Model Resume: Professional Examples [Freshers & Experienced]

Since you were a child, you loved posing for the camera. Just for fun! But as time went by, you realized it’s not only your parents who praise your looks. Maybe you didn’t consider modelling a career at first. But at some point, you started wondering: why not? If Avanti Nagrath and Archana Akil Kumar succeeded, why couldn’t you?

So you hired a photographer for the portfolio. It turned out great! But to get modelling gigs, you also need a professional model resume. One that highlights your best features and shows you can be the next Nayanika Chatterjee.

This guide will show you: 

• A model resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a model resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a model resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a model to get any job you want.
  
  

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Read this sample model resume to see what we’re talking about:

Model Resume Example

See all the steps of writing a model resume to get ready for Los Angeles Fashion Week:

1. Format Your Model Resume Correctly

Ever wondered what makes Victoria’s Secret fashion shows stand out from the rest?

It’s the aesthetics. All elements of the show perfectly complement each other. The themes, the colours, the music—all work together to create a unique vision. It’s not even about selling the lingerie, it’s about selling the dream.

You also have a dream you need to sell. And that’s why your modelling application must be a complete creative vision.

Take these steps to ensure your model resume is aesthetically pleasing:

• Put a stunning headshot photo on your resume.
• Use professional resume fonts such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia.
• Keep the font size at 11–12 for the content, and 13–14 for headings.
• Set even 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
• Add white space by dividing the text into sections.
• Use 1.15 line spacing, so your model resume format is easy to read.
• Save your modelling resume in PDF format, unless specified otherwise in the job ad.
• Try to fit your resume on one page. Go for a two-page resume only if you have many years of experience and plenty of achievements to share. 

Easier than putting on makeup.

Of course, that’s not all—you must fill your model resume with appropriate sections. They should include:

• Your contact information: Full name, job title, date of birth, marital status, email address, phone number, LinkedIn profile, and professional social media pages such as Instagram profile or an online portfolio.
• Resume summary or objective for modelling resume: Here, you can present your best achievements and biggest goals. Think of it as a short model bio.
• Work experience: Use the reverse-chronological format to highlight your most recent accomplishments.
• Education: Start with the highest degree or most recent school.
• Skills: This is where you list your unique talents.
• Personal attributes: Make a list of your measurements, height, and significant features
• Additional sections: Choose a few to mention extra info that could make your application stand out—maybe you enjoy volunteering, got a language certificate, or run a fashion blog?

You look eager to start filling your model resume format with information!

2. Describe Your Experience in a Model Resume

No matter if you’ve done dozens of fashion shows, or you’re just starting—listing your experience is a must. Showing you already know how to pose during photo shoots can be a massive advantage for modelling agencies.

Of course, you need to do it right. Follow these steps to create a great work experience section of your model resume:

• Start with your most recent job.
• List your job title, the agency or company name, and start and finish dates (months and years).
• In 4–6 bullets, describe your achievements and key responsibilities.
• Use the Problem-Action-Result formula to make accomplishments shine.

Have a look at the model resume examples below:

Model Resume: Work Experience

Now, this model is camera ready. She knows her best poses and is great at showing them.

This one won’t appear on the cover of Vogue anytime soon. The way she presents her experience is too vague—it sounds as if she wasn’t even interested in her own work.

Now you understand how important it is to describe the modelling experience in detail, using quantitative achievements.

But what about writing a model resume for freshers? How can aspiring beauty queens boost their chances when they never even had a job before?

In a new model resume, mention volunteering projects or part-time jobs in other industries. You might also add any amateur modelling you’ve done—maybe you posed during photography workshops at school, or starred in a local ad for your family’s business. It’s all worth mentioning.

Model Resume for Freshers: Work Experience Section

This girl has no modelling experience, but she already knows her strengths.

This aspiring model doesn’t know yet how to show her best sides.

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3. Mention Education in a Model Resume

Good news—you don’t need a degree to be a fashion model!

However, education can still work for your benefit, so make sure to list it in your model resume. Don’t feel self-conscious about it. After all, many world-famous top models, such as Karlie Kloss and Gisele Bündchen, started in their teens, without even finishing high school.

If you already have tons of modelling experience, there’s no need to go into much detail with your education. Just list your highest credentials, be it a college degree or high school diploma. Check this example:

Example Resume: Model Education

Simple and effective.

Not great. Remember to always list the years of study and the name of the academic institution.

What about beginners who want to put their first steps in the fashion world? It might be beneficial to add more information to your education section. You can mention relevant coursework, your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and your favourite subjects. Basically, anything that’s relevant to your dream of becoming a fashion model.

Check this example of a model resume for beginners:

Model Resume for Freshers: Education

This person proves that even teens can have great accomplishments!

Pro Tip: While having a college degree is not a requirement in the world of fashion, it can still improve your prospects. Remember that many models’ careers are short-lived. If you decide to pursue a modelling career as a teenager, consider studying online in your free time. You can find fashion courses at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, which offers 10+ campuses all over India. Studying subjects such as marketing, PR, and management can also be a great choice for creating your personal brand.

4. Select Top Skills for a Model Resume Format

People might think that modelling is just about having a pretty face and a great body. But you know it’s not true. Modelling agencies and photographers also know that. Having the perfect runway walk, striking impressive poses, and changing facial expressions in the blink of an eye might come naturally to some models. Others have to learn it.

Show you studied models’ bios with a curated list of skills. This is how you do it:

Make a list of hard modelling skills that come to your mind, such as these:

Special Skills for Modelling Resume

• Runway walking
• Fashion modelling
• Swimsuit modelling
• Interpretive poses
• Acting
• Voice acting
• Photoshoots
• Brand ambassadorship

If you specialize in certain types of modelling, such as swimsuit, plus-size, or fitness, make sure to mention it. Think of important soft skills you own that make you a dependable, easy-going person.

Combine hard and soft skills to create a personalized skill list. Include 5–10 of your key skills.

Check this example of a model resume:

Model Resume Format: Skills Section

This candidate sounds like a great person to work with.

She might be a beauty queen, but it sounds like she doesn’t know much about work.

Pro Tip: When applying to modelling agencies or modelling gigs advertised on job boards, make sure to research the companies and photographers. If they want to meet and give you an address that looks shady on Google Maps, ask for money, or make you uncomfortable in any way—be careful. Unfortunately, there are plenty of scams in the modelling industry, and many of them are downright dangerous. If you set up a meeting, it’s best to go with an older friend or family member who can wait for you.

5. Describe Your Best Attributes in Your Model Resume

When people think of fashion models, they immediately focus on their appearance. It’s no wonder you also need to mention it in your model resume. Make a list of the key physical features.

Check this sample attribute list:

Model Resume Format: Physical Attributes

This basic information gives recruiters the overall idea of your body shape and appearance.

I’m sorry, honey, but in the fashion industry, there are no secrets when it comes to weight. Modelling agencies look for specific body shapes. They receive hundreds of applications, and they will not waste time on one that doesn’t provide the info they need.

Pro Tip: While slim physiques dominate the fashion industry, more fashion brands prefer to associate with average-sized and plus-sized models. As studies show that featuring plus-size models has positive effects on brand performance, many agencies started accepting applications from models of diverse body types.

6. Add Extra Sections to Your Model Resume

There might be thousands of aspiring models like you in India. That’s why you need to work hard on boosting your chances. Adding extra sections to your model resume can be a great way to get noticed.

Imagine a photoshoot for an equestrian fashion company. Would the art director prefer models who look great in bikinis or those who have experience with horseback riding?

That’s why it’s important to mention all possible advantages in your model resume.

Let’s see what else you could include:

• Awards: Participation in local and national beauty contests can help you to become more comfortable during casting calls and photoshoots. And being a winner really boosts your chances of making it big in the fashion world.
• Languages: If you hope for an international career, English is a must. French can also be a great advantage, as Paris is still seen as the capital of high fashion. You don’t need to be perfectly fluent, but understanding directions from photographers and being able to chat with others is important.
• Clients: If you’ve already worked with various brands, it’s great to mention them. This way, recruiters know you’re trustworthy and experienced.
• Additional activities: Creative photoshoots require various talents from models. If you dance well, play tennis or other sports, do yoga, act in a local theatre, write a blog about fashion history, or know a thing or two about photography, feel free to mention it.
• Volunteering: It not only shows you’ve got a big heart, but also proves you know how to use your time constructively.

Have a look at this sample model resume to see what kind of information you can add:

Example Resume—Model: Extra Sections

This resume stands out from others like Preeti Dhata from passengers on a local train.

Following models’ lives and reading about fashion is a great start, but it’s not enough to boost your career.

Feeling like you need more guidance on writing resumes? Learn here: How to Write a Resume for Any Type of Job

7. Show Your Bio in the Summary or Objective for a Model Resume

Now that other sections of your application are ready, it’s time to combine the best features in a neat summary or objective for a model resume format. Think of it as a modelling bio for resumes. This short text helps to introduce you to the scouting agent.

Here’s how to compile it:

• Select the most impressive pieces of info from your resume
• Add 2–3 achievements and skills that make you a great fit for a model
• Use the following formula to create your modelling bio: Adjective + Job Title + Years of Experience + Achievements + Skills + What You Want to Do for the Employer/Agency

Sounds pretty easy, right?

But wait—how do you know if you should write a summary or objective for a modelling resume?

• Go for a model resume summary if you already have modelling experience. Focus on your work accomplishments and show your professionalism.
• Write an objective for a model resume for freshers. As a newcomer, you don’t have work experience yet, so focus on how your skills, physical features, and understanding of the fashion world can make you a great fit for a modelling career.

Let’s see how to put this theory into practice:

Model Resume: Summary

This model is more than just a pretty face. She also has brains. And she knows how to use her assets to her advantage.

This model has experience, but doesn’t know how to describe it. Also, using first-person narrative is a NO in a resume summary.

Now, let’s move to beginners. Putting the first steps in any industry is tough, but in the fashion world, it’s easy to get eaten by the big sharks. That’s why it’s crucial to use the proper format of a model resume for freshers.

Model Resume for Freshers: Career Objective

While this newcomer doesn’t have modelling experience, she knows how to take initiative and how her skills can help in the modelling world. She surely can learn how to do modelling in no time.

This one sounds like a hundred other beginners. Maybe she knows how to look like a model, but there’s no proof.

Would you like to get more info about writing a fresher’s resume? Check here: Resume for Freshers: Writing Tips with Samples

8. Write a Matching Modelling Cover Letter

I’ve got great news! Your model resume is ready to start your modelling career. If your beauty shots and other photos are already compiled in an impressive portfolio for modelling, there’s just one last thing to do before you can apply to model agencies and jobs.

Write a modelling cover letter.

Yes—sending out just a model resume won’t get you into Elite Model Management. Here’s how to write a cover letter for your modelling application:

1. Format your cover letter to match your resume.
2. Greet the scouting agent/recruiter by name—don’t write To Whom it May Concern.
3. Start your modelling cover letter with an attention-grabbing sentence.
4. Explain in the second paragraph how well you understand the requirements of fashion modelling.
5. Present your skills and experience.
6. Finish your cover letter with a promise and a Call To Action.

That doesn’t sound too bad, right? Once you pair your model resume with a cover letter, you’re ready to start your career in the fashion industry.

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:

Create my resume and cover letter

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here are the things to remember when writing your model resume:

• Use the best model resume format and put your experience in reverse-chronological order.
• Describe your modelling experience or other types of relevant work experience.
• Make your achievements pop.
• Highlight special skills for modelling and add a few soft skills.
• Add an education section with relevant accomplishments.
• Choose a few extra resume sections to show your understanding of the fashion world.
• Write a matching modelling cover letter.

Ready to be the next Model of the Year?

This is it! I’d love to hear from you:

• What’s the most difficult part of starting out in the fashion world?
• What modelling accomplishments make you proud?
• Is describing modelling work experience easy for you?

Let me know in the comments below!

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