Tips + Stories To Break Through The Fashion Industry
Breaking through the fashion industry, or any industry for that matter, can be very difficult. You put everything you have into something you care about so much, and sometimes it works out, but of course, sometimes it doesn’t. We know the feeling, so we got together as a team and went back to how and why we all got to where we are today. We want to share it all with you, so read along for tips + stories about getting your foot in the door of your own career path. We promise, there will be something, if not a few things, to take away from this one!
YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
Let’s talk about your personal brand- I’m just going to say it. Instagram is the modern day resume. Believe it or not, after we look over your official resume we actually take the time to look at your IG feed, as it is a great representation of your own personal brand.
After I was hired at Threads, I was told that my aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed was a big deciding factor. They were able to see that my personal aesthetic corresponded to theirs and that I would fit seamlessly into the role.
PORTFOLIOS
If you want to be a graphic designer/creative, your portfolio is huge. It’s super important to show potential employers that you’ll fit within their brand’s aesthetic and flow seamlessly into the role. When I interviewed with Threads, I wanted to show them that my design aesthetic corresponded with theirs, so along with my previous portfolio work, I also created some sample banners, mood boards, and email mock ups. By doing this, I was able to show them what I could potentially create for them as a graphic designer. I think this step is vital to show the employer that you not only come prepared, but that you’re ready to go above and beyond. You will stand out among other candidates and have a better chance of landing the job.
Fall Mood Board I created for my portfolio before my interview with Threads.
After being hired, I was told that this played a huge part in why they chose me! If you are applying for a graphic design position/creative role, try doing this for your next interview, you will definitely stand out and they will remember you! If you don’t have a portfolio, I strongly suggest that you start one, as it is nearly impossible to land a design role without any examples of work! Even if you don’t have any previous/official design experience, create a few solid designs that you would be proud to show off to potential employers.
RESUMES
Just like every other company, your resume is the very first thing we look at so it should definitely stand out among the rest. When applying for a creative role or any role in the fashion industry, make sure your resume is in fact creative and represents who you are as a designer. We see tons of resumes and we really appreciate the candidates that take the time to make their resume look unique. You don’t even have to make the template yourself- there are plenty of resume templates on Etsy for as little as $1. Take the time to look for one that stands out to you and represents who you are. Here are a few we loved, feel free to click below for the direct link!
All in all, If you really want the job, show them. Put in the extra work and go above and beyond to show off your passion and creative eye- it will not go unnoticed.
-Nikki (Graphic Design)
INTERVIEWS
SCORED AN INTERVIEW, NOW WHAT?
Before I had my interview at American Threads, I had been trying to break into any industry in LA whether it be fashion, entertainment, media, beauty etc. I had probably been on 100 interviews before, and had my fair share of embarrassing experiences as a result. So when I walked into the American Threads HQ, I felt like I had nothing else to lose at that point.
I’ll humor you with a direct quote I said at the end of the interview, and one that they will never let me forget- “Why do you need to keep looking, I am right here!” I just wanted to be exactly myself and very open about what I wanted for myself and from the company and it paid off… I think I got hired two days later.
Having confidence and being genuine are huge factors that make or break an interview. You want your employer to see who you are and how hard you’re willing to work.
-Jade (Social Media)
DRESS THE PART
Your interview attire will of course depend on the company you are interviewing for. But here are a couple things to always keep in mind!
Make sure your personality shines through your outfit choice. It is likely that the interviewer will be seeing several candidates, so make sure you stand out!
Think about the brand image of the company you are interviewing for when selecting your outfit, especially if it is a fashion brand. Stay true to yourself, but show that you could seamlessly fit into the company culture.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Even if you get the job, the way you dress when you work will not only affect how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident, and the rest will come naturally.
THE NON-INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
Little did I know at the time, I met my future boss (well now current boss) while working in a retail store. Because I was working hard, was very knowledgeable and friendly, she liked what she saw and reached out to me on LinkedIn without knowing anything about me besides my name and where I currently was working. Side note: if you don’t have a linked in.. get one! It is so important to have a professional representation of yourself for future employers to find you.
This just shows to always always always put your best foot forward, have a good attitude, and work hard because you never know who you’re going to meet that can give you the opportunity you’ve been dreaming about!
-Kate (Buying)
SERIOUSLY, NEVER GIVE UP.
I interviewed for Threads not 1, not 2, but 3 different times for 3 different positions until I got a job. Yep. Persistence is key when you are applying for jobs. If I gave up after the first, or even the second rejection, then I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to move out to California from Georgia and grow into a role of my dreams. The first rejection is always the hardest, but everything happens for a reason.
Whether it’s a job you want, or even a personal goal, don’t let one measly “no” get in the way of you following your dreams. Keep on truckin’, and the right opportunity for you will work out with time.
-Mona (Marketing)
