create a resume on canva

Design Your Killer Resume with Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide

Benefits of Using Canva for Resume Design

Creating a resume in canva, tips and best practices for creating a resume in canva.

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In today’s job market, having a well-designed and visually appealing resume can make all the difference. A great resume can help you stand out from the competition, showcase your skills and experience, and land your dream job . One platform that can help you create a resume that stands out is Canva.com .

Canva is a popular graphic design platform that has a range of templates and design elements that can be used to create a variety of design projects, including resumes. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a resume using Canva, the benefits of using Canva for resume design, and some tips and best practices for creating a resume that will impress potential employers .

One of the main benefits of using Canva for resume design is the wide range of templates available. Canva has dozens of resume templates to choose from, each designed by professional graphic designers. These templates offer a range of styles, from simple and classic to bold and modern, and can be customized to fit your personal style and career goals.

Another benefit of using Canva for resume design is the ease of use. Canva has a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, which makes it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking resume, even if they have no design experience. Canva also offers a range of design elements, including icons, illustrations, and photographs, that can be incorporated into your resume to make it more visually appealing and engaging.

Additionally, Canva has a range of free and paid design elements that can be used to enhance your resume . With Canva’s free design elements , you can add icons and illustrations that match the tone and style of your resume , without having to spend any money. Canva also offers a range of paid elements, including premium illustrations and stock photos, that can be purchased for a small fee and used to give your resume a more professional look and feel.

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of using Canva for resume design, let’s take a closer look at how to create a resume in Canva.

Step 1: Choose a Template

The first step in creating a resume in Canva is to choose a template. Canva has dozens of resume templates to choose from, so take some time to browse through the options and choose a template that fits your style and career goals. Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize it to fit your needs.

Step 2: Customize the Template

The next step is to customize the template. This involves adding your personal information, including your name, contact information, and professional summary. You should also include your work experience, education, and any relevant skills or certifications.

Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add and edit text, as well as to adjust the layout and design of the template. You can change the font, color, and size of the text, as well as add images and graphics to enhance the design of your resume .

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Step 3: Add Design Elements

Once you’ve added your personal information and work experience, it’s time to add design elements to enhance the look and feel of your resume . This is where Canva’s range of design elements comes in handy.

You can add icons, illustrations, and other design elements to your resume to make it more visually appealing and engaging. These design elements should match the tone and style of your resume , and should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the design.

Step 4: Save and Download Your Resume

Once you’ve customized your resume template and added design elements, it’s time to save and download your resume . Canva allows you to download your resume in a variety of formats, including PDF, PNG, and JPG. It’s important to choose the format that is most appropriate for your needs.

If you’re submitting your resume online, a PDF is the best option, as it ensures that the formatting and design of your resume will remain intact. If you’re printing your resume to bring to an interview, a high-resolution PNG or JPG may be more appropriate.

Now that we’ve explored the process of creating a resume in Canva, let’s take a look at some tips and best practices to help you create a resume that stands out.

• Keep it Simple: While Canva offers a range of design elements, it’s important not to overwhelm your resume with too much design. Keep the design simple and clean, with a focus on showcasing your skills and experience.
• Use a Professional Font: When selecting a font for your resume , choose a professional font that is easy to read. Avoid using decorative or stylized fonts, as they can be difficult to read and may distract from the content of your resume .
• Customize the Template: While Canva’s templates offer a great starting point, it’s important to customize the template to fit your personal style and career goals. This means adding your personal information, work experience, and design elements that match the tone and style of your resume .
• Keep it Relevant: When selecting design elements for your resume , make sure they are relevant to your experience and the job you’re applying for. Avoid adding design elements simply for the sake of making your resume more visually appealing.
• Proofread and Edit: Before finalizing your resume , be sure to proofread and edit it carefully. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review your resume to ensure it’s error-free and makes sense.

Creating a resume in Canva can help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job . By choosing a template, customizing it to fit your personal style and career goals, and adding design elements that enhance the look and feel of your resume , you can create a professional-looking resume that showcases your skills and experience. With the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create a resume that stands out and impresses potential employers.

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How to Create a Resume Using the Canva App on Mobile

A well-crafted resume can improve your chances of landing a job. Here's how to make a resume using the Canva app on mobile.

Canva is an online graphic design app that helps you design everything from logos, and social media posts, to an entire presentation. The free-to-use design software makes the job easy with customizable templates and a slew of features.

The platform is also available as an app for both Android and iOS, with all the handy features to help you design on the go. While designing on a desktop is most recommended to avoid missing details, certain situations may require using a mobile app. In this article, we will guide you on how to design your resume using the handy Canva app and get going.

1. Sign Up/Login to Canva

The best part about using Canva is that you don't need to be a professional graphic designer to create designs on the platform. However, if you’re new to the platform, we’ve shown you how to use the Canva app in this beginner’s guide .

To get started with the Canva app, you need to sign up or log in using your Google, Facebook, Email, or mobile number. Then you’re directed to the Home page, where you can create a design from scratch, search for templates, keep track of your recent designs, and more.

Download : Canva for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)

2. Choose Your Template

Canva has thousands of pre-customized templates for you to choose from. After getting started, type in "Resume" in the search bar to scroll through the dozen templates offered by the platform.

If you have access to a Canva Pro subscription , you can even choose one of the premium templates. You can use Filters to view resume templates according to a specific style, theme, or color. Tap on your preferred resume template and get directed to the editing page of the platform, where you can customize your design as you like and get the most out of the Canva app .

3. Add Your Details to the Template

Once you’re directed to the page of your selected resume template, you can tap on the details, including your name, qualifications, work experience, and more, to edit them and complete your profile. Also, consider highlighting some points in your resume that you would like a prospective employer to take notice of.

Next, you can add your picture to the resume. To do so, select the default picture and tap on Replace at the bottom of the screen to upload your own picture.

4. Customize Your Template

A visually appealing resume is sure to capture your hiring manager’s attention. After you’re done adding details to the resume, you can tap on the plus (+) icon to find a number of features to customize your template. You can add elements, change the color of your resume, and play around with different fonts to level up your design.

The platform allows you to add graphs and charts to present your data effectively. Using charts and graphs in your skills section is a good idea if the job you're applying for requires you to elaborate on your technical or interpersonal skills in depth.

Moreover, besides images, you can use GIFs, grids, frames, and mockups, to make your resume stand out. However, make sure you don't overuse the elements on your resume to keep it concise and professional.

5. Download Your Resume

Finally, once you’re done customizing your template, download your resume by clicking on the download icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Canva allows you to download your resume in PNG, JPG, PDF, and more.

You can choose your preferred option and download your resume to send while applying for jobs. Furthermore, Canva saves your designs, so you can come back anytime to make any changes to your resume template.

Create a Professional-Looking Resume With the Canva App

Your resume is a direct reflection of you and how you want to present yourself to your potential employer. With an easy-to-use interface and a slew of useful drag-and-drop features offered by the Canva app, you can create a sharp-looking professional resume in minutes.

Explore the app to find various ways you can level up your resume visually to stand out among other applicants and grab your recruiter's attention.

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• 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 I Put My Pronouns on My Resume?

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See how your resume stacks up.

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How to Create a Resume with Canva Resume Builder - A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome! In this guide, we'll show you how to create an impressive resume using Canva's user-friendly platform. We'll also introduce you to WPS AI for a more guided approach. And if you're looking to further enhance your resume, we'll highlight the capabilities of WPS Office. Let's get started on crafting a standout resume!

Part 1: About Canva

What is canva.

Canva is a free online graphic design platform that allows users to create professional-looking designs without any prior design experience. It offers a wide range of features, including access to a vast library of templates, fonts, and stock images. Canva is used by millions of people around the world to create a variety of designs, including social media posts, presentations, posters, and more.

Functions of Canva

Canva has a wide range of functions, including:

Design creation:  Canva provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create designs of all kinds. Users can choose from a variety of templates or create their own designs from scratch.

Collaboration:  Canva allows users to collaborate on designs with others in real time. This makes it ideal for teams working on projects together.

Brand management:  Canva allows users to create and manage their brand assets, such as logos, fonts, and color palettes. This ensures that all of their designs are consistent with their brand identity.

File sharing:  Canva makes it easy to share designs with others via social media, email, or link. Users can also export their designs in a variety of formats, including PNG, JPEG, PDF, and SVG.

Pros and Cons of Canva

User-friendly: Canva is designed to be easy to use, even for people with no prior design experience.

Affordable: Canva offers a free version with a wide range of features. Paid subscriptions offer additional features, such as access to more templates and stock images.

Collaborative: Canva allows users to collaborate on designs with others in real time.

Comprehensive: Canva offers a wide range of features, from design creation to brand management.

Versatile: Canva can be used to create a variety of designs, including social media posts, presentations, posters, and more.

Limited customization options: Canva's templates may be limiting for users who need more customization options.

Advanced design features: Canva lacks some of the advanced design features found in professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

File export options: Canva's free version limits users to exporting their designs in PNG or JPEG format. Paid subscribers can export their designs in a variety of other formats, including PDF and SVG.

Overall, Canva is a powerful and versatile graphic design platform that is suitable for users of all skill levels. It offers a wide range of features at an affordable price.

Part 2: How to Generate a Resume Using Canva ?

Creating a standout resume with Canva is a seamless process that yields professional results. Follow these steps and refer to the provided images for a clear visual guide:

Customize your resume

Step 1: Begin by logging into your Canva account or creating a new one if you haven't already. Once in, select the "Resume" category from the template library.

Step 2: Browse through the available resume templates and choose the one that aligns best with your style and industry. Click on it to start customizing.

Step 3: Replace the template's placeholder text with your own information. This includes your name, contact details, professional summary, work experience, education, and any additional sections relevant to your profile.

Using a Template

Step 1: Go to the Canva website and log in to your account.

Step 2: Click on the "Create a design" button and select "Resume" from the list of templates.

Step 3: Choose a resume template from the library and click on it to open it in the editor.

Step 4: Customize the template to your liking.

You can change the colors, fonts, and layout of the template, and add your own text and images.

Step 5: Once you are finished customizing your resume, click on the "Download" button to download it in PDF, PNG, or JPEG format.

Here are three examples of excellent resume templates in Canva:

Modern Minimalist Resume Template

This template is perfect for job seekers who want a clean and professional resume. It features a simple layout with a focus on typography.

Blue professional modern CV

This template is perfect for job seekers who want a resume that stands out from the crowd. It features a colorful and creative design with plenty of space to showcase your skills and experience.

Executive Resume Template

This template is perfect for experienced professionals who are looking for a sophisticated and elegant resume. It features a classic layout with a focus on readability.

I have found Canva resume builder to be a very easy-to-use and versatile tool. It offers a wide range of templates to choose from, and it is easy to customize the templates to your liking. Canva also has a variety of features that make it easy to create a professional-looking resume, such as the ability to add images, charts, and graphs.

Overall, I highly recommend Canva resume builder to anyone who is looking for an easy way to create a professional-looking resume.

Part 3: Best Free Resume Builder - WPS AI

WPS AI is an innovative and powerful tool designed to streamline the resume-building process. Its intuitive interface and advanced features make it a standout choice for crafting professional resumes. With WPS AI, users can expect a seamless experience from start to finish.

Pros and Cons of WPS AI

Free to use: WPS AI is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or subscriptions.

Easy to use: WPS AI is very easy to use, even for people with no prior resume writing experience.

Comprehensive features: WPS AI offers a wide range of features, including AI-powered resume writing, smart resume templates, and an ATS-friendly resume builder.

Accurate and reliable: WPS AI is powered by AI that has been trained on millions of resumes, so you can be confident that your resume will be accurate and reliable.

Multilingual support: WPS AI supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Limited customization options: WPS AI's resume templates are limited in terms of customization options.

Fewer features than paid resume builders: WPS AI offers fewer features than some paid resume builders, such as the ability to track resume views and hire rates.

How to Free Download WPS AI:

Downloading WPS AI is a straightforward process. Follow these steps with accompanying images for a hassle-free experience:

Step 1: Visit WPS AI's official website to find the download section.

Step 2: Click on the download link to initiate the process.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

How to Generate a Resume Using WPS AI:

Creating a resume with WPS AI is a breeze. Here's a step-by-step guide with images to assist you:

Step 1: Launch the WPS AI application and select the resume template that aligns with your preferences and industry.

Step 2: Begin customizing the template by replacing the placeholder content with your own information. Pay special attention to highlighting your skills and experiences.

Step 3: Utilize the tool's intelligent suggestions to further enhance your resume.

I have found WPS AI to be a great free resume builder. It is easy to use and offers a variety of features that can help you create a professional-looking resume. I especially like the AI-powered resume writing feature, which can help you identify and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.

Overall, I highly recommend WPS AI to anyone who is looking for a free and easy-to-use resume builder.

WPS offers a wide variety of resume templates that can help you create a professional-looking resume. The templates are available in a variety of styles, so you can find one that matches your personality and the industry you are applying for.

WPS Template - Make Your Resume Excellent

To download and use a WPS resume template, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the WPS template website.

Step 2: Browse through the resume templates and choose one that you like.

Step 3: Click on the "Download" button to download the template.

Step 4: Open the template in WPS Writer and customize it to your liking.

Step 5: Once you are finished customizing your resume, save it in PDF or JPEG format.

Part 4: Edit Your Resume with Great Tools - WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive and free office suite that provides users with a seamless platform to open, create, edit, and save Microsoft Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, WPS Office offers a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features.

Advantages of WPS Office:

Rich Functions: WPS Office boasts a wide array of functions that cater to various document creation and editing needs. From basic text documents to complex spreadsheets and presentations, it provides a robust set of tools.

Lightweight: Unlike some other office suites, WPS Office is known for its efficiency and low system resource consumption. This ensures smooth operation even on devices with limited processing power.

Safe and Stable: With WPS Office, users can work confidently knowing that their documents are secure. The software is designed to provide a stable and reliable environment for document creation and editing.

How to Free Download WPS Office:

Downloading WPS Office is a straightforward process. Follow these steps with accompanying images for a hassle-free experience:

Step 1: Visit the official WPS Office download page.

Step 2: Select the appropriate package for your operating system (Windows or Mac).

Step 3: Click on the download link to initiate the process.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

With WPS Office, you'll have a versatile and reliable office suite at your fingertips, providing you with the tools you need to create and edit documents with ease. Whether you're working on a resume or other professional documents, WPS Office offers a user-friendly platform to get the job done efficiently.

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1. Is Canva's resume builder free to use?

Yes, Canva offers a free version of its resume builder with a wide range of features. Additionally, there is also a paid version available that comes with additional perks and functionalities. This gives users the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their specific needs and preferences.

2. What file formats can I download my resume in?

With Canva's resume builder, you have the option to download your resume in various file formats. These formats include PDF, JPEG, and PNG. This provides flexibility in how you choose to save and share your resume with potential employers or colleagues.

3. Does WPS AI have a free version?

Yes, WPS AI offers a free version with basic features, alongside a premium version that unlocks advanced functionalities

In this guide, we've explored the world of resume building, with a special focus on Canva's user-friendly platform and extensive template library. While Canva excels in creating visually appealing resumes, it's important to also consider WPS Office, a versatile suite known for its compatibility with Microsoft Office files and secure, stable platform. Additionally, WPS AI offers a guided approach to resume creation. Whether you opt for Canva, WPS AI, or WPS Office, the key is to choose the tool that best suits your needs, ensuring your resume stands out in the competitive job market.

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