There are so many myths about how ATS and ATS-friendly resumes work.

To keep things simple, an ATS-friendly resume is any resume that ATS can read, meaning that its content will be recognized, scanned, and processed by ATS to fill in job application forms.

But will it perfectly auto-populate content with every job application you submit? Unfortunately not. And any resume designer or seller who tells you otherwise is either not 100% transparent or misinformed - sorry for being blunt.

The reality is that every ATS works differently, and each job application form requires different information. This means that NO template can perfectly auto-populate content in all situations, no matter how designed.

It's simple - if you are applying with a resume that is not ATS-friendly (e.g., graphic Canva templates), in most cases, your content will not be recognized by the ATS at all – instead, you will need to retype your whole resume into the application.

If it's ATS-friendly, you may need to review it and make some adjustments for each job application to ensure it's correctly filled - which depends on how ATS is programmed, not on the resume template itself - but your resume content will still be recognizable, accepted, and in some cases 100% correctly auto-filled.

You can learn more about how ATS actually work here: https://www.byrecruiters.com/ats-resume-guide

Yes, absolutely! An ATS-friendly resume template can still make the job application process much easier, faster, and more efficient. It simply means you may need to spend a few extra minutes double-checking each job application form before submitting it.

As every ATS works differently, I always test templates with several methods to ensure they are fully optimized for the most common ATS.

I use Jobscan and Skillsyncer - resume-optimization software tested with the most commonly used ATS, such as Taleo, Workday, Xeneka Factors (IBM), and iCIMS. I also triple-check templates by transforming them into plain text. This allows us to see if there is any part of the template that less sophisticated ATS may skip.

All ATS-friendly resume templates published in the shop have passed all three tests, proving they are fully optimized for most common ATS (note - not all, as it's impossible - refer to question #1). And they have already helped hundreds of job seekers land their new jobs!

Some of my ATS-optimized templates have simple graphic elements like lines or background shapes. However, they don't interfere with the content so ATS can read it.

ATS will not 'see' graphics, but they will usually be able to read content, scan the keywords, and compare it with the job you apply for, so you can be sure your resume can get past the first filter.

All our listings in my shop are instant download digital products. Please note that no physical items are shipped.

Your purchased files will be available to download immediately after the payment is confirmed. You will also receive an email with a link to download.

You can redownload your purchased files anytime in your Etsy account under You > Purchases & Reviews and click the Download button to the right of your order details.

Most of my templates are Microsoft Word (.docx files) and Mac Pages (.pages) files formatted using text boxes filled with resume-writing tips. With that type of formatting, editing a resume will be a smooth, user-friendly 'drag-and-drop' experience.

I also offer ATS-friendly resume templates customized to be read by Applicant Tracking Systems. In these templates, the content is written in the document's body with minimal graphic elements.

You can easily edit both types of templates by typing your content directly over our text. The Resume Editing Guide package includes detailed instructions on how to edit content.

Due to the digital nature of the 'instant download' products and immediate access to the intellectual property, once you have received the files, refunds, and exchanges CANNOT be given for the templates.

But please contact me if you have any issues with your order. I'm always happy to help.

No. Please remember that each product is created for personal use only, so it should be used by one person - you.

If you are a resume writer or a career coach, please purchase the commercial license AND the resume template you'd like to use for your clients. If you are considering buying multiple templates and licenses, please get in touch with me for a special discount.