Applicants may not receive a call back for many valid reasons, often related to how a resume is reviewed by employers and automated screening systems. 

Common issues include resumes that cannot be read properly by applicant tracking software (ATS), missing or unclear information, and work experience that does not closely match the job posting. 

Other factors such as negative wording, grammatical errors, incorrect file formats, resumes longer than two pages, or the inclusion of a profile photo can also reduce interview opportunities. 

Many of these issues can be resolved with small adjustments. Learning how to write a clear, ATS-friendly resume or seeking expert guidance can significantly improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. 

Schedule your free consultation today.

Not having Canadian work experience can create unique challenges for job seekers, as many employers look for familiarity with local workplace standards, communication styles, and industry expectations. These barriers can vary by sector and may be influenced by language proficiency, especially in roles that require strong client or team interaction. However, a lack of Canadian experience does not mean a lack of skills or potential. Gaining local exposure through volunteer roles, internships, or unpaid work can help build language confidence, provide Canadian references, and bridge the gap between international experience and employer expectations—opening doors to meaningful employment opportunities. 

Resume gaps are more common than many job seekers realize, and there are several effective ways to address them. Some individuals choose to briefly explain employment gaps in a cover letter, framing the time as a period of growth, learning, or transition. Others may decide not to highlight gaps at all, especially when they are not relevant to the role. Another strong option is adjusting the resume format to focus on skills, qualifications, and achievements rather than a strict timeline of work history. 

When handled thoughtfully, resume gaps do not have to be a barrier to employment and can be managed in a way that keeps the focus on your strengths and career potential. 

Job seekers may occasionally encounter false or misleading job advertisements, including roles that turn out to be scams, do not actually exist, or fail to meet Ontario employment standards. In some cases, concerns only become clear after attending an interview, such as requests for personal information, unpaid “trial” work, or indications that income is not being properly reported to the CRA. If a job does not feel legitimate, it is important to trust your instincts, avoid sharing sensitive information, and step away from the process. Taking time to verify employers, understand your rights, and seek guidance can help protect you and ensure you pursue opportunities that are safe, legal, and aligned with your career goals. 

Accepting a work-from-home job based in Canada while planning to move to another country, such as the United States, can create serious legal, tax, and employment issues. 

Canadian labour laws, payroll rules, and employment standards like the Employment Standards Act are designed to apply when an employee is physically working in Canada. 

Once you perform your job duties from another country, different laws may apply, including foreign work authorization, immigration requirements, tax residency rules, and employer compliance obligations. 

This matters because working from outside Canada without proper authorization can place both the employee and employer at risk of violating labour, tax, and immigration laws. For this reason, many Canadian employers explicitly require employees to reside and work within Canada. If your intention is to relocate outside the country, it is important not to apply for Canadian-based roles unless the employer clearly permits international remote work, as misrepresenting your location can result in job termination and legal complications. 

Income support programs such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and CPP Disability play an important role in Canadian society by providing financial stability to individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to meet their basic needs through employment alone. 

These programs help reduce poverty, promote dignity, and support participation in the community, including employment where possible. While receiving income support can affect how and how much a person works, these benefits are not intended to permanently limit an individual’s ability to earn income without significant cause. 

Persons with disabilities, in particular, are encouraged to focus on professional development, skill building, and employment opportunities when their long-term goal is to work. 

Before deciding to restrict income opportunities due to health concerns, individuals should carefully consider all relevant factors, including accommodations, flexible work arrangements, and benefit rules. 

Importantly, additional Canadian laws exist to protect persons with disabilities in the workplace, and these protections take precedence over company policies and general labour laws, ensuring the right to equal treatment, accommodation, and inclusion in employment. 

If you are new to Canada, seeking employment supports is an important step in understanding how the Canadian hiring process works. 

Resume standards, application practices, and employer expectations can differ significantly from those in other countries, including what information should or should not be included on a resume.

 Employment supports can help you learn how to present your experience in a way that aligns with regional and industry standards, navigate applicant tracking systems, and prepare for interviews with confidence. 

Gaining this knowledge early can improve your chances of success and help you avoid common mistakes when applying for jobs in Canada. 

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that employers use to manage and screen job applications efficiently. These systems scan resumes for keywords, skills, and experience that match the job posting, helping employers identify qualified candidates more quickly. 

Many employers rely on ATS technology to organize applications, filter resumes, and streamline the hiring process, which is why having a clear, well-formatted, and keyword-aligned resume is essential when applying for jobs. 

Having a criminal record without a pardon can limit access to certain jobs, particularly in regulated or security-sensitive roles, but it does not have to prevent meaningful employment. 

Many employers focus on skills, reliability, and work readiness, and with the advancement of technology there are growing opportunities across a wide range of industries. 

Completing additional workplace training or certifications, gaining volunteer experience, and demonstrating personal and professional growth can strengthen a job application and improve hiring prospects. 

With the right approach, individuals can move forward confidently and build a productive, rewarding career. 

While tools like ChatGPT can assist with drafting content, they are not specifically designed to create complete, job-ready resumes and may overlook important details or introduce errors. 

Artificial intelligence can help automate tasks, but experienced Human Resources professionals are often able to recognize the difference between a computer-generated resume and one that has been thoughtfully prepared for an individual. 

It is also important to remember that providing false or misleading information on a resume is not permissible. For this reason, care and diligence are essential when reviewing any content generated by AI before submitting it to an employer, ensuring accuracy, honesty, and alignment with your true experience. 

When applying for a job, it is important to always follow the application instructions provided by the employer. Submitting your resume in the requested manner shows professionalism and attention to detail. 

If you are applying by email, include a brief introductory message and attach your resume and cover letter together in a single PDF document, unless stated otherwise. 

Some online job boards allow applicants to upload a cover letter separately, so be sure to follow the platform’s instructions carefully. 

Taking these steps can help ensure your application is received, reviewed, and presented as intended. 

In Canada, it is perfectly legal to be employed while receiving disability income, such as through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) of Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD).

These programs are designed to support low-income households, which may include spousal income, and provide financial stability while encouraging participation in the workforce. However, benefits are typically reduced or terminated once an individual’s total earnings exceed certain thresholds—generally, in Ontario, disability income is discontinued when an earner makes more than $40,000 per calendar year. 

It is important to note that it is not permissible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board) benefits at the same time as earning an income, as doing so would violate program rules. Understanding these limits helps individuals balance work and benefits responsibly. 

In Canada, it is fully permissible to work and be employed while receiving Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits. Unlike some other income support programs, CPP benefits are not reduced or restricted based on employment income, allowing recipients to continue working, earn a salary, and collect their pension simultaneously. 

This provides flexibility for individuals who wish to remain active in the workforce, gain additional experience, or supplement their retirement income without impacting their CPP payments. 

In Ontario, Canada, the minimum legal age for employment is 14 years old, with some exceptions for younger children in industries such as acting, modelling, or delivering newspapers. 

Employees under 18 are subject to specific rules regarding working hours, types of work, and rest periods to ensure their safety and well-being. These regulations are designed to protect young workers while allowing them to gain valuable work experience. 

Employers must comply with these standards under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, and parents or guardians may need to provide consent for minors in certain situations. 

In Ontario, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to legally work in Canada. The SIN is a unique identifier issued by the federal government that allows employers to report income, deductions, and contributions to programs such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). 

Without a valid SIN, an individual cannot be legally employed, as employers need it to process payroll, withhold taxes, and comply with government regulations. 

Obtaining a SIN is a straightforward process and is essential for anyone seeking employment, accessing government benefits, and ensuring their earnings are properly recorded for tax and social program purposes.