If you’ve been applying for jobs in Canada and not hearing back, you’re not alone. Many jobseekers, whether they’re new to the country or simply looking for temp work in Calgary or Alberta, run into the same problem: their resume never even makes it to a recruiter’s desk.
Why? Because most employers and even a staffing agency in Calgary or Alberta use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software scans your resume before a human sees it, checking for keywords, formatting, and relevance. If your document doesn’t pass the test, it’s filtered out.
The good news? Passing ATS isn’t about “tricking the system.” It’s about writing a Canadian resume 2025 that’s clear, relevant, and shows your value right away.
Step 1: Use the Right Canadian Format
Resumes in Canada are different from what you might see in other countries. Keep it simple:
- One to two pages.
- No photo, birthday, or personal details.
- Focus on achievements, not just job duties.
For example, don’t just say “Responsible for sales.” Say “Increased regional sales by 25% in 6 months.” That’s the kind of detail an ATS, and a recruiter, will notice.
Step 2: Speak the Language of the Job Posting
One of the best ATS resume tips in Canada is this: read the job description carefully and use the same words.
If the ad says “customer service,” don’t write “client support.” Use the employer’s terms. That way, when the ATS scans your resume, it recognizes the match.
And if you’re applying through a staffing agency Alberta or for temp work in Calgary, this step is even more important, agencies move fast and rely on ATS-friendly resumes to recommend you quickly.
Step 3: Keep the Design Clean
It’s tempting to use a flashy template, but ATS systems don’t “see” graphics, tables, or icons. Stick to:
- Standard fonts like Arial or Calibri.
- Clear section headings (Work Experience, Skills, Education).
- Bullet points instead of big paragraphs.
A staffing agency in Calgary will appreciate this too, it makes your resume easier to scan and share with employers.
Step 4: Highlight Skills Employers Want in 2025
Canadian employers are looking for people who can adapt to change. Show that in your skills section:
- AI literacy.
- Remote collaboration (Slack, Zoom, Teams).
- Adaptability and problem-solving.
- Data analysis (Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI).
If you’re applying for temp work Alberta, emphasize flexibility and transferable skills, agencies love candidates who can fit into different roles quickly.
Step 5: Tailor Each Application
Sending the same resume to 50 jobs won’t get you far. Take a few minutes to adjust it for each role:
- Add the keywords from the posting.
- Reorder skills to match what’s asked.
- Bring your most relevant experience to the top.
Recruiters can spot a “one-size-fits-all” resume instantly. Customization shows effort, and effort gets noticed.
Writing a resume that passes ATS in Canada isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being clear, relevant, and intentional.
Whether you’re applying directly to a company, through a staffing agency in Calgary, or looking for temp work in Alberta, the rules are the same: keep it simple, use the right keywords, and show measurable results.
At AxcessTMS, we help jobseekers build resumes that don’t just pass ATS, they land interviews. And for employers, we connect you with the right talent across Canada, even in a competitive market.
Because at the end of the day, a resume isn’t just about getting noticed by software, it’s about opening the door to the job that truly fits you.