3 Tips to Break Into the Fashion Industry
Executive jobs in the fashion industry can be difficult to get. Many executive-level positions are filled in-house, which leaves qualified candidates from outside a fashion company without the opportunity to even apply.
Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to get your foot in the door and be considered for fashion executive positions that may open up within the industry in the future.
1. Volunteer With the Right Non-Profits
The fashion industry works closely with many non-profit organizations to help clothe the needy. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door with high-level fashion executives is to volunteer with one of these non-profit organizations.
Fashion executives regularly partner with non-profits to make a difference and help promote their brand. By volunteering at events where the person you want to work for is also volunteering, you can begin building your network of contacts. The more you network at charity events, the more likely you are to be thought of when an executive position opens up.
2. Work With a Professional Recruiter
Many of the elite and luxury brands in fashion work with recruiters to fill available positions. Fashion recruiters specialize in identifying the individuals with the most experience and talent, so it can benefit you to work with a professional recruiter when attempting to break into the fashion industry.
Take the time to research all fashion recruiting firms in your area. Identify the ones that will best meet your needs, then send personalized emails containing your resume to these firms. Once you win over a fashion recruiter, you can allow them to use their network of contacts to find an available position for which you can interview.
3. Curate Your Social Media Presence
Social media is used by prospective employers to determine what a candidate likes and how they act. It's important to take the time to carefully edit and curate your social media presence if you hope to break into the fashion industry.
Identify the culture and values of the fashion houses that you want to work for. Some brands are more fun and flirty, while others are more elegant and classic. An understanding of the culture at the company you hope to work for can provide you with valuable direction when curating your social media profiles. Maintain fashion-oriented profiles that demonstrate your creativity, and be sure that you are following the industry's top influencers to gain inspiration.
If you'd like to learn more, reach out to several fashion executive search services.
Share
