Resume Basics

Your resume is the most important tool when applying to fashion internship opportunities. The process of drafting an impressive resume may seem overwhelming, so here are some insider tips and tricks.

1. The format

Let’s break it down. Your resume should include six parts: a header, your objective, work experience, skills, education and notable coursework.

2. Ditch high school

You’re not in high school any more. Taking up two lines to include your previous high school underneath your current college under your “education” section is a huge waste of space.

The same goes for work experience; college only, please. Including work experience from high school is a no-no. Again, you’re not in high school anymore. Cheer co-captain and president of the debate team got you into a great college, but no longer hold weight in the real world.

3. Be skilled

When listing your skills, be specific. Are you “

organized? Focus on what you organized. Listing special skills, like Photoshop and Microsoft Office, shows certain talents that you can bring to the position. Many people can be punctual, but not all know Fashion GPS.

4. It’s not an essay

It’s been told again and again that an interviewer spends only a matter of seconds viewing your resume upon first glance. For those few seconds you’ve captured their valuable attention, an aesthetically appealing resume may keep them reading longer.

But how do you do that? Bullet points and fragments, my friend. Briefly describe your responsibilities in three to four concise bullet points (no more) below the position. Save the sentences for your cover letter.

5. One, not two

The question of the appropriate length of your resume is a controversy that will never be settled. Some say it’s one-page or nothing. Others say make it meaningful, no matter the length. Setting this ongoing argument aside, adhere to one page. No more, no less.

6. Save the selfies for Instagram

Including a picture of yourself on your resume is not only unnecessary, but weird. Leave some mystery for the interview.

7. PDF it up

Always send your resume as a PDF! If you send it as a word document, those squiggly lines will sneak their way into your interviewers peripheral view. A PDF appears more professional and official.

8. Keep it current

Flaunt your professional success and update your resume on a regular basis. It will become a hobby. Trust me.

So, what are you waiting for? Go give your resume a makeover! Every resume deserves to be beautiful.

If you need more help than just a few tips and tricks, check out our on-demand online course that will take you step-by-step through the resume writing process.