A resume is often your first impression—and in competitive job markets like the U.S. and Canada, it needs to be concise, compelling, and tailored to the role. Employers typically spend only 6 to 10 seconds scanning a resume, so making it stand out is crucial.
This guide will help you craft a resume that catches attention and meets the expectations of North American hiring managers.
1. Understand the Format Employers Expect
In both the U.S. and Canada, the reverse-chronological format is standard. This means your most recent job appears first, followed by earlier roles.
Key elements:
- Contact information (name, phone, email, LinkedIn)
- Professional summary or objective
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills (technical and soft)
- Certifications (if applicable)
Avoid: Photos, personal details (age, marital status), or long paragraphs.
2. Customize for Each Role
A generic resume won’t get you far. Tailor your resume to the specific job description by using relevant keywords, skills, and experience that align with what the employer is seeking.
Tips:
- Use exact phrases from the job posting (for ATS—Applicant Tracking Systems)
- Highlight matching achievements or tools (e.g., “managed projects using Asana and Slack”)
- Prioritize relevance over length
3. Write a Strong Professional Summary
The summary should be 2–3 lines that quickly communicate who you are and what value you bring.
Example:
Results-driven marketing professional with 3+ years of experience in digital campaigns, content strategy, and analytics. Skilled at driving growth through creative and data-informed solutions.
4. Use Action Verbs and Achievements
Your work experience should focus on what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for.
Use action verbs like:
- Led
- Developed
- Increased
- Streamlined
- Analyzed
Quantify results when possible:
- “Increased website traffic by 35% in six months”
- “Reduced onboarding time by 20% through new training materials”
5. Highlight Relevant Skills
Include both technical and soft skills in a dedicated section, but don’t overload it. Focus on the skills that are mentioned in the job posting.
Examples:
- Technical: Python, QuickBooks, CRM software, Excel, Google Analytics
- Soft: Communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability
6. Keep It Concise and Clean
- Length: 1 page for recent grads or those with <10 years of experience; 2 pages max otherwise
- Font: Use clear fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (size 10–12)
- Layout: Use bullet points, consistent spacing, and avoid clutter
Use a modern, simple resume template—avoid over-designed formats unless applying for a creative role.
7. Include Certifications and Volunteer Work (If Relevant)
For newcomers or career switchers, certifications and unpaid experience can demonstrate skills and initiative.
Examples:
- Google Analytics Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Volunteer ESL Tutor at local community center
8. Proofread—Then Proofread Again
Spelling or grammar mistakes can disqualify your resume. Ask someone else to review it, or use tools like Grammarly. Also, ensure all dates, names, and links (like LinkedIn or portfolios) are accurate.
Bonus: Use a Cover Letter to Tell Your Story
While the resume highlights what you’ve done, the cover letter explains why you’re a fit and how you connect to the company’s mission or goals.
Always pair your resume with a tailored, thoughtful cover letter—unless the posting specifically says not to.
Final Thoughts
A standout resume is clear, customized, and achievement-focused. Whether you’re applying in the U.S. or Canada, showing that you understand local expectations—and can clearly communicate your value—will help you get noticed and land interviews.
Your resume is not just a document—it’s your personal marketing tool. Make every word count.