7 Practical Fashion Industry Job Landing Tips

Published on 1 August 2023 8 min read

Build Your Network
Keep Up with Fashion Trends
Create an Impressive Portfolio
Gain Experience through Internships
Work on Your Communication Skills
Showcase Your Unique Style
Be Persistent

Are you dreaming about seeing your designs on the runway, or maybe working behind the scenes in fashion marketing or merchandising? Getting a job in the fashion industry might seem like a tall order, but don't worry. With the right approach, you can turn your passion for style into a rewarding career. Here are seven practical tips to help you land a job in fashion.

Build Your Network

Now, you might have heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." While it's not completely true—knowledge and skills are important too—it highlights the importance of building a strong network. You see, the fashion industry is a tightly-knit community, and knowing the right people can get you places. So, how can you start building your network?

Attend fashion events: Fashion weeks, trade shows, and launch parties are happening all the time. Attend these events, talk to people, make connections. You never know when you might bump into a fashion designer, a magazine editor, or someone who knows how to get a job in fashion.
Join professional groups: There are numerous professional fashion groups both online and offline. Join them, participate in discussions, ask questions, share your thoughts. It's a great way to learn more about the industry and meet people who can help you.
Volunteer: Volunteering your time and skills at fashion events or charities is a fantastic way to meet industry professionals and show them what you're capable of. Plus, it feels good to give back!
Start networking online: LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms are teeming with fashion professionals. Follow them, engage with their content, and build relationships. But remember: always be professional and respectful.

Building your network isn't just about meeting people—it's about building relationships. Be genuine, be interested, be kind. And remember: it's a two-way street. Offer your help and support as much as you ask for it. That's how you not only build a network, but a reputation in the fashion industry.

Keep Up with Fashion Trends

Staying current with the latest fashion trends is a must if you're wondering how to get a job in fashion. But staying trendy doesn't mean you have to follow every passing fad. After all, fashion is about expressing individuality, not conformity. So, how can you stay on top of trends while maintaining your unique style?

Follow fashion influencers: Social media influencers can be a great source of inspiration. They often have the inside scoop on upcoming trends before they hit the mainstream. Keep an eye on what they're wearing, but remember to take it with a grain of salt. Not every trend will be right for you, and that's okay.
Read fashion magazines and blogs: Publications like Vogue, Elle, and GQ, along with countless fashion blogs, are always on the pulse of the latest trends. They're also a great source of industry news, interviews, and feature articles that can give you a deeper understanding of the fashion world.
Attend fashion shows: Nothing beats the experience of seeing new designs and trends debut on the runway. If you can't make it in person, many fashion shows are streamed online.
Visit retail stores: Spend some time in both high-end and fast-fashion stores to see what's selling. You'll get a sense of what's popular with consumers right now, which is invaluable information if you're looking to break into the fashion industry.

Keeping up with fashion trends is about more than just knowing what's in style. It's about understanding the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry and staying ahead of the curve. So, stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.

Create an Impressive Portfolio

When you're applying for jobs in fashion, your portfolio is your calling card. It's the tangible proof of your talent, your skills, and your potential. It's what sets you apart from the crowd. So, how can you create a portfolio that will impress potential employers and help you land that dream job in fashion?

Start with your best work: Your portfolio should showcase your very best pieces. It should highlight your skills, your creativity, and your unique style. Don't feel the need to include everything you've ever created. Instead, curate your work carefully, choosing only the pieces that make you proud.
Organize your portfolio logically: A well-organized portfolio is much easier to navigate and appreciate. Arrange your work in a way that makes sense, whether that's chronologically, by type of work (such as sketches, finished pieces, or concept designs), or by theme.
Include a variety of work: While it's important to have a cohesive style, your portfolio should also show your versatility. Include a range of different pieces to show that you can adapt to different styles and demands. This will demonstrate your ability to meet the varied needs of a job in fashion.
Present your work professionally: Your portfolio isn't just about your work; it's about how you present yourself as a professional. Make sure your portfolio is clean, neat, and professional-looking. This includes high-quality photos or scans of your work, clear and concise descriptions, and no typos or errors.

Remember, your portfolio is your chance to shine. It's your opportunity to show potential employers who you are and what you're capable of. So take the time to make it the best it can be, and you'll be one step closer to landing that job in fashion.

Gain Experience through Internships

Seeking an internship? That's a smart move if you're working out how to get a job in fashion. Internships are a golden opportunity to dip your toes in the fashion industry pool. Here's why they're a big deal:

Real-World Experience: Internships provide a hands-on opportunity to apply what you've learned in a real-world setting. You'll get a taste of what working in fashion really looks like. It's like a backstage pass into the fashion world.
Networking Opportunities: Internships often open doors to meet professionals in the industry. These connections can be invaluable when you're looking for a job later on. Remember, it's not just about what you know, but who you know!
Resume Booster: Having an internship (or two) on your resume shows potential employers that you're serious about a career in fashion. It demonstrates that you've gained industry experience and aren't afraid of hard work.
Test Drive a Job: Internships can also help you figure out what kind of fashion job suits you best. Enjoyed the thrill of a fast-paced environment? A career in fashion PR or events might be your thing. Found joy in creating mood boards and picking fabrics? You might be a budding fashion designer.

Internships can be challenging, no doubt. You might be working long hours, often for little or no pay. But remember, it's an investment in your future. A stepping stone to that dream job in fashion. So, go ahead and apply for those internships. Who knows where they might lead?

Work on Your Communication Skills

Here's the real talk—good communication skills are your golden ticket if you're wondering how to get a job in fashion. It's more than just talking or writing—it's about connecting with people, expressing ideas, and working well in teams. Here's how to amp up your communication skills:

Active Listening: This means truly hearing what others are saying, and responding thoughtfully. Like when a client describes their vision for a clothing line, or a team member shares an idea. Show you value their input by giving them your full attention.
Clear, Concise Communication: Whether it's an email to a supplier, a design presentation, or a chat with a coworker, keep it clear and to the point. Less fluff, more substance—that's the key.
Non-Verbal Communication: This includes your body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. A positive attitude and a friendly smile can go a long way, especially in the fashion industry where networking is important.
Respectful Dialogue: Fashion is a diverse industry. You'll interact with people of different backgrounds and perspectives. Be open and respectful in your conversations. A little kindness never goes out of style, right?

So, if you're aiming for a job in fashion, it's time to brush up those communication skills. Remember, good communication isn't just about speaking—it's also about listening, understanding, and responding in a way that builds relationships. And in the fashion world, that's a big deal.

Showcase Your Unique Style

Ever heard the saying, "Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality?" Well, your personal style is your unique dialect in this language. Showcasing your unique style is an integral part of getting a job in fashion. But how can you do this? Here's how:

Be Authentic: The fashion industry loves authenticity. Embrace your personal style. If you're more into minimalism, let it show. If you're all about bold colors, flaunt it. Be true to yourself.
Curate Your Wardrobe: Your wardrobe should reflect your style. This doesn't mean you need to break the bank. It's not about labels—it's about how you put things together. Mix and match. Play with silhouettes. Have fun with your fashion!
Document Your Style Journey: Start a style journal or a fashion blog. Take photos of your outfits. Write about your inspirations. This can be a great way to not only document your style, but to also showcase it to potential employers.
Stay Open to Experimentation: Fashion is all about evolution. Don't be afraid to experiment with new trends or ideas. Remember, your style is a reflection of you—it can grow and change as you do.

Your unique style could be your signature in the fashion industry. So, don't be afraid to let your fashion flag fly. After all, in the world of fashion, you are your own best advertisement!

Be Persistent

Let's face it—we all face rejection at some point. But that doesn't mean you should give up. In fact, it's just the opposite. Persistence is key when you're trying to land a job in fashion. So, how do you stay persistent?

Stay Motivated: You know the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? Well, a career in fashion isn't built overnight either. It takes time. So, keep your motivation high. Remember why you wanted to work in fashion in the first place.
Learn from Rejection: It's easy to feel disappointed when you don't get a job you really wanted. But remember, every rejection is a learning opportunity. Ask for feedback. Understand where you went wrong. And then use that knowledge to improve.
Keep Applying: Don't stop at one application. Apply for multiple jobs. In fashion, opportunities are everywhere—you just need to find them. So, keep your eyes open and your resume ready.
Never Stop Learning: The fashion industry is always evolving. New trends. New techniques. New ideas. So, keep up with the industry. Learn new skills. Stay updated. This will not only help you stay competitive, but will also show potential employers your dedication to the field.

Remember, persistence pays off. As the iconic fashion designer, Marc Jacobs once said, "I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect, they are much more interesting." So, embrace the challenges and keep going. After all, how to get a job in fashion isn't just about talent—it's about persistence too!

If you found the "7 Practical Fashion Industry Job Landing Tips" blog post helpful and want to learn more about starting a career in the fashion industry, check out Celina Rodriguez's workshop, 'How to Start a Career in the Music & Fashion Industries.' This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to kickstart your career in the fashion world and set yourself up for success.