Get your application to stand out (Job Search in Canada)

If you are new to Canada most likely you have looked up what do you need to include in your application when applying.

Well Canada.ca states the following:

• cover letter, which is a short description of what makes you right for the job
• résumé, which is:
  • also known as a “curriculum vitae” or a C.V.
  • a list of your qualifications and work experience

However, this is the basics. If you are looking for an entry-level position, this should be enough to get you an interview. However, if you are in a major city that has fierce competition, this is what I highly recommend you put in your application to get noticed!

Top Documents to Include in a Canadian Job Application

COVER LETTER

• Include their Company Logo in the letterhead
• If you are drastically changing careers, explain why you are and explain why you would be a great addition to their team
• a cover letter is a great place to summarize your journey and why you are ready for a new position
• Lastly, Print it! Sign it! Scan it! It shows you have taken the effort to personalize it

RESUME/CV

• Work Experience
• Education
• Language
• Executive Summary
• Skills and Hobbies. If your hobbies are not interesting leave it out!
• Volunteering

REFERENCE LETTERS

• Almost all resumes in Canada I have seen the below response. If you give this response, it’s another reason to dismiss. Always include reference names, position and affiliation to you.
  • References available as per request
• Try to get at least two reference letters from your past jobs. In Switzerland, it was mandatory that every company needed to give you a reference. I always ask my current employer to draft up a reference letter to add to my application package.
• If you can’t get a reference because you don’t feel comfortable, try asking for a proof of employment. This is just another great document to include in your application, trust me all recruiters will be shocked to see this!

EDUCATIONAL CERTIFICATES

• If you have a degree and diploma from any post secondary institutes make a company and throw this into your application.
• This is not mandatory at all, but it does get noticed that you have everything ready and prepared.
• Some companies even call your educational institutes to verify and you are basically helping them in advance.
• I would also include an additional certificates or awards you have received, including Language certificates especially if English or french is your second language.

I didn’t learn this in Canada, when working oversea’s in Switzerland, this is what they do for their application process and when I moved back, I used these sames tactics and almost 80% of the time I received a call back after applying.

Is there anything that I am missing that you have included in an application in Canada or another country that has worked?

Thank you for stopping by!