Recently, I attended a recruitment fair organised by The Fashion Network.
Historically, Manchester during the industrial revolution made its fortune through the cotton mills and the manufacture of textiles which can be linked to fashion, its end product. A fashion recruitment fair with fashion industries based in the city illustrates that it is still a big game player in the industry.
It was an interesting day as the event was packed full of young hopefuls wanting to make it in the fashion industry in their different fields and whatever else they desire to bring into the ever expanding industry.
Louise, one of the organisers explained that The Fashion Network has been operating for twelve years with the aim of working with the fashion Industry by helping to recruit the right people for the right roles.
This year’s theme centred on a question: Do I have to study fashion to work in the industry? The answer is a resounding No! There were free Seminars and Workshops that were hosted by the industry professionals to help put the many participants through their paces.
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Daniel Kirk representing Robert Walters explained in his seminar, the processes that would help progress into first job roles. Adding that: 'In today's world, competition is fierce, however, simple but unique techniques on your CV have the ability to attract a potential employer.' He emphasised that they make sure every detail relevant to the post they are applying for is illuminated and made to shine through on that CV.
The Fashion Network Recruitment Fair attracted some big fashion industry players including Boohoo, Pretty little Things, Matalan, FootAsylum, Adidas, Fanatics, and JD sports, who, were all there to attract potential employees. There were also recruitment agencies including Forward Role, Hays, Success Appointments, Page Group, Robert Walters, who both advised and collected CVs from participants. They all answered many different questions from everyone including myself about how to overcome hurdles one might face while trying to get a leg in the door.
Boohoo was the most sought-after employer by the participants. As one of the fastest growing online fashion brands just like Pretty Little Things, both Manchester-based, it is great that they are keeping tradition alive.
Finally, I asked Louise what was next for The Fashion Network. Do they stop at organising seminars and recruitment fairs? The next step moving forward is to organise educational events and professional development. The recruitment fairs and seminars are helpful to candidates for their careers, portfolios and working guidance. She reiterated the fact that in fashion, glitz and glamour are becoming unsustainable. It had become according to her "short sighted and one sided."
In partnership with universities, potential employers, and recruitment agencies, they will hold fashion educational days where people who want to better themselves will be given tutorials in different fields in the industry. For example, transferable skills like teaching. Industry professionals will be in attendance during their future workshops and hopefully myself. I can't wait.