Want to know what skills are needed to work in fashion? What do recruiters look for in candidates in the fashion industry?
Well, this depends a lot on the type of career you would like to pursue, as each fashion career has its own specific skill set.
However, many skills are common to different roles. They can be easily transferable across departments and even if you come from another industry.
As one of the most requested topics, in this article, I will be focusing on the most widespread skills in fashion, no matter the role you aspire to, and what recruiters look for in candidates (from fashion interns to managers). But remember to read the job description carefully to know what skills are required for that specific position.
The most important skills in the fashion industry
Microsoft Excel
You might be surprised to read that Microsoft Excel is the #1 skill to work in fashion. The truth is that everyone in fashion uses Excel. From analyzing sales, marketing strategies, and past ready-to-wear collection performances to predicting trends and sales forecasts to managing samples, Excel is used to analyze data and organize all of the fashion work.
Start noticing how every job description requires Excel, from internships to manager roles. That’s why it’s a common practice for luxury and fashion companies to test candidates on this program during job interviews (even just for internships and assistant positions!) I even had to do an Excel test during my job interview to land my first internship at Alexander McQueen.
Want to learn Excel applied to fashion? Register for my upcoming FREE LIVE WEBINAR: 4 Excel tricks to impress your fashion boss or recruiters.
Communication skills
While communications skills might sound like a standard and not something really important, actually this soft skill is needed to work in fashion. Not only to communicate internally between team members to ensure a good working flow, but also to build relationships with press, editors, or other fashion professionals outside the company. Communication skills are especially needed for those who want to work in fashion PR, marketing and social media, as communication is at the core of these jobs. Therefore, excellent written and verbal communication skills are something everyone needs to add to their resume right now whatever job they want to get.
Languages
Fashion is an international industry and can open you more opportunities. Most global fashion brands have offices around the world. And you may find yourself talking to the designer in Milan and the PR in New York on the same day. This is why companies always require at least one additional language. English, Italian and French are the most popular languages to speak if you want to work in fashion as most of the companies are based in Italy, France, UK and the US. Start learning a new language today: download an app on your smartphone, watch movies and videos, read books. Practice it daily and set the goal to become fluent asap.
Computer Skills
Computer skills are essential for almost any career in fashion. The skill common for 90% of fashion jobs is Excel, but there are other computer skills needed depending on the specific job.
For a career in marketing or brand management, you will need Google Analytics. If you want to work in graphic design, advertising, art direction, photography, and social media or anything that involves creating graphics and fashion images, knowing how to use programs such as Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator is a must. As you might need to build the entire graphic of a social media post or something that goes on the website, the layout of a magazine, or retouch some photos of fashion shows or lookbooks. If instead you see yourself as a fashion editor or writer, you need to familiarize yourself with WordPress and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Organizational skills
This is one of the top skills needed to work in fashion. The role of fashion interns and assistants is to support their superiors with a wide range of tasks. Therefore, organizational skills are the basis of every job well executed, and show responsibility, guaranteeing trust from your boss and colleagues. An organized person knows how to juggle tasks, what to prioritize, and how to be efficient to deliver the best work on time (or even earlier).
Collaboration
Fashion involves multiple teams working together, so being a good team player is key for anyone in fashion, including interns and entry-level roles. You’ll often need to coordinate with different departments, so collaboration and interpersonal skills are a must-have.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in the fashion industry, which values image, aesthetics, and quality. It ensures the quality and consistency of designs, products, and brand image. This skills is particularly important for working with luxury brands, known for their high standards and excellence in products and services.
Creative Skills
Creativity powers every career in fashion and can be expressed in many ways. You can be creative artistically by designing garments and styling outfits, but you can also be considered a creative person if you can brainstorm ideas easily and think out of the box.
Industry knowledge
While a fashion degree is not necessary to work in fashion, industry knowledge is essential and accessible to everyone. It is important to know about fashion history, the latest fashion news and trends, as well as global issues surrounding the industry.
Whether you want to get your first job in fashion or keep yourself updated once you get your foot in the door, learning about the industry should be a continuous process. Why does it matter? It shows recruiters your passion and your drive to grow, no matter where you are in your career. And we can help you with that!
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Confidence + Passion
Self-confidence is a skill you need to work on. Why? Because it will help you in any difficult moment, AND it will help you acquire any other skill you might lack. Many people believe they are not enough to work in fashion. That they are not qualified to land a job or work at the top companies in the industry. And for this reason, instead of taking action, they give up. You should practice that dose of confidence that will ignite your motivation and help you believe that you can learn everything you need for your job, especially at the start of your career.
Passion is another key ingredient of success, the engine that will keep you going on the worst days. Especially during your internship, as companies want to hire people who are enthusiastic and have energy and passion for the job and the company. Recruiters can see that those who are driven by passion are quick to learn on the job.
Those are the 10 top skills needed to work in fashion. Many of them are soft skills that can take time to develop. But there is one technical skill you can learn within just a few days to become more employable, and it’s Excel.
I’m hosting a free live webinar: 4 Excel Tricks to impress your Fashion Boss (or Recruiters) on April 29 and 30. Register here.
