Advice for Merchandising Enthusiasts: Wise Words From the Pros

The Devil Wears Prada

During an amazing Merchandising Board meeting A.I.M.O and other Merchandising students had the opportunity to get some great professional advice from the successful industry professionals. Here’s what we thought you should know!

Q: How important is it to have connections in the industry?

A: Building relationships is HUGE.

- Who you can get your foot in the door and after that you MUST preform.

- Retail is a small world, it’s important to maintain relationships.

More information on networking here.

WWD

Q: What do you do as a professional to stay sharp on what’s happening in the industry?

A: Subscribe to Industry magazines like WWD and VSMD. Read other things that may not be included in what job you do. (Example: News about technology and current events)

Q: What do you look for when conducting interviews?
A: It is really important to know how to conclude an interview!
- Show that you WANT it! “Enthusiasm hides a lot of ignorance.”
- When in an interview, express what YOU can do for the company not what the company can do for YOU.
- Research behavioral interview skills and techniques!
- Basic and Necessary skills for a candidate include: leadership skills (GET INVOLVED), discipline, passion, drive, willingness to learn (this makes you more marketable).
- Never say: I’m not going to do that. That’s not my job.”
- Possess people skills, work ethic
- NEVER use the word “JOB” in an interview! Use career or position.

Q: What is an appropriate way to present oneself at an interview for companies in a creative industry?
A: Dress like the job that you want, not the job that you have
- Fit the lifestyle and culture of the company. “It’s always better to be overdressed that under dressed (it’s easier to apologize for).”
- Lean more towards the conservative side
- Have a nice fashion sense
- DO NOT bring your Starbucks coffee with you into an interview!
- Have a positive attitude and great personality
- Employers hire personality, train skills
- Maintain good eye contact and have a firm handshake

Invest in the book 60 seconds and Your Hired!

Q: What is a proper way to contact employers about a position?
A: Don’t Harass.
- Be persistent, but don’t go overboard.
- Know how to ask questions effectively
- Use your manners!

Q: What is your standard for a good resume?
A: Job history is REALLY important
- How long you stayed in the position and what YOU did for the company
- Make sure you are using proper grammar!
- KEEP IT TO 1 PAGE! BE CONCISE!
- Have a specific objective for every resume
- Tailor your resume specifically for the company you are applying for and the industry you are applying for
- Relate all of your experience and involvement to the qualifications the position is asking for.
- Avoid using template websites like Resume Wizard

Q: What are other ways we can make ourselves more marketable?
A: Use Pinterest for self-marketing
- Take advantage of social networking. WARNING: Be careful what you put on your social networking sites. Employers will look you up. Consider adjusting your privacy settings and removing any unprofessional content.

Q: When is it a good time to start looking for a post-graduation career?
A: Finding a good job takes about 6 months. If you're looking for a job after college, it is better to do it at least 6 months before your graduation. Don’t apply too early because most career positions take applicants after they have graduated.

Q: Any other advice that can help us be successful?
A: You’re ALWAYS working! Every time you go into stores, look at how everything is merchandised, take notice in different practices.

Be passionate about your job.