Intro
Creating a resume that can effectively navigate the applicant tracking system (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers is a crucial step in any job search. Canva, a popular graphic design platform, offers a wide range of resume templates that can help you create a visually appealing and ATS-friendly resume. But, are Canva resume templates truly ATS friendly?
What is an ATS, and why is it important?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software application that enables companies to electronically manage their job postings, candidate applications, and resumes. Most large and medium-sized companies use ATS to streamline their hiring process, and some estimates suggest that up to 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS.
When you submit your resume through an online application portal or email, it often goes through an ATS before it reaches human eyes. The ATS parses the resume, extracting relevant information such as work experience, skills, and education, and then scores the resume based on how well it matches the job requirements.
Canva resume templates and ATS compatibility
Canva offers a wide range of resume templates that are designed to be visually appealing and easy to customize. However, not all Canva resume templates are created equal when it comes to ATS compatibility.
Some Canva resume templates are designed with ATS compatibility in mind, using simple, clean layouts and standard fonts that can be easily parsed by ATS software. These templates often use a combination of bullet points, clear headings, and concise language to make it easy for the ATS to extract relevant information.
However, other Canva resume templates may use more complex layouts, graphics, and fonts that can make it difficult for the ATS to read the resume. These templates may look great to human eyes, but they may not be optimized for ATS compatibility.
How to ensure Canva resume templates are ATS friendly
To ensure that your Canva resume template is ATS friendly, follow these best practices:
- Choose a simple template: Opt for a simple, clean template with a standard font, such as Arial, Calibri or Helvetica.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make it easy for the ATS to extract relevant information.
- Use clear headings: Use clear headings to separate sections of your resume, such as "Work Experience" and "Education".
- Avoid graphics and images: Avoid using graphics and images in your resume, as they can make it difficult for the ATS to read the text.
- Use keywords: Use keywords related to the job posting in your resume, especially in your summary, skills section, and work experience.
- Save in a compatible format: Save your resume in a format that is compatible with most ATS software, such as a Word document (.docx) or a text file (.txt).
Examples of ATS-friendly Canva resume templates
Here are a few examples of ATS-friendly Canva resume templates:
- Clean and Simple: This template uses a clean and simple layout, with a standard font and clear headings.
- ATS Optimized: This template is specifically designed to be ATS friendly, with a focus on clear headings, bullet points, and concise language.
- Minimalist: This template uses a minimalist design, with plenty of white space and a simple font.
Gallery of ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Tips for customizing Canva resume templates
To customize a Canva resume template and make it ATS friendly, follow these tips:
- Keep it simple: Avoid using too many graphics, images, or complex layouts.
- Use standard fonts: Stick to standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Helvetica.
- Use clear headings: Use clear headings to separate sections of your resume.
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text.
- Use keywords: Use keywords related to the job posting in your resume.
Best practices for using Canva resume templates
To get the most out of Canva resume templates, follow these best practices:
- Choose a template that fits your needs: Select a template that matches your level of experience, industry, and job target.
- Customize the template: Tailor the template to fit your needs, using keywords and relevant information.
- Save in a compatible format: Save your resume in a format that is compatible with most ATS software.
- Proofread: Carefully proofread your resume to ensure there are no errors or typos.
Conclusion
Canva resume templates can be a great way to create a visually appealing and ATS-friendly resume. By choosing a simple template, using standard fonts, and customizing the template to fit your needs, you can increase your chances of getting past the ATS and in front of hiring managers.
Remember to keep your resume concise, clear, and free of errors, and to use keywords related to the job posting. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a Canva resume template that helps you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on Canva resume templates and ATS compatibility in the comments below!