5 tips to get a fashion job

As a fashion illustrator I’m available for commissions from my website’s “Hire Me” tab. This gives companies, designers and individuals the opportunity to get their ideas illustrated by me if they like my work. Yet many young fashion designers use this form there to ask to get hired.
The below examples are all real messages from my mailbox. Of course I won’t share the names of the authors but I feel that discussing why these are not working might help someone get the job they are dreaming of. I hope you’ll learn something new and useful here:

 

The things that don’t work:

• Please please please please I need this job because my family….”

In the real world is very unlikely to get hired and paid a salary because of a dramatic/sad life story. And the reason is not that the employer is cold-hearted or a bad person. No. The reason is that charity is something different from business. You don’t need to beg for a job. Make them want you! Show the company why does it need what you offer (talent, experience, ideas ).

• “..if you want or need any design or ideas so please contact me”

Let’s put away the fact that I’m an illustrator and the chances to hire someone to draw what I need are minimal. With a message like this you won’t get hired even by companies that actually need a designer.
It just doesn’t work like that. You should point if you’re good at designing lingerie, outwear, sportswear or gowns. You are not genius at all of them & if you’re claiming the opposite chances are you’re just new to designing and not amazing at any of these fields. Know your strengths and offer only what you do best!

 

• “I’m 14 and  I’m a fashion designer…”

 

No.  Sketching beautiful dresses does not make you a designer. You might have the talent to be one of top designers in the world but not before you know how to sew, how to make basic patterns, the structure of a suit, have knowledge in costume history, textiles, production process, fitting, experience in working with clients. It is good to have confidence but is should be backed with something.
Do you have a collection in stores? Any runways? A portfolio?  A degree in fashion design?

 

• ..my wish is to find where l can sell myart or to join u pliZ hellp to make my dream true”

When you apply for a job you don’t use emojis. You check your grammar and spelling. You avoid slang words. You don’t sign with “xoxoxox”
Writing an email to someone you expect to hire you is not like you’re chatting on Facebook with your friends.  Even if the person is friendly this does not make you friends. It’s still business.

• I want to be a fashion designer. Please help!

Yes, this is a real message from my mailbox and this was all of it. Instead of stating that’s wrong with this email I will just suggest how a decent first email looks like:

 

How to make it better:

• • Well…start with introducing yourself! What’s your name, age and location.
  • Write why you want to be a fashion designer – your mother inspired you, you were told you look stylish on everyday basis….anything that is true and not meaningless as “I have passion for fashion“.
  • Then briefly describe your education and experience. Any skills that are making you better at your job ( maybe you’ve had a photography class.  Maybe you’re just a nerdy person with a lot of interests and knowledge in fashion? )
  • Then say what is it that you’re doing best – Shoes? Jewelry? Dresses? Sportswear?
  • How your skills will help your employer. Why they would be interested in having you in their team?- you work fast, you’re a team player, you know the market and all current trends?
  • A link to your portfolio. You do have one, right? The company needs to see your work and make sure you have what they need. Your words are not enough.
  • Add your contact information: a phone number, an email. Most professionals have a linkedin profile – include a link to your profile as well where the employer will be able to see your experience and recommendations.
  • Check your spelling and click send

This does not guarantee you’ll get the job but at least you will be taken seriously. Put some effort in your emails and try to imagine what it looks from the other side. Stay positive and believe in your success!

Love,
Teya

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