I get a lot of questions about Canva resumes and the like because a lot of people want theirs to “stand out.” While this is understandable, the way your application materials should work to stand out isn’t in format or font, but in contents. A beautiful document that doesn’t capture what your audience wants to see isn’t going to get you an interview.
I’m also a firm believer in simplicity in resume formatting. For one thing, the applicant tracking systems (ATS) often can’t read things like text blocks or even columns, let alone images. And for another, the humans who eventually look at your resume want to be able to pick out the essential information quickly, not look around for it. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance they won’t search things: if they don’t see it immediately, your document goes into the reject pile
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some visual elements. Just don’t go nuts. Put your name (which should be the largest font on the document) in a different font. Add a simple band of color or two. But keep these pieces simple so they enhance your contents and don’t distract the viewer.
So remember, substance over form! Your call-out boxes aren’t getting you that interview.
