Making it in fashion journalism requires patience and time. Everyone starts somewhere—and for many, the fashion assistant position is a great way to begin a budding fashion career. Knowing how and where to find fashion assistant positions is key.
Get to Know Fashion Assistant Duties
It is important to know what a fashion assistant at a magazine actually does before applying for positions. While editorial assistants work more with the magazine’s word content, fashion assistants work more with the actual clothing and fashion shooting at many magazines. Magazine editors need help with organizing, research and events. That is where a fashion assistant comes in, aiding with:
* Organizing the fashion closet
* Managing clothing returns
* Working with fashion interns and editors
* Researching fashion trends and markets
* Writing about fashion
* Attending fashion shows
* Assistant fashion editors
Where to Find Fashion Assistant Jobs
- Ed2010.com: This magazine-oriented website provides contacts and information for many fashion assistant magazine positions.
- Fashionjobs.com: This site provides broader fashion jobs.
Writing the Creative Fashion Assistant Cover Letter
Working in fashion is creative—so reflect that when writing the cover letter. Be bright, interesting and engaging. According to Ed2010, a job board that features fashion assistant positions, the cover letter should be creative and interesting. The cover letter should reflect the nature of the industry, so find a way to balance professionalism with creativity.
What does this mean? Don’t just talk about a background in fashion or journalism; let them into the candidate’s passion for fashion. Mention specific events and details that make for a unique cover letter. Anyone can study fashion or journalism, but not everyone can keep a reader reading.
Fashion Assistant Cover Letter Tips
Take notes before writing. It’s important to jot down professional and personal experiences that reveal a good work ethic. Think about what makes a worthy candidate for a fashion assistant position—it’s important to let the reader know that these duties are understood. If the candidate reads the fashion section of the newspaper every day, reported at fashion events, worked a fashion show or kept a blog about fashion and trends, it’s great to mention this. Write down these experiences and highlight the most important job duties performed.
A Catchy Hook
Much like a feature article in a fashion magazine, the cover letter needs a good lede or opening statement. Start the cover letter by writing a smart, creative introduction. This could be something like, “I knew I wanted to work in fashion the day I tried on my first pair of red heels.” Discuss why those shoes inspired a career in fashion journalism, and what has been done to prepare for that career.
Detail and Professionalism
Start another paragraph detailing all professional experiences, especially relevant, fashion-related roles. Highlight a job or two that requires the same duties as the position for which s being applied. Detail sincere passion for the fashion industry, and knowledge of journalism. Provide information about education, certifications and internships or jobs