset to your team and contribute to the success of [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company/Organization], I successfully [Highlight a relevant achievement or responsibility]. This experience has equipped me with [Specific Skills/Knowledge] which I am confident will translate well to the [Job Title] position. Additionally, my [Additional Skills/Qualifications] make me a well-rounded candidate for this role.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [Company Values/Initiatives]. Your recent [Project/Development] has greatly impressed me, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to similar projects in the future. I firmly believe that my [Relevant Skills/Experience] aligns perfectly with [Company Name]’s goals and would enable me to make a significant impact.

Attached, please find my resume for your review. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Thank you for considering my application.

[Your Full Name]

How to Write a Professional Cover Letter to Apply for a Job in Canada?

Writing a professional cover letter is essential when applying for a job in Canada. It provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, introduce yourself to potential employers, and demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for the position. Here are some tips to help you write an effective cover letter:

1. Be concise and to the point: Canadian recruiters have limited time, so it’s important to get straight to the relevant details. Keep your cover letter concise and focused, highlighting your most compelling qualifications and experiences.

2. Use a standard font: When crafting your cover letter, use a standard font such as Arial or Verdana. This will ensure your letter is easy to read and professional in appearance.

3. Address the hiring manager by name: In Canada, it’s preferred to address the hiring manager by name. Take the initiative to find out the name of the hiring manager through online research or a phone call. Addressing them specifically adds a personal touch to your cover letter.

4. Maintain a courteous and unbiased tone: It’s important to maintain a respectful and courteous tone in your cover letter. Avoid any biases or assumptions. Keep the content neutral and focused on the skills and qualifications that make you a strong fit for the position.

5. Tailor your cover letter to each job: Customize your cover letter for each job application. Employers want to see genuine enthusiasm for their organization, so avoid sending generic letters. Highlight specific qualities of the company or position that resonate with you, and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with their needs.

6. Check for errors: Make sure to proofread your cover letter for any typing or grammatical errors. Attention to detail is important, so take the time to review your letter before submitting it.

By following these tips, you can create a professional cover letter that grabs the attention of employers in Canada. Remember to showcase your relevant skills and experiences, personalize your letter for each job, and pay attention to formatting, grammar, and spelling.

Writing a professional and well-crafted cover letter is crucial when applying for jobs in Canada. The Canadian cover letter format, template, and tips provide a structured framework to effectively showcase your qualifications and make a strong impression on potential employers. We wish you all the best in your job search! Please do not hesitate to ask any questions in the comments.

Note : The information provided is meant for general guidance purposes. It is advisable to consult specific resources or seek professional advice for accurate and updated guidelines related to writing a cover letter for job applications in Canada.

Resume Format and Sections for 2024
Chef Resignation Letter Sample, Format, and Template (+How-to)
United Nations (UN) CV or Resume Format and Template
Sample Caregiver Resume for Canadian Employers

Cover Letter

Cover-letter

Professional Cover Letter Samples Canada

Discover our collection of 500+ professional cover letter templates designed to help you make a memorable first impression. With a range of meticulously crafted examples, each template is tailored to meet Canadian job market standards, ensuring HR approval and effectiveness in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Whether you're just starting your career or seeking advancement, these expertly curated templates cover diverse job roles and industries. Elevate your Canadian job applications with these ATS-friendly, HR-approved cover letter templates. Your journey to success begins here.

Accounting resume examples

An accountant’s primary duties include analyzing financial data and budget forecasts, creating balance sheets, profit and loss and taxation reports, and assisting organizations in finance management, tax strategies and effective use of resources. Accountants also work in specialized areas such as tax, cost, investment or management accounting.

Cost Accountant
Accounting Assistant
Accounting Administrator
Accounting Manager
Assistant Corporate Controller
Project Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Auditor
Accounting Clerk

Administrative resume samples

Review some of these samples of a resume for administrative work for resume ideas to feature your organizational and collaboration skills.

Administrative Assistant
Office Assistant
Assistant Front Office Manager
Office Manager
Administrative Assistant Manager
Administrative Officer
Administrative Coordinator
Procurement Analyst
Executive Assistant
Procurement Specialist
Facilities Manager
Receptionist
Administrative Front Desk Clerk
Front Office Assistant

Billing and collections resume examples

In addition to our featured example resume for billings and collections, we offer more examples of a resume for a job to help you shine in this industry. .

Accounts Payable Clerk
Debt Collection Manager
Accounts Payable Manager
Night Auditor
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Payroll Analyst
Accounts Payable Receivable Manager
Payroll Manager
Accounts Payable Specialist
Collections Representative
Collections Team Lead
Accounts Payable Supervisor
Billing Specialist

Business operations resume samples

Examples of resumes for jobs in your field can help you write a Ats Resume Canada. These professional resume examples for leadership jobs show how to display your interpersonal skills.

Business Development Associate
Business Management
Enterprise Management Trainee
General Manager
Iso Management Representative
Liaison Officer
Operations Manager
Pmo Analyst
Risk Analyst
Salon Manager

Child care resume examples

Use these samples of resumes as guides for displaying your ability to keep the household organized and your interpersonal skills.

Daycare Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Sample

After School Teacher
Daycare Teacher Assistant
After School Program Director
Daycare Worker
Playground Supervisor
Child Care Center Administrator
Day Care Center Administrator

Computer software resume samples

As detailed in the examples of good resumes for computer software jobs below, list programs required for the position and any additional certifications or training you have in software.

Cloud Computing Engineer
Java Developer
Software Engineering Manager
Ecommerce Qa Tester
Sql Developer
Remote Software Engineer

Construction resume examples

Let our construction work resume examples help you stress special skills like specialties, such as plumbing or electrical systems.

Flooring Installer
Certified Crane Operator
General Laborer
Chief Estimator
Construction Manager
Construction Chief Executive Officer
Project Manager
Construction Laborer
Construction Safety Officer
Construction Worker
Construction Site Supervisor

Culinary resume samples

Find a resume example for a job in the culinary field from these sample resumes and grab some ideas on showing your expertise with specific cuisines and ability to collaborate with others.

Bakery Assistant
Food Service Specialist
Personal Chef
Restaurant Assistant Manager
Restaurant Chain Manager
Restaurant General Manager
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Shift Leader
Restaurant Shift Manager
Restaurant Shift Supervisor
Junior Sous Chef

Customer service resume examples

Use an example of a resume to apply to a job in customer service, emphasizing intangible qualities such as communication, teamwork and flexibility.

Banking Representative Cover Letter Sample

Customer Service Advisor
Banking Representative
Call Center Manager
Call Center Representative
Call Center Team Leader
Camp Counselor
Client Service Specialist
Customer Experience Manager
Customer Relationship Officer
Customer Service Assistant Manager
Customer Service Representative
Customer Success Manager
Customer Service Supervisor
Director Of Member Services

Data & systems administration resume samples

Use these Ats Resume Canada examples for guidance on how to feature your key soft skills such as collaboration and problem-solving.

Backup Administrator Cover Letter Sample

Backup Administrator
Control Systems Engineer
Cyber Security Specialist
Data Analytics Manager
Network Admin
Entry Level Network Engineer
Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce Developer
Solutions Architect
Telecommunication Project Manager

Fitness and nutrition resume examples

Follow our resume samples to see how to best display your fitness training experience and any knowledge or training you’ve had in diet and nutrition programs.

Dietary Aide
Exercise Physiologist
Fitness And Personal Trainer
Gym Assistant
Nutritionist
Personal Trainer
Yoga Instructor

Food service resume samples

Note how these professional resume examples feature skills such as a strong work ethic, the ability to work well with others, multitasking and flexibility.

Bar Supervisor
Cafeteria Worker
Catering Server
Cocktail Server
Crew Member
Fast Food Server
Food And Beverage Manager
Food And Beverage Server
Restaurant Server

Healthcare Support Resume Examples

These professional healthcare support examples for a resume cover major health support fields. Use one of these sample resumes as a guide to writing a Ats Resume Canada.

Assisted Living Executive Director Cover Letter Sample

Assisted Living Coordinator
Assisted Living Executive Director
Companion Caregiver
Direct Support Professional
Healthcare System Administrator
Healthcare Operations Manager
Healthcare Program Manager
Home Health Aide
Intensive Care Nurse
Medical Assistant
Occupational Therapist
Patient Coordinator
Personal Care Assistant
Personal Support Worker
Phlebotomist

Information technology resume samples

Take a cue from some of the best resume examples from My Perfect Resume and show off your problem-solving abilities. Let these examples of a good resume be your guide.

Assistant Project Manager Cover Letter Sample

Agile Project Manager
Assistant Project Manager
Contracts Manager
Devops Engineer
Global Project Manager
Help Desk Support
Project Management Director
Technical Project Manager
Technical Support Engineer

Medical resume examples

Highlight specialized medical training and certifications using these medical job resume examples as a guide. Include experience in hospitals and private practice.

Anesthesia Technician
Clinical Director
Dialysis Technician
Ekg Technician
Hospital Volunteer
Intensive Care Physician
Medical Coding Specialist
Medical Records Specialist
Certified Lactation Consultant
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Optometrist
Pediatrician
Physician Assistant
Registered Mri Technologist
Speech Language Pathologist
Ultrasound Technician

Nursing resume samples

We have the perfect resume examples to help you display your interpersonal and communication skills, time management, attention to detail and empathy. Choose a nursing job resume example below to get started!

Acute Care Nurse
Advanced Practice Rn
Chief Nursing Officer
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Labor And Delivery Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Assistant
Oncology Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Registered Nurse
Public School Nurse
Trauma Nurse

Production resume examples

A professional experience resume example from the following list of resume examples for jobs in production can show how to display licenses for operating specialized equipment.

Apparel Production Manager
Assembly Line Operator
Chemical Plant Operator
Forklift Operator
Machine Operator
Picker And Packer
Pipeline Inspector
Pipeline Welder
Plant Manager
Production Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Telecommunications Technician
Logistics Assistant Manager

Retail resume samples

Use the example resumes below as guides to showcase your customer service skills and experience managing products and services on your retail employee resume.

Retail Assistant Manager
Sales Associate
Bookstore Clerk
Clothing Sales Associate
Convenience Store Clerk
District Manager
Fine Watches Sales Specialist
Retail Management Professional
Retail Manager
Retail Parts Pro
Store Manager
Walgreens Service Clerk

Sales Resume Examples

Like the resume samples below, it’s important to provide details on experiences where you’ve hit sales targets. You’re sure to find a good resume sample among the professional experience resume examples below to help you do so.

Channel Sales Manager Cover letter Sample

Sales Assistant Manager
Channel Sales Manager
Direct Sales Representative
Franchise Owner
Independent Sales Representative
Inside Sales Representative
Sales Account Executive
Outside Sales Representative
Sales Representative
Experienced Telemarketer

Social Services resume samples

Show you can relate well with others and have a strong problem-solving approach,like the professionals in the social services job resume examples below.

Case Manager
Case Worker
Child Protection Social Worker
Community Outreach Specialist
Community Service Coordinator
Domestic Violence Counselor
Human Service Worker
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Juvenile Probation Officer
Social Worker
Drug And Alcohol Counselor
Medical Social Worker

Teaching resume examples

The following professional resume examples for teaching job resumes focus on important intangible skills such as communication, enthusiasm and patience.

Preschool Teacher
Adjunct Professor
Assistant Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Esl Teacher
High School Teacher
Homeschool Teacher
Language Professor
Middle School Teacher
Nurse Educator
Piano Teacher
Summer Teacher
Social services
Information technology
Healthcare and support
Food service
Fitness & nutrition
Data & systems administration
Customer service
Construction
Computers software
Business operations
Billing and collections
Administrative

500+ Cover Letter Samples for Canada

Explore our collection of carefully curated cover letter samples designed to make a strong impression in the Canadian job market. Our samples are crafted to reflect the specific expectations of Canadian employers and hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these samples provide valuable guidance on creating a compelling cover letter that complements your resume. With recruiter-approved formats and content, you'll be well-equipped to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the Canadian job opportunities you seek.

Thanks to Our Site by the help of their services I got job offer within a week.

Very Quick and explained my past better than even I could have, Thank You!

Thanks to atsresumecanada.com. They made my Cover Letter Precise and meaningful. Loved the work done

Canadian resume and cover letter: Format, tips, and templates

Whether you’ve just landed in Canada, or are still in your home country, if you’re looking for a job in Canada, your resume is one of the most important documents you’ll need to showcase your skills and experience to employers in Canada. But if you’re thinking of re-using the same resume format you used back home, think again! Chances are that it won’t work well for you in the Canadian job market, and until you craft a Canadian-style resume (and cover letter) you may not get many responses to your job applications.

In this article, we’ll explain the Canadian-style resume in detail, highlight some key differences between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV), and help you identify which resume format might be best suited to your career goal. We will also go over some useful tips to craft an ATS-friendly resume to ensure you stand out from the competition and get noticed by employers, hiring managers, and recruiters.

In this article:

The difference between a resume and a CV

Understanding the types of resume formats used in Canada

Tips for writing a canadian-style resume, the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (cv).

Often, there are two ways job seekers can showcase their professional experience to an employer: by using a resume or a CV . In Canada, employers prefer a resume. A CV is mainly used only for academic applications such as academic jobs, grants, research fellowships, etc.

To provide more clarity, here are some key differences between a resume and a CV:

Some countries use the terms resume and CV interchangeably: for instance, in most European countries as well as New Zealand, the term CV is used to describe an equivalent of a Canadian resume. In Australia and South Africa, “curriculum vitae” and “resume” are synonyms that can be used interchangeably. In South Asia, the terms CV and resume are used interchangeably and refer to an equivalent of a traditional CV.

Note that in some parts of the world, it’s common to include personal information such as marital status, nationality, personal interests, hobbies, date of birth, address, and a photograph on a CV. In Canada, however, you should not include these details on your resume as it is not required under the employment law, and it is also not a part of the resume format.

As a job seeker in Canada, there are three types of resume formats you should be familiar with. Each of these formats includes the same basic information in a different layout.

1. Reverse chronological resume

This type of resume outlines your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position.

When to use a reverse chronological resume?

If you’re an experienced professional with at least some experience in the workforce, have no major employment gaps , and intend to continue working in the same field.

Tip: The reverse chronological resume is the most popular format in the Canadian job market. Most employers and recruiters are used to and prefer a resume in this format.

2. Functional resume

The functional resume focuses on your overall skills and qualifications instead of specific professional experiences. The employment history is still included, but it is usually listed after skills and education.

When to use a functional resume?

If you’re looking to switch roles and/or industries and start your career in a new field. It may also be ideal for recent college graduates.

3. Combination or hybrid resume

A combination resume is a mix of the reverse-chronological layout and the functional layout and is ideal for showcasing transferable skills along with professional experience. In this format, work experience is usually outlined in a reverse chronological format, and the skills section includes a summary of qualifications and technical skills (or core competencies).

When to use a combination or hybrid resume?

It is commonly used by a variety of job seekers ranging from experienced workers to recent graduates to those with limited experience, multiple short-term work stints, or those having significant work gaps.

Need more guidance on how to write a Canadian-style resume? For a stepwise approach, check out: How to write a resume for the Canadian job market 10 resume mistakes to avoid when applying for jobs in Canada

Download the free Resume and cover letter templates to craft your Canadian resume

Mastering the art of writing a flawless and impactful Canadian-style resume takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you improve your resume-writing skills.

1. Adapt your resume to each job listing and keep it relevant

Using a generic resume for a variety of positions/roles and companies usually doesn’t yield great results. It is essential to customize your resume to each position that you’re applying for . Tailor your work experience, the skills your showcase, and any additional information to the role and job description. Include keywords from the job posting.

While showcasing your past job experience, Canadian employers prefer to see your achievements rather than your job responsibilities . Start your sentence with relevant action verbs like “spearheaded”, “achieved”, “managed”, “trained”, etc. and only list three to five accomplishments for each position you’ve held. Focus on achievements that are relevant to the role you are applying to.

Craft a compelling summary for your resume. Avoid including very detailed information for each position you have held; you can share relevant details in the interview instead.

Job interview resources: How to prepare for a job interview 10 common job interview questions and how to answer them

2. Optimize for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) but write for humans

Many companies use an ATS to pre-screen resumes and then involve recruiters and hiring managers later in the process. You need to keep both in mind when writing your resume.

What is an ATS?

An ATS is a software that scans resumes to determine if it is a good match for a specific job listing. Parameters such as work experience, skills, and education are usually considered during the ATS screening process. Resumes that match the pre-defined criteria are forwarded to hiring managers or recruiters, while human eyes never see those rejected by the system. Therefore, even though you may be qualified for the position, if your resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, it may end up being rejected. An ATS is widely used by organizations, recruiters, and job placement agencies in Canada.

How to optimize a resume for ATS

Use standard formatting and don’t include images, designs, charts, and tables.
Use correct headers and include keywords that match the job description and desired core competencies and skills.
Send your resume as a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) document. Most ATS systems tend to process Word files better than PDF.
Spell out abbreviations at least once on your resume.
Include experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position.
Avoid long paragraphs and font size less than size 10.
Convert technical terms, grades, and scores to their Canadian equivalents.

3. Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofread your resume

It’s always a good idea to proofread your resume and check grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence formation, especially if English isn’t your first language or mother tongue. There are many free tools that can help you with proofreading: Grammarly as well as the in-built grammar and spelling tool in Microsoft Word, are good starting points. You can also ask a native English speaker to review your resume for language fluency.

To help you finesse your English language skills and get more tips and advice from an experienced teacher, Karen Thomson, read How to improve your English and adapt to Canadian culture .

4. Quantify your accomplishments

Many job seekers make the mistake of outlining roles and responsibilities instead of achievements. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer seeing quantified accomplishments on resumes. The ‘CAR’ approach is a good way to help you structure individual sentences:

C = what was the Challenge , A = what Action did you take, and R = what was the Result .

Some examples to consider:

“Reached eBay Power Seller status within one year by auctioning over 400 items per month, an exceptional accomplishment reached by only 4 per cent of the 29 million eBay sellers at that time.”
“Designed and built statistical analysis models on large data sets (e.g. Aster, Teradata) that helped increase online sales (up to 15 per cent per product) and lowered cart-abandonment rate by 23 per cent.”

5. Include a cover letter

A cover letter is a formal one-page document that accompanies a resume. It is not a rephrased or concise version of your resume, but it is mainly supposed to talk about how you fit the role you’re applying for and why the organization should hire you. The cover letter is also a good way to justify any gaps in your resume or provide any additional info that your resume can’t.

Note that a cover letter doesn’t have to be a separate document but can also be included in the body of an email when applying for a job. Adding a custom, well-written cover letter to your resume can make you stand out from the crowd, thus improving your chances of being approached for an interview.

Tips for writing an impressive Canadian-style cover letter

Limit the length to one page.
Tailor your cover letter to suit each job application.
Proofread your cover letter; check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling, especially since it serves as a reflection of your communication skills.
Use a standard font size (10 or 12 points, in a font style such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Avoid using special effects (bold/underline/italics, different fonts, and colour).
Weave in information you know about the company, their recent projects, or organizational culture and values.

Looking for more guidance on cover letters? Read How to write an effective cover letter for advice and insights from recruiters.

6. Show off your skills with unpaid or local volunteer work

This is a good way for newcomers to show Canadian experience on their resume. If your volunteer work requires you to use skills that may also be valued in the position that you are applying for, adding the volunteer experience to your resume may work to your advantage.

Tip: Volunteering can help you build your network and earn Canadian experience. To discover the importance of volunteering in Canada, and learn how to find volunteering opportunities, read The benefits of volunteering as a newcomer in Canada .

Things our lawyers want you to know

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

About Arrive

Arrive is operated by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the largest bank in Canada* and one of the most reputed banks in the world, employing 80,000 people worldwide. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada.

*Based on market capitalization

Disclaimer: This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

Get the latest updates, resources, and stories about the Canadian experience.

Subscribe to our newsletter