Stepping into the fashion industry can seem challenging considering we live in a society where it is all about “who you know”. However, there are ways to break through that barrier and take your first step into the industry.

There are some tricks and tips that can help you on your way to breaking into fashion and making connections. With possibly graduation near and a lot of candidates it is important to stand out and be creative with connecting with potential employers,

getting your foot in the door won’t always be easy so you need to think big!

Networking

networking is something you do when looking for a job, it is all about the numbers. The more people you meet the more increased your network becomes, making the odds of you meeting new customers, employers or partners larger.

Online social networking is becoming a core element in fashion recruitment, but the truth is, the traditional personal version of networking has always been effective, and will continue to be so - especially in a creative industry where exposure has always been the way to get ahead.

Meet face to face- as it builds trust and credibility in a way that websites, LinkedIn and social media channels can never do, those social sites are only helping but this will really give you more of an advantage.

Don’t be afraid of persistence.

After networking, it is highlighted to not be afraid to follow up in regard to contacting your connections more than once. As my tutor once said,

it doesn’t hurt to be persistent. I always thought that if I contacted my connection more than once I would be annoying them, but that is simply not the case. They get a lot of emails on a regular basis and you need to stand out and show your dedication and maintain a relationship with them.

INTERN!

Being a Uni student has its perks when it comes down to Internships, top tip is to take any that you can within the sector of work you are wishing to peruse. Following graduation doing internships is essential. As you may or may not know, the fashion industry is huge and has a lot of different sectors you could go into. Interning helps you find you, and what you and you may change your mind on what field you want to work in, although there is a lot of stigma in interning within the industry, it is vital as it helps you find out what you do best whilst gaining more skills and knowledge as you go. SO, START LOOKING FOR INTERNSHIPS!

Be Flexible And dedicate your job search

Remember you might not jump into your dream job immediately, this will take time, work your way up! Demonstrate a strong work ethic and going above and beyond and getting your name out there. For example, a customer PR job role is an amazing way to get experience within the PR sector, you could still have your aim to transition to a different department, but the more experience the better!

As mentioned above it can take some time to get your foot in the door, but It is important not to give up are get disheartened on setbacks this can apply to internships as well. Aim on creating relationships with the recruiters, try and search daily looking for new positions, following up, and then if your perfect role comes free, you’re ready to go!

As for internships, we have all been there when it feels like nobody is getting back to you, What I had to learn from University when I first started looking for placements and internships was, maybe not to set yourself to high, whilst it’s great to have aims and goals try not to set yourself on them. I was applying for all the big named brands I could think of in London, you can still always do that but also start looking for smaller companies, they can still give you the experience. You got time and you will get there but it’s all about climbing the Ladder.

Getting your foot in the door: a career in the fashion industry.