How To Write a Costume Designer Resume (With Example)
Updated December 15, 2022
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What to include in a costume designer resume
Here are the elements you can include in a costume designer resume:- Header: Add a header to the top of the document that lists your full name and important contact information so a hiring manager can identify your resume.
- Professional summary: Include a brief professional summary that highlights your credentials and shows you're a qualified candidate for the position.
- Work history: Use this section to feature your professional background and relevant experience as a costume designer.
- Role-related skills: List the hard, soft and role-related skills you possess to show you're prepared for the role.
- Education and training: Feature any relevant undergraduate and graduate degrees you possess and list additional training you've received, such as certifications.
How to write a costume designer resume
Follow these steps to write a costume designer resume:1. Review the job description
Before creating a draft of your resume, consider reviewing the job description to familiarize yourself with the role. This can help you learn more about the employer's expectations and requirements, and ensure that you possess the necessary credentials. Adding information from the job posting to your resume can help you impress a hiring manager and show that you're a good fit for the organization.Related: 12 Pros and Cons of Being a Costume Designer (Plus Duties)2. Add your contact information
At the top of the document, add a header that includes your first name and your contact information, such as your phone number, email address, the city and state where you live and a link to your online portfolio or professional website, if applicable. Listing these details makes it easy for a hiring manager to schedule an interview if they're interested in learning more about your credentials and skills.Related: Costume Designer Skills: Definition and Examples3. Write a professional summary
Below your header, include a one to two sentence professional summary. Use this statement to highlight your qualifications, such as your industry experience or education. Writing a strong professional summary can help you gain a hiring manager's attention and make a positive first impression on your prospective employer.Related: What Can You Do With a Costume Design Degree? (Plus Salary)4. Highlight your work history
Employers typically want to know about your professional background and relevant industry experience, so it's important to add your work history to your resume. For each position you list, include the job title and your start and end dates of employment. On the following line, add the name of the employer and the city and state where the company is located. Beneath each role, include a bulleted list of the job duties you performed and the positive contributions they made toward the organization.Related: Courses To Pursue for Fashion Designing5. List your role-related skills
Use the skills section of your resume to highlight your strengths and list the role-related competencies you possess. Here are some skills an employer may look for in a costume designer candidate:- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Garment design and construction
- Verbal communication
- Drawing
6. Include your academic credentials and professional training
In the final sections of your resume, you can add your education and other professional training credentials, such as certifications. While it may depend on the employer's requirements, costume designers typically possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as costume design, fashion design or fine arts. Although rarely required, some professionals may also possess a master's degree in costuming, so add this credential to your resume if you possess it.Related: How to Write a Resume Education Summary (With Examples and Tips)Costume designer resume template
Here's a template you can follow when writing a costume designer resume:[Full Name][Phone number] | [Professional email address] | [City, State] | [Professional website]Professional Summary[Brief summary that mentions your core competencies, work experience and career achievements]Work Experience[Job Title], [Start date–End date]
[Company Name], [Location]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Company Name], [Location]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Company Name], [Location]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
- [Strong verb] + [job duty] + [impact]
[Institution name], [Graduation year if you graduated within the past three years]Certifications
- [Certification Name], [Host organization] - [Year completed or expiration date]
- [Certification Name], [Host organization] - [Year completed or expiration date]
Showcase your skills with help from a resume expert
Example of a costume designer resume
Review this example of a costume designer resume:Elizabeth Wilder453-557-8483| Elizabeth.Wilder@email.com | Malibu, CA | ElizabethWilderPortfolio.comProfessional SummaryGoal-oriented and creative costume designer with over seven years of relevant industry experience and a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Highly skilled in garment construction and passionate about creating historically accurate and realistic clothing items for a variety of films and theater productions.Work ExperienceCostume Designer, May 2018–Current
Open House Theater, Malibu, CA
- Create unique portfolios of costumes an actor may wear throughout a performance
- Present possible designs to theater directors and cast members for feedback
- Develop and adhere to costume design budgets
- Conduct historical research to create accurate costumes and accessories
- Drawing designs and sewing, cutting or hemming clothing items to perform alterations
- Provided guidance and feedback for other members of the costume design team
- Tailoring clothing items to ensure they fit cast members and won't tear or rip during performances
- Scheduling fittings and ensuring all alterations are complete in time for opening night
- Helped lead costume designers by conducting historical and geographic research
- Maintained the alterations schedule and costume design budget
- Located props including wigs, purses and fake weapons
South-West Malibu University
Fashion designers
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