As a Career and Executive Coach, I work with individuals from all walks of life who are eager to stand out in the job market. One of the most common issues I encounter is beautifully designed resumes that, despite their visual appeal, don't perform where it matters most—getting past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). One memorable instance was when a client came to me with a stunning resume they had created on Canva.
This resume was visually striking, full of color and design elements that you might expect to see on a marketing brochure. It was clear they had invested a lot of time making it stand out. However, as we reviewed it together, I realized that while it looked fantastic, it was highly unlikely to make it through an ATS—a crucial first step in many job application processes.
Let’s break down why this is a problem.
The Role of ATS in Job Applications
Before a resume even reaches a human recruiter, it often has to pass through an ATS. These systems are designed to filter, rank, and parse resumes based on the specific keywords and criteria set by the employer. The problem with Canva resumes—and other highly designed formats—is that the ATS often struggles to interpret them. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
Graphics and images: Many Canva designs use images or icons to represent skills or qualifications. While this looks sleek, most ATS software can't read information embedded in graphics.
Custom fonts and layouts: ATS systems are typically programmed to read simple, standard text formats. Custom fonts, columns, and non-traditional layouts can cause the system to misread or ignore important content.
Nonlinear text: If your resume uses multiple sections or boxes to display different types of information, the ATS might jumble the text or miss sections altogether.
In the case of my client, they had used multiple fonts, a two-column layout, and a few icons to indicate skills. Unfortunately, ATS systems are not designed to process this kind of formatting accurately. Though this resume might catch the eye of a human recruiter, the reality is that if an ATS can’t scan it correctly, it may never make it to a human’s desk in the first place.
Why Simplicity Matters
It’s important to remember that while design can be a helpful way to showcase your personality or creativity, the primary function of a resume is to clearly communicate your experience and qualifications. An ATS prioritizes simplicity and structure over aesthetics.
Here’s the thing—no matter how qualified you are, if your resume isn't structured in a way that ATS can read, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage from the start.
What Can You Do to Make an ATS Compliant Resume?
If you’re concerned that your Canva or other heavily designed resume may not be ATS compliant, here are some actionable steps you can take to improve your chances of getting noticed by both the ATS and human recruiters.
Use Standard Software - Stick to resume formats created in ATS-friendly software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. These tools are designed with compatibility in mind, and most ATS software can easily parse resumes created in these formats.
Stick to Simple Formatting - Avoid complex layouts like multi-column designs or heavy use of images. Instead, use a single column with clear headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education, Skills) and bullet points. The goal is to make it easy for the ATS to scan your resume from top to bottom without encountering any technical glitches.
Use Standard Fonts - Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are always safe bets. ATS systems are built to read these standard fonts without any trouble, while custom fonts may not be recognized.
Avoid Images and Graphics - While it may be tempting to use icons or images to make your resume visually appealing, they are often ignored by ATS systems. Instead of an icon for a skill, use clear, descriptive language. For example, instead of a design that represents your proficiency in Excel, simply state “Proficient in Excel.”
Save in the Right Format - While PDFs may seem like a secure format for sending resumes, not all ATS systems read PDFs correctly. When in doubt, save your resume as a .doc or .docx file to ensure maximum compatibility.
Incorporate Keywords - One of the most important elements of an ATS-compliant resume is ensuring you have the right keywords. Use the job description as your guide. Look for specific skills, qualifications, and experiences that the employer mentions, and mirror this language in your resume. Just be sure to integrate these keywords naturally, rather than stuffing them in randomly.
Test Your Resume with a Text Editor - A simple way to see if your resume is ATS-friendly is by copying and pasting the text into a plain text editor like Notepad. If the content appears jumbled, missing, or difficult to read, chances are the ATS will have similar issues.
The Bottom Line: Balance Design and Function
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a resume that looks good, but it’s essential to balance design with functionality. In my client’s case, once we stripped back the elaborate design elements and focused on creating a clean, ATS-friendly resume in Microsoft Word, they started seeing better results in their job search. Within a few weeks of submitting this simplified version, they landed multiple interviews and eventually secured the job they were aiming for.
Remember, your resume is just one part of your career branding strategy. If you're ready to take your professional brand to the next level, download my FREE guide, Rx for Standing Out: 10 Quick Wins to Boost Your Career Branding. This guide offers actionable tips to help you enhance your visibility and stand out in today’s competitive job market. Whether it's optimizing your resume for ATS or refining your LinkedIn profile, these quick wins will help you get noticed by the right people.
Your dream job is out there—let's make sure you’re ready for it!
Dr. Kristy K. Taylor,
Certified Career and Executive Coach
Founder of WORxK Solutions, LLC
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