Before Applying for Fashion Jobs, There Are Five Things You Should Know

Applying for fashion-related employment, huh? At last, you're here. As you prepare to start sending out resumes and waiting for callbacks for interviews, you are standing by your computer. But wait! Wait till you've read the rest of this article and decided that you have the dedication necessary to apply for and work in the fashion industry. Before applying for fashion employment, there are a number of important things you need to know. Before you decide to go, let's talk about this a little bit further and offer you some realistic expectations. Sure, the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" depicts some of the crazy of the fashion industry.

1. Managing Expenses and Cost of Living

You might be doing fantastic work at your new job, but if you don't do the arithmetic correctly, you can have to say goodbye to everything. Make sure to budget not only for rent and transportation, but also for food, clothing, health insurance, utilities, and other expenses you will likely have, for example, if you have been living and working in Florida (a state with a low cost of living) and you have your heart set on fashion jobs in New York City (a city with a high cost of living). List all potential costs to determine whether or not it is a sensible choice. You don't want to make a costly decision with your new position!

2. Rejection

Simply said, this industry is not for you if you have trouble handling rejection. You'll hear "No" a lot, and your options are to whine about it and give up or go back to the drawing board and create another (better) idea. If you think about it this way, many people who apply for fashion jobs will eventually become discouraged by all the rejection and give up; do you want to be standing when that happens? Guess who gets more opportunities if you replied "Yes"? You! Convert the negative comments into insightful critique by using them. Discover, develop, and try again!

3. You Will Be Judged by Your Appearance

Yes, we are taught to accept and love people for who they are, but if you work in the fashion industry, honey, people will look at you and concoct their own theories as to why you were hired. They shouldn't be able to look at you without saying, "SHE'S a stylist?!" or, worse yet, "She won't belong in this industry." Ouch! It's not as straightforward as simply going out and purchasing pricey designer gear. Tiny details can have a big impact on the world, such as chipped fingernails, wrinkled clothing, and dirty shoes. Keep in mind that looks is not everything in the fashion industry, but it is undoubtedly a key factor.

4. Your First Fashion Job Will Be the First of Many Others

Please don't be one of those persons who believes they have immediately secured the best and most fantastic fashion job imaginable. Although I'm not saying it's impossible, I am suggesting it's unlikely to happen for you. Most likely, you'll have to start at the bottom as an intern (paid, if you're lucky) and be stuck fetching coffee, boiling clothing, etc. You won't be able to stand out and go up the ladder unless you prove yourself and get the respect of your boss and coworkers. Before you ultimately land your desired job, it can take years and numerous job changes. Finally, a "dream career" in the fashion sector can have its share of nightmares too.

5. 40-Hour Five-Day Work Week Fashion Jobs? Ha!

If this seems like what you are looking for, you might as well give up right away. Such a stable work schedule is uncommon in fashion jobs. Most people considering careers in fashion won't settle for being store managers with a defined work schedule, however obviously this will depend on what you choose to specialize in. Many of you who are reading this have a REALLY huge dream of success. Just keep in mind that if you want to succeed, you should work harder and longer than anybody else, including being the first one in and the last one out. you were warned it needs commitment.