Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software that scan resumes for keywords and structure. They check for role fit and may filter out resumes that lack expected terms or that use odd formatting.

For an Art Conservator, ATS look for skills like conservation treatment, preventive conservation, condition reporting, varnish removal, solvent testing, micro-sampling, and documentation. They also flag technical tools such as XRF, FTIR, GC-MS, microscopy, and environmental control terms like humidity monitoring or archival housing.

• Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Publications.
• Include exact keywords from job listings, such as "preventive conservation," "treatment proposals," "condition reports," and "AIC" if applicable.
• Avoid tables, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and columns.

Keep formatting simple. Use a readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as a clean .docx or a plain PDF. Skip heavy design elements that confuse parsers.

Write clear, keyword-rich bullets that show what you did and how you did it. List specific materials you treated, the methods you used, and the instruments you used.

Common mistakes trip ATS. People replace exact keywords with creative synonyms. They hide dates or contact info in headers. They omit critical terms like "condition report" or omit lab techniques the posting lists.

Always mirror the job posting language where true. Proofread for spelling of technical terms. That small step helps both ATS and the human reader.

Pick a clean, professional template for an Art Conservator. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent conservation projects show first.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of field experience. Use two pages only if you have long museum or lab histories tied directly to conservation work.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers to guide the eye.

Keep margins wide and add white space between sections. That helps reviewers skim treatment methods, materials, and condition reports quickly.

Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Education, Technical Skills, Conservation Projects, and Publications. Label project entries with dates, materials, and your role so conservators and curators can find details fast.

Avoid fancy columns, heavy graphics, and embedded images of artwork. Those elements often break parsing and hide key details from hiring teams or ATS systems.

Watch common mistakes. Don’t use exotic fonts, tiny margins, or inconsistent bullet styles. Don’t list non-relevant jobs without linking skills to conservation like handling, documentation, or chemicals safety.

Proofread dates, measurements, and conservation jargon. Keep verbs active and results measurable, like reduced surface loss or stabilized paint layers after treatment.

Tailoring your cover letter matters for an Art Conservator role. A targeted letter shows your fit and interest beyond what your resume lists.

Start with a clear header. Include your contact details, the museum or gallery contact if you have it, and the date.

Opening paragraph

Say the exact job title you want. Show genuine enthusiasm for the museum or lab. Mention one strong qualification or where you found the posting.

Body paragraphs

• Connect past work to the role. Describe restoration projects, materials you know, or conservation techniques you use.
• Mention specific technical skills like solvent cleaning, pigment consolidation, or micro-sampling when relevant.
• Highlight soft skills such as careful documentation, clear communication, and teamwork with curators.
• Share measurable results. State percent improvements, number of objects treated, or time saved with a new workflow.

Use keywords from the job description. Repeat relevant terms like preventive conservation or collections care if the listing uses them.

Closing paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the Art Conservator role at that institution. Express confidence that you can help preserve collections. Ask for a meeting or interview to discuss your approach.

Tone should stay professional and warm. Write like you talk to a colleague. Keep sentences short and direct. Customize each letter to the employer and avoid generic templates.

Before you send, proofread for clarity. Check that each sentence names a skill, a result, or a clear reason you want the job.

If you're applying for an Art Conservator role, small resume errors can cost interviews.

Hiring teams look for careful documentation, technical skills, and ethical judgment. A tidy, clear resume shows you understand detail and care.

If you work in art conservation, your resume must show both hands-on skills and scientific judgement. These FAQs and tips help you highlight treatment experience, documentation, and museum best practices so hiring managers see your value quickly.