What recruiters are really looking for—and how to stand out from the stack.

You’ve polished your resume, double-checked your spelling, and submitted your application. Now what?

Behind the scenes, your resume is in a sea of hundreds—maybe thousands—of others. And while you’ve probably wondered “Did I do enough to stand out?”, we’re here to pull back the curtain and give you a glimpse into what fashion hiring managers and recruiters are really thinking when reviewing applications.

Here are five thoughts that go through their minds—plus tips to help make sure your application lands in the yes pile.

1. “Do they actually want this job—or just any job?”

Hiring managers can spot a generic application from a mile away. When your resume and cover letter feel templated or vague, it tells them you haven’t taken the time to understand the role or the brand.

Tip: Tailor everything.
Customize your application so it reflects the specific company and role. Use language from the job description, mention the brand’s values, and explain why this role matters to you.

Example:
Instead of saying: “I’m looking to grow in a fashion company,” try:
“As a long-time admirer of Brand Name’s focus on sustainability and unique design, I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to your marketing team.”

2. “Does this person get our world?”

Fashion is a fast-paced, detail-driven industry. Even if your background is impressive, hiring managers want to know you understand the unique demands of this space—especially if you’re coming from outside the fashion world or from a more corporate environment.

Tip: Speak their language.
If you’ve worked in retail, merchandising, styling, or even customer service, highlight how that experience translates into fashion-specific value. Mention product knowledge, trend awareness, visual merchandising, or customer-facing experience with luxury goods.

Example:
“Through my retail experience at XYZ, I’ve developed a deep understanding of customer behaviour and brand storytelling—skills I’m eager to bring to a fashion marketing or PR role.”

3. “I like this experience, but why did they stop talking about it?”

Sometimes, candidates include great experience—but fail to explain their impact. Don’t just list your duties; show the results. Hiring managers want to see proof that you’ve made a difference, not just that you’ve been present.

Tip: Show your impact with numbers, stories, or outcomes.
Quantify your work where possible. Highlight growth, improvements, or creative initiatives you contributed to.

Examples:
• “Increased Instagram engagement by 32% over six months through strategic content planning.”
• “Assisted in the visual merchandising reset that contributed to a 15% lift in seasonal product sales.”
• “Supported VIP styling appointments, helping the team exceed monthly sales targets by 20%.”

4. “This cover letter isn’t adding anything new.”

Hiring managers often read cover letters after the resume. So if it’s just repeating what’s already listed, it’s a missed opportunity. What they’re really looking for is personality, motivation, and connection to the brand.

Tip: Tell a story and make it personal.
Use your cover letter to share what excites you about the brand, what you bring to the table beyond your skills, or even a short anecdote that shows your passion for the industry.

Example:
“I still remember saving up for my first piece from Brand Name—a purchase that sparked my love for fashion and storytelling through design. That same passion now drives me to build a career in brand communications.”

5. “There’s potential here—but it needs polish.”

Even strong candidates can fall short if their application looks rushed. That means inconsistent formatting, unclear job titles, outdated email addresses (yes, we’re looking at you, hotfashiongirl123@email.com), or a LinkedIn profile that hasn’t been touched in two years.

Tip: Presentation counts.
Before you submit anything, make sure everything looks clean, consistent, and professional. Use modern fonts, remove clutter, and align everything neatly. Also, keep your LinkedIn updated—many hiring managers will look it up before reaching out.

Pro tip:
Add a Professional Title under your name that clearly signals your area of expertise:
Emily Brooks | Fashion Marketing Specialist | Digital Content & Brand Strategy

The Bottom Line

Hiring managers may not say these things out loud—but they’re definitely thinking them. The good news? Once you know what’s really going through their minds, you can craft a stronger, smarter application that speaks their language.

If you’re ready to go from “maybe” to “let’s book an interview”, Style Nine to Five can help. From resume refreshes and cover letter edits to full career coaching, we’re here to help you land the job you deserve.

Need support? Check out our Career Services or visit the Style Nine to Five‘s fashion job board to start applying today.