RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Sewing Your Resume Into a Knot
Identify and fix the most common seamstress resume mistakes to get hired faster.
How This Page Helps
Help seamstresses create error‑free, ATS‑friendly resumes that showcase their stitching expertise and attract hiring managers.
Spot hidden formatting errors
Learn industry‑specific keyword usage
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Get actionable ATS tips
Download a printable fix checklist
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see your specific sewing expertise
- ATS may not match industry keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise roles like 'Tailoring Specialist' or 'Custom Garment Seamstress'
- Add a brief descriptor of the fabrics or techniques used
❌ Before
Sewing Assistant, XYZ Company
✓ After
Custom Garment Seamstress – Tailoring Specialist, XYZ Company
ATS Tip
Include keywords such as 'pattern making', 'alterations', 'fabric selection'
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like assistant, worker, staff
no industry-specific keywords
Resumly Tip
Hover over the title to see suggested role alternatives.
Listing duties instead of achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS looks for quantifiable results
How to fix
- Turn tasks into results, e.g., 'Reduced garment rework by 15% through precise stitching'
- Use numbers, percentages, or time frames
❌ Before
Responsible for sewing dresses and repairing seams.
✓ After
Sewed 120 custom dresses per month with a 98% first‑pass quality, reducing rework time by 15%.
ATS Tip
Start bullet points with action verbs and include measurable outcomes.
Detection Rules
bullet points start with 'responsible for', 'duties include'
lack of numbers or percentages
Resumly Tip
Our AI highlights bullet points that lack quantifiable results.
Incorrect date format causing parsing errorsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to read employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t gauge tenure
How to fix
- Use month and year (MM/YYYY) consistently
- Avoid words like 'summer' or 'early 2020'
❌ Before
June 2021 – Present
✓ After
06/2021 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize dates to MM/YYYY for all entries.
Detection Rules
date strings contain words or inconsistent separators
Resumly Tip
Date fields are auto‑validated; mismatched formats are flagged.
Omitting fabric and technique keywordsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS won’t match niche skills
- Resume looks generic
How to fix
- Add a 'Technical Skills' section with terms like 'silk stitching', 'embroidering', 'pattern drafting'
- Weave these keywords into experience bullets
❌ Before
Skilled in sewing.
✓ After
Skilled in silk stitching, embroidery, pattern drafting, and operating industrial overlock machines.
ATS Tip
Match keywords from the job posting such as 'pattern making', 'fabric cutting', 'alterations'.
Detection Rules
skill section missing or contains only generic terms
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests industry‑specific skill keywords based on your target job.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Seamstress_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2 pages for experienced seamstresses)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or City, Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional font (e.g., Arial 10‑12pt)
- Include a concise summary highlighting 3‑4 core sewing strengths
- List achievements with numbers
- Incorporate at least 8 industry keywords
- Keep dates in MM/YYYY format
- Save as PDF with proper file name
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: pattern making, fabric cutting, alterations, embroidery, overlock stitching, garment construction
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Key Skills' to ensure ATS parses sections correctly.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current seamstress resume text below
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Replace generic titles with specific ones
- Add quantifiable results to bullet points
- Insert fabric and technique keywords
- Reformat sections to recommended order
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