RESUME MISTAKES
Craft a Winning Leatherworker Resume
Identify and fix the most common resume pitfalls that stop you from getting hired in the leather industry.
How This Page Helps
Help leatherworkers recognize and correct resume mistakes that hinder job prospects, ensuring their skills and experience shine through both human reviewers and ATS.
Spot hidden formatting errors
Learn ATS‑friendly keyword strategies
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Apply quick fixes with our mini‑workshop
Boost interview callbacks
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Generic Objective StatementMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn't convey specific leatherworking expertise
- Fails to include keywords recruiters search for
- Looks like a copy‑paste template
How to fix
- Replace with a concise summary highlighting years of leathercraft, specialties (e.g., saddlery, leather tooling), and key achievements
- Insert 2–3 industry‑specific keywords
- Keep it under 3 sentences
❌ Before
Objective: Seeking a position where I can utilize my skills and grow professionally.
✓ After
Summary: 7 years of leathercraft experience specializing in custom saddles and hand‑tooled accessories. Proven track record of increasing workshop productivity by 20 % and delivering award‑winning designs. Skilled in pattern making, tooling, and leather finishing.
ATS Tip
Start the summary with core skill keywords like “leathercraft”, “custom saddles”, “tooling”.
Detection Rules
Contains the word 'objective' or 'seeking'
Length > 2 sentences
Lacks industry keywords
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags generic objectives and suggests a tailored summary.
Listing Unrelated Job DutiesLOW
Why it hurts
- Dilutes focus on leatherworking expertise
- Reduces keyword density
- Confuses hiring managers
How to fix
- Only include duties directly related to leathercraft
- Group unrelated experience under a brief 'Other Experience' section
- Quantify relevant achievements
❌ Before
Retail Associate – Handled cash register, stocked shelves, assisted customers.
✓ After
Leathercraft Assistant – Measured and cut leather hides, assisted in hand‑stitching saddles, maintained tooling equipment.
ATS Tip
Use leather‑specific verbs such as “cut”, “stitch”, “tool”.
Detection Rules
Job titles unrelated to leatherworking appear in core experience
Bullet points contain retail or admin verbs
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights non‑relevant duties and offers a rewrite suggestion.
Missing Measurable ResultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hard to gauge impact
- ATS may overlook achievements without numbers
- Less compelling to recruiters
How to fix
- Add numbers: % increase, units produced, revenue generated
- Use action‑verb + metric format
- Keep metrics relevant to leather industry
❌ Before
Created custom leather wallets for clients.
✓ After
Designed and produced 150 custom leather wallets per month, generating $12,000 in sales and receiving 4 five‑star client reviews.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like “sales”, “production volume”, “client satisfaction”.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack digits or percentages
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests adding quantifiable data to each achievement.
Improper File NamingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may reject file if name contains spaces or special characters
- Hiring manager may overlook resume
How to fix
- Rename file to FirstName_LastName_Leatherworker.pdf
- Use PDF format for consistent layout
- Avoid symbols like #, &, %
❌ Before
Resume_June2024.pdf
✓ After
Alex_Martinez_Leatherworker.pdf
ATS Tip
Keep file name under 30 characters and include the role keyword.
Detection Rules
File name contains spaces or non‑alphanumeric characters
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks file name and offers a proper naming suggestion.
Using Uncommon Fonts and GraphicsHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot read decorative fonts or images
- Layout may break on different devices
- Recruiters may view as unprofessional
How to fix
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 10‑12 pt
- Remove decorative borders and background images
- Use simple bullet points
❌ Before
Resume uses ‘Bodoni’ font and a leather‑texture background.
✓ After
Resume uses Calibri 11 pt, black text on white background, simple bullet points.
ATS Tip
Plain text ensures ATS parses all sections.
Detection Rules
Mention of decorative fonts or background images
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags non‑standard fonts and suggests a clean template.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Portfolio (optional)
Naming: FirstName LastName – Leatherworker
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, up to two pages for senior leatherworkers
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional summary
- Include leather‑specific core skills
- Quantify achievements
- Tailor each bullet to leatherworking duties
- Use standard fonts and simple layout
- Save as PDF with proper file name
- Incorporate at least 5 relevant keywords
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Bullhorn, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: leathercraft, tooling, pattern making, saddle making, hand‑stitched, leather finishing, custom leather goods
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Summary', 'Work Experience', 'Skills', 'Education'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet point you want to improve
- Add a measurable result
- Insert a leather‑specific keyword
- Convert to active voice
- Trim to 2‑3 lines
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