Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter/BoF.
Though fashion has a reputation for making hires based on your dress size and whether your folks have a big enough house in the Hamptons, most people who have jobs in the industry know that that's not the stuff that matters. What does? Having both a strategic and aesthetic eye, being forward-thinking without coming off as a diva, and — of course — having the right background and connections (though, it's more about other industry vets vouching for your specific skill set and less who your godmother is).
In any case, finding a job in fashion can be a daunting thing. And, while there are some helpful resources, there still seems to be a lack for more seasoned employees, as well as those who don't want to work in media-related fields. Today, Business of Fashion launched BoF Careers, which aims to connect employees with prospective employers (companies such as LVMH, Net-a-Porter, British Fashion Council, and the CFDAs are already part of the eco-system). BoF Careers will feature job postings, editorial content, and company pages where you'll be able to get an at-a-glance breakdown of the employer's stats, culture, and values. It's a delightfully immersive experience for both job searchers and bosses, and, unlike many other job boards, is specifically tailored for the fashion industry.
Says Business of Fashion founder Imran Amed, whose first style-related job was on a Gap sales floor in Calgary, Canada: "Many of the most interesting and important roles are in creative disciplines, from fashion styling and photography to visual merchandising and art direction. But, like other industries, the fashion industry has been transformed by digital technology, and one of the areas where many companies are looking to fill roles are in digital — from computer engineers to digital art directors to social media managers. And, at the end of the day, fashion is also as business. Fashion calls for seasoned general managers who can collaborate with creatives in a global setting with an understanding of technology. The fashion industry is in flux, and talent in all of these areas is scarce and in demand on a global basis."
Itching to make a move? Sign up and start applying. (BoF Careers)