Fostering Resilience in Your Fashion Job Search

In addition to challenges ingrained in the job search process, the overarching uncertainty of that experience can impact your mental health.

By Maya Avram

Explore The Glowth Academy’s courses to learn how to land your dream job in fashion and set yourself up for success in the industry.

In addition to challenges ingrained in the job search process, from having to tailor each application to undergoing interviews and negotiating pay, the overarching uncertainty of that experience can impact your mental health. And with the duration of unemployment averaging between four to six months, the inevitable rejections (or even ghosting) might dent your confidence and hinder your motivation at some point along the way.

It might be helpful to remember that these challenges are built into the job-hunting process, and are by no means a reflection on your skill or worth. Indeed, job numbers in fashion have fallen 32% globally since last September, according to GlobalData. In the UK alone, the Office for National Statistics reported an 18% decline in vacancies across art and entertainment since January this year. Adding to these stats a growing talent pool and diminishing hiring budgets — and you get an ultra-competitive job market.

To contend with feelings of frustration and self-doubt, below is our guide on how to foster mental resilience during your job search.

Devise a Strategy

As mentioned, current market conditions are unfavourable and could potentially stymie your job search. Still, there are things you can do to regain a sense of control and introduce structure into your life during this period.

First, you should create a professional roadmap that includes your short-term, mid-term and long-term career goals. Defining your objectives in such a framework makes it easier to look for your next opportunity, and serves as inspiration at times of difficulty.

“Challenges are built into the job-hunting process, and are by no means a reflection on your skill or worth.”

Once you are set in your desired direction, adjust your communication and online presence to reflect those ambitions. This, of course, includes your résumé and cover letters — but also your LinkedIn profile, website/portfolio and social media, which carry more weight than you might assume. According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of recruiters believe engaging with “passive candidates” — individuals who have not actively applied for a position — will become more important for bringing in top talent over the next few years. This means that most jobs are not publicly advertised, a fact that is particularly true in the fashion industry. To be considered for “hidden jobs,” you therefore must have a strong online presence so recruiters and hiring managers can find you.

Whether it means starting a commentary page on TikTok or a blog on Substack, post as the professional you aspire to be. Not only will that paint you as a serious candidate for the type of roles you desire, but it will also impact your mindset and how you carry yourself in a work setting, which can be a major differentiating factor in today’s competitive market.

Foster a Support Network

Dialling down the previous section, do not let the current climate pull you away from confiding in, and relying on, peers and colleagues. Job searching can be isolating, so it is crucial to have a network of individuals who support and encourage you during this time. In addition, with most roles in the industry being filled through word-of-mouth, your network is one of your most important assets. 

Moreover, fashion talent climb up the ladder together, meaning the connections you cultivate today are likely to promote your career in the future. Still, networking should not be regarded as merely transactional. Seek out people who inspire and challenge you, and who will help you grow and expand your horizons. Make sure to reciprocate favours to the best of your ability and available resources. That may look like assisting a friend through a creative project; proofing a peer’s article or simply promoting a classmate’s exhibition on your social media.

Small actions can have a great impact later on, and fostering strong relationships is integral to your personal growth.

Be Agile

As mentioned above, a rejection often occurs because of a lack of fit, rather than worth — meaning you should not take it personally. Consider it as an invitation to reflect on your process and experience, and to make necessary adjustments to better align with your career goals.

“In today’s fast-paced environment, the average halfway point for a skill set to no longer be effective is less than five years... stay updated on industry news, market trends and other innovations.”

It might be the case that your desired brand or function requires skills you have not yet mastered. After all, in today’s fast-paced environment, the average halfway point for a skill set to no longer be effective is less than five years, according to Harvard Business Review. This is why you should make sure to stay updated on industry news, market trends and other innovations. If you are a designer, consider learning 3D tools; as a writer, experiment with ChatGPT.

The important thing is to continue to develop your practice. Whether you volunteer in your local community, start an online course or attend a professional conference, showing initiative in this way helps structure your week, as well as grants you access to people you otherwise would not meet, and who can open doors in surprising ways.

Finally, seek the advice of a career coach or mentor for a diverse range of opinions. They might suggest new tactics or career paths you have not considered, but which can ultimately lead you where you want to go — even if not in a linear way. For example, they might suggest you switch from working in-house to freelance; full-time to part-time, in-person or remote. The creative industries are relatively more flexible when it comes to working format — so use it to your benefit.

Take a Break

While we all know a job search is a numbers game, if you have been at it for a while, you may start to feel a bit wrung out. To prevent yourself from reaching a breaking point, consider taking a strategic break.

It might not be possible to go on a long hiatus or travel very far, but you should not be afraid to pause your pursuit to replenish your mental resources. It is the only way to regain the energy and vigour that you need to land your next role.