Model Resume: Sample & Guide [+Modeling Bio Template]

In a few minutes, you’ll know how to make a model resume that drops jaws. Modeling is in your DNA. You’re HWP and your face makes everyone stop breathing. Or maybe you’re the mommy of the cutest kid since Anna Pavaga.

So—do you even need a modeling resume?

Well, yes. There are only 4,800 professional fashion models who earn a living. Meanwhile, 200x that many want the job. A resume for modeling has to get attention like Adriana Lima in a Starbucks.

Lucky you, we’ve got tips from pros and experts that’ll put you in the Vogue zone.

This guide will show you:

• A fashion model resume example better than 9 out of 10 others.
• How to write a modeling resume to get more agency interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put achievements on a resume for models.
• How to make a model bio for beginners to get any agency you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.

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Here's how to write a model resume:

1. Format Your Model Resume Well

Meet Elle. She’s a model scout at a New York agency. She’s got 300+ modeling resumes to cheat through before brunch. What’s she most interested in?

Aesthetics.

Your model resume format must be 34/24/36. You need the right resume fonts, lots of white space, and toned headings.

The reverse-chronological resume format is best. Why? Because it puts your most recent wins up front. Save your resume for modeling as a PDF. Resumes in MS Word Doc format can go butterface in transit.

Check with the agency first in case model resume format PDFs are a no-no.

A fashion model's real resume is his or her portfolio. It's presented to potential clients either online or in person at a casting. It shows how the model photographs since most people look different in a photo than they do in person.

Naima Mora

Fashion Model 

 

Need to make a portfolio website yesterday? See our guide: How to Make a Personal Website That Helps You Find a Job

2. Add a Model Bio

Remember our model scout, Elle? She’s got a stack of 300+ new model resumes and portfolios in her office. How much time do you think she’ll spend on yours? Unfortunately, not much. You’ve got to grab her attention fast.

Do it with a model biography. Pack it with your best achievements. See the models biography examples below.

Model Bio Example

That’s not Ugly Models bad, but it won’t get smothered in interviews either.

Try something more like this model resume sample:

Move over Gigi Hadid. There’s a new girl on the runway. The achievements make it sing.

Don’t have experience like that? See the aspiring model bio examples below.

Aspiring Model Bio Example

Well, you’re certainly ready. But so are a million other would-be-Heidi-Klums. Add measurable accomplishments like this aspiring model resume example:

That’s got Glamour. Remember the all-important portfolio?

Clients want to be inspired by seeing the work the model has done before. That hints at the potential—what you can create together. The trick to a good portfolio is how it's actually laid out and the flow of the images!”

Naima Mora

Fashion Model 

 

But what if you’re a total newbie? How can you prop up a modeling resume for beginners? Especially with no experience at all? See our guide: "Resume for First Job"

I’ll show that next.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Need more help to write a model bio worthy of IMG? See our guides: How To Write A Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See and +20 Resume Objective Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)

3. Have a Modeling Portfolio and Put it on Your Resume

As a model trying to get work, your modeling portfolio is everything. It’s even more important than a model resume. Of course, you’ll want to put that all-important portfolio on your resume for modeling.

If it’s an online portfolio, do that with a link.

Add your basic contact info first:

• Full Name
• Updated Phone Number
• Professional Email Address

Like so:

Ulima Massi, Fashion Model, ulima@ulimamassi.com, 646-233-9535

Then add a link to your model portfolio website. In it, showcase all the great work you’ve done so far. Even if that’s only a shoot you paid for, it still counts.

In my opinion a portfolio website is very important for a model! Many times, a model will have different agencies, events, or representatives in several countries. A website can offer a specific place where anyone interested in the work can be redirected to a model’s agencies in a certain country.

Naima Mora

Fashion Model 

 

Want to make the best resume for modeling you can? See our guide: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)

4. Describe Your Model Experience

Okay, so you’re Miranda-Kerr-beautiful. But are you experienced? Do you know how to prep for a shoot? How to pose? How’s your all-important catwalk turn? In short, will you be harder to work with than you’re worth?

Our model scout, Elle, wants to know.

So, show her with your experience section. Put your most recent placement first. Add 3–5 bullet points that show achievements. The next two professional resume examples show how.

Model Experience for a Resume

Wow, right? That is on fleek. But photoshop out those accomplishments, and:

That applicant might get into the Zanesville, Ohio Fashion Week. But what if you’re an aspiring model with no achievements yet?

How to Write a Resume for Model with No Experience

Still wondering how to become a model with no experience? Writing a model resume from step 1? Pro model Janessa Wright says it’s all about the networking.

“If you start from scratch, you’ll end up shooting with people we call “GWC’s,” or “Guys with Cameras,” which is bad for your portfolio start.”

So instead:

• Sign up for ModelMayhem.com and post a casting call.
• Check photographer references.
• Be very careful who you shoot with. The modeling world is full of people who will take advantage of you sexually.
• Carry a taser to shoots or bring an escort like your BF or your mom.
• Beware of scammy “agencies.” If they ask for a lot of money up front, they’re not for real.
• If you’ve got a great look and you’re HWP, skip the small stuff and go straight to a big city agency like Elite or Ford.
• Big agencies have open casting days. Drop by in person or apply on their websites with photos.

You may also need to pay $200–$300 to jump-start your portfolio and comp card with a pro shoot. In the meantime, work smaller fashion shows, ads, and events to build modeling resume achievements.

Need more advice on how to get experience for a modeling resume?

Take as many photos as possible! Study magazine ads and editorials all the time! And have Fun!!!

Naima Mora

Fashion Model

 

Make your model resume stand out like Kendall Jenner. Accessorize it with action words. See our guide: 240 Resume Action & Power Words to Use (and Buzzwords to Avoid)

5. Fix Your Education Section

Wait, what? Education? No, you don’t need an education to be a model. So, why add it to a resume for modeling? Because it can show you’re great to work with.

Start with:

• School Name and Location.
• Years in School.
• Degree.

Then add achievements that show skills clients want.

The first of these model resume examples sells it:

Model Education on a Resume Examples 

That’s no plain Jane aspiring model. She sounds like she’d make everyone’s life easy. By contrast, why even add an education section like this:

Ugh. No cheekbones, right? That example needs details.

Often when a model goes to a casting, he or she is asked for social media numbers. Clients are also interested in how much 'social influence' the model can bring to a brand. Agents represent 'social influencers' in their own separate category. However, what's really important is the actual work and how the model presents herself in person. Always being professional, respectful, and gracious are keys to success and booking work! 

Naima Mora

Fashion Model

 

Make your education section sizzle like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]

6. Put Skills on a Resume for a Model

Skills? What? Yes, skills are important on a modeling resume. Think about a big client. Does she want someone who’s difficult? Or someone who makes her life a breeze? Resumes for models need to stand out from the mob. They can do that by proving your ability to do the work.

You’ll want a mix of soft skills and hard skills. (Call them “attributes.”) Here are two professional modeling resume examples as a demo.

Model Resume Special Skills Section Example

What’s wrong with a list of modeling skills? Nothing, but it’s incomplete. It needs proof.

Do that, and you’ll get attention like Alessandra Ambrosio. Use the modeling skills for resumes below. They're great resume keywords too.

Skills for a Modeling Resume

Follow the steps above, and your fashion modeling resume will look like it came from ModelScouts.com.

Pro Tip: If you’re switching to a new job, talk about your transferable achievements. Show how you developed valuable skills through modeling work and customize your resume for the job you’re targeting.

Give your modeling skills resume section a makeover. See our guide: +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)

7. Add These Things and Give Your Resume a ¾ Stance

Let’s check in on Elle, our model scout. She wants to see your beauty. But she wants to know you’re great to work with. Show her your life is in proportion with some “other” resume sections.

Watch how those work in two model resume samples.

Model Resume Other Sections 

There’s nothing wrong with partying or long walks on the beach. But do they make you a better model? But look at this modeling resume example:

Even if you don’t look like Bar Refaeli, that resume will get attention. The client list is an eye-popper. The other activities and languages all add depth and extra value.

Pro Tip: A model resume can help, but moving to a big city helps more. If you fill the bill, head to New York or L.A. for the summer. Go to open castings at big agencies. Or send your pics to agencies in Tokyo or Madrid.

Having trouble finding extras to add color to your resume? See our guide: +20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)

8. Write a Cover Letter for Modeling Agencies

Do you really need to write a cover letter for a fashion model resume? Aside from your portfolio and comp card, a model cover letter can help.

Don’t send a generic one. Make yours personal and passionate. Take the time to learn the model scout’s name on LinkedIn or on the internet. Show you know what the agency is looking for, and how you can help. Do that with achievements, like in this example cover letter for a modeling agency:

Close your cover letter with an offer. "I'd love to tell you how I landed L.L. Bean and Etonic" works great.

Pro Tip: Have stretch marks? Your momma battle scars won’t disqualify you. That’s what Photoshop is for. Just don’t show them in your portfolio or mention them in your model resume.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Want to make your fashion model cover letter stand out like a Louis Vuitton original? See our guide: How to Write a Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps

Key Takeaway

Here’s a recap of how to make a modeling resume that works it:

• Have a portfolio and put it on your photo model resume. A portfolio is how agencies decide if they want to use you. Without one, your resume is naked and afraid.
• Put your best achievements in your model bio. Your fashion model biography is like a short commercial for your career.
• Your experience and education matter. List bullet points on a resume for models with eye-opening accomplishments.
• Write a cover letter for your modeling resume. A personalized cover letter can whet the model scout’s appetite for more.

Do you have questions on how to write a great resume for a fashion model or a child model bio sample? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! Let's put you in the limelight.