Are you applying for jobs in the fashion industry but not sure how to prepare for the interview? You’ve come to the right place because we’ve got your back.

Before interviewing at a boutique or fashion brand, it is always important to do the groundwork and know the history of where they came from. Although interviewers will most like not quiz you on the year the company was founded or what their vision is, you can sprinkle your research into your answers.

The most important thing to demonstrate to the interviewer is that you have a keen interest in the company but that your values are also aligned. These are some common questions that you may be asked when interviewing for fashion industry jobs.

What made you pursue a career in fashion?

“I have always loved clothes” just isn’t going to cut it because that’s pretty clear if you’re applying for a position in the fashion industry! Try to narrow in on an experience that solidified your love for fashion. It doesn’t have to be a larger-than-life experience – the more relatable, the better.

It could be anything from cutting and pasting clothes from your parents magazines and creating your own looks in the third grade to being a teenager flipping through the channels and discovering an interview with Karl Lagerfeld. The most important thing is to tell a story and tie it back into why you’re a great fit for the current position.

Can you tell me about today’s current trends which ones excite you the most?

Research, research, research! Doing your homework is key for this question because you want to be able to nail down industry jargon to demonstrate your knowledge in the field. Although you could have great personal style, pinpointing the direction of industry trends is a must.

We suggest learning the names of prints, necklines, and different types of garment details to really drive home that you have deep industry knowledge. Another great tactic referencing designers of the past who have influences today’s trends. Talking about who started these trends in the past and how they have shaped modern fashion indicates to the interviewer that you not only understand the future of fashion but also have a reverence and understanding of the past.

How does your education match the requirements of this position?

This question is especially important for those who did not come from a fashion or even creative educational background. In this case it is especially important to draw on transferable skills that you can contribute from other education or work experiences.

You could  frame your answer as, “although I don’t come from a fashion education background, I do consider myself to be a creative problem solver. I like to think outside of conventional lines of how I can marry my past experiences with my love of the fashion industry.”

If you do come from a fashion background, highlight core concepts of key classes or significant creative projects that were the stepping stones that would make you the ideal candidate for this position.

Interviews can be daunting, but you have to trust that your skills and knowledge of the industry make you a strong candidate. That said, even if you have plenty of industry experience, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare! When interviewing for any position it is important to do your due diligence and make every effort to stand out to the hiring manager as a top candidate for the position.

Are you at a crossroads in your career and  looking for direction? Book a Virtual Career Meeting with Style Nine to Five founder Christie Lohr. Christie will review your cover letter, resume, LinkedIn and career goals to advise you on how to land your dream job.

Demetra Maragos – Demetra is a Master of Arts candidate at New York University, who loves thinking outside of conventional lines to combine her passions of everything culture, fashion and lifestyle.

Feature Image: Adobe Stock