From Application to Interview: How to Get a Job in the Fashion Industry

There’s a reason so many people are drawn to fashion — it’s fast-moving, endlessly creative, and always evolving. But getting your foot in the door can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have direct experience. Whether you’re applying for your first internship or trying to pivot into the industry from another path, knowing how to present yourself makes all the difference.

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As Director of Talent Acquisition at Fourth Floor, I’ve spent the last several years connecting people to roles that align not only with their skillset, but also with their long-term goals. And while there’s no single formula for landing a job in fashion, I’ve seen the patterns of what makes a candidate stand out, especially when they’re just getting started.

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Here’s what I look for in a resume, portfolio, and interview, and how you can prepare to take that first step into the industry.

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Resume: Clean, Concise, and Custom

If there’s one piece of advice I give every fashion candidate, it’s this: keep your resume clean, concise, and tailored. Creatives often lean toward visually heavy resumes, which can work, as long as they’re still easy to read. Avoid crowding the page with too much design or text. You’re not trying to show everything you’ve ever done. One page is ideal, especially for early-career professionals. Two pages are acceptable, but only if you truly need the space.

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When it comes to content, skip listing every internship from college once you're a few years out. Prioritize relevance and recency. And don’t just list tasks — highlight your impact. Swap “Managed Instagram” for “Grew Instagram engagement by 40% in six months.” That paints a more vivid picture.

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Big companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so it’s important to echo keywords from the job description. If it’s a merchandising role, for example, use terms like “SKU management,” “trend forecasting,” or “visual merchandising.” Always list relevant software (Adobe Creative Suite, Shopify, PLM, Excel) and, if you're multilingual, call that out too. You never know when it’ll give you a competitive edge.

Portfolio: Showcase Your Process — Even Without Experience

Your portfolio is your visual resume — but it doesn't have to be limited to professional work. If you’re just starting out, personal projects are absolutely valid. Mood boards, sketches, color palettes, and even collections you’ve designed for fun can all showcase your creativity and vision.

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What hiring managers really want to see is how you think. Share your full process — not just the polished outcome. From initial inspiration to hand sketches, digital renderings, and tech packs, every step helps tell the story of your design development.

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Trying to break into a new category? Don’t wait for permission — create the work you want to be hired for. If you’ve only worked in streetwear but dream of designing bridal, dedicate a weekend to building a small bridal concept. That kind of initiative speaks volumes and can set you apart.

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There’s no one-size-fits-all format, either. Whether it’s a custom website, a curated PDF, or a portfolio platform, choose the option that highlights your strengths and keeps your work easy to explore.

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Interview Prep: Know the Brand, Know Yourself

When you land the interview, preparation is everything. And I mean everything. Start with the company. Know their values, their history, their latest collection, and their competitors. Know who you’re meeting with. Look them up on LinkedIn. Have they done interviews or written articles? Mention it if it makes sense in the conversation. Candidates who show that level of prep immediately stand out.

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Expect fashion-specific questions. One that comes up often: “Who are your favorite creative directors?” Don’t be afraid to share your honest answer but be strategic. Tie your response back to the brand if you can. Maybe you admire a designer that has worked with a competitor’s brand, but you also love what the brand you’re interviewing with did last season. Show them you’re watching, learning, and thinking like a designer.

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If you’re interviewing for a design role, you’ll almost always be asked to complete a project after your second round. That could mean putting together a small seasonal collection — complete with color palette, mood board, and target customer. It’s a lot of work, but it’s standard. Think of it as a way to demonstrate that you understand the brand, their market, and how your aesthetic fits into their world.

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And remember, the interview is a conversation. Bring your personality. Connect over something human — a city, a style reference, a shared favorite designer. Then follow up. A thoughtful thank-you note within 24 hours can reinforce your interest and help you leave a lasting impression.

Be Curious, Be Flexible, Be Ready

There’s no one way to break into fashion. Everyone’s journey looks a little different, and that’s okay. What matters most is showing that you’re curious, motivated, and willing to put in the work. If you don’t have direct industry experience yet, that doesn’t mean you’re not qualified. You just need to find ways to showcase your potential.

Start where you can. Roles in retail or customer service can be a great entry point, especially if you're hoping to move into corporate later on. These positions offer real exposure to the product, the customer, and the pace of the industry, and many companies love to promote from within.

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Most of all, stay open. Fashion moves quickly, and the path you start on might not be where you end up. But every role, every project, and every connection can bring you closer to your goal. Take the time to understand what excites you, be strategic in how you present yourself, and trust that there’s space for you in this industry.

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