Ten tips for designers to excel: Recap

There is hope yet for designers who feel like they have become stuck in their roles after landing their first job, or are unsure of what step to take next. In order to help out high-aiming designers, we have compiled a list with the ten tips designers should take to excel in the fashion industry.

1) No job hopping

Plan your exit smartly. Although millennials are known to jump from job to job after graduations until they find their sweet spot, this is unadvisable for professionals who are more established in their careers as it can make you out as a flight risk to potential future employers.

2) Use recruiters

Keep in touch with your selected recruiters, make sure they have your up to date resume and know you are looking to move. To enhance your chance of landing a new job, maintain relationships with numerous recruiters as the relationship only becomes exclusive when you have received a job offer via a recruiter and take it.

3) Use your connections

Having connections in the right circles can offer you a fast track to your new job. The right connections can put you in front of a company's hiring manager first thing Monday morning, as your resume can get lost in a pile of papers on the HR managers desk.

4) Defy labels

Do not let yourself be pigeonholed, even if you have worked as a shirt designer for the past two years. If you want to break free of labels, make sure your resume and portfolio showcase all your abilities and talents.

5) Project impress

Nowadays it is common for fashion companies to ask shortlisted candidates to complete a project for them as part of the interviewing process. This is your chance to show off your understanding of the company's DNA, market position as well as your skills and talents.

6) Keep things fresh

As the newest member to any team (and potentially the youngest) it is key you able to bring in the influences of the outside world to your role and team. Enjoy the responsibility of keeping things new and fresh, which will be appreciated.

7) Avoid divas and dollar signs

The combination of the industry's multibillion dollar turnover and big egos can led to out of control personalities. Try not to let this defer you as people in the industry change their minds at any whim and expect you to always be on top of the ball. Do not take it personally.

8) Be prepared to wear many hats

Even though the industry has come back from the recession, upper middle design positions are still hard to come by as many companies hire one candidate to carry out many jobs in one. So if you do get a senior position, be prepared to multitask.

9) Cultivate your inner artist

Do not let your inner artist go hungry and let your creativity flow outside your job whenever possible. It will pay you back in ten fold and help you bring more to the table at work.

10) Showcase your expertise

Aim to become an expert in your field, keep your kills sharply honed and don't get too comfortable. Establish yourself as an individual as well as part of the team. Take charge of your career and steer it consciously, looking laterally for ways to apply your expertise.

Photos and sketches: Jackie Mallon