Spring clean your CV: Resume tips with Jess
In the fast-paced world of fashion, your resume serves as your passport to the most sought-after opportunities. Crafting a resume that effectively captures your skills, experience, and passion can be a game-changer in securing your dream job. Our Senior Account Manager, Jess Low, gives her top tips on how to spruce up your resume and make it stand out in the crowd.
What makes a resume stand out from the crowd?
A standout fashion resume should reflect your unique style, personality and show genuine interest in the role you are applying for whether it be fashion, beauty, interiors, or lifestyle. Maintain a professional tone and consider incorporating design elements that align with your personal brand, such as a tasteful colour palette, or even a subtle touch of creativity in the formatting. Aim to present your CV in a pdf format, clearly labelled with your name.
How important is tailoring a resume for a specific fashion role?
Tailoring your resume for the role is a great way to ensure key skills and experiences are highlighted, easily spotted and relevant. It is important not to forget to include other industry experience. For example, if you worked in retail part-time while studying. This is paramount to showing your innate understanding of the industry from a shop floor perspective.
Should I include a portfolio or work samples with my resume?
Absolutely! Visual representation of your work is essential if you are applying for a creative position. Create an online portfolio or attach a PDF with a curated selection of your best projects, designs, or photoshoots. Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible and clearly labelled within your resume. This added touch allows instant witness your skills first-hand and showcases your dedication towards what you do.
How can I effectively showcase my fashion internships or freelance projects?
Internships and freelance work provide valuable insights into your practical experience. For each position, outline the tasks you were responsible for and highlight any noteworthy achievements. Did you contribute to a successful collection launch? Collaborate with renowned designers? Include quantifiable results whenever possible, such as increased social media engagement or successful sales figures.
Is there a preferred format for listing skills on a fashion resume?
Opt for a skills section that concisely presents your technical and soft skills. Include skills relevant in brief and any software and program proficiency (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Shopify). Remember to keep the list focused and narrow.
How to address employment gaps on my resume?
Address gaps honestly aiming to focus on any relevant activities or projects you pursued during that time. Did you attend workshops, take online courses, or work on personal design projects? Frame the gap in a positive light, showing that you remained engaged.
What are the common fashion resume mistakes I should avoid?
Try to avoid too much cliché language and jargon. Ensure consistency in formatting and font choices. Proofread meticulously to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors. Also, keep your resume concise; ideally, it shouldn’t exceed one page, especially for entry to mid-level positions.
