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Resume and Cover Letter Fundamentals Course 2026

This course is for anyone applying for jobs in Canada, including first-time job seekers, newcomers and people changing careers. It covers resume formats and sections, writing achievements with results, tailoring to a job ad and applicant tracking systems, what to leave out, references and cover letters. Study each lesson, try its topic quiz, then take the timed final assessment. Score 80% or more to earn a certificate of completion.

  • Course
  • Canada
  • 99 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026
  • Fact-checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 150 minutes of lessons, 6 untimed topic quizzes (99 questions in all) and a timed final assessment of 35 questions drawn at random. Score 80% or more on the final assessment to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsResume and Cover Letter Course: Lessons: about 150 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Choose a chronological, functional or combination resume to fit your work history
  • Write a clear contact block, profile, work history, skills and education section
  • Turn duties into achievement bullets with action verbs and results
  • Tailor a resume to a job ad and format it so applicant tracking systems can read it
  • Leave out personal details that do not belong on a Canadian resume, such as a photo, date of birth and SIN
  • Prepare references and give them only when asked
  • Write and send a one-page cover letter tailored to the job

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

Your study plan

Read each lesson, take its topic quiz (untimed, with explanations), then the timed final assessment. A new mix of questions is drawn every time. Your progress is saved in this browser.

  1. Read the lessons6 lessons, about 150 min
  2. Topic quiz 1: Resumes in Canada and choosing a format15 questions
  3. Topic quiz 2: The sections of a resume17 questions
  4. Topic quiz 3: Writing achievements with results16 questions
  5. Topic quiz 4: Tailoring and ATS-friendly formatting16 questions
  6. Topic quiz 5: What to leave out, and references17 questions
  7. Topic quiz 6: Writing a cover letter18 questions
  8. Final exam35 questions, 35 min · Score 80% or more

Topic quiz 1: Resumes in Canada and choosing a format

  1. Question 1 of 15

    What is the main job of a resume?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. To make the employer want to invite you to an interview

    A resume is a short summary that shows quickly why you fit the job. Its goal is to get you an interview, not to tell your whole life story.

  2. Question 2 of 15

    According to Job Bank, about how long does an employer take, on average, to skim a resume?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 30 seconds

    Job Bank says an employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume, so your fit for the job must be easy to see.

  3. Question 3 of 15

    How long is a resume for most jobs in Canada?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. One to two pages

    Job Bank says to limit a resume to two pages, and WorkBC says resumes are usually one to two pages.

  4. Question 4 of 15

    Which resume format lists your jobs, education and training from newest to oldest?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Chronological

    A chronological resume lists your history in order, starting with the most recent.

  5. Question 5 of 15

    Which resume format groups your skills into categories and gives little attention to your work history?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Functional

    A functional (skills-based) resume puts skills first and plays down dates and employers.

  6. Question 6 of 15

    Which resume format shows your achievements in skill groups first, then gives a short summary of your work history?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Combination

    A combination resume mixes the two: skill groups first, then a brief work history.

  7. Question 7 of 15

    Mei has worked in retail for six years with no gaps. She is applying to be a retail supervisor. Which format suits her best?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Chronological, since her related work history is steady

    A chronological resume works well when you have steady work history in the same field as the job.

  8. Question 8 of 15

    Ahmed was an accountant for 10 years. Now he wants a job in customer service. Which format is often the best choice for a career change like this?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Combination

    A combination resume is suggested for a career change, because it leads with transferable skills and still shows work history.

  9. Question 9 of 15

    What is one known drawback of the functional format in Canada?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Many Canadian employers do not like it

    Alberta's career site notes that the functional resume is not liked by many Canadian employers, so use it with care.

  10. Question 10 of 15

    What is one drawback of a chronological resume?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. It can draw attention to gaps in your work history

    Because it lists jobs by date, a chronological resume makes gaps, frequent job changes or limited experience easy to see.

  11. Question 11 of 15

    When should you send a curriculum vitae (CV) instead of a resume?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. For academic jobs, or when an employer asks for one

    A resume is usually the preferred document for jobs in Canada. A CV is a longer, complete record used mainly for academic and some professional roles, or when requested.

  12. Question 12 of 15

    What does Job Bank advise for work experience that is more than 15 years old?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Cut it out or keep it short

    Job Bank says older jobs and experience more than 15 years old should be cut out or minimized, so the focus stays on recent work.

  13. Question 13 of 15

    Spell check found no errors in Priya's resume. What should she still do before sending it?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Read it aloud and ask someone else to check it

    Spell check misses real words used wrongly, such as its and it's or check and cheque. Reading aloud and a second reader catch these.

  14. Question 14 of 15

    Kevin is going back to work after two years caring for a parent. He wants an office job where his computer and bookkeeping skills matter most. Which format puts his skills first and draws less attention to the gap?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Functional

    A functional resume leads with skills and plays down dates, which reduces attention on a gap. Be ready to explain the gap honestly if asked.

  15. Question 15 of 15

    Before choosing a resume format, who does Alberta's career site suggest you ask about which type they prefer?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The organization's HR department or the hiring manager

    Different employers prefer different formats, so asking the employer's HR department or hiring manager is the most direct way to find out.

What to know before the test

  • Job Bank says an employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume, and advises limiting a resume to two pages.
  • Job Bank advises against a photo on a resume, because it is not the norm in Canada, and says never to include your Social Insurance Number.
  • Your SIN is only required after hiring and upon earning income. You do not have to provide it to fill out a job application.
  • Job Bank says to keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested.
  • The Canadian Human Rights Act lists prohibited grounds of discrimination, including age, religion, marital status, family status and disability.
  • Many employers use applicant tracking systems that screen resumes by matching words and phrases, so use the job ad's own keywords where they are true for you.
  • WorkBC suggests a cover letter of no more than one page, and says to include one if you are unsure whether the job needs it.

Frequently asked questions

What certificate do I get, and what is it not?

If you score 80% or more on the final assessment, you can download a PassEveryTest Certificate of Completion for this course. It shows you finished a general skills course. It is not an accredited qualification or a government or employer certification, and it does not guarantee a job.

Is this course about Canadian resumes?

Yes. The lessons follow Government of Canada Job Bank advice and provincial career resources from Alberta and British Columbia. Customs in other countries can differ, for example on photos and personal details.

Should I send my resume as a PDF or a Word file?

Follow the job posting. If it does not say, contact the employer and ask. Use a standard format such as a Word file (.docx) or a PDF, and do not password-protect it.

Do I need a cover letter if the job ad does not ask for one?

Not every job requires one, but WorkBC advises including a cover letter if you are unsure. Keep it to one page and tailor it to the job.

How does the final assessment work?

It has 35 questions picked at random from the course's question bank, and you have 35 minutes. You get a new mix of questions each time you try.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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