You’ve completed your degree, and now it’s time to enter the fashion industry. The fashion industry can seem daunting at first, but with the right connections of people, it can help you open doors and succeed. If you haven’t got a wide network, then carry on reading this blog to find out how to grow your connections and enter the industry.
Getting into the industry is hard. It can become overwhelming to apply for jobs and be rejected or not hear anything. While you’re going through this process, read some books by fashion industry veterans, and learn their dos, and don’ts and how they survived.
Recommended books:
- Leave Your Mark. By Aliza Licht.
- The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Become the Badass Babe You Were Meant to Be. By Ann Shoket.
- Tales from the Back Row: An Outsider's View from Inside the Fashion Industry. By Amy Odell.
- Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls. By Leandra Medine.
Tips on how to grow your network:
Reach Out
Reaching out to future employers can be scary, but this can land you a job or help grow your connections. This could be done through email or LinkedIn messaging.
If the company you reach out to isn’t hiring at the time, make it clear you’d like to keep in contact with them and will reach out in a month or two to check if any spaces have opened up. This will show your interest and keep you in their minds.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable messaging every other month, send this sentence (or something similar): “Thank you for responding, please let me know if any future openings become available, as I am very interested and eager to further my career with your company.” This will make the company aware of your interest, and they could get back to you with future job opportunities if any arise.
Social Networking
Join group chats, social pages, and Facebook and Whatsapp communities that are related to the fashion industry. This will help you build your network of people that are interested in the industry, as well as get in touch with people that would be in the industry.
Be heard in the group chats and share your views. Get your foot in the door.
Are you searching for your dream job in the fashion industry? Here at U&I, we can help. Head over to our jobs board, or contact us for further help today.
