To get hired as a professional model, you’ll need to show recruiters more than just an album full of glamorous photographs. Follow the templates and tips below to create a crisp, professional resume that shows off your grasp of brand promotion, your ability to work well with colleagues, and your knowledge of modern consumer trends!
When you’re designing a resume for your professional modeling career, the most important thing to include is just what type of model you are. Recruiters who read your resume should quickly learn what physical features you model—feet, hands, hair, or eyes, and so on—and what specific consumer goods you have experience promoting (jewelry, watches, shoes, makeup, etc).
The sample resume below has been tweaked in several ways to fit the needs of professional models looking for a new gig or agency. The first page, for instance, is a “mini-portfolio” where models can show and describe their physical features. Below the contact info section, there’s a space where you can list your height, weight, hair/eye color, and pronouns. The rest of this page is blank space where you can upload headshots and full-body shots of yourself in different poses, outfits, or locations.
The second page of the sample resume has a more traditional layout designed to let you fit lots of helpful information into a finite space. The side-bar of this resume space has a profile section where you can describe your personal strengths, an areas of expertise section where you can list key skills, an education section for academic degrees, and even a languages section for listing the secondary languages you know and your level of fluency. The rest of this page is taken up by the professional experiences section, where you can describe your more recent modeling careers, gigs, and fashion-related jobs.
Ultimately, a professional modeling resume based on this template will let you show off your understanding of the industry you’re seeking work in, i.e. the specific products you’ll be modeling, the demographics you’ll be advertising to, and the brand reputation your employers-to-be want to craft. The over format of the template also makes it easy to highlight your strong communication skills, adaptability, and passion for collaborating with the staff of photo shoots.
Descriptions of physical features aside, most modeling agencies and marketing teams like to see professional model resumes that show the job candidate is in good shape: that they eat healthy, exercise regularly, and feel comfortable in their own bodies. Most model resumes also highlight their job seeker’s background in acting, dancing, sports, i.e. any hobby or discipline that emphasizes their stamina and grace.
Recruiters for modeling gigs have a particular love for resumes with these skills:
Photography
Photo/Video Editing
Runway & Commercial Modelling
Editorial & Photoshoots
Product & Brand Promotion
Effective Communication
Public Speaking
Customer Service
Teamwork & Collaboration
Time & Priority Management
Summary example
Accomplished model with diverse experience spanning runway, print, and commercial engagements. Exceptional versatility and adaptability with a talent for effortlessly transitioning between styles and looks. Leverage excellent communication skills to build productive relationships with industry professionals and event coordinators. Thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure settings.
Employment history example
Model at Leading Fashion Agency, New York City 2019 — Present
Participate in a broad range of modelling engagements, including fashion shows, photoshoots, and special events.
Work closely with stylists, makeup artists, and management, swiftly adapting to address emerging needs and shifting priorities.
Appeared in over 50 print advertisements in major publications, including Time and PeopleMagazine.
Selected for overseas engagements, traveling to Argentina and Brazil for more than 20 on-location photoshoots featuring outdoor products.
Wore major labels, including Gucci, Fendi, and Burberry, at runway shows in London and Paris.
Model at Northeast Model Management, Providence, RI 2017 - 2019
Modelled for 100+ brands with a specialization in athletic fashions, including Nike, Under Armour, and Reebok. Served as brand ambassador at special events, including grand openings and sporting events.
Featured in more than 200 online advertisements, posts, and videos.
Posed alongside Olympic athletes for a major story in Sports Illustrated.
Acted as a mentor and coach to new models.
Server at Taphouse Brewery, Providence, RI 2015 — 2017
Provided outstanding customer service at this popular bar and restaurant. Collaborated with bartenders and kitchen teams to promote a highly efficient, client-focused casual dining environment.
Consistently recognized by senior leadership for outstanding performance with regular bonuses and awards.
Contributed to business success by cultivating a loyal client base.
Education example
B.A., Communications at University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI
Skills example
Runway & Commercial Modelling
Editorial & Photoshoots
Product & Brand Promotion
Effective Communication
Public Speaking
Customer Service
Teamwork & Collaboration
Time & Priority Management