Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software that scan resumes for keywords and structure. They sort and rank applicants before a human reads your application. If your resume lacks the right words or uses odd formatting, an ATS can drop it.

For a Custom Furrier, ATS looks for trade skills, materials, and tools. Think terms like "pelts," "pattern making," "skin lining," "fur grading," "hand-sewing," "industrial fur sewing machine," "mercury-free tanning," "alterations," "mending," and "furrier apprenticeship." Also add relevant certifications like "Apprenticeship Certificate" or "OSHA safety training."

Follow these best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills."
• Weave keywords naturally into bullet points and job titles.
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes.
• Use simple fonts like Arial or Calibri and save as .docx or readable PDF.

Keep formatting flat so the ATS reads each line. Use bullets for duties and tools. Spell out acronyms once, then use the short form.

Watch these common mistakes. Don’t replace keywords with creative synonyms like "fur artist" instead of "furrier." Don’t put key details in headers or footers. Don’t omit core tools such as "industrial fur sewing machine" or "pelt stretcher."

Once you apply, tailor your resume to each job posting. Mirror phrasing from the listing where it fits. That boosts your match score without sounding forced.

Choose a clean, professional template that shows your hands-on work and product photos clearly. Pick a reverse-chronological layout if you have solid shop experience, or a skills-first layout if you switch from another craft.

Keep length tight. One page works for entry and mid-career tailors; use two pages only if you have decades of relevant atelier work, bespoke clients, or exhibitions.

Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body type at 10–12pt and headers at 14–16pt so hiring managers read your file easily.

Give sections breathing room. Use consistent margins, 1.0–1.15 line spacing, and clear bullets for tasks like pattern drafting, pelts sourcing, and fittings. Avoid heavy graphics and complex columns that break applicants trackers.

Stick to standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Portfolio/Commissions, Education, and Certifications. Put measurable outcomes first, for example units made per month or repeat client rate.

Common mistakes to avoid: inserting many small photos in odd places, using nonstandard fonts that ATS skip, and cramming long paragraphs instead of bullets. Also avoid long lists of tools without outcomes.

Make your resume scannable. Let each job have a short role line, three to six bullets, and one notable outcome.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Custom Furrier role. It shows your craft, explains your process, and proves you care about this employer.

Start with a clear header that lists your contact details, the company's name, and the date. This helps the reader contact you quickly.

Opening paragraph: State the exact role you want, say why you admire the company, and name a top qualification or where you found the listing. Keep this short and direct.

Key sections:

• Header: Your contact info, employer info, date.
• Opening: Role, enthusiasm, top credential.
• Body: Match skills to the job, cite projects, use numbers.
• Closing: Restate interest, request an interview, thank them.

Body paragraphs: Link your experience to the job's needs. Mention hands-on skills like pattern making, pelting, hand-stitching, and fittings. Note soft skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and client communication.

Give one clear example of a project and a measurable result. Use numbers when you can, like pieces produced, lead time cut, or defect reduction. Mirror keywords from the job listing so your letter fits the role.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the specific role and company. Say you look forward to discussing how you can contribute. Ask for an interview and thank the reader.

Keep your tone professional, confident, and friendly. Write like you speak. Tailor each letter to the company and role. Avoid generic templates and repeat details from your resume only when they add context.

When you apply for Custom Furrier roles you need a resume that proves your craft, trustworthiness, and attention to detail. Recruiters look for clear evidence of pattern cutting, pelts selection, and client fittings. Small mistakes can cost you interviews, so you should tidy language, show measurable outcomes, and include licensing or care knowledge.

Below are common pitfalls specific to custom fur work and simple fixes you can apply right away.

If you make, repair, or alter fur garments, this set of FAQs and tips will help you craft a clear resume. It focuses on the skills, projects, and proof employers want to see for a Custom Furrier role.