When it comes to crafting a standout resume, many job seekers turn to various resources for help. One popular option has been Etsy resume templates. While these may initially seem like an attractive choice, they often leave job seekers with lacklustre results.
In this article, I'll be highlighting what Etsy is and why you may want to steer clear of the resume templates you find there.
Without further ado...
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an e-commerce platform that focuses on handmade, vintage, and unique items.
The website allows independent sellers to showcase and sell their products, ranging from crafts and art to clothing and accessories. It has grown exponentially in recent years, with millions of buyers and sellers from around the world.
How does it work?
Etsy operates as a typical online marketplace, connecting buyers with sellers. Sellers set up shops, list their products, and manage their inventory. Buyers can browse the platform, searching for items by category or keyword. When they find a product they like, they can purchase it directly from the seller.
What is a resume template?
A resume template is a pre-designed document created to help job seekers format their resumes.
These templates often come with customizable layouts, fonts, and colours. They are typically sold as digital downloads, which the buyer can then edit to input their own information.
Resume templates aren't just sold on Etsy - you can find them almost everywhere, on sites like Gumroad and even Amazon.
Why are Etsy resume templates so popular?
Etsy resume templates have gained popularity for several reasons:
Affordability: Many Etsy resume templates are priced competitively, making them attractive to budget-conscious job seekers. The most expensive template on Etsy sells for $9.99 USD at last check.
Aesthetic appeal: Some job seekers may be drawn to the unique and eye-catching designs available on Etsy. They often look much fancier than traditional resumes, more akin to tapestries than
Ease of use: Etsy templates are typically easy to edit, with clear instructions and user-friendly formats.
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Why Etsy resume templates aren't a good choice for job seekers
Despite their initial appeal, Etsy resume templates can be problematic for job seekers for several reasons, such as:
Lack of expertise: Many Etsy templates are created and sold by individuals who have never written worked in recruiting or the careers industry more broadly. This means that they may not adhere to industry standards or best practices, potentially leading to a poorly constructed resume.
Limited guidance: While Etsy templates may provide a basic structure, they often offer little to no guidance on how to fill in the details. This can leave job seekers unsure of what information to include or how to present it effectively. In the screenshot above, the guidance provided is generic at best, and doesn't really show you how to write a strong, cohesive content.
Fancy, but incompatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): From a quick glance at the template above, I spotted multiple columns, text boxes, and icons, all of which make it hard for some ATS platforms to properly read what's on the resume.
Why you should consider using Final Draft Resumes
We're not just a random Etsy seller. We're a team of resume writers with the expertise needed to create compelling career documentation.
James, our cofounder, has over 15 years of industry experience across recruiting and career services. He's worked directly with hiring managers and understands the backside of the talent acquisition process.
Whether you're looking for a DIY guide, a resume template, or a complete top-to-bottom rewrite, all of the products and services we offer are created and vetted by James.
So whenever you're ready, check us out:
Resume writing services
DIY Guides
Templates
If you're just looking for advice, James' weekly newsletter, the Job Seeker's Gazette, contains actionable, easy to implement tips to help you improve your job search right now. Sign up for free!
Looking for ATS friendly resumes? Check out Resumatic!