It’s graduation time and whilst the mortar boards are flying in the air the celebration for many is tainted with concern over news that half of all companies are not looking to recruit a graduate in the coming months. With experts predicting that 2009’s graduates are going to have a harder time finding work than ever before the advice for all graduates is to try to get work experience, further qualifications or even travel and work abroad to avoid the worst of the recession but is this advice applicable to fashion graduates?
Every year we look to take on a graduate and there is always huge uptake for the position. There are a number of things that we, as the employer, are looking for and also a number of ways that a graduate can stand out.
Obviously a good degree from a good university helps but that doesn’t necessarily mean a first class degree. At uni I was told that a 2.1 degree is the most attractive to employers look for as it implies the graduate has done more than just have their head in a book for 3 years. Qualifications are not the be all and end all of a career in fashion. Further academic qualifications above a degree are unlikely to be as useful as the same period spent gaining experience.
Work experience has always been seen as a vital skill set by fashion graduate employers and the best way to get experience is whilst still at university however there is a difference between obligatory work experience that is done as part of the degree and work experience that the graduate has embraced. As employers we’re looking for interesting placements- the hard to get and unusual, as it implies the graduate worked hard to get a placement and knew what they were doing!
Enthusiasm is something that we are always on the lookout for. Graduates lacking obvious enthusiasm for the job need not apply...! It is something that can’t be faked and is so vital to the job. We know that working in fashion can sometimes be less than glamorous but the enthusiasm for the job keeps us (and our graduates) going when things get tough. Prove to us that you can work hard in a stressful situation with a smile.
Start at the bottom and work your way up- offer yourself as an unpaid assistant/runner and prove a bit of hard work and menial jobs don’t phase you. As employers we are scanning incoming CV’s for something that shows this- a particularly gruelling work experience placement, a previous job in something on the menial side- anything that shows a willingness to work really hard and a grounded attitude.
Graduates need to have an excellent knowledge about current trends and an eye for style. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a proportion of this will be judged on what you are wearing at the interview. Interviewees that are wearing something that both attracts our attention but remains smart and appropriate are likely to be remembered for all the right reasons.
Ok. So you know what to do WHEN you find a vacancy but HOW to find one of those rare and precious things? Be everywhere. Read everything. If you are not looking everywhere from fashion industry tweets to small time industry magazines you may miss out. Treat looking for a job as a full time job. Network, network, network. If no one knows who you are then how will they offer you a job or your dream placement? Think about people you know that are working in the industry- uni colleagues, tutors, your PR neighbour who works in PR, your mums friends son who is in a signed band..... Think laterally not literally when sending out your CV- PR and media agencies, small time fashion magazines and local newspapers. All might be the tiny step in the door you need.
Above all remember you are looking for your dream career so stick with it and stay focused!
What do you think? 2008 or 2009 graduate? Tweet me....
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