So You Want to Work in Fashion...

I spent all summer job hunting for a position in the fashion industry and I just landed a job that I'm really excited about. Today I'm sharing my tips for finding a job in the industry.

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1. Be smart about your job search. Don't apply to everything you see. Have a loose plan but know that things can always change. Customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. Always send a cover letter, even if it is optional. 

2. Rethink small business. Sure it is prestigious to work at a company like Holt Renfrew, but if you are looking for an entry level head office position, many large retailers seem to only hire internal candidates. Large retailers usually filter their applications through a database before an HR person even looks at them, while small businesses are much more likely to review every single resume they receive. Many small businesses also don't seem to have their job positions as narrowly defined as large companies, so you get to do a variety of different tasks.

3. Don't knock retail experience. If you are looking for a job in the fashion industry and you have absolutely no experience in retail, consider looking for a retail job for the time being. Once you have some retail experience, you will be a stronger candidate for other fashion jobs.

4. Stay positive. Job hunting can get you down at times, especially if you are unemployed for a long period of time. Make the most of all your down time and do things that you would not otherwise have the chance to do if you were working. 

5. Make connections. With online applications, you never really know what's going on behind the scenes. Try attending some networking events and making some personal connections in the industry. You never know who your connections can put you in touch with.

6. Emphasize what you can bring to the company. Maybe you are young with little job experience. Turn that into a positive. Tell your potential employer that you can closely relate to their target customer, you are social media savvy, you can bring fresh new ideas, etc.

7. Be honest. If you don't know how to do something, don't tell a potential employer that you can. It is much better to say something like "to be honest, I don't have any experience doing x, y or z, but I'm excited to learn and I am confident I can pick it up quickly."

8. Consider taking a fashion program. You definitely don't have to have an educational background in fashion to get a job in the industry, but it does help. It shows passion and enthusiasm for fashion, and you also learn a lot about different fields in the industry.

9. Intern. Don't have the attitude that you won't work for free. Although many internships are unpaid, they provide valuable experience. Even if the company does not have the monetary means to hire you once the internship is over, you can ask your supervisor to hand your resume around.

10. Smile. Don't let your nerves get the best of you during a job interview. Smile, be confident and be yourself.