When it comes to creating a standout resume, many job seekers turn to various resources for help.
One popular option has been Etsy – they sell resume templates through their online store. While these may initially seem like a good choice, they often deliver fairly lacklustre results.
In today's post, I'll be highlighting what Etsy is and why you may want to steer clear of the resume templates you find there. So 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 sell their products, ranging from crafts and art to clothing and accessories. It's grown exponentially in recent years, with millions of buyers and sellers from around the world.
Over the last few years, some people have started selling resume templates on there, and while they may look neat, you should think carefully before you buy.
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 make the process of writing a resume a little easier.
These templates often come with customizable layouts, fonts, and colours and are typically sold as digital downloads, which you the buyer can then edit to input your 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?
Several reasons:
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.
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
Etsy templates are typically easy to edit, with clear instructions and user-friendly formats.
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Why Etsy resume templates shouldn't be your first choice
Despite their appeal, Etsy templates can be problematic for several reasons:
They're created and sold by people who've never worked in recruiting or the careers industry more broadly. This means that they may not adhere to industry standards or best practices.
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 strong, cohesive content.
Most Etsy templates aren't ATS compatible. What that means is that they're likely to cause problems with employer screening systems, and ultimately make it harder for you to reach an actual recruiter.
Why you should consider using Final Draft Resumes
We're not some random Etsy seller. We're a team of resume writers with the expertise to create compelling career documents.
James, our cofounder, has over 16 years of industry experience across recruiting and career consulting. He's worked directly with hiring managers and understands the behind-the-scenes component of the hiring 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:
DIY Guides
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Looking for ATS friendly resumes? Check out Resumatic!
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