Your Canadian CV checklist to sell, not tell

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Your Canadian CV checklist to sell, not tell

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is creating one CV and using it for every job they apply to.

Adrienne Tom, a LinkedIn content creator and executive resume expert, often talks about selling rather than telling. She compares resume writing to advertising in that you are tailoring your message to your audience.

Here’s a checklist of things you need on your CV to make sure your writing resonates with your audience — in this case, a potential employer.

⬜️ Include keywords from the job posting
Not only is this helpful for the Application Tracking System (ATS), but it’s also a simple way to let your reader know you’ve made the extra effort to customize your resume.

⬜️ Share your best (most relevant) experience
While the quantity of your experience may seem like an asset, what’s most important is that you’re able to answer your reader’s question as soon as possible: “Is this person the solution to my problem?”

⬜️ Show (rather than tell)
It’s easy to fill our writing up with meaningless buzzwords (think “team player” and “fast learner”). Instead, SHOW people through the results you’ve driven and problems you’ve solved why you’d be a good fit for the role.

⬜️Focus on results rather than duties
If you’re starting your job bullet with “Was responsible for” you’re already on the wrong track. Think of using words like “initiated” or “resolved” to specifically explain exactly how you contributed to a project or problem.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: How can we maintain our productivity in a way that doesn’t cause burnout?

A: Fast Company recently featured insights from tech executive and author Rebekah Bastian, who noted that traditional productivity advice often fails to account for those balancing work and home responsibilities.

Here are simple strategies to incorporate without having to rearrange your busy life.

• Embrace “No”
  Mikaela Kiner, CEO of uniquelyHR, recommends pausing before taking on new tasks and asking yourself, “Will this matter in three weeks, three months, or three years?” This approach helps you focus on what truly deserves your time and energy.

• Prioritize your creativity
  Many people feel they need to earn rest, but the truth is, productivity suffers without space for creative renewal. Prioritize activities that bring you joy—whether it’s painting for an hour, playing music, or knitting—so you can recharge and stay energized.

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LEARN THE LINGO
Phrases to include in your cold job search emails

Writing a cold email can feel awkward—you’re reaching out to someone who might not even see your message, let alone respond.

So how do you get the tone right? What key information should you include? And what exactly should you ask for?

According to Nature, a few factors can increase the likelihood of getting a response and building a positive connection in the hiring process.

You demonstrate knowledge of the workplace
Showing that you understand the company’s work and values makes your email more relevant and credible.
✅ “I’ve been following [company] for a while, especially your focus on [specific area of work or innovation].”

Your message is personalized
A generic message is easy to ignore, but mentioning something specific makes your email stand out.
✅ “I noticed your recent project on [specific project or campaign], and it really resonated with me.”

You reach out when there is a job vacancy
Referencing an open role shows that your outreach is intentional and directly related to an opportunity.
✅ “I saw that [company] is hiring for [position], and given my background in [relevant skill], I wanted to reach out to learn more about what you’re looking for in a candidate.”

You mention a mutual connection — their colleague or peer
Mentioning a mutual connection builds trust and increases the chances of getting a response.
✅ “I was speaking with [mutual contact], and they mentioned you’d be a great person to connect with regarding [topic].”

Your phrasing is professional
✅ “If you’re open to it, I’d love to schedule a brief call to chat about [subject] at a time that works best for you.”