Networking

Networking

If you ask from the fashion industry people you will find that there are many people who dreamed of working there all their lives and people who got caught into their position by chance. One associate designer said that to get into the creative end of the industry, proper education is must. You need to study designs for this. On the other hand technical people like buyers and inventory planner, are more likely to be fallen into their jobs. Although fashion professional agreed that having industry contact 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. I found my first job through contacts next job through exploratory notes and 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 fashion internships are in design, marketing, and production -- and unpaid. If we see the entertainment industry here actual education isn't important as work experience. You need some more education to get into the door, but after this your resume or connection will get you more further. Get an internship or even a part time job in sales or merchandising if you want to go into fashion or retail industry. Because each experience on your resume will help you better to get the internship or full time job next time. Many internship searches are self directed and some are posted in the trade papers. If the position is at If the position is at a popular company or designer, the internship will never be posted since everyone will 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.

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.

Insiders recommends a careful consideration when it comes on dress code. The person who is taking your interview always see that what you are wearing and how you wear it. With the same logic, one theatrical designer has advocated the careful observation about your clothes. While everybody knows that this situation not always hold true but it is always advisable to dress well when you go for an interview. 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.