The risks of using Figma to build your PDF resume

As a long-time Figma designer, I've always thought that using my favorite design tool to craft the perfect resume was a no-brainer. I mean, who wouldn't want to showcase their skills and experience in a beautifully designed, pixel-perfect document?

But, after a string of unsuccessful job applications, I began to wonder: could Figma be the problem?

A recent discussion sparked my curiosity, and I decided to dig deeper. It turns out that my suspicions were not unfounded. So, I'll share my findings and explore how using Figma to build your resume might be hurting your chances of landing a job.

Why Figma-generated PDFs are a job search drawdown

I've always exported my Figma resumes as PDFs, thinking that this was the best way to preserve the design and layout. But, as I discovered, this might not be the most job-search-friendly format.

On my iPhone, I couldn't select specific text from the PDF to copy or paste. This might seem like a minor issue, but it's a major red flag for recruiters and hiring managers who need to quickly scan and extract information from resumes.

How Figma resumes can fall through the cracks

But that's not all. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and filter resumes before they even reach a human recruiter.

These systems are designed to parse and analyze resume data, but they often struggle with non-standard formats like Figma-generated PDFs. This means that even if your resume is perfectly designed, it might not be readable by the ATS, effectively rendering it invisible to potential employers.

How Figma resumes can get mangled in the upload process

But what happens when you upload a Figma-designed resume to a job site, expecting it to autofill your profile?

Unfortunately, the results can be disastrous. I've experienced it firsthand – the text breaks up into weird tiny sections, gets messed up, or becomes impossible to copy.

This is not just a minor inconvenience; it can literally cost you the job. When you're applying to multiple positions, the last thing you want is for your resume to get mangled in the upload process.

What's the solution?

If you're looking to create a more visually appealing resume, consider using a tool like InDesign, which is specifically designed for print and digital publishing. Alternatively, stick to conventional document formats like Word or Google Docs, which are easily readable by ATS and won't cause any issues with text selection or copying.

What recruiters think about Figma-designed resumes

I'd love to hear from recruiters and hiring managers on this topic.

Have you encountered issues with Figma-generated resumes?
Do you use ATS to screen candidates, and if so, have you noticed any problems with non-standard formats?

Your insights would be invaluable in helping us understand the impact of Figma on the job search process.

Conclusion: Rethink your resume design approach

While Figma is an incredible tool for designers, it might not be the best choice for building a resume template. If you're having difficulties landing a job despite having a well-designed resume, it's worth using alternative formats and tools.

In my next post, I'll explore some options for creating ATS-friendly resumes that still showcase your design skills. So, stay tuned.

In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. Have you had a similar experience with Figma and job searching?

Share my experience and let's get the conversation started!