By Anne-Sophie

 

Despite being an exciting and creative field, breaking into the fashion industry can be a tough task, particularly for recent graduates or those looking to switch careers.

However, there’s no need to lose hope. Through my own personal experiences, I have compiled a list of the six best actionable tips to help you navigate the job market and land your dream job in the fashion or marketing industry.

I’ll be sharing all the tips and tricks you need to know to make yourself stand out from the competition and increase your chances of success.

So, whether you’re a recent graduate, a career switcher, or simply looking for new opportunities in the fashion or marketing industry, keep reading to discover my top six actionable tips for finding your dream job.

 

  1. Create Your Own Opportunities and Take Your Own Initiatives

The key to success is not merely waiting for the perfect opportunity to come to you, but rather creating your own opportunities through proactive measures. While this may seem like a common piece of advice, it holds true nonetheless. 

To illustrate, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: say you aspire to become a stylist. Rather than waiting for an opportunity to present itself, you should leverage your social media platforms as a portfolio, offer your styling services to friends and document your work to share online, seek out mentorship from established stylists, reach out to photographers and offer your services for free, and actively seek out industry-related opportunities such as joining fashion committees or taking unpaid internships. By taking initiative and creating your own opportunities, you’ll be on the path to success.

 

  1. Build Your Network

The importance of building a network cannot be overstated. It is a valuable resource that can prove useful throughout your career, it’s how I secured many of my clients. It’s likely that you already have a network, but perhaps you’re not engaging with it effectively. You can start by connecting with people on social media, actively engaging with their content, and following up with a message or a follow. Participating in committees or volunteering in your field is also a great way to expand your network, as I did by joining my local chamber of commerce.

Another effective method to expand your network is to create a list of individuals and companies you admire within your industry. Conduct thorough research, ensure your resume is up to date, and start reaching out to key individuals for informational interviews – this should not be a job request, but rather an opportunity to learn more about their career path. You can reach out through email or LinkedIn, expressing your admiration for their work and politely requesting a 15-minute meeting over coffee. Most people are happy to help, and these meetings can lead to invaluable insights and opportunities. Keep in mind that the fashion industry is small, and you never know what connections or opportunities these informational interviews may lead to.

 

  1. Unpaid Internships

In our industry, it can be challenging to secure a job or a paid internship right out of school, especially without any experience, this is where unpaid internships come in. 

I would dedicate 1-2 days a week to volunteering or completing an unpaid internship, allowing me to gain experience while still attending school and maintaining a paid job.

By accumulating experience in this manner, you can increase your chances of securing a paid position within a few months, or even better, the company where you completed your internship may offer you a job. Keep in mind that the competition in the industry is fierce, so having experience under your belt will undoubtedly give you an advantage.

 

  1. Take Online Classes

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial in our rapidly evolving industry, and continuous learning and growth are necessary for success. I highly recommend taking online classes that provide valuable insights and practical skills that you can apply to your business immediately.

Personally, I have taken several online classes that have been instrumental in my professional development. These classes not only taught me concrete skills, but also introduced me to new communities and expanded my network. Here are a few online classes that I would recommend:

 

  1. Use Social Media As Your Portfolio

One effective way to showcase your work and position yourself as a leader in your field is to use your own social media as your portfolio or CV. Even if you only have a small following of friends and family, posting about your work and maintaining a professional online presence can help you attract potential opportunities.

By consistently sharing your work on social media, you are not only building a personal brand but also showcasing your expertise and abilities to a wider audience. As a result, when opportunities arise, people are more likely to think of you and reach out to you.

Remember to keep your social media profiles professional and on-brand. Use high-quality images, write clear and concise captions, and engage with your followers to create a community around your work. By doing so, you can establish yourself as a credible and knowledgeable professional in your field.

 

  1. Create a Portfolio

When applying for jobs in our industry, having a portfolio that showcases your CV and work is essential. Creativity is highly valued in our industry, so having an updated and visually appealing portfolio is crucial. Creating a portfolio doesn’t require a lot of work, and it can be easily done as a PDF on Canva or a simple website. A well-curated portfolio demonstrates that you are resourceful, creative, and willing to put in extra effort for a job.

For instance, if you’re applying for a social media/content creation job, you could include high-quality pictures and videos you took of products related to the brand you’re applying for. You could also showcase how you grew your personal Instagram, the tactics you used to grow your personal page, and create case studies.

 

Last but not least, once you get engaged in something, don’t be shy to ask for help and do not get discouraged by a no, it will take a lot of resilience and perseverance but it’s worth it.

Good luck!