Canadian CV guide for communicating impact

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PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Canadian CV Guide for Communicating Impact

As a newcomer, you may be wondering how to communicate your unique skills effectively on your CV. In Canada, employers look for more than just job duties—they want to see the impact you’ve had in your roles.

Adrienne Tom, a 32X award-winning resume writer and executive coach from Calgary, shares her top tips to help you highlight your achievements. Here are the questions she suggests you ask yourself as you’re writing your CV:

Have you reduced inefficiencies? By how much?

• Implemented a streamlined filing system that reduced time spent on document retrieval by 25%.

• Automated a weekly data-entry task, cutting down completion time from 4 hours to 1 hour.

Describe a time when you have stretched a limited resource.

• Allocated a modest marketing budget to focus on targeted social media ads, resulting in a 30% increase in lead generation.

• Reallocated underutilized supplies within the department, extending the supply life by 3 months.

Have you done anything to improve communication?

• Developed and implemented a weekly team update email, reducing the frequency of status meetings by 50%.

• Introduced a new feedback process that reduced response times by 40%, leading to faster project iterations and improved client satisfaction.

For more CV questions from Adrienne, be sure to check out her LinkedIn post.

CAREER COACH Q & A

Q: How do I effectively use AI tools in my job application without losing my personal voice?

A: According to a recent HuffPost article, recruiters can spot the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in job applications. While these tools can assist with brainstorming ideas, their output should serve as a starting point rather than a finished product.

To make your application stand out, replace broad statements with concrete examples.

Additionally, be cautious of common phrases that AI tools frequently generate, such as “team player” or “excellent communicator.” Instead, focus on demonstrating your unique strengths.

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WELCOME ABOARD
Newcomer Friendly Job Listings

• Truck Dispatcher, Nisku, AB

• Aide, Pharmacy, Surrey, BC

• Fabrication Welder, Concord, ON

• Warehouse Supervisor, Mississauga, ON

• Construction Project Manager, Stoney Creek, ON

• Trucking Company General Manager, Mississauga, ON

• Pharmacist, Nanaimo, BC

• Family Physician, Calgary, AB

• Pediatrician, Nanaimo, BC

• Truck Driver, Edmonton, AB

• Marketing Specialist, Westmor Landing, AB

*all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
Reimagining your networking strategy

Networking is something many people dread, and for newcomers to Canada, it can feel even more overwhelming. But it's an important part of building your career in a new country, and sometimes you just need to take that first step.

Dora Vanourek, an executive coach and one of Canada’s top LinkedIn creators, flips traditional networking advice on its head, focusing on building meaningful, trust-based relationships rather than just collecting contacts.

Here are a few of our favourite tips from Dora.

Forget the Perfect Elevator Pitch
A flexible conversation starter feels more genuine and takes the pressure off delivering a perfect pitch. This approach invites others to share their experiences, which can lead to a more relaxed and memorable exchange.

✅ “Hi, I’m [Name]. I’m new to [industry/location], and I’d love to hear how you got started in your role. What inspired you to pursue it?”
❌ “I have [x years] of experience in [industry], so I’d be a great fit for your team.”

Trade Small Talk for Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions make for richer conversations and help you connect on a more personal level, allowing you to skip the surface-level chit-chat and dive into what truly matters to the other person.

✅ “What are some projects you’re excited about lately?”
❌ “So, what do you do?”

Listen More than You Talk
Listening shows that you’re interested in understanding others, not just promoting yourself. This makes for a more engaging interaction and helps you build trust naturally.

✅ “I’d love to hear more about your perspective on [topic they mentioned].”
❌ “Here’s what I bring to the table.”

Build Relationships, Not Contacts
Focusing on long-term connections rather than immediate outcomes creates a more authentic networking experience. People appreciate genuine interest, making it more likely they’ll think of you when opportunities arise.

✅ “I’m interested in learning more about your industry and seeing how we could support each other over time.”
❌ “I’d like to connect because I’m looking for a job in your company.”