I’m a 1L at a top-20 school hoping to get a summer job some place. Here’s the issue: I did some modeling during college. Nothing major, but I was in Vogue, Elle, and a few other magazines. Other than law school and a brief stint as a waitress, it was the only real job I’ve ever had. Should I put this on my resume, or is it cheesy? If I don’t, I’ll have nothing to put down and it will look I’m a slacker. If I do, I fear that I’ll be judged negatively or that I’ll sound conceited.
Answer: Put it on your resume. So you were a model. No big deal. Most lawyers were models at some point in their lives, right? It’s a profession filled with stunningly gorgeous, in-shape men and women. My guess is that people won’t even notice the word “model” on your resume. Just another 5’10, rail-thin gal with razor-sharp cheekbones looking to research collateral estoppel issues.
Okay, I’ll try again. For real this time. Yes, include it on your resume. It’s the truth. It’s who you are. But know this: The word “model” will precede and define you. Right or wrong, that’s all anyone (men and women alike) will think about. The men will wonder if you’re bluffing. If you really are the one-in-a-million “super-hot ex-model law student.” The women will just be intimidated—and quietly dismissive. At first, anyway.
The good news is that all the curiosity, disbelief and silent jealousy will get you lots of interviews. But if you really want to get a good job some day (and be taken seriously at said job when you land it), you should probably downplay your modeling career when talking to other lawyers. It’s just one of those things you sort-of fell into during college. You hated it, but the money was too good. You can’t imagine posing for a living. You love analyzing and writing, not dieting and smiling. And please, no stories about all of the badass, scrawny rock stars you undoubtedly dated.