The CV is the document that represents your first contact with a fashion company. It is, therefore, the most important first step of your application process. Considering also the high competitiveness of the fashion industry which leads some companies to use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System, a system that scans the resumes for a first selection based on specific keywords) it is essential that the CV contains the correct keywords to pass the first checks and can be considered for further discussion through the job interview.
With the CV review, I note that often the keywords are missing in the experiences and skills. This is why most of the Cvs fail in the application process and that after the review, they work 85% of the time.
There are some fundamental and generic skills, such as the use of Microsoft Office, which should never be missing on your resume, whatever job in fashion you want to get. But there are also a series of soft and necessary skills and specific programs, to have on your resume that adds value to it by increasing the chances of obtaining an interview and so a job.
Let’s see together what are the skills and programs to add to your CV if you want to work in fashion.
Obviously the list below is generic and valid for most jobs, but for every job that is stylist, editor, buyer, merchandiser … there are skills that are more relevant than others, so I suggest you take a look at this list and to compare it with the list of the requirements of each specific job offer and so to add and alternate the skills and fundamental programs for the specific offer.
You can change the skills and their order based on the job for which you are applying to make your application personalized for every job opportunity.
Let’s say that you’re applying for a job or internship in fashion buying and on your CV you have added Photoshop among your skills and you have missed entering Microsoft Office and in particular the use of Excel. This is a mistake that could make you out of the games in the application process. It’s fantastic that you know how to use Photoshop but for a role like the buyer where you basically deal with analysis and numbers all day, it’s better to highlight other relevant skills first, like Excel maybe with some details like the pivot tables and the functions such as the vlookup, analysis and reporting capabilities and then add Photoshop at the end if you have more space on your resume.
I hope with this example it is clearer how to use keywords and how you need to add skills and programs to your CV. Nothing has to be put at random just to write something, read the job offer description carefully and make sure that the company’s requirements are present on your CV.
Here are the skills and programs (many companies use their own internal management programs and therefore are explained once you enter the company, the generic programs most companies use are mentioned below) which should be on your CV :
Tools:
- Excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills.
The Office package must never be missing on your CV whatever job you’reapplying for, even if it is not requested in the job description. It is, therefore, that skill that you must always have on your CV. To differentiate yourself from all those who simply write excellent use of Excel , be more specific and add Pivot Tables and functions like the vlookup which are the most used by all the fashion workers. Before adding them to your CV, however, make sure you know how they work. You can find online guides and make practice. You will see that they are not difficult to learn 😉
- SAP Software
- CRM tools (such as MS Dynamics)
- Photoshop
- Fashion Monitor (especially for jobs in PR)
- WordPress
- Google Analytics
- SEO
- HTML, Java Script or CSS
- ATG Platform (used for e-commerce jobs)
- Illustrator
- WGSN Fashion Trend forecasting
Soft Skills
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills. Fundamental for all the jobs and that must be in the first place when you apply for jobs in PR.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal. communication and time management skills;
- Passionate about exceeding corporate goals, driving business results and going the extra mile in the daily work;
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment;
- Knowledge of the current market and consumer trends
- Fashion competence and knowledge of industry trends, luxury brands and textiles
- Problem solver
- Proactive
- Motivated and committed
- Positive attitude
- Team Worker
Languages
These are the most requested languages by fashion companies English, Italian, French, Chinese
