Can Canva Resume Templates Pass the ATS Test? Let’s Break It Down

If you’ve been using Canva to create your resume, you’re not alone. Canva offers eye-catching, visually appealing templates that can make your resume stand out. But here’s the harsh reality: Canva resume templates may not always be your best friend when it comes to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Let’s dive into why they might not pass the ATS test and how you can fix it.

The Negative Side: Canva Resumes and ATS Don’t Always Get Along

Here’s the deal—ATS systems are pretty picky. These systems are designed to scan resumes and filter out candidates based on keywords, experience, and formatting. Unfortunately, Canva’s templates are often too complex for ATS to read properly. If you’re using one of their snazzy, graphic-heavy designs, you might be in trouble.

1. ATS Struggles with Graphics

Canva’s templates often come with intricate designs, icons, charts, and graphics. While these look great to human eyes, ATS systems struggle to interpret them. Icons, images, and other visuals could confuse the software, meaning your resume could get rejected before it even reaches a recruiter.

2. Non-Standard Fonts and Layouts

Canva templates are often built with creative fonts and layouts. While this is fantastic for human readers, ATS software looks for specific, simple fonts and standardized formatting. If your resume doesn’t meet these requirements, it’s less likely to pass through the ATS without issues.

3. ATS Can’t Read Columns

Many Canva templates use columns to organize content neatly. However, ATS tends to have difficulty reading content in columns. This could lead to important details—like your job history, qualifications, or skills—getting overlooked.

4. File Format Problems

Another potential issue is the file format. Canva usually exports resumes as PDF files, which can be problematic. Some ATS systems struggle with reading PDF resumes—and even if your ATS can process them, the formatting might not translate correctly.

The Positive Side: You Can Still Make Canva Resumes ATS-Friendly

So, does that mean Canva resumes are doomed? Not at all! There are ways to make your Canva resume ATS-compliant without losing its visual appeal. The key is making simple adjustments to your design while keeping your resume ATS-friendly.

1. Stick to Simple Formatting

Choose a basic, text-based template from Canva. Avoid using too many graphics, images, or columns. Stick to a single-column layout to make it easier for ATS to read.

2. Use Standard Fonts

Canva offers many fun and unique fonts, but most of them won’t work well with ATS. Opt for simple, widely used fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are easy for ATS systems to read and won’t affect your chances of passing the scan.

3. Optimize Your Resume for Keywords

ATS isn’t concerned with how pretty your resume looks—it cares about the content. Make sure your resume is tailored to the job description and includes relevant keywords that match the job posting. This increases your chances of passing the ATS screening process.

4. Save Your Resume in the Right Format

PDF resumes are often problematic for ATS systems. Save your Canva resume as a Word document (.docx) to avoid formatting issues and improve readability for ATS software.

5. Test Your Resume with ATS Tools

Before you submit your resume, use tools like Jobscan or Resumake to test if it’s ATS-compliant. These tools will analyze your resume against the job description and provide suggestions for improvement.

Key Takeaways

Canva templates can be a risk for ATS compatibility due to their use of graphics, non-standard fonts, and complex layouts.

Simple changes can make your Canva resume ATS-friendly, such as using a single-column layout, sticking to basic fonts, and avoiding unnecessary graphics.

Save your resume in a Word format to ensure better compatibility with ATS.

Tailor your resume to each job posting by using the right keywords and skills to ensure it passes the ATS filter.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Canva Resumes and ATS

While Canva can be a fantastic tool for creating visually appealing resumes, it’s not always the best choice if you’re hoping to get through an ATS. However, with the right tweaks, you can still make your Canva resume work. The key is to strike a balance between creativity and practicality—your resume should be easy to read for both humans and machines.

Want help optimizing your resume to pass ATS? Contact us today to make sure your resume gets noticed by recruiters and ATS alike!