ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. Employers use these systems to scan resumes for keywords, skills, and structure. If your resume lacks the right words or uses odd formatting, the ATS might skip you before a person reads your file.

You design sweaters, so ATS will look for craft terms like "pattern development," "gauge," "yarn selection," "tech pack," "intarsia," "Fair Isle," "machine knitting," "hand knitting," "grading," "fit testing," and tools like "KnitCAD" or "Adobe Illustrator." Include certifications like "Textile Design Certificate" or "Fashion Production" if you have them.

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills".
• Place keywords naturally in bullets and sentences.
• List software and techniques separately under Skills.
• Prefer PDF or .docx files unless the job asks otherwise.

Avoid heavy formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, headers, footers, images, or text boxes. ATS often scrambles those sections.

Use a plain font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Use simple bullet points and left alignment.

Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. Don’t write "yarn know-how" instead of "yarn selection." Also avoid putting key info in headers or images. The ATS may ignore that area. Finally, don’t omit tool names and certifications. Missing terms like "gauge" or "tech pack" can cost you a match.

Pick a clean template with a clear hierarchy. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your latest design roles and collections appear first.

Keep your resume to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. Use two pages only when you have many relevant collections, collaborations, or wholesale clients to show.

Choose simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt.

Use consistent margins and line spacing. Leave white space around sections so a recruiter can scan your skills and experience fast.

Label sections with standard headings like Contact, Profile, Experience, Collections, Skills, Education, and Exhibitions. Use bullet lists to show achievements and responsibilities.

Highlight measurable outcomes such as units produced, sell-through rates, or wholesale accounts landed. Mention techniques, yarn types, and software like CAD for knit design where relevant.

Avoid heavy graphics, multi-column layouts, and unusual fonts. Those elements can confuse ATS or look cluttered on small screens.

Don’t list every minor project. Pick the ones that show range and impact. Tailor your top three items for the job you want.

Proofread carefully. Keep verb tense consistent. Use active verbs like led, designed, developed, and scaled.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Sweater Designer role. It shows your design thinking and fit beyond what your resume shows.

Start with a clear header. Include your contact details, the company's contact if you have it, and the date.

Opening paragraph: State the Sweater Designer job you want. Show real enthusiasm for the brand. Mention your top relevant skill or where you saw the opening.

Body paragraphs: Connect your work to the role. Highlight key projects, technical skills like pattern making, knit construction, and Adobe Illustrator. Note soft skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and time management. Use numbers when you can, like production runs, cost savings, or sales lift.

• Give one project example with a clear result.
• Mention tools and techniques you use.
• Show how you work with teams and suppliers.

Closing paragraph: Repeat your interest in the Sweater Designer role and the company. State confidence in your impact. Ask for an interview or a call. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: Keep your tone professional, confident, and warm. Write like you talk to a helpful colleague. Use keywords from the job ad. Avoid generic templates and show one thing only you bring.

Designing sweaters blends creativity with craft. Your resume must show both your design eye and your technical know-how.

Small slip-ups can hide your real skills from hiring managers. Fixing a few common mistakes will help you get interviews.

You're preparing a resume for a Sweater Designer role. This brief FAQ and tips set will help you highlight knit skills, design process, and finished garments. Use these points to shape a clear, focused presentation of your work and experience.