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From sewing garments to sketching out original designs and networking with manufacturers, every aspect of your fashion designer career is a vital step toward sharing your creative vision with the world. To advance your career in the fashion industry, you need a resume that’s as eye-catching and trend-setting as your designs. We’ll help you get there.
With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think.
Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive fashion designer resume in a matter of minutes.
Keep reading to learn more about:
- Examples of resumes for fashion designer applicants with and without experience.
- What makes a fashion designer resume example great.
- Tips and tricks for writing a resume for a fashion designer.
- What to include in every section of your fashion designer resume.
- How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.
Looking for a stylish resume finished in just a few minutes? Try our professional Resume Builder for professionally written advice, suggestions and step-by-step help writing every section.
Fashion designer resume example
What makes this a great fashion designer resume sample?
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It focuses on goals.
This aspiring fashion designer doesn’t have a lot of experience, so using a career objective that focuses on goals is a great way to showcase his dedication without dwelling on the experience that he lacks.
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It’s easy to read.
Fashion is an industry that demands a lot of character, but a resume should still be easy to follow. This candidate chose a template with a pop of color, but the layout is still simple enough to avoid distracting the reader.
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It emphasizes skills.
Because this candidate has less experience, focusing on his transferable skills is a great way to play to his strengths.
What makes this a great fashion designer resume sample?
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It’s stylish.
For a seasoned designer like this candidate, a resume should convey a sense of character and style. This candidate chose a colorful layout that conveys her unique tastes.
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It includes a portfolio link.
Creative careers are often more focused on “showing” than “telling.” Linking to a portfolio allows this candidate to put her money where her mouth is and show off some of her best work.
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It uses active language and data.
Instead of just listing her responsibilities, this candidate really owns them. She chose active verbs to convey energy and includes numerical data that shows that she understands the impact of her career.
Choose the right resume format for your fashion designer resume
To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.
- Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
- Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
- Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience should consider a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.
Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.
Select an appropriate fashion designer resume template
While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.
As a fashion designer, your unique sense of style and artistic flair is one of the most important things for your resume to communicate. To that end, try one of our creative resume templates. Or, if you’re looking for a template that’s a bit more sleek, try one of our modern resumes.
How to write a fashion designer resume in 5 simple steps
While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive fashion designer jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek.
A great resume begins with studying the job description. Then, you’ll need a resume profile that introduces your skills and experience. Next, you’ll explore both of these in detail with a skills section and a work experience section. Your education, certifications and awards come next, followed by any optional sections you decide to include, like hobbies or volunteer work.
Every one of these sections affords you with a valuable opportunity to showcase your strengths. Let’s learn how to tailor each section of the job so employers notice you’re who they’re looking for!
STEP 1
Study the fashion designer job description
No matter the job, a great resume is custom-made for the position. For a fashion designer, your resume should be bespoke, using the needs and desires of the position to dictate your word choices. This is because many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes for keywords.
In order to make your resume ATS-friendly, pay close attention to the word choices that the job listing uses. The job listing should inspire the choices you make on your resume. If it specifically asks for candidates with experience in pattern-making and technical drawing, try to highlight those skills as much as possible and match the phrasing of the listing as closely as you can.
Passing ATS is essential to the success of your resume because ATS often screens out candidates before a human ever sees their resume. To convey your incredible skills to a human, you must first impress the ATS.
STEP 2
Write a professional summary or resume objective
Begin your fashion designer resume with a resume profile. Just like the perfect accessory, your resume profile is your chance to make a solid first impression. In this section, provide a brief summary of your career.
Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective, which is a style of resume profile that emphasizes transferable skills and goals. Applicants with more direct experience should use a professional summary, which outlines your work experience and achievements.
Here are some strong examples for your fashion designer resume:
Fashion designer professional summary example:
Accomplished and visionary fashion designer with over 11 years of extensive experience in the fashion industry. Renowned for translating creative concepts into captivating, trend-setting designs that have earned both critical acclaim and commercial success. Adept at overseeing the entire design process, from conceptualization to production, and consistently meeting or exceeding client expectations. Exceptional expertise in garment construction, pattern making and fabric selection, resulting in flawlessly tailored and innovative clothing lines. Proven track record of staying ahead of industry trends, nurturing valuable industry relationships and consistently delivering high-quality collections that resonate with diverse markets. Seeking opportunities to leverage experience and design prowess to contribute to the continued success of forward-thinking fashion brands.
Fashion designer resume objective example:
Dedicated and motivated fashion designer with a recent degree in fashion design and two years of hands-on internship experience within the fashion industry. Committed to harnessing creative talents and building a dynamic career in the world of fashion. Demonstrated passion for fashion and keen eye for emerging trends, combined with a solid foundation in garment construction, pattern making and textile selection acquired through academic coursework and practical training.
STEP 3
Highlight your most relevant fashion designer skills
Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the fashion designer skills you list. Skills for a fashion designer resume should be added to your resume skills section and included in your work experience and resume profile sections.
It’s critical that you provide employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical abilities that you earn through training, education and experience. Soft skills, on the other hand, are the behaviors and working habits that allow you to be a high achiever. They are much more personality-dependent. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.
Hard and soft skills for a fashion designer resume
Here is an example of a strong fashion designer skills section:
- Skilled illustrator comfortable using various CAD tools
- Passionate artist with knowledge of color theory and design principles
- Deadline-driven with stellar time management skills
- Perfectionist with an eye for quality control
Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach.
STEP 4
Write a strong fashion designer work experience section
While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.
Your work experience section should include your current and previous roles in reverse-chronological order with a succinct summary of your noteworthy achievements and responsibilities.
Here is an example of a great fashion designer work experience entry:
Fashion Design Intern, Winter Green Apparel
New York, NY
March 2022 – Present
- Collaborated with senior designers in the development of two seasonal collections, contributing 15+ creative design sketches that aligned with brand aesthetics.
- Assisted in fabric sourcing and selection for garments, ensuring materials met quality standards and design specifications.
- Participated in the pattern-making process for key pieces, working closely with pattern makers to create precise templates for garment construction.
- Conducted in-depth trend research, analyzing 100+ emerging styles, colors and fabrics for upcoming collections, presenting findings to the design team.
- Utilized Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create detailed design sketches and mood boards for client presentations and production reference.
- Supported the production process, monitoring 15+ sample fittings, making necessary adjustments and ensuring designs were accurately translated into finished garments.
Make your design credentials pop by using action words, numerical data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.
STEP 5
Showcase your education and training on your fashion designer resume
To be hired as a fashion designer, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role often list a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field.
How to list your fashion designer education:
Education:
Bachelor of Arts
Fashion Design
New York University
New York, NY
Certifications:
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Adobe Illustrator
CAD Proficiency Certificate
If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to your fashion designer resume.
Optional sections for your fashion designer resume
Awards and certifications
Awards serve as tangible evidence of your talent and contributions to the fashion industry. They show that your work has been acknowledged and appreciated by peers, mentors or industry professionals. Additionally, winning awards in the fashion industry can be highly competitive. When you list these accolades on your resume, you immediately stand out as a designer who has achieved recognition for exceptional work.
Awards and certifications both validate your skills and creativity as a fashion designer. They provide external validation of your abilities, making it easier for potential employers or clients to trust in your capabilities.
How to list awards on your fashion designer resume:
2021 Addison Court Fashion Show Designer of the Year Award
2018 NYU Young Fashion Designer Award
Projects
Projects showcase your practical experience and hands-on skills in fashion design. They provide concrete examples of your ability to translate design concepts into tangible garments or collections. Different projects may involve various aspects of fashion design, such as sketching, pattern making, sewing and fabric selection. By listing specific projects, you can highlight the range of skills you possess.
Your projects can serve as a canvas for your creativity. They allow you to showcase your unique design aesthetic, artistic vision and ability to innovate within the fashion industry.
How to list projects on your fashion designer resume:
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Couture Evening Wear Collection
- Conceptualized and executed a luxurious eveningwear collection featuring intricately crafted gowns and cocktail dresses. Oversaw all design phases, from initial sketches and fabric selection to final fittings. The collection garnered attention at the XYZ Fashion Week, receiving positive reviews in Vogue and Elle magazines.
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Sustainable Streetwear Line
- Collaborated in the creation of a sustainable streetwear line, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and production methods. Conducted research on sustainable textiles, implemented zero-waste pattern making and incorporated upcycled materials. The collection was showcased at the Sustainable Fashion Expo and received acclaim for its innovative approach to sustainability.
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Bridal Couture Project
- Designed and handcrafted custom bridal gowns for a high-profile clientele. Personally created intricate patterns, oversaw fittings and implemented delicate beadwork and embroidery. The project resulted in several bespoke wedding gowns that were featured in “Brides” and “Martha Stewart Weddings” magazines.
Languages
The fashion industry is international, with designers, clients and manufacturers located around the world. Proficiency in multiple languages can enable effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, including international clients, suppliers and colleagues.
Fashion designers often collaborate with professionals from various countries. Knowing languages spoken by potential collaborators can facilitate smoother communication and collaboration, which can lead to more successful projects and partnerships.
Understanding different languages can also signify cultural sensitivity. This can be important when designing for specific cultural markets or when collaborating with designers and artisans from diverse backgrounds.
How to list languages on your fashion designer resume:
- Fluent in English, French and Italian
- Proficient in Spanish
Interests and hobbies
Including hobbies on your fashion designer resume is optional and should be approached strategically. Hobbies can provide insights into your personality and interests, helping potential employers assess how well you might fit into their team or company culture.
For example, if your hobbies involve artistic pursuits like painting or sketching, it can indicate a deep passion for design.
Some hobbies can indirectly demonstrate valuable soft skills that are relevant to the fashion industry as well. For instance, hobbies that involve attention to detail, creativity or problem-solving can showcase these qualities. Just be sure to limit your hobbies section to hobbies that are relevant to the career of a fashion designer.
How to list interests and hobbies on your fashion designer resume:
- Passion for photography
- Passionate visual artist with an interest in painting and collage
- Enthusiastic world traveler
Add a cover letter
Adding a fashion designer cover letter to your application can help you stand out. A cover letter gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.
Learning how to write a cover letter for a fashion designer job is important because it allows you to add context to your resume, explaining gaps in experience and communicating important information that may not fit neatly onto the resume itself. Use your cover letter to explain why you want the role and how you would excel in the position.
Study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.
Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.
Key takeaways for your fashion designer resume
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Follow our steps for a standout resume:
Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
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Select the appropriate resume format:
Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your fashion designer resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
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Be specific to the role:
Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
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Include both hard and soft skills:
Being a fashion designer requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
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Make your work experience section shine:
Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
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Choose an appropriate resume template:
If you still aren’t sure which resume design is the right fit, it never hurts to stick to the basics. Try a simple template for a professional resume that gets the job done.
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Go the extra mile:
Including a well-written fashion designer cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so add one to your resume to give it the best chance of success.
Commonly asked question about resume writing
Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.
