The job market in Markham and across the country is changing. According to Statistics Canada, the employment rate grew by 60,000 positions in September 2025, but unemployment remains at 7.1%. That means there are more qualified professionals competing for fewer openings, and your resume needs to work harder to get noticed.
At JVS Toronto, we offer resume help to skilled professionals across the GTA and fine-tune their CVs to match employer expectations. Here are seven common mistakes that hold professionals back and how to fix them.
Need Help Writing a Resume? You Aren’t Alone
Markham’s job market reflects national trends: steady employment but fewer available roles. Ontario’s labour force reached 8.9 million people in 2025, yet job vacancies dropped to 505,900, the lowest level since early 2018. While sectors like healthcare, construction, and technology continue to hire, hiring rates across Canada are still down 33% compared to 2017–2019 averages.
With fewer openings and more applicants, it’s no longer enough to “have experience.” Your resume needs to show measurable results, clarity, and focus. Here’s what the job search support experts at JVS Toronto suggest you avoid when creating a resume.
1) Using One Resume for Every Role
One of the biggest resume tips we can give is to avoid sending the same resume for every job. Generic applications blend in quickly, especially when an employer’s software scans hundreds of submissions.
Instead:
Customize your headline, top summary, and core skills to match the language of each posting. Mirror the key qualifications, tools, or credentials listed in the ad.
Saving two or three tailored versions (for example, one for technical roles and one for management) can significantly increase your chances of making it past screening systems and into an interview.
2) Weak Headline and Profile Summary
Your resume’s first few lines set the tone. Many candidates start with “Experienced professional seeking new opportunity,” which doesn’t communicate value or expertise.
Instead:
Replace generic phrasing with a short, specific summary that highlights your role, experience, and results.
For example:
Certified Electrician with 8+ years in commercial construction, overseeing $1M+ projects safely and on schedule.
Including these kinds of sentiments in your resume profile summary instantly positions you as credible and relevant.
3) Listing Duties Instead of Results
Resumes that focus only on responsibilities sound more like job descriptions than proof of your performance.
What we often see:
Responsible for managing employee schedules and ensuring production deadlines were met.
This phrasing tells employers what you did, but not how well you did it.
Instead:
Shift each bullet point from tasks to outcomes. Start with a strong verb (led, improved, increased, implemented) and end with a measurable result.
For example:
Implemented a new scheduling system that reduced overtime hours by 12% and improved production flow.
With hiring rates lower than in past years, employers are scanning for evidence of impact now more than ever.
4) Missing the Right Keywords
Many qualified professionals never reach a recruiter’s desk because their resume doesn’t include the right keywords for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Instead:
Review each job posting carefully. Note repeated terms (software names, certifications, or job titles) and weave them naturally into your skills and experience sections. It’s also wise to avoid decorative templates that confuse ATS scanners.
For instance, for an accounting role, use language like “month-end reporting,” “QuickBooks,” or “CPA designation.”
Hundreds of resumes pass through automated screening before a hiring manager ever sees them. Keywords are your ticket through that first gate.
5) Hiding Certifications, Licences, or Technical Tools
When credentials are buried at the bottom of a resume, busy hiring managers may never see them.
Instead:
Move important qualifications like Red Seal certification, WHMIS, CNO registration, or software proficiency into a short “Credentials & Tools” section near the top of your document.
This is especially important in the GTA, where in-demand roles include nurses, software developers, electricians, welders, and accountants. Employers in these fields look for proof of certification right away.
6) Using Vague or Unquantified Achievements
Phrases like “helped,” “assisted,” or “supported” in your resume employment history are too broad to impress a hiring manager. Numbers, percentages, and time frames show scale and credibility.
Instead:
Add metrics whenever possible. Even approximate figures work well.
For example:
- Coordinated daily logistics for 25+ client deliveries across York Region.
- Improved customer response times by approximately 20% through an updated ticketing process.
Clear metrics tell hiring teams exactly what you bring to the table and make your resume more memorable.
7) Hard-to-Read Formatting
No matter how qualified you are, a cluttered or over-designed resume can sabotage your application. ATS systems struggle with columns and graphics, and recruiters don’t have time to decipher complicated layouts.
Instead:
An easy-to-read resume makes it easy for them to see your strengths. Keep it simple and structured.
- Use 10–12 pt font with standard margins.
- Stick to one column and clear headings.
- Limit each job to 4–6 concise bullets.
- Save as a .docx file unless the posting requests a PDF.
Get Professional Help for Resume Writing in Markham
The Markham job market is full of opportunities, but standing out requires strategy and precision. At JVS Toronto, we specialize in helping professionals polish their resumes, highlight their achievements, and better position their experience for the region’s most in-demand roles.
Our counsellors and coaches know what local employers look for, and our job search resources and workshops can help you find the most impactful way to present your experience.
Whether you’re updating your resume after a few years, shifting industries, or targeting your next promotion, our team can help you put your best foot forward!
Leave a Reply