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3 Skills That Will Boost Your Employability in Fashion

fashion job skillsFashion is a competitive business, so if you’re considering a career in the industry, it’s important that you have the right balance of practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience.

Employers will likely be on the lookout for someone with a professional attitude, who has at least some industry experience and possibly a fashion related academic background, too.

London College of Contemporary Arts’ Claire Payne discusses the three most important skills you need if you’re hoping to fight off the competition in this incredibly cutthroat industry.

1. Communication skills

Efficient communication is vital in almost every career and fashion is no exception; many different sectors within the fashion industry require adept communication skills, from design right through to retail.

Certain roles require you to be able to explain your ideas effectively. Designers and merchandisers are just two roles that require this skill. One method of communicating ideas is by pitching, which requires confidence in the topic you’re speaking about and the ability to answer any questions on the spot.

Negotiation skills may also prove useful for certain roles within the fashion industry, for example when trying to secure an order for fabric or discussing prices for marketing or advertising campaigns.

2. Organisational skills

To work in fashion, you have to be incredibly organised. It’s likely that you’ll have to handle a busy schedule and a heavy workload, so being able to juggle tasks and prioritise effectively is essential.

The industry is infamously demanding, meaning that you may be placed under pressure on a regular basis. Possessing organisational skills will likely help you feel less stressed, as you’ll be confident in your ability to manage your time in a way that enables you to reach your full potential.

Having the ability to be physically organised will also help within the fashion environment. A tidy work space can have surprising effects on productivity – keep it clutter free, and you’ll more than likely find it easier to concentrate on and tasks you have. This is especially relevant to those working in a workshop environment, and disorganisation can lead to time wasting.

3. Artistic skills

Today, there are so many skills that people insist are essential for any one job that the actual skill of the job can be overlooked. If you’re looking to secure a role in fashion – particularly the design aspect – yes, communication skills and organisational skills are important, but equally as vital are your artistic abilities and eye for style.

Many of the skills you need to succeed in the fashion industry, such as those mentioned above, can be learnt and refined over time. Artistic flair is something that many people develop naturally, and strive to constantly improve upon.

With an industry full of so many people dedicated to making it to the top, skills such as computer aided design (CAD) and fashion illustration should reach a professional level before the launch of a career.