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How to Create a Resume Using Canva

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Why checkboxes are excel's most underrated feature, here's the easiest way to reinstall windows 11 and fix problems, key takeaways.

• Canva is a user-friendly platform that offers options for creating a resume, including starting from scratch or using a template.
• The process of creating a resume on Canva involves selecting a design, customizing the background, choosing elements like shapes and graphics, adding text, and filling out sections.
• Canva also allows users to add links or other visual elements to their resume and provides the option to group elements for easy editing and organization.

Creating a resume is a time-consuming, yet important process—especially if you’re starting from scratch. Luckily, there are online design platforms that can help you achieve the perfect resume for the job.

Canva is a great resource to use for any style of resume you’re looking to create, especially since you have options during the building process. You can start from a blank canvas or fill out a template with your information.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a resume using Canva, either by starting from scratch, or with a template.

Creating a Resume on Canva From Scratch

Canva's user-friendly platform makes it simple to navigate and easy to build a document, even if you're starting with a blank page. Feel free to dig into a few more tips to get the most out of Canva once you're ready to elevate your design. But first, let's nail the basics.

Here's how to create a resume on Canva.

1. Start With a New Page

On Canva’s main page, go to Create a Design and type in Resume . Several types of resumes will appear in the search. Make sure to click on Resume with the measurements of 8.5 x 11 in.

2. Change the Background

Blank designs start with a white page on Canva’s Editor page . If you want to change the color, click Background Color towards the top left-hand corner of your workspace. This will bring up a list of colors that you can use.

You can also click the + icon to bring up the Color Picker , to give you an even bigger range of options.

3. Choose Your Elements

Next, click on the Elements tab to find the shapes and graphics. Be aware that elements with a crown on them aren't free as they are part of the benefits of the Canva Pro subscription .

Using a basic shape to emphasize your resume is always a safe choice, we're going to pick one to use in the top corner of our resume. To find these shapes, go to Elements > Shapes > See All . Choose a shape that you think helps accentuate your resume.

If you can’t find one you like, you can always type in a shape name in the search bar. The shape will appear under the headings Shapes, Graphics, Photos, and more.

Make sure to alter the size if need be. You don’t want anything too large that takes over the design. If you want to change the color, use your color picker in the top left-hand corner of your workspace to do so. You can see how the shape is arranged in the next step.

4. Add Your Header

After you're done adding any Elements, click on the Text tab. You'll see several different ways to insert written content into your resume.

Canva creates heading/subheading combos for different types of documents. Plus you can also choose to insert a heading, subheading, or body text individually.

If you click on a heading/subheading combo, you’ll find it's too big for the header. It’ll also be in the wrong spot. To fix this, click on one of the anchor points of the text box and drag that point inwards. Once it's the right size, position your mouse over the text box, click and hold, then move the box to the right spot.

When you move the text box, you might see pink lines pop up in different positions. These pink lines are guides to help you line up your text with the shapes on your page.

To change the alignment of your text from centered to left-justified, click on the Alignment button to see a menu with the different options.

To change the font, click on the text you want to adjust—no highlighting is needed. Then, click on the font drop-down menu in the top left-hand corner. Pick a font from the choices available.

To change the text to say something different, click inside the box and start typing.

5. Add Your Professional Profile

Having a professional profile is very important for your resume. Make it a quick, one-to-two-sentence blurb for why you're awesome and why you should be hired.

To add your own, click Add a Subheading in the Text tab. Rename the subheading to "Professional Profile" or something meaningful to your industry. Choose a clear font and then position the text box on the page under your heading.

Next, click on Add a little bit of body text . This will open up a new text box where you can fill out your profile. Once done, position it beneath the “Professional Profile” subheading.

If you're not sure where to begin writing, you can try some of these tips for writing a resume headline that gets noticed .

6. Add a Divider

After your professional profile, you may want to add a graphic element to separate your profile from the rest of the resume.

To create one, go to Elements > Shapes > Lines and find the line you want to use. Something simple and non-obtrusive is recommended, so it doesn't draw attention away from the top of the page. Reposition it and change the size and color as needed.

7. Fill Out Your Sections

Next is filling out the different sections of your resume. List your contact details, accomplishments, work history, and education. Just make sure not to list things you don’t need on a resume .

To add the text boxes, follow the same instructions for creating text as the last step.

An easy way to keep your formatting the same across each section is to copy the subheading and body text from the professional profile. Once copied, just change the text inside the box.

8. Add Links or Other Visual Interest

Most of the time, you want your resume to be simple, so it’s easy to read. However, if you’re applying online, adding visuals to your online resume can be a nice touch. If you don't have any visual material that's relevant, including a few links can be incredibly useful (e.g. links to your portfolio, previous publications, or personal website etc.)

Adding a link to your resume in Canva is easy. After creating a new section titled “Links”, and typing the info you want, click on the words you want the link to be attached to. When the text box is highlighted, a three-dot icon will also appear. Click on the three dots, select Link , enter the URL, and press Enter .

9. Revise Your Resume and Group the Elements

Always make sure to check for grammar or visual errors. Learning how to proofread your resume will ensure you create a professional document.

"Grouping" means that separate elements on your page will be read as a unit. In Canva specifically, this means that you can edit each item by itself, but move the elements as one unit across the page. This is helpful if you want to tweak your design but keep individual sections organized.

To group items, click and drag over the elements you want to group until their bounding boxes show up in purple. Once they are selected, click on Group .

Make any final adjustments to the look of your resume and your finished.

Creating a Resume on Canva Using a Template

Not everyone has the time to build a resume from scratch, or perhaps they don't feel like being particularly creative. If that's the case for you, creating a resume using one of Canva's templates is the way to go.

1. Select a Template

Crafting a resume from a template is an incredibly easy process compared to creating one from scratch. On Canva’s main page, type Resume into the search bar and press Enter .

The next page will have thousands of resume templates to choose from—some even come with a cover letter template. Select one that you think will work for you and click Customize This Template .

2. Fill Out the Template With Your Information

Each template comes equipped with different sections that you’ll need to fill out. Just like creating a resume from scratch, if you click on the text box, you’ll be able to edit as you go.

If you find that some aspects of the resume don't fit the style of resume you’re trying to build, you do have the option of deleting or moving sections. Remember, all templates are completely customizable.

If you have to move a full section for any reason, even to a different page, it would be much easier to group the section first, then move it. Refer to step nine above for how to group a section.

Create a One-of-a-Kind Resume on Canva

Canva is a great platform to use for all your creative needs—even when it comes to building your resume. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is either. You have the option of simply choosing a template and inserting your information or creating a resume from a blank canvas.

Next time you’re job hunting, try using Canva on the desktop or the mobile app to create your most appealing resume yet.

• Work & Career

How to Write a Cover Letter in Canva

Home » Blog » How to Write a Cover Letter in Canva

Founder of CanvaTemplates.com & Professional Graphic Designer

Jake Tucker

Canva Templates is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task, but with the help of Canva, it doesn’t have to be. Canva is a graphic design platform that offers a variety of templates and tools to create professional-looking documents, including cover letters. In this article, you will learn how to write a cover letter in Canva, step-by-step.

First, you will need to choose a template that fits your style and industry. Canva offers a wide range of cover letter templates that can be customized to suit your needs. Once you have selected a template, you can begin adding your content, including your contact information, the recipient’s name and address, and the body of the letter. Canva also allows you to add images, icons, and other design elements to make your cover letter stand out.

After you have written your cover letter, you can download it in various formats, such as PDF or PNG, and share it with potential employers. Canva also offers a variety of resources to help you write an effective cover letter, including tips and examples. By using Canva, you can create a professional-looking cover letter that will help you stand out from other applicants.

Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume when applying for a job. Its purpose is to introduce the applicant to the employer and to provide additional information about their qualifications, skills, and experience.

The cover letter should explain why the applicant is interested in the job and how their skills and experience make them a good fit for the position. It should also demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the company and the job requirements.

One of the main goals of a cover letter is to make a good first impression on the employer. A well-written cover letter can help an applicant stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of getting an interview.

It’s important to customize each cover letter to the specific job and company. This means researching the company and the job requirements and tailoring the cover letter to match them. Using a template can be helpful, but the cover letter should still be personalized and unique to the applicant.

Overall, a cover letter is an important tool for job seekers to showcase their skills and experience and to make a strong first impression on potential employers.

Getting Started with Canva

Canva is a graphic design platform that allows users to create professional-looking designs with ease. To get started with Canva, users must first create an account by signing up for a free or paid plan. Once logged in, users can access a wide range of design templates, including cover letter templates.

To create a cover letter in Canva, users should follow these steps:

• Navigate to the templates section and search for “cover letter.”
• Select a template that fits your idea or the recipient of your cover letter and job application. Canva provides numerous professionally designed templates that cater to different industries and preferences.
• Customize the template by adding your contact details, work experience, skills, and other relevant information.
• Save your cover letter in your preferred format, such as PDF or JPG.

Canva also offers a range of design tools and features that users can use to enhance their cover letter designs. For example, users can add images, icons, and other graphics to their cover letters to make them more visually appealing. Users can also adjust the font, color, and layout of their cover letters to match their personal style and preferences.

Overall, Canva is a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for anyone to create professional-looking cover letters. By following these simple steps, users can create a cover letter that stands out from the crowd and helps them land their dream job.

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Choosing the Right Template

When creating a cover letter in Canva, choosing the right template is crucial. The template sets the tone for the entire cover letter and can make a big difference in catching the hiring manager’s attention.

Canva offers a wide range of cover letter templates to choose from, each with its own unique style and design. To find the perfect template, the user can browse through the available options, filtering by industry or job type.

It is important to consider the company’s culture and the job requirements when selecting a template. For example, a creative job may call for a more colorful and visually appealing template, while a corporate job may require a more professional and minimalistic design.

Once the user has found a template that fits their needs, they can customize it to make it their own. Canva allows for easy editing of text, colors, and images, making it simple to tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company.

Overall, choosing the right template in Canva can make a significant impact on the success of a cover letter. By considering the job requirements and company culture, and customizing the template to fit those needs, the user can create a professional and eye-catching cover letter that stands out from the rest.

Writing the Content of Your Cover Letter

When writing the content of your cover letter, there are a few key sections that you should include to ensure that your letter is effective in communicating your skills and qualifications to potential employers. These sections include the header and salutation, opening paragraph, body of the letter, and closing remarks.

Header and Salutation

The header of your cover letter should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. It should be formatted similarly to the header of your resume. Below the header, you should include the date and the name and address of the employer you are applying to.

The salutation of your cover letter should be addressed to the specific person who will be reading your letter. If you are unsure of who to address your letter to, you can use a generic salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should be attention-grabbing and should clearly state the position you are applying for. You should also briefly mention your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the position.

Body of the Letter

The body of your cover letter should expand on the qualifications and experience mentioned in the opening paragraph. You should provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments that demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position.

It’s important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This means researching the company and position and incorporating that information into your letter. You should also use language that matches the tone and style of the company.

Closing Remarks

In the closing remarks of your cover letter, you should thank the employer for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the position. You should also provide your contact information and indicate that you are available for an interview.

Remember to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it. You want to make sure that there are no typos or grammatical errors that could detract from your qualifications.

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Designing and Formatting Your Cover Letter

When it comes to designing and formatting your cover letter in Canva, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. By following these tips, you can create a professional and visually appealing cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Typography and Fonts

One of the most important aspects of your cover letter’s design is the typography and font choices. You want to make sure that your text is easy to read and that the fonts you choose match the tone and style of the position you are applying for. Canva offers a wide variety of fonts to choose from, so take your time to find the perfect one for your cover letter.

Colors and Themes

Another way to make your cover letter stand out is by using colors and themes that match the company or position you are applying for. Consider using the company’s brand colors or a theme that matches the job description. However, be careful not to use too many colors or themes that clash with each other, as this can make your cover letter look unprofessional.

Spacing and Alignment

Finally, when designing your cover letter, pay attention to spacing and alignment. You want to make sure that your text is properly aligned and spaced out, so that it is easy to read and looks professional. Canva offers a variety of alignment and spacing tools to help you achieve the perfect look for your cover letter.

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Reviewing and Editing Your Cover Letter

After designing your cover letter in Canva, it’s important to review and edit it to ensure that it’s free of errors and effectively showcases your skills and qualifications. Here are some tips to help you review and edit your cover letter:

Proofread your design: Double-check your cover letter to ensure that there are no typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. You can also use Canva’s spell-check feature or third-party tools like Grammarly to catch any mistakes.

Get feedback: Consider asking a friend, family member, or colleague to review your cover letter and provide feedback. They may be able to spot errors or offer suggestions for improvement that you may have missed.

Tailor your cover letter: Make sure that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description and company website to ensure that you’re highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.

By taking the time to review and edit your cover letter, you can ensure that it’s a strong representation of your qualifications and increases your chances of getting hired.

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Exporting and Sending Your Cover Letter

Once you’ve finished designing your cover letter in Canva, you can easily export it to a PDF or image file. To do this, simply click on the “Download” button located at the top right corner of the screen. From there, you can choose the file type you want to export it as, and select the quality and size of the file.

Once you have exported your cover letter, you can then send it to potential employers through email or upload it to job application websites. When sending it through email, make sure to attach the file and include a brief message introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the position.

If you’re uploading it to a job application website, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the website and attach the file in the appropriate section. It’s also a good idea to double-check that the file has uploaded correctly and that all the information is visible and readable.

Overall, exporting and sending your cover letter is a simple and straightforward process in Canva. With just a few clicks, you can have a professional-looking cover letter ready to send to potential employers.

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Can I Make a Cover Letter on Canva?

Are you looking to create a standout cover letter that will grab the attention of potential employers? Look no further than Canva! This versatile graphic design platform not only allows you to design stunning visuals, but it also provides you with the tools to create a professional and eye-catching cover letter.

Why Use Canva for your Cover Letter?

Canva offers a variety of templates specifically designed for cover letters. These templates are fully customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch while ensuring that your cover letter maintains a professional appearance.

Customization:

With Canva, you have complete control over the design elements of your cover letter. You can easily modify the font styles, sizes, and colors to match your personal branding or the requirements of the job application.

Layout Options:

Canva provides a wide range of layout options to choose from. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, Canva has templates that cater to various industries and job positions. This ensures that your cover letter is visually appealing and suits your specific needs.

Creating Your Cover Letter on Canva

To get started with creating your cover letter on Canva, follow these simple steps:

• Create an Account: Visit the Canva website and sign up for an account if you don't already have one. It's free!
• Select a Template: Once logged in, click on "Create a Design" and search for "cover letter" in the search bar. Choose a template that resonates with you.
• Edit Text: Customize the text by replacing placeholder content with your own details. Make sure to include your contact information, a professional salutation, and a concise yet impactful introduction.
• Add Visuals: Canva allows you to enhance your cover letter with visuals such as a headshot or a company logo. Use the drag-and-drop feature to easily insert these elements into your design.
• Personalize the Design: Tailor the design to fit your style and the job you're applying for. Experiment with different fonts, colors, and layouts until you achieve the desired look.
• Download and Save: Once you're satisfied with your cover letter, save it in your preferred format (PDF or image) and download it to your device.

Tips for an Effective Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out:

• Keep It Concise: Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Be clear, concise, and focused on highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Showcase Your Achievements: Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills have contributed to previous successes. This helps employers understand the value you can bring to their organization.
• Address Specific Requirements: Tailor each cover letter to the job description by addressing the key requirements mentioned in the posting. This shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Edit and Proofread: Before sending out your cover letter, review it multiple times for any grammatical or spelling errors. Consider asking a friend or mentor for feedback as well.

In conclusion, Canva is a fantastic tool for creating visually appealing and professional cover letters. With its user-friendly interface and extensive template library, you can easily customize your cover letter to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember to keep it concise, showcase your achievements, and address specific requirements. So why wait? Give Canva a try and take your cover letter to the next level!

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• The Truth About Using Canva...

The Truth About Using Canva for Resumes

8 min read · Updated on March 18, 2024

Is Canva a good tool for creating and designing your resume? Here's what to consider.

Everyone wants their resume to look nice, but unfortunately, we're not all graphic designers. That's why many people will try to find a “hack” to create a more visually appealing resume that will help them stand out from the crowd.

One of these hacks is Canva , a popular design tool. It's free and easy to use, and it allows you to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, and, yes, resumes without any graphic design know-how.

It has dozens – if not hundreds – of resume templates you can choose from, with categories including modern, infographic, minimalist, corporate, photo, and even acting resumes. All you have to do is drag and drop your text into the template. You can even upload your own images before downloading or printing your resume.

Sounds easy, right? Sure – but is Canva good for resumes? Let's break down the truth about using Canva for resumes.

Are Canva resumes good?

Using Canva to design your resume sounds smart; it's free, easy to use, and the templates look pretty sharp. However, using Canva to create your resume may not be as effective for your job search. Here are some of the biggest downsides to the design tool.

Canva resumes do not pass applicant tracking systems

When you apply for a job, there's a good chance a human won't be the first to see your resume. Many companies employ applicant tracking systems, a/k/a the ATS or “resume bots,” to collect, sort, scan, and rank resumes based on certain programmed elements.

There are several strategies you can use to beat the resume bots , and a lot of these strategies focus on the design of your resume. For instance, with resume bots, it's important to use a clean resume design. This means no complex designs or unusual formats; applicant tracking systems have a difficult time reading these. 

It's also important to avoid using any images or charts . These often become a garbled mess in the ATS.

Canva resume templates employ, at the very least, a bunch of text boxes that you can use to copy and paste your resume content. Resume scanning systems simply can't parse information from text boxes properly. This means that your resume will look like it has a bunch of nonsensical characters in it, leading the ATS to reject your resume as an incompatible file. 

Important Note: ATS rejection is one of the main reasons that job seekers are ghosted by companies. The ATS kicks out your resume submission, making it so the human beings at the company don't even know you exist.

As a rule of thumb, less is more, so stick to simple resume fonts , straightforward bullet points, and an overall minimalist look. There's no need to include a headshot, infographics, or cute little icons.

Write for the ATS and human beings

Your goal is to get past the applicant tracking systems and into the hands of recruiters and hiring managers. Even the humans reading your resume are more concerned with your skills and experiences – not the design of your resume. Since you have two different audiences for your resume, it's best to use something more common, like the reverse-chronological format . 

The ATS knows how to read a reverse-chronological resume, and it's what hiring managers expect to see. In fact, the human beings looking at your resume know exactly where to find pertinent information in a reverse-chronological format. You don't want to present something to them that they have to spend time deciphering because, in reality, they're only spending a few seconds skimming through your document. 

Canva resumes are only one page

It used to be frowned upon to have a resume longer than one page — even if you had 20 years of experience under your belt — but times have changed.

Now, recruiters, hiring managers, and HR pros don't mind a resume that's more than one page. In fact, a study from ResumeGo found that recruiters are 2.3 times more likely to prefer a two-page resume over a one-page resume, regardless of an applicant's job level.

Young professionals today tend to have a lot more valuable experiences, even when they're fresh out of school, like internships, co-ops, freelance work, and study abroad experiences. This isn't just fluff – these are experiences recruiters are interested in seeing from recent grads and entry-level job candidates.

When you use Canva for your resume, you'll notice a common trend: Almost all of the templates are built for one page. Not only that, they're difficult to edit into two pages. Sure, you can duplicate the first page of the resume, but that duplicates every section on the first page, which isn't necessary.

If you want to use a Canva template for the first page of your resume, you'll have to tap into your inner graphic design skills to figure out how to format the second page in a way that's congruent with the first (Spoiler: It's going to be difficult with the way Canva has these set up).

Canva resumes leave out valuable information

When you're perusing Canva resume templates, you'll probably find quite a few designs that look clean and sharp. The design pros certainly know how to create a simple template and utilize white space. However, upon further inspection, you'll notice there's not a whole lot of room to list your experiences. Plus, you'll find there are quite a few missing sections.

For instance, the “gray and black professional resume” looks nice. But upon closer inspection, you'll notice there's very little room to list your job experiences – just a corner of the page. Additionally, you'll notice valuable real estate dedicated to character references , which you should not list on your resume at all.

There's also a chunk of space on a resume reserved for contact information . While this information is important, you can, oftentimes, condense it and include it in one line at the top of your resume, under your name.

Some of these templates also lack important sections, including a key skills section , an achievements and awards section, and a career summary.

In general, these templates look minimalist and airy – which is great – but they also don't leave you much space to showcase your experience and qualifications, which is essential when you're building your resume. Instead, use this ultimate resume guide to determine which sections you need to include in your resume.

Should I ever use a creative resume? 

OK, so is it time to just write off the notion of using Canva for your resume? Generally, yes. In reality, they're just not right for most people. They won't pass applicant-tracking systems, they'll constrict you to one page, and they don't allow you to show off all your qualifications, skills, achievements, and experiences in an effective way that'll land you the job.

Many times, a creative resume design will work against you. If you do want to show off your design, photo, or other creative skills, consider building an online website or portfolio where you can show off your skills to your heart's desire. 

On the other hand

With that said, if you're attending a career fair or networking event and need something that's short and crisp, you could use Canva for your resume. Basically, anytime you're not applying for a job online, it's probably OK to have a Canva-designed resume. Just remember that you'll want to get the email address of the person you hand your Canva resume to so that you can send them your real resume – you know, the one that has more of the relevant information the hiring manager wants to see. 

Canva could harm your job search success

We know it's tempting to use a Canva resume because they are free, quick, and easy, but they may be harming your job search more than they are helping it. You're better off working with a professional resume writer who knows the ins and outs of resume design. They'll ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems and overall are formatted for your success.

Key takeaways:

Canva resumes do not pass the ATS

Canva resumes utilize improper formatting, like text boxes, tables, and images

Canva resumes cannot be downloaded as .doc or .docx files

Canva resumes do not provide enough space to include relevant information

Canva resumes emphasize all the wrong things (like your contact information and references)

Stick with writing a reverse-chronological resume in Word or Google Docs to get past the ATS

Only use Canva when you're giving your resume directly to a human being

Not thrilled with your resume's format and design? Let a professional resume writer clean it up .

This article was originally written by Carson Kohler in 2021 and updated by Marsha Hebert in 2024. 

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Should You Use Canva for Your Resume? Here’s What You Need to Know

Creating your resume in Canva can feel like manifesting a makeover. What can seem like a plain and boring document suddenly looks colorful and eye-catching.

So as a career coach, when I meet with clients who’ve spiced things up by making a Canva resume, I hate breaking the news that their fancy new document probably won’t make it through an applicant tracking system (ATS), the software recruiters and hiring managers use to organize and sort through online applications. I steer them back toward a Word or Google doc, and show them how you can still feel dressed up but actually get noticed.

Here’s why I regularly give this advice—and when you can make an exception.

Wait, what’s the issue with using Canva to build a resume?

Every bit of text on a Canva resume template is placed using text boxes, no matter which template you select and even when you create your own design from scratch. This makes for nicely spaced resumes, but it won’t help in getting your content read properly by an ATS.

Elements including text boxes, tables, headers and footers, images, and columns can trip up an ATS scanning your resume and turn your carefully crafted document into a jumbled, nonsensical mess. Even if you make your resume in a Word doc, you should still avoid using all of these to ensure your content is readable. And though some Canva templates are simpler and cleaner than others, they’re all built on text boxes and other elements an ATS might not be able to decipher properly. Plus, you can download your Canva resume as .pdf, .jpg, or .png files, but not as .doc or .docx files, which are most easily parsed by an ATS . Finally, the most popular applicant tracking systems all search for information differently, making it even more important that you create your resume with straightforward formatting and content.

All of these factors make it hard to recommend selecting any of Canva’s templates or even creating your own when you’re applying for a job online.

And while the ATS is the most immediate hurdle, a review of some of the available templates tells me they might lead you astray in other ways. For example, some guide you to include resume objectives , which are outdated and unhelpful; photos of yourself , which don’t belong on your resume (not in the U.S., at least); or sections that list references or state, “ References available upon request,” which you just don’t need. Some reserve disproportionate space for your contact information , which belongs on your resume but doesn’t warrant a quarter of the page, or leave very little room for you to list your work experience with meaty bullets describing your impact and accomplishments.

Read More: Beat the Robots: How to Get Your Resume Past the System and Into Human Hands

When *is* a good time to use a Canva template?

When you’re bypassing the online application system entirely and emailing your resume directly to a contact—maybe someone you know or have been referred to—you might consider impressing them with a nicely designed Canva resume. Or once you’ve gotten through the ATS and made contact with a person, you can send a fancier resume to share with the people you’ll be interviewing with. Just be sure you’re including the right sections and information and keeping in mind that humans looking at your resume also don’t want to be overwhelmed by a super busy or indecipherable document.

As applicant tracking systems improve, my hope is that job seekers won’t have to worry about how a resume is built and will be able to have fun with the design. But for now, hold off on using your Canva resume until after you’ve made it through the online system.

OK, cool. So how should I make my resume?

If you’ve been using this type of resume to apply and aren’t having much luck with positive responses, this is a great time to see if things improve with a simpler resume created in Word or Google Docs.

Here’s some more advice on putting together a resume that will help you land interviews and jobs:

• Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Resume (With Examples!)
• 43 Resume Tips That Will Help You Get Hired
• The 41 Best Resume Templates Ever
• What it Really Means to “Tailor Your Resume”

Check out even more resume advice and, if you need some extra or more personalized help, you can book a resume review with me or another Muse career coach.