Interview Advice

Towards the end of our time at university, we completed one unit that helped prepared us for beginning our careers within the fashion industry. This was so helpful, to understand what potential employers are looking out for, and what not to do when applying for jobs. I want to share some of the best advice we learned with you all as you move on from university, or even begin to apply for internships.

• As mentioned in our previous posts, I recommend that you try and grasp as many opportunities as you can while you’re still learning, and there’s not a huge amount of pressure on you. Summer would be the best time, no deadlines to worry about and a long period of free time. Why not pick up some extra experience? It will really help when applying for a job. For help on all things internships, read our post on my interview with That Intern founder Emilie Hill or check out her Instagram @that.intern.

• The biggest piece of advice I received – do not address an email “Dear sir/madam” or “Dear whom it may concern”!!! Employers will appreciate you taking the time to find their name, through their website or LinkedIn. I always did this and wondered why people didn’t reply but in hindsight, you can understand why!

• List your strengths and weaknesses. The sooner you can talk about them with confidence, the better. If you list three for each, you won’t be stumped during an interview. With weaknesses, it is beneficial to list how you turn these weaknesses into strengths, i.e. a fear of failure can be channeled to a driver for success. To also show how you overcame an obstacle, the methods you chose to attack an issue head-on, shows intuition.

• Make sure you understand why you want a job, and why they should choose you. What can you bring to the role? Do you fully understand what is expected of you? Do you know the company values? If you show that you know your stuff, the employer would be more interested in taking you on.

• It is good to understand your own values, motivations and life goals (or even a 5 year plan). This could be something asked at an interview and to have some kind of idea will help to move forwards with the conversation. Explore your passions, and your beliefs.

• Finally, come prepared with questions to ask your potential employer in turn. What do you like about working here? How many other applicants are there? Showing a deeper interest in the position can really elevate your application.

I think these are some really important steps to remember when moving aside from university. I am such a nervous person and it really helps me to be very organised and prepared. I even have a board on Pinterest for interview outfit inspiration!

I have read a few books providing tips on how to be successful within the fashion industry – #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso and How to Make it Happen by Maria Hatzistefanis. These both helped me see my career as a bigger picture, what I could do if I really put my mind to something. They are big motivators when I hit a wall, and I really recommend them.

There are also a few online platforms that can really help. I interviewed online platforms The Outcrowd and NewGrad on how they are providing support for graduates all over the world, not just related to fashion. Gals Who Graduate is also an amazing platform, a collaborative community that has really helped me, especially under the current circumstances.

I hope this article has helped in some way or another, these tips have actually improved my confidence in approaching an interview situation and I feel ready to take on the next chapter in my life (as ready as I’ll ever be!).

If you are still uncertain on your career path, check out Millie’s post on Embracing Uncertainty, because it’s okay to not know where you want to go! And if like me, you have some kind of idea, I wish you the best of luck with your next step!

- Amelia x