Work Experience In Fashion – How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
By Natasha Zurnamer
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging
positions to find. It’s a simple equation of supply and demand
and unfortunately there are often not enough opportunities to go
around. Imagine boosting your chances? Here is my advice!
Most fashion businesses (head office) have a work experience
program for students either in the Senior School years or for
fashion students. Work experience tends to be either in a one
week or sequence of days or a day a week for a number of months.
Either way you need to consider that although the company is
getting an ‘extra pair of hands’ for no financial outlay it can
be a disruption to the business. This is why you may often find
fashion businesses are negative when you pluck the courage to
make the call.
Let’s give you a better opportunity for success… Plan your work
experience and never leave it to the last minute to scout for
opportunities. Many companies have a work experience booking
system with bookings required at least a few months before you
will commence. Some very popular brands book the whole year out
from approaches made in January!
When you call you should ask for the human resources
department. If the company doesn’t have one; then ask to speak
to the person in charge of recruitment. If your call can’t be
put through ask confidently for the name and email address of
the person in charge of recruitment. Some companies may not
disclose email addresses so send a letter.
You can expect, at head office level to secure an opportunity
in design, production, buying, administration or purchasing.
Some companies have warehouse work experience – I would be a
little wary of warehouse work experience if you have not chosen
a career in this department.
Now, and most importantly, you need to have prepared some
information before you make the call or send the letter. You
are asking for the company to give you an insight into their
business to assist you with your career. They want to know that
even though it is unpaid work experience that they are offering
the role to someone sharp and bright! In your letter or
conversation you need to be clear about your availability and
flexible about the area in the business that you would like to
work in. For example the most popular division for work
experience is undoubtedly design. Don’t pin your hopes on work
experience in the design division. It will boost your knowledge
and expand your understanding if you work in other departments.
The insight you will gain by understanding the intricacy of
departments who lead into design will make you better in the
design department in the long run. Employers love it when work
experience prospects are keen but demonstrate flexibility.
Don’t be disheartened if you feel you are hitting a brick wall.
There are many ways to make your self known and sometimes it
may take a few different communication methods to get through.
Always maintain a positive outlook on the phone even if you
haven’t managed to pass home base (the receptionist). It is my
strong belief that you can build a rapport with just about
anyone and the receptionist may just put in a good word for you
if you strike a good empathy with them.
Okay, back to the letter. Make it short and to the point.
Include the following information; availability, preferred
department (but be flexible), your present studies and the
institution and your ultimate career goals (if you have
decided!). And one other thing; ensure the contact details that
you provide are your best contact avenues. When a company can’t
contact you – they will simply go to the next person. Even if
you leave the number of a parent or friend as an alternative and
advise them to expect a call you have a better chance of
securing a role. For work experience students who are still at
school you will need to arrange an insurance certificate or
guardian authority so be prepared when it is asked for.
Once you have gained your work experience opportunity you need
to follow some golden rules! Be reliable, always dress
appropriately to the company’s dress code and absorb like a
sponge! It is my strong belief that making an amazing
impression in work experience can lead to incredible
opportunities once you have graduated. Oh and one last thing,
always write a letter of thanks. It is amazing how much a thank
you creates a positive anchor in people’s minds. Make a great
impression and good luck!
About the Author: Natasha Zurnamer is a co Director of Rat Race
Recruitment Online, the global hub of fashion jobs featuring 150
fashion job categories and new fashion jobs listed daily. To
search or advertise jobs in fashion visit
www.ragtradejobs.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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