You are excited to get into the fashion industry. it’s been your dream since forever. So you happily start typing your first words to build up your first resume. You start applying but at some point something goes off and the frustration is slowly taking the place of your enthusiasm. You start getting rejections or you get ignored. Or you feel overwhelmed even before applying because you don’t know what to do and where to start. I know how you’re feeling, cause I was there.
Embarking on a job search in the fashion industry can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and moments of uncertainty. As someone who has experienced the challenges firsthand, I understand the feelings of being an outsider, lacking experience, feeling not qualified due to an unrelated degree (I have a degree in management engineering) and having zero connections. Let’s add also not living in a fashion capital.
The journey may leave you feeling inadequate, exhausted, and questioning if your dreams are within reach. However, I want to assure you that they absolutely are. I’ve been where you are, but I refused to let those obstacles define me. In fact, with perseverance and a few job application tricks up my sleeve, I landed my dream job at Alexander McQueen within just one month of starting my job search, despite having no prior experience. And you can achieve your goals too. During this journey, it’s easy to feel exhausted, demotivated, and anxious. Experiencing rejection and setbacks can also take a toll on your confidence. However, staying motivated is crucial to keep searching for the right job and not being among those who end up getting a job in another industry and giving up their job search in fashion.
I know that some days finding the right motivation is so much harder. It’s okay to take a break on those challenging days. So with this article I want to share some tips to help you prevent getting to that dangerous point where you just accept any job because you are exhausted.
How To Stay Motivated During Job Search In Fashion
Keep your goals in mind: Build a vision career board to stay focused.
A vision career board is a powerful visual tool that helps you clarify your goals and maintain focus during your job search. It acts as a visual representation of your career aspirations, reminding you of the bigger picture. To create a vision career board, gather images, quotes, and words that resonate with your desired career path. It can include photos of fashion brands you admire, influential figures in the industry, or even words that represent the skills you want to develop. Arrange these elements on a board, either physical or digital, and place it where you’ll see it daily. You can set it as your wallpaper, screensaver, or simply keep it within sight on your desk. This visual reminder will keep you motivated and help you stay aligned with your career goals.
Schedule your days and breaks
Planning your days and incorporating breaks is essential to maintain productivity and prevent burnout during your job search. Set a schedule that outlines specific time blocks for different activities. Designate certain periods for working on your job applications, researching companies, enhancing your skills, updating your resume and networking. Allocate breaks within your schedule to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy. For example, you could schedule short breaks for exercise, reading, or pursuing a creative hobby. Remember to prioritize self-care to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Having a well-structured schedule ensures you make progress while also allowing time for rest and rejuvenation.
Refresh your application strategies
If you find yourself applying for numerous jobs or internships without seeing results, it’s time to assess and refresh your application strategies. Sometimes, small mistakes or areas of improvement in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or communication can hinder your chances of securing interviews. Rather than persisting with the same approach, it’s crucial to take a step back and analyze your application strategies.
Start by thoroughly reviewing your resume.
Ensure it highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor your resume to match the specific requirements of each job you apply for. Remove any irrelevant information and make sure your resume is concise, clear, and error-free.
Then move to the cover letter and if you are not using one, make sure you start writing your first. When you don’t have experience, your cover letter will be more important than your resume as it will be your way to tell recruiters how much passionate you are about this job. Your cover letter should indeed effectively communicate your passion for the fashion industry and demonstrate how your skills align with the job requirements. Personalize each cover letter for the specific position you’re applying for, addressing the key points mentioned in the job description. Focus on showcasing your unique strengths and experiences that make you an ideal candidate.
Build a portfolio
If you’re applying for creative roles such as designer, stylist, photographer, graphic designer, or writer, build a portfolio because remember that show is better than tell. A portfolio can also be used by buyers, marketing and pr managers. If you have never worked in fashion before, you can add some projects that you just work on to build up your portfolio to show your skills. Make sure the portfolio is easily accessible, either through an online website or as a PDF attachment. Consider adding a brief description or explanation for each project to provide context and highlight your creative process.
And last but not least, polish your online presence. Recruiters will immediately go online on Instagram and LinkedIn as soon as they receive your applications to understand more about your personality. Your online presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, plays a significant role in the job search process. Update your LinkedIn profile, ensuring it reflects your current experiences, skills, and career aspirations. Consider engaging in industry-related discussions, connecting with professionals in your field, and sharing relevant content to strengthen your online presence.
Ask for help and surround yourself with the right people.
Don’t hesitate to seek support from others during your job search. Connect with fellow fashion enthusiasts on social media platforms and consider finding mentors who can guide you on your journey. Seeking support from others during your job search is invaluable. One aspect that students highly value in my course, “Break into the Fashion Industry,” is that it extends beyond a typical course structure. It provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals, where you can share both your challenges and triumphs. Having a group of individuals who understand your dreams, aspirations, and the obstacles you face is a tremendous motivation booster. Through these connections, you feel heard, understood, and most importantly, realize that you are not alone in your pursuit.
In the “Break into the Fashion Industry” course, I offer monthly mentorship sessions to provide guidance and support.
Having a mentor can offer valuable insights into the industry and help you develop effective strategies for success. Additionally, knowing that you have someone to lean on during your journey alleviates the feeling of going through it alone. I had millions of questions when I was at the beginning of my career in fashion and I wish I had someone I could talk to about what’s like to work in fashion, what I really needed. This would have saved me so much time and stress. Therefore, I am passionate about helping others in this way because I empathize with the challenges they face. If you are in need of assistance, I encourage you to start by watching my free webinar.
Seeking support from fellow fashion enthusiasts and mentors can make a significant difference in your job search. It provides a sense of community, guidance, and reassurance that you are not alone in your journey. Embrace the opportunity to connect with others who share your passion and utilize the wisdom and support they offer. Together, we can navigate the intricacies of the fashion industry and achieve our goals.
Remember you why and that everyone gets rejected at some point: find inspiration in movies, exhibitions, books
Immerse yourself in resources that will boost your inspiration and remind you about WHY you started. Keeping the focus on your WHY is essential to stay motivated and keep going during those hardest days. To prevent loosing your why and motivation I suggest setting up in your agenda a monthly appointment with resources such as movies, documentaries, fashion exhibitions, books.
Engaging with movies, exhibitions, documentaries, and books related to the fashion industry not only provides inspiration but also offers valuable insights into the reality of pursuing a career in fashion. So it’s a win-win as you get inspiration + learn something new. By immersing yourself in these resources, you will come to understand that the path to success in fashion is rarely easy for anyone. This understanding can be incredibly motivating as you navigate the ups and downs of your job search.
Watch films and series about fashion.
Films and series like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Bold Type” depict the fashion industry and offer glimpses into the lives of fashion professionals. Watching these movies can reignite your passion, remind you of your aspirations, and provide insights into the industry’s dynamics.
Visit fashion exhibitions whenever you can.
Anytime I go to a fashion exhibition I immediately feel a sense of inspiration and motivation. Being surrounded by those beautiful fashion images or iconic dresses immediately sparks the motivation in me. It’s not a case indeed that inside the Glam Observer office there are quite a few fashion images that I buy anytime I visit these exhibitions to bring home (or in this case to the office) that inspiration. You could do the same.
Read books
By reading books on fashion history, or the biographies of fashion icons, you gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced along their journey. Learning about their failures, perseverance, and ultimate triumphs reinforces the idea that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that success is attainable despite obstacles. You realize that “no” is not a reflection of your worth or potential, but rather a stepping stone towards your goals. Embracing the struggles and setbacks as an inherent part of the journey empowers you to persevere, learn from each experience, and continue striving for success in the fashion industry.
Create spaces that motivate and inspire you during the job search.
Take the time to curate an inspiring desk and seek out diverse environments when applying for jobs. Setting up an inspiring desk, even if you don’t have a job yet but you are just a student or applying for jobs can have a significant impact on your motivation and focus during the job application process. While you may not have a dedicated workspace, you can still curate a designated area that energizes and inspires you. You could place fashion-related images that inspire you on your desk alongside the visual board I suggest in the first point.
Print out photographs.
Print out photographs of your favorite designers, fashion editorials, or runway looks that resonate with your style and career aspirations. If you have access to fashion posters or prints, consider framing them and hanging them on the wall of your bedroom. You can buy these posters when you visit fashion exhibitions or find some online. Surrounding yourself with these visual reminders will create an atmosphere that ignites your creativity and keeps you connected to your fashion aspirations.
Keep a selection of fashion books within reach.
Display books related to fashion history, iconic designers, or industry insights on a nearby shelf or stack them neatly on your desk. These books can serve as sources of inspiration during breaks or moments when you need a boost of motivation. I don’t know about you but even just looking at my shelf of fashion books and stack of fashion magazines without opening them, already makes me feel more inspired and in a fashion mood.
Keep your desk clean, clutter-free, and organized.
Arrange your essential work materials, such as your laptop, notebooks, and pens, in a way that promotes efficiency and productivity. Having a clear and organized desk will allow you to focus on your job search tasks without distractions.
Change your environment occasionally.
Consider taking your laptop to a local coffee shop, a park, or a library to apply for jobs. The change of scenery can stimulate creativity, provide a new perspective, and refresh your motivation. Additionally, being in a bustling environment like a coffee shop may provide a sense of connection and energy.
By setting up an inspiring desk and occasionally exploring different environments, you create spaces that motivate and inspire you during the job search. Whether at home or in a coffee shop, your desk becomes a personal sanctuary that reflects your passion for fashion and helps you stay focused on your goals.
Take online courses to boost your skills and connect with like-minded students.
During your job search, investing time in online courses can have multiple benefits. Not only do these courses help you enhance your skills and boost your resume, but they also provide an opportunity to connect with other students who share your passions. This, in turn, can significantly impact your confidence and motivation.
As you engage in online courses and acquire new knowledge and skills, your confidence naturally grows. The sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering new concepts or completing assignments can boost your self-assurance. This increased confidence translates into your job search as you showcase your enhanced skills and knowledge to potential employers. With greater confidence, you’ll be more motivated to pursue job opportunities, network with professionals, and express your unique strengths and qualifications. Check out my fashion courses here.
