In our latest INTOFashion masterclass, David and Imogen from Four Seasons Recruitment talked CVs, LinkedIn, interviews, personal branding and more. Read on for a sneak peek at their career advice gems.
If you’re applying for a job with a big company or through an agency, they’ll initially filter CVs with a computer programme which matches keywords on the CV with the keywords in the job description. Your CV is only readable if it’s formatted in Word, or as a PDF made from a Word document.
So that beautiful InDesigned CV you spent 1,000 hours perfecting? Nope. Sorry. It’s not going to get seen.
Your CV is purely factual. Pour your creativity into your portfolio.
(If you’re applying to an individual or a small company, they’re likely to use an actual human to filter CVs, so your beautifully laid out CV might find some appreciation there. Maybe you need two different formats for different types of application?)
Interviewer: *asks difficult question*
You: Well…
*sips water and thinks*
That’s an interesting question…
*sips more water and thinks some more*
*Smashes it with intelligent and well considered answer*
It’s so important to have something to say at the end of the interview, when the interviewer asks, “Have you got any questions?” It shows that you’re interested, motivated and engaged. You could ask about the role, ways of working, your potential team, progression opportunities, future direction for the company or about recent news that relates to the company. If you’re stuck, asking the interviewer, “Why do you enjoy working here,” will show your interest in the person, the company and give you an insight into what it might be like to work there.
If you graduated a little while ago, it’s important to keep your portfolio current and updated. Choose three brands you’d like to work for and do a mini project for each of them. It’s also a great way to diversify your portfolio in terms of style, market level or sector.
You are your own advocate: speak up for your own skills, abilities and experience. Get yourself out there – get as much experience as you can, and go to talks and events that you find on Eventbrite and through networks like FAD or your former uni. It’s a great talking point for applications and interviews, and you’ll meet people who will form part of your online and real-life network. Get some business cards printed, or have a QR code on your phone that people can scan and link through to your LinkedIn or professional Instagram. After a course or event, write it up on LinkedIn and @ the person who lead it. Again, this expands your network, shows your interested enthusiasm and builds your profile.
“You’ve chosen a competitive industry. The people who are resilient are the ones who get the roles.”
FAD’s INTOFashion programme has masterclasses, mentoring and meet-ups to help fashion graduates get a foot on the career ladder and make the most of their skills, talent and experience.
