Interview with a Fashion Design Professor
Getting an interview in a top fashion design firm is an achievement in itself. It’s one profession that thrives on talent, creativity and determination. You need to think smartly and put your best foot forward. While the fashion industry is very exciting from the outside, securing a position can be a challenge. You need to choose your words wisely when you attend an interview. There are plenty of candidates out there waiting to bag the role of their dreams. Only preparing a high-quality CV and eye-catching portfolio isn’t enough. You need to be well-versed with the ins and outs of the industry so that you can confidently answer any question that comes your way.
If you have an interview with a fashion design professor lined up, we’re happy to share some tips that will help you sail through the interview.
How to Prepare for a Fashion Job Interview?
Once you’ve received a call or email that you’re invited to the interview, you need to start preparing yourself. While research is imperative, you need to keep the following things in mind:
Know everything about the brand/retailer
First things first – get to the store if the brand has one. Look around, feel their products and make notes. You will get a fair understanding of what they’re looking for in the candidate only by looking at their styles, prints and colours. You need to look and feel confident and passionate about the company you’re applying to. Deep dive into the company’s history, read more about their current numbers, go through existing employee profiles on LinkedIn and then check their socials for the kind of marketing and promotions they do. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
Find out who will be interviewing you
Learning everything about the interviewer is also crucial. Thus, do your research on them. With this information, you can tailor your answers to suit their requirements. If they’re a prominent personality, you can even go through their YouTube videos. The people who usually conduct the interview are HRs, department managers and for senior-level roles, the CEO.
The best way to find out about the recruiter is by using online tools such as Google or LinkedIn. Doing so will ensure you click with the interviewer. And, if you’ve got the interview through a reference, be sure to mention it. This can establish a good rapport and can be a healthy ice-breaker.
Understand the prerequisites of the job you’re applying for
Often what happens is that people go in for an interview without knowing the role they’re applying for. They’re not fully aware of the prerequisites and what the job profile entails. This won’t help when you’re preparing the answers. Thus, even before you apply for the role, read the job description carefully. Ask yourself if it matches your interests. The more you understand about the job, the better you can tailor your answers and make sure they’re relevant.
Know your portfolio in and out
We’ve already spoken about how you can create a winning portfolio. Your work should speak for itself. Start with your most recent work and end with your old ones. Also, try and follow one kind of aesthetic throughout your portfolio. For example, one shape, trend or colour palette. Also, familiarise yourself with current trends. Interviewers usually test your knowledge on current happenings in the world of fashion. This will help you glide through the interview. While your portfolio should be visually-appealing and easy to navigate, remember to include a brief description about yourself too. Depending on the company’s preference, you can go in for a digital or physical portfolio.
Speak out and make a list of what you want them to know about you
All interviews and interviewers are different. Be prepared for all the questions they might ask. As an interviewee, you have two options – to follow or lead. Usually, when it comes to fashion design interviews, they’re pretty informal. Based on the interviewer’s body language, you can take charge. Interviewers are busy people and thus tend to skim through your portfolio. In the bargain, they might miss an important part. You can mention it, especially if you’ve worked with any prominent designer before. It enhances your credibility as an aspiring fashion professional. You can even make a list of information which you want them to know. Memorise it but don’t carry the paper for the interview.
Dress smartly but appropriately
For any interview, make sure you dress smartly. It should match or mirror the brand’s style and values. After all, it’s a fashion interview. However, make sure you’re comfortable. You don’t want to wear anything that is inappropriate. The way you’re looking and how you’re groomed has a profound impact on you securing the job or not.
Conclusion
Doesn’t matter how the interview goes. If you’ve put your best foot forward and given it your best shot, that’s it! After the interview, send an email appreciating the time they’ve put in to interview you. This simple gesture demonstrates your professionalism. If you don’t get a response, you can even follow up. Vogue Institute of Art & Design offers an array of bachelor’s, master’s and diploma programmes in fashion design.
