Model Resume Template, Example, and Writing Tips

Model resume template

How to write a model resume

Here’s some advice to help you get started with your model resume.

Then when you’re done, pair it with a matching model cover letter.

1. Format your modeling resume carefully

A modeling resume should look the part. The resume format you use should present all your information clearly so employers can scan it quickly.

Paying attention to the design of your resume is important as well, because in an industry like modeling, aesthetics matter.

Here are the basic rules:

• Choose a simple resume layout with 1-inch margins and plenty of white space so that hiring managers can scan your resume easily
• Left-align your text
• Use a standard font and keep the size between 10.5 and 12 to ensure readability
• Keep everything down to one page, and have clear headers that separate each section of your resume
• Use a reverse-chronological format to present your experience logically from most recent to least recent
• Save your finished resume as a PDF to ensure that it appears the same on any device

2. Include your bio and online portfolio

When you make a resume for a modeling job, it’s important to include your headshot, links to your portfolio, and your bio. All of these elements are essential because they help employers see if you’re what they’re looking for.

Here’s how to prepare each one:

Provide a headshot

Along with all of the components of a standard resume, a modeling resume needs to include your headshot. Choose a high-quality, front-facing photo and place it near the top of your resume.

Prepare a portfolio

An online portfolio is a visual representation of your previous experiences as a model. Place your online portfolio link along with your contact information at the top of your resume so recruiters and employers can access it easily.

Create a customized bio

Add details about your physical appearance, including eye and hair color, weight, and height in your bio. If you want to share your pronouns on your resume, include them here.

3. Add a detailed skills section

To write a successful modeling resume, you should include as many hard skills as you can in your resume’s skills section. Hard skills for modeling include physical fitness, endurance, and knowing how to pose.

And since you’ll work with different clients who have specific expectations, soft skills are just as important. Soft skills are non-technical skills that allow you to interact with others and solve work-related problems.

Here are some soft skills for a modeling resume:

• Self-discipline
• Positivity
• Confidence
• Following directions
• Time management skills
• Dependability
• Professionalism
• Interpersonal skills
• People skills
• Flexibility and being open to change
• Staying calm under pressure
• Communication skills
• Teamwork

Optimize your skills section by:

• Providing a mix of hard and soft skills
• Putting your hard skills at the top of your list for more visibility
• Adding your physical attributes (for example, hair color, eye color, weight) in a separate section
• Tailoring your skills to the modeling job descriptions
• Including your skills in your experience section, resume introduction, and skills section

4. Use action verbs to showcase your modeling accomplishments

An effective resume includes a relevant work section that impresses hiring managers. Even if your work experience isn’t directly related to modeling, you can still impress employers by presenting your accomplishments with strong work experience bullet points.

Start each bullet point with an action verb to describe the duties you performed. As opposed to adjectives like “responsible for” or “involved in”, action verbs emphasize the active role you played in your previous work.

Also, add specific numerical details of your achievements so hiring managers can get a clear picture of the work you’ve done.

Here’s an example of strong bullet points on a work experience section compared to weakly-worded ones:

Resume examples for different industries

Not sure what your resume should look like? The best way to learn is by taking inspiration from resume examples written by other candidates in your industry.

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Average model salaries in the US

After you’ve written your resume, make sure you use it to apply for jobs within a fair salary range.

The following table includes information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report for 2025. Here are the ten states with the highest salaries for models, as well as the national average for your reference when applying for work.