What is ATS?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It is a software used by many companies to streamline their recruitment process. When you apply for a job online, your resume often gets submitted to an ATS. It helps employers manage and organize the large volume of applications they receive for each job opening.

Can ATS Read Canva Resumes?

Canva is a popular graphic design tool that allows users to create visually appealing and creative resumes. Many job seekers prefer using Canva to craft eye-catching resumes that stand out from the crowd. However, there has been some confusion about whether ATS can read Canva resumes effectively.

The short answer is, it depends. Some ATS systems have improved their capabilities to read and parse content from various file formats, including PDFs and graphics.

If you export your Canva resume to a PDF format, there is a better chance that ATS can read the text and extract relevant information like contact details, work experience, and education.

However, there are limitations to what ATS can do with graphic elements. While humans can easily understand and interpret visuals, ATS focuses primarily on text-based content. So, if your Canva resume contains important details in graphical elements, they may not be recognized by the ATS, and the system could overlook essential information.

Additionally, some ATS might struggle with unconventional fonts or layouts used in Canva resumes. Using complex or overly stylized fonts might lead to ATS misinterpreting or skipping the text altogether.

How to Make Your Canva Resume ATS-Friendly?

If you still want to use Canva to create a visually impressive resume but ensure it is ATS-friendly, here are some tips:

• Stick to simple and standard fonts that are easy to read.
• Avoid using excessive graphics, images, or charts for vital information.
• Ensure your contact information, job titles, and company names are in text format, not embedded in images.
• Include relevant keywords related to your skills and experience to increase the chances of ATS matching your resume with the job requirements.
• Save your Canva resume in PDF format, as it is more ATS-friendly than other file types.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ATS is an essential tool used by companies to manage their recruitment process efficiently. While it is improving its ability to read various file formats, including PDFs, the readability of Canva resumes in ATS remains somewhat uncertain.

To ensure your Canva resume is ATS-friendly, keep it simple and focus on text-based content rather than heavy graphical elements. Use standard fonts and save your resume in PDF format before submitting it through an online application.

With these considerations in mind, you can still leverage Canva to create an attention-grabbing resume while increasing your chances of passing through the ATS screening process.