
Accomplishments for a Resume: Key Achievements & Awards
On your resume, listing your skills, duties, and responsibilities won’t do. To land that dream gig, you need to highlight your achievements. Here’s how.
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:
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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
You might find these guides interesting, too:
Here's how to write a model resume:
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.
Need to make a portfolio website yesterday? See our guide: How to Make a Personal Website That Helps You Find a Job
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.
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Beautiful fashion model. 34/25/36, 5'9", 120 lbs. Have worked at two modeling agencies and did freelance modeling work before that. Plenty of runway and advertisement experience. |
That’s not Ugly Models bad, but it won’t get smothered in interviews either.
Try something more like this model resume sample:
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Unique fashion model seeking to add prestige value for IMG's clients. 34/25/36, 5'9", 120 lbs. At Old Port Modeling Agency, modeled for 20+ clients in advertisements and on runways, including L.L. Bean and Vita Coco. At Ten City Talent, appeared in 25 commercials for strong local brands. |
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.
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Very passionate fashion model, skilled in runway turns and photoshoot prep. Unique look and HWP. I’m a fast learner and I take direction very well. |
Well, you’re certainly ready. But so are a million other would-be-Heidi-Klums. Add measurable accomplishments like this aspiring model resume example:
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New fashion model with experience walking runways at local venues for charity. Modeled at Fashion Night in Portland, Maine. Regular art student model at NYU. Modeled for the new CarlyWraps clothing line advertisements in print and media. Commended by the agency for professionalism and ability to take direction. |
That’s got Glamour. Remember the all-important portfolio?
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.
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)
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:
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.
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)
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.
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Old Port Modeling Agency Fashion Model 2016–2018
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Wow, right? That is on fleek. But photoshop out those accomplishments, and:
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Old Port Modeling Agency Fashion Model 2016–2018
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That applicant might get into the Zanesville, Ohio Fashion Week. But what if you’re an aspiring model with no achievements yet?
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:
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?
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)
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:
Then add achievements that show skills clients want.
The first of these model resume examples sells it:
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Alton Crest High School, Iowa 2011–2015
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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:
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Alton Crest High School, Iowa 2011–2015
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Ugh. No cheekbones, right? That example needs details.
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]
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.
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Model Skills: Runway, advertisement photo shoots, interpersonal skills. |
What’s wrong with a list of modeling skills? Nothing, but it’s incomplete. It needs proof.
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Do that, and you’ll get attention like Alessandra Ambrosio. Use the modeling skills for resumes below. They're great resume keywords too.
Soft Skills | Attributes |
Communication | 34/25/36 (or similar) |
Collaboration | 5'8” to 5’11” |
Interpersonal Skills | 115 lbs to 125 lbs |
Physically Fit | Eye Color |
Listening | Clear Skin |
Coordination | Unique Look |
Taking Direction | Nice Hair |
Friendly | Runway Turn |
Fast Learner | Modern Dance |
Easygoing | Photoshoot Production |
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)
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.
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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:
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Clients
Additional Activities
Languages
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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)
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:
I’ve dreamed of being an IMG model for years. I’m confident I’m IMG material for the same reasons I was chosen as one of my agency’s top models. First, I’ve got a unique look that invariably gets compliments. Second, I’m consistently reliable. Third, I’m committed to the work. That’s why the agency commended me for always being on time to bookings and castings. It’s also why...
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:
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
Here’s a recap of how to make a modeling resume that works it:
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.
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