| Work experience in fashion can be one of the most | | | | example the most popular division for work |
| challenging positions to find. It's a simple equation of | | | | experience is undoubtedly design. Don't pin your |
| supply and demand and unfortunately there are often | | | | hopes on work experience in the design division. It |
| not enough opportunities to go around. Imagine | | | | will boost your knowledge and expand your |
| boosting your chances? Here is my advice! | | | | understanding if you work in other departments. The |
| Most fashion businesses (head office) have a work | | | | insight you will gain by understanding the intricacy of |
| experience program for students either in the Senior | | | | departments who lead into design will make you |
| School years or for fashion students. Work | | | | better in the design department in the long run. |
| experience tends to be either in a one week or | | | | Employers love it when work experience prospects |
| sequence of days or a day a week for a number of | | | | are keen but demonstrate flexibility. |
| months. Either way you need to consider that | | | | Don't be disheartened if you feel you are hitting a |
| although the company is getting an 'extra pair of | | | | brick wall. There are many ways to make your self |
| hands' for no financial outlay it can be a disruption to | | | | known and sometimes it may take a few different |
| the business. This is why you may often find fashion | | | | communication methods to get through. Always |
| businesses are negative when you pluck the courage | | | | maintain a positive outlook on the phone even if you |
| to make the call. | | | | haven't managed to pass home base (the |
| Let's give you a better opportunity for success... Plan | | | | receptionist). It is my strong belief that you can build |
| your work experience and never leave it to the last | | | | a rapport with just about anyone and the |
| minute to scout for opportunities. Many companies | | | | receptionist may just put in a good word for you if |
| have a work experience booking system with | | | | you strike a good empathy with them. |
| bookings required at least a few months before you | | | | Okay, back to the letter. Make it short and to the |
| will commence. Some very popular brands book the | | | | point. Include the following information; availability, |
| whole year out from approaches made in January! | | | | preferred department (but be flexible), your present |
| When you call you should ask for the human | | | | studies and the institution and your ultimate career |
| resources department. If the company doesn't have | | | | goals (if you have decided!). And one other thing; |
| one; then ask to speak to the person in charge of | | | | ensure the contact details that you provide are your |
| recruitment. If your call can't be put through ask | | | | best contact avenues. When a company can't |
| confidently for the name and email address of the | | | | contact you - they will simply go to the next person. |
| person in charge of recruitment. Some companies | | | | Even if you leave the number of a parent or friend |
| may not disclose email addresses so send a letter. | | | | as an alternative and advise them to expect a call |
| You can expect, at head office level to secure an | | | | you have a better chance of securing a role. For |
| opportunity in design, production, buying, | | | | work experience students who are still at school you |
| administration or purchasing. Some companies have | | | | will need to arrange an insurance certificate or |
| warehouse work experience - I would be a little | | | | guardian authority so be prepared when it is asked |
| wary of warehouse work experience if you have not | | | | for. |
| chosen a career in this department. | | | | Once you have gained your work experience |
| Now, and most importantly, you need to have | | | | opportunity you need to follow some golden rules! Be |
| prepared some information before you make the call | | | | reliable, always dress appropriately to the company's |
| or send the letter. You are asking for the company | | | | dress code and absorb like a sponge! It is my strong |
| to give you an insight into their business to assist you | | | | belief that making an amazing impression in work |
| with your career. They want to know that even | | | | experience can lead to incredible opportunities once |
| though it is unpaid work experience that they are | | | | you have graduated. Oh and one last thing, always |
| offering the role to someone sharp and bright! In | | | | write a letter of thanks. It is amazing how much a |
| your letter or conversation you need to be clear | | | | thank you creates a positive anchor in people's minds. |
| about your availability and flexible about the area in | | | | Make a great impression and good luck! |
| the business that you would like to work in. For | | | | |