When searching for work in Canada, it’s essential that your job bank profile stands out. After all, your resume may be screened by an applicant tracking system (ATS) before being sent on to a recruiter or hiring manager.
Here are some tips to make your resume stand out from the competition.
1. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter
When applying for a job in Canada, it’s essential that your resume and cover letter stand out to employers. Here are some tips on customizing these documents so that you make an excellent first impression on recruiters:
A well-written resume displays your skills, education, experience and accomplishments to potential employers. It also convinces them why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
Customize your resume and cover letter according to the job description and company values. If unsure how to accomplish this, research the company before applying and discover what qualities they look for in candidates.
Once you identify a job opportunity, tailor your resume and cover letter by using keywords from the job description. Doing this will send an indication to automated software that you are suitable for the role – helping you pass the initial screening stage and move closer towards hiring managers’ inboxes.
2. Make a Strong First Impression
When applying for a job, the first impression you make on potential employers is critical. Whether it’s during the interview process or your very first day on the job, this first impression will determine your career trajectory in the future.
Most people form an opinion about someone within seven seconds of meeting them.
If your initial impression is poor, it could haunt you and your career for years to come.
The good news is that you can take proactive measures to avoid making a poor first impression. Doing this involves avoiding common missteps like fiddling with your hair, neglecting eye contact, slouching or standing cross-legged, and more.
3. Don’t Overdo It
Canada Job Bank website and mobile app offer Canadians access to a comprehensive suite of employment services. This includes job postings, career planning, resume creation, as well as numerous other resources designed to aid both job seekers and employers alike.
One of the more helpful features is a Job Match system that matches you to job postings that fit your skills, experience and location. Another is Job Alert which sends notifications about new job postings each day – an efficient way to make your search for employment simpler and more efficient. A similar tool exists in resume builder software which enables creating/editing templates based on specific skillsets, education background and work history.
4. Don’t Get Creative with Fonts
Decorative or script fonts may look stylish and creative, but they may not always be readable. Some applicant tracking systems have difficulty deciphering serif fonts, so it’s best to avoid anything too intricate.
If you’re applying for a job that requires professional writing, traditional options like Times New Roman may be best. Unfortunately, this classic choice has become overused by job seekers since it was once the default font.
Alternatively, Didot is an elegant font that adds a touch of class to your resume. However, it should only be used for headings rather than body copy. Trebuchet on the other hand is an impactful font which will catch recruiters’ attention and encourage them to read more about you.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Making your Canada Job Bank profile stand out to employers is by being proactive and not being afraid to ask questions. Whether they pertain to your career path, how you can be more efficient or if you have been made redundant, questions are often the key to unlocking doors that could lead you down a new professional route.
If you don’t know where to begin, start by considering your biggest problem and whether there are other colleagues or experts who could assist. Once that door opens, the possibilities are endless! You’ll be amazed at how much knowledge and growth can come from these experiences; if you remain proactive and don’t let yourself slip behind, those insights can be applied back in your workplace for even further development!
