Networking
If you look into the fashion industry you will find that there are many people who dreamed of working over there and there are many people who stumbled into that position by chance. One associate designer said that if you want to get it into the creative end of the industry, you need a proper education. You need to study design for this. Technical people like buyers and inventory planners on the other hand are more likely to have fallen into their jobs. No matter how they got there, however fashion professional admits having industry contacts is much more important than having talent. “To find a job,” reveals an employee from federated, “it’s very important to use the people you know. He said that he found his first job through contacts, the next he got by sending an exploratory note and third was his luck– I got it out from a newspaper advertisement. I’d say my first job was the easiest to find.
While many people – and fashion student in particular feel disgusted by this need to know the right people, one insider says that worry is unnecessary. Student often think that they cannot make connection when they are in the college boundaries,” says a career counselor from a top New York fashion school. This is totally a myth. Connection is just a another word for relationships. You have relationships with other students, professors, career counselors, the school administration and many others. An acquaintance at your workplace or school will provide you valuable information. It’s all come through networking. If you want the job in your industry it is necessary to discuss your job search with the people you know and the people they know. Ask questions like openings in the company, and request informational interviews. Fashion students seek relevant internships. After their internships ended they should keep in touch with their managers. A fashion career counselor confirms, “Those who serve as intern advisors often grow very fond of their interns. They want to know that you’ve graduated; they want to help and advise you.”
Internships
Most of the fashion internships are in design, marketing and production – and unpaid. Like in the entertainment industry work experience is much important then actual education. You will need some education to get in the door, but after that your resume or connection will get you further. It is better to get an internship or even a part time job in sales or merchandising to get started if you want to go into fashion or retail industry. Each experience on your resume will help you to get a job next time. Although many internship are posted in publication section , and many internship searches are self directed because many are never publicized. But if the position is at a popular company or designer, the internship will never be posted since everyone want it on his or her resume.
Make sure to express your urge to learn and help the company if you may not have a responsible profile in the organization. Once you are in the company you can easily find out the other openings in the company even if they may not have opened yet. Build your resume so that you can get the interviews and introductions. Even if you’re current job in fashion industry may not pay you well. There are several options here — you work to get the experience or to learn enough to start your own business. If you are thinking of the latter, take any experience you can. It will pay off later.
Take initiative
Many different fashion position require different skills, most insiders agree that the industry overall calls for initiative, patience and a strong degree of independence. One insider adds that it’s great to have a boss who can push you for your work and can mentor you. Despite the glamour, prestige and a job satisfaction, insiders have their gripes. It’s too competitive – both within the industry and the office, says one informant. “People are sometimes unethical. For example, they might give you a commitment, but then drop the ball. Sometimes, clients cancel orders and I end up losing thousands of dollars — in one day.” Fashion insiders toil long, strenuous hours. “It’s a huge time commitment,” offers another contact in buying. “I often start early and stay late — and I also travel a good part of the time. You lose perspective after so many hours.” A different buyer adds, ” I often spend 12 hours at work and eat lunch at my desk. Burnout. There’s a lot of burnout.”
Getting the job, acing the interview
If you want to move up the fashion ranks there are two schools of thoughts. If you want to climb high some insiders suggest that it is necessary to switch to any other company. According to one knowing source, “Many companies have non-mobile positions, where employees are “pegged” in certain roles. In other words we can say that if you are an assistant of the company everybody will see you as an consultant only. ” Others contend that it’s best to stay put. “To move up the ranks, you have to be a hard worker, know the right people or lie on your resume,” says one informant. “I was a hard worker. And I had a great boss who served as my mentor. By staying right where I was, I ended up moving up into key roles.”
Once the job interview has been arranged for the company candidate should do the extensive research.
Examine the company literature and read the company web site is a good option. Just see the most recent articles on the company development. Some insider’s advices that it is good if you go to the library of a fashion school and then ask somebody if you don’t able to find information. It is good if you ask the employer that how they work and what they do exactly. Last but not least go and shop the brand or retailer. You should know this thing that what type of Product Company deals in. Also research the company biggest rivals. General knowledge of key fashion players is also important. Insiders recommend brushing up on your mental database of trendsetter: Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen and Ralph Lauren, among others.
On the day of the interview, make a impression in front of the person who is taking your interview. You cant be a bump on a log answering question, even if you have a great resume and portfolio. Let your personality show through, because the interview is also about fit. Also she added that don’t ask about the salary at least not on the first round of your interview. It is good if you ask smart questions like about the company, your position, and even interviewer experience also. An employer will definitely hire you if he thinks that you are quick and willing to learn.
As far as the dress code concern, insiders recommend careful consideration. Employers usually notice what interviewees wear and how they wear it. “As soon as they see you they make their conclusion about you. Like the wise person has said that your first impression is the last impression. And while this scenario might not always hold true, it is a good idea to dress well. “Nothing radical,” says another insider.” it’s generally better to be slightly overdressed than under dressed.
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