Myths And Facts About Hiring At Fashion Industry
Written by John Smith   
Thursday, 21 January 2010 08:32
Networking
by JohnSmith


Networking

If you ask around the fashion industry and you will find many people who dreamed of working there all their lives and people who are into their positions by chance. One associate designer maintains that you need a proper education if you want to get into the creative end of the industry. You need to study design for this. On the other hand Technical people such as buyer and inventory planner said people are more likely to have fallen into their jobs. No matter how they got into there, however, fashion professional admits this that instead of having talent industry contacts is much more important."To find a job," reveals an employee from federated, "it's important to use the people you know. I found my first job through contacts, the next by sending an exploratory note and the third was luck - I got it out of a newspaper advertisement. I'd say my first job was the easiest to find."

While many people -- and fashion students in particular -- might feel dismayed by this need to know the "right people," one insider says worry is unnecessary. A career counselor from a top New York fashion school said that students often think they cannot make connections while confined within college walls. This is totally a myth. Connection is another word for making relations. You have relationships with other students, professors, career counselors, the school administration and many others. At fashion schools, most of the teachers have previous experience in the fashion industry." What does that mean? An acquaintance at your school or workplace might already have valuable job information! It all comes down to networking. To find the right fashion job for you, it is necessary to discuss your job search with the people you know -- and with the people they know. Ask questions, inquire about openings, and request informational interviews. Fashion students should attend as many college-sponsored events as possible and seek relevant internships. After a fashion internship has 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 show your desire to learn and help the company-- even if you think that your level of responsibility is not as high as you would like. Once you are in the company you can easily find out the other openings in the company even if these openings have not opened yet. Make our resume in such a way so that you get the interviews and introduction. Even if your initial job in the 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 thinking of the latter one then take any experience you can. It will pay off later.

Take initiative

While different fashion positions require different skills, most insiders agree that the industry overall calls for initiative, patience and a strong degree of independence. One insider add that it's good to have a boss who is going to be a good mentor and who will push you also. Insiders have their gripes despite the glamour, prestige and job satisfaction. One informant says that its too competitive both within the industry. People are sometimes unethical. They might have give you commitment but then drop the ball. Sometimes clients cancel the order and I end up losing the 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 school of thought. Some insiders swear that it is necessary to switch companies if you want to climb high. According to one knowing source, Many companies have non-mobile positions where employees are pegged in their certain roles. In other words if you are an assistant of the company everyone will perceive you as an assistant only. In other word if you want to move u the rank it is best to stay put. For this you have to be a hard worker, know the right people or lie it 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.

Candidate should do extensive research on the company profile when the job interview has been arranged. It is good if you read the company web site and their literature. Browse through a periodical guide for the most recent articles on company developments. "Go to the library of a fashion school," advises another insider. "Ask someone to help you if you don't know how to find your information. It is good if you ask from the employer that how exactly they work and what they do. "last but not the least it is important to go shop the brand and retailer. You should know this thing that what type of Products Company deals in and how. Also research the company's biggest competitor. General knowledge of the key fashion player 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 a interview, establish a rapport with the person. "You cant be a bump on a log answering question, even if you are having a great resume and portfolio. Let your personality show through, because the interview is also about fit. And also don't ask about the salary at least not on the first round. It is good if you ask intelligent questions about the company, positions and even the interviewer's experience. Even if you lack interest in particular area an interviewer will hire you if he finds that you have the capability of grasping things quickly.

The persons working as professionals recommend precautions observation about the clothes you are going to wear for the D-day. Definitely, employers are going to notice what the person coming for an interview to them is wearing and how. As some wise person had quoted "Your first impression is the last impression." With the same logic, one theatrical designer has advocated the careful observation about your clothes. Though, it is agreeable that this situation is not a universal truth but even then it's always advisable to dress well. Another insider quoted " Nothing out of the norms, unless you are aspiring to be a fashion designer and the organization conduction interview is looking for out of the league and futuristic looks." Good Tip - Be overdressed rather than under dressed.

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