1. Working in Fashion Back to Table of Contents

2. Working in Fashion 2 Chapter 14 Working in Fashion Finding and Getting a Job Starting a Job or Business

3. Working in Fashion 3 Chapter Objectives Describe sources for researching fashion careers. Identify job sources in the fashion industry. Explain career networking. Discuss the components of the job-application process. Summarize the steps of the job-search process. Identify important strategies for success on the job. Identify the traits of successful entrepreneurs.

4. Working in Fashion 4 Researching Your Job It is important to find a job that is compatible with your work values, personal goals, and lifestyle. You should also determine if your desired career matches your knowledge and skills, and if you need additional training and education. Section 14.1

5. Working in Fashion 5 Researching Your Job You may have an aptitude or and interest that can lead to a career. aptitude a natural talent or ability for a particular skill Section 14.1 interest an activity or concept that is enjoyable An interest survey will give you an idea of your interests and abilities. interest survey a questionnaire designed to identify interests through responses to carefully focused questions

6. Working in Fashion 6 Sources for Career Research Career guides include: Section 14.1 The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) The Occupational Outlook Handbook(OOH) Home : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics The Guide for Occupational Exploration (GOE) Career Cruising.com

7. Working in Fashion 7 Sources for Career Research Two sources of information on companies are: Section 14.1 Company directories –Guide to American Directories Company Web sites

8. Working in Fashion 8 Sources for Career Research An informational interview gives you the opportunity to meet personally with someone employed in your area of interest. Section 14.1

9. Sources for Career Research Section 14.1 Research Questions ? How long has the company been in business? How many people are employed? What are the company’s main fashion products and services? Does the company have a good record of growth and expansion? Do employees have an opportunity for advancement from within? 9

10. Working in Fashion 10 Job Sources Job sources include: Section 14.1 Local fashion businesses Trade publications –Newspapers, journals, newsletters Career Web sites –Monster, CareerBuilder, U.S. Department of Labor, the Fashion Center Career or job fairs Classified ads

11. Working in Fashion 11 The Importance of Networking Networking helps you to expand your contacts even when you think your opportunities for meeting people are limited. networking the process of finding contacts among people you know, such as family, friends, employers, and professionals who know you Section 14.1 Fashion professionals admit that having industry contacts can be as important as having talent.

12. Working in Fashion 12 Using Career Information Once you have conducted your research, compare the information to your goals and values. Section 14.1 Is the salary range acceptable? Are the required hours compatible with your lifestyle? Are you willing to relocate? The career that enables you to meet your goals and live a life according to your values is the most rewarding.

13. Working in Fashion 13 Getting the Job Most businesses have standard job application forms, requiring basic personal information such as your name, address, telephone number, a brief work history, education, and references. Write legibly on the application. Section 14.1

14. Working in Fashion 14 Getting the Job Most employers require a résumé from job applicants. résumé a document that provides a brief summary of personal information, skills, work experience, education, activities, and honors Section 14.1 One page is sufficient for a résumé unless you have extensive experience that is important to the job for which you are applying.

15. Working in Fashion 15 Getting the Job When mailing a résumé to a prospective employer, always include a cover letter. cover letter a brief one- page letter that introduces you to the employer, focuses on your skills, and explains why you are applying for the job Section 14.1 A cover letter allows you to present information that is not on your résumé.

16. Working in Fashion 16 Getting the Job Making a good first impression at a job interview is important. job interview a face-to- face meeting between a prospective employee and the person who makes hiring decisions for the company Section 14.1 The job interview is the most difficult part of the job search.

17. Getting the Job Section 14.1 Job Interview Tips Dress appropriately and be well-groomed. Anticipate questions. Be on time. Go alone. Do not chew gum or candy. Use a firm handshake. Be confident—and be yourself. Look at the interviewer. Listen carefully. Talk slowly and give complete answers, using standard English. Be ready to explain why you want the job. When you are finished, thank the interviewer. 17

18. Working in Fashion 18 Getting the Job A good reference allows the prospective employer to verify that you are a prompt and conscientious worker. reference an individual who knows you and can provide information about your work skills and habits, responsibility level, leadership abilities, and character Section 14.1 Prepare your reference list on a separate page and bring it to the interview.

19. Working in Fashion 19 Getting the Job Following the interview, send a letter to the interviewer thanking him or her for the interview. This is also a good time to mention anything that you may have forgotten to say in the interview. Section 14.1

20. Identify your skills and define a career objective. Research the market and develop a search strategy. Network and use contacts productively. Write a résumé that employers can read in 30 seconds. Master effective interviewing techniques. Be proactive and conscientious in your search. A Successful Search Section 14.1 Steps to a Successful Search 1 2 3 4 5 6 20

21. Working in Fashion 21 Operating an e-tail business on an electronic channel—the Web—can be costly, due to design, delivery, returns, and operating expenses. Though Many larger dot-com companies crashed in the 1990’s, small stores like Harris Cyclery of West Newton, Massachusetts, actually increase sales using a basic Web site. Today, a third of Harris’s bicycle business rides in on the Web to get hard-to-find parts and personal service. Describe an e-business’s home page to your class after viewing one through marketingseries.glencoe.com.marketingseries.glencoe.com For designers, photographers, stylists, and models, a cost- effective way to show their work to as many people as possible is to create online portfolios. Section 14.1 For more information, go to marketingseries.glencoe.com.marketingseries.glencoe.com Online Portfolio Fashion is a visual industry. From designers to models, people who want to build a career in the fashion world need to show their past work, not just talk about it, when they seek work. A portfolio is a good way to do this. 21

22. Working in Fashion 22 What is an informational interview? What are the purposes of a cover letter and a list of references? What are the six steps to a successful job search? 1. 2. 3. Section 14.1 14.1

23. Working in Fashion 23 Starting Your Job These strategies can help make your new job a positive experience: Section 14.2 Begin the job with confidence 1 Integrate into a new environment 2 Develop rapport 3 Continue to succeed 4

24. Working in Fashion 24 Starting Your Job Regardless of where you start, your responsibilities may increase as a result of your hard work and enthusiasm. Your best recommendation in the future is the reputation you establish for yourself now. Section 14.2

25. Working in Fashion 25 Starting a Business Entrepreneurship offers enormous potential for people who are willing to risk time and money to run a fashion business. Section 14.2 entrepreneurship the process of starting and managing your own business

26. Working in Fashion 26 Starting a Business Business risks fall into three categories: Section 14.2 Economic Natural Human

27. Starting a Business Section 14.2 Top-Ten Reasons for Failure 27

28. Working in Fashion 28 Starting a Business These questions will help you determine if you want to start your own fashion business: Section 14.2 Are you a self-starter? Are you able to get along with different personalities? Are you good at making decisions? Are you physically and emotionally prepared to run a business? How well do you plan and organize?

29. Working in Fashion 29 Starting a Business A business plan is a valuable tool for raising money to establish the business—and it provides a way to measure success. Section 14.2 business plan a proposal that describes a new business to potential investors and lenders

30. Starting a Business Section 14.2 Elements of a Business Plan Executive Summary Mission Statement Industry Overview Competitive Analysis Marketing Plan Organization Plan Operating Plan Financial Plan Appendices and Exhibits 30

31. Working in Fashion 31 Starting a Business A marketing plan communicates the marketing goals, objectives, and strategies of a company. Section 14.2 marketing plan a written document that provides direction for the marketing activities of a company for a specific period of time A marketing plan also helps a company monitor its performance.

32. Starting a Business Section 14.2 Elements of a Marketing Plan Executive Summary Situation Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Objective Marketing Strategies Implementation Evaluation and Control 32

33. Working in Fashion 33 Starting a Business Lack of experience is the number-one reason businesses fail. Lack of proper financing is the number-two reason. An entrepreneur must have the money to start and operate a business in addition to having the ability to spend funds appropriately. Section 14.2

34. Working in Fashion 34 Starting a Business The Small Business Administration (SBA) has numerous online resources to help you start your business. Investigate courses that are offered to help you learn about starting a business. Section 14.2

35. Working in Fashion 35 Focus on the Future It is important to stay focused on your fashion career while also maintaining balance in your personal life. The most important strategies are to plan ahead, set clear goals, and work toward what you want to accomplish. Section 14.2

36. Working in Fashion 36 What are five strategies to help develop rapport with a supervisor? What are five self-assessment questions? What are the three most common causes of failure for small businesses? 1. 2. 3. Section 14.2 14.2