Southampton Solent University East Park Terrace Southampton Hampshire SO14 0YN 2014 Author: Lauren Gray
Contents About the Author Acknowledgments Introduction The Fashion Industry Writing your CV Writing your covering letter Preparing for your Interview What to wear & what not to wear to your interview Social Networking(change name) How to write an email Working in the Fashion Industry Job Role- Buyers Assisstant Job Role- Buyer Job Role- Merchandiser Job Role- Visual Merchandiser Job Role- Promotion & PR Recruitment agencies Interview with Caroline Withey Buying Director Interview with Jo Pain General Manager Interview with Rebecca Hoffman Events Assistant Interview with Poppy Williams Trainee Merchandiser Interview Alice-Nicole Springthorpe PR Intern Psychometric Tests References
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About the Author Lauren Gray, is a student at Southampton Solent University studying Fashion Management with Marketing. A year before starting University, Lauren realised she wanted into go into the fashion industry. as her career choice. However, realising how many aspects there where in the fashion industry she struggled to decide which path to take. Previous to deciding on her Final Major Project in her final year, she met up with a Senior Buyer, Caroline Withey. Caroline has had a lot of experience in the industry and is very knowledgable about the industry. After this meeting Lauren realised that without that contact she would not have recieved the advice she did. The idea of developing a Fashion Career Guide tp offer other students the opportunity to recieve the advice and help she did.
Acknowledgements Thank you to my tutors, a special thank you to Tamsin McLaren for her support and help through the development of my idea. Thank you to all the individuals that completed interviews to include in the book. Louise Hunt for modelling. A huge thank you to Caroline Withey for inspiring my idea and for the advice and help.
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Introduction.. A Guide into a Fashion Career, offers students guidance on preparing for job interviews and knowledge of the industry itself. It was created by a student who felt that the guidance and advice she recieved from contacts she know in the indsutry as well as her tutors influenced her descision on her career path. The includes interviews from previous students studying fashion as well as individuals that work in the fashion industry. The individuals who have been interviewed share their advice and entering the indsusty and their own experiences.
The Fashion Industry.. Fashion Market Sectors The fashion industry is a global market with many different levels to ensure its reaches all the different people, from individuals with a high interest in unique or high fashion to individuals that purchase products for everyday use. The fashion industry has different marketing sectors, that are sub-divided in order for businesses to analyse and market their company as a whole. Fashion→ Clothing & Apparel-Accessories & Footwear-Perfume & Cosmetics-Lifetstyle & Homeware Products Clothing→ Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear There are two levels, which underline fashion: -Haute couture and Couture; This level is the highest level within the Fashion Industry, with prices extremely high and a level high above luxury ready-to-wear products.
Chanel Haute Couture 2013
-Ready-to-wear; these products are not custom made for individuals and are industrially made. Ready-to-wear garments are available in a range of products in the following market levels: -High-end fashion -Middle Market -High Street -Value Fashion
Topshop A/W 2013-14
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Hierarchy of Fashion
Fashion Capitals Paris, Milan, London and New York are known as Fashion Capitals and the most influential on the indusry. From the historry of the city, each has their own individual characteristics and the influence of its manufacturing skills. Each city holds a “Fashion Week�
Paris FW13
New York fw 2013
London fw 13
Milan Fw 2013
Writing your CV.. Tips: Employers spend less then 30 seconds looking over a candidates CV. Within this time the decision is made whether the candidate is appropriate for the job role. THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEEDS TO STAND OUT. Your CV is otherwise known as a personal advertisement of ones self. It highlights the key skills to the employer and is the first step to making a good impression to your future employer. -Be truthful about your skills and responsibilities. -Include all achievements, every thing will contribute to their decision. -Ensure that you proof read- no spelling mistakes and make sure the grammar is correct! Research the company and ensure your CV is relevant to the job role being applied for. Two page maximum; employers do not want to have to read through pages of people’s past experience thoroughly, so make sure that your skills and individual qualities stand out from all the other information.
Things to include: -Personal Details; Name, Contact details- email & phone number -Education -Work Experience; keep it relevant -Employment -Achievements
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Writing your Covering Letter.. When writing your covering letter you need to ensure that it is relevant to the company and job role being applied for. It should outline why you want to work for the company you are applying for. Your covering letter should be short and concise, the length should be no more than one A4 side. It should highlight the job role you are applying for, work experience and skills you have as well as your personal qualities, that will make you stand out from other candidates for the particular role. The letter should be typed to ensure it is neat and the correct grammar is used. The letter is the introduction to you as a candidate and you want the employer to read on to your CV.
The letter should start with “Dear NAME OF EMPLOYER” (if Known) “Dear Sir/Madame” (if name is unknown) And end “Yours sincerely” (if the name is known) “Yours faithfully” (if the name is unknown)
Preparing for your Interview.. Depending on the job role, depends on the type of interview as well as the level of the job and the way the company you are applying to conducts their interview process. There are many different types of interviews which can be carried out in a formal and informal way. Types of interviews: -Telephone interview: this type of interview is normally the initial stage some companies like to go through before asking you to take part in a face-to-face interview. -Face-to-face: this interview is between you and one or two members. -Sequential Interview: several interviews take place each with a different interviewer. -Panel of interviewers: this interview type involves a number of interviewers sat as a panel with one as chairmen. -Presentation: presenting yourself as a candidate to one or two interviewers. -Group interview: it is important that you are prepared for any type of interview, some you will be informed on before the day e.g. presentation and presenting a portfolio. Types of Interview Formats: -Competency Based Interviews: this format is to reflect the competencies the employer wants to pursue for that job -Formal Interviews -Informal Interviews: although it is informal you need to make sure you still act professional, you are still being assessed. Depending on your experience and qualifications interviewers like to see work that the candidates have done and created. This is evidence of your skills and what you are capable of.
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What to wear and what not to wear at your interview .. What to wear and what not to wear….
It is important to dress appropriately when going to an interview. When going to an interview for a job role within the fashion industry it is a plus to look the part and show that you have done your research on the current fashion trends, it will make the interviewees remember you! However, looking smart and presentable is most important when choosing what to wear to the interview!
Don’ts
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- Wear clothes that have not been ironed - Dress to casual - Have chipped nail vanish -Wear inapprorpriate footwear and clothing -Don’t be too revealing -Wear heavy make-up
Do’s
- Look professional and smart - If wearing skirts or dresses have them at knee length or/and with tights -Dress in a fashionable manner, this will show that you are aware of the latest trends -Ensure your hair is tidy and presentatble
Social Media.. Today it is not just about going to the shops to see fashion many designers and fashion followers use social networking and the media. This is to show either their own designs or follow the latest trends and show the rest of those that are interested. The industry has acknowledged the changes by the digital revolution. When thinking of your career path reading blogs and following them will give you a wider knowledge on the industry. Blogs You do not have to have your own fashion designs or company to set up a blog. You can simply set one up from your own home, posting about the latest fashions, trends and celebrity outfits. Many celebrities have fashion blogs, as well as posting photos of outfits on other social media sites such as Twitter & Instagram. Millie Mackintosh & Ashley Madekwe (Actress) both use instagram to post their outfits they have put together. Trending your account can allow you to increase your followers and have an audience to your posts. Having a blog is an advantage when applying for jobs as employers will see that you are really interested in the industry as well as being up to date with the latest trends. No all blogs are fashion related, having a blog on others topics will make you a stronger candidate to employers. e.g. celebrities, the fashion industry itself. Tumblr is a well-known site that many celebrities and individuals have. Below is a useful link to help you start up your own blog: www.theblogstarter.com
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How to write an Email.. When emailing a potential employer about a job and when emailing clients or suppliers regarding your job in the future, it is important that you write the email to the standards that are expected. Most interactions via email is when you have not met the receiver in this case it is important you are professional and address them in the correct manner ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ – It is important that you address them via email with Sir/ Madam if you do not know their name or status. ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Surname” – You only address your email like this if you are 100% certain of the receivers surname. ‘Hi NAME’- You only address the receiver like this if you on a less professional term. The content of the email is to be professional and you need ensure that you read over and check your grammar and spelling! Especially if it is a business email or job opportunity. First impressions are always the most important. When rounding off your email it is important to do this properly with the correct term: ‘Yours Faithfully’ ‘Kind Regards’- This is the most common way of ending your email as it is polite and respectful to whoever is receiving the email. For example if you have been exchanging emails with the same receiver. Example of how to set out an email to someone you do not know.....
Dear Sir/Madam, Body Body Body Body
of of of of
email email email email
Kind Regards, Name Contact Number
Working in the Fashion Industry.. Within the fashion industry there are many different directions you can go in, from being a fashion designer to managing fashion events. There are many elements to take into consideration when thinking of going into the fashion industry. You do not have to be able to draw design to be in fashion as there is a lot of business behind it all. Marketing operates throughout fashion, companies and brands are developing their reputation at every stage, selling products and marketing the products to meet the demands of their customers. However, the fashion industry is not all as glamorous as you would think, it is fast paced and is high in demand and competitive industry. Once you have your foot in the door, show you work hard and you are would go that extra mile to get the work done, you can climb the ladder to a higher position. Key Characteristics: -Self-motivated -Creative -Energetic -Passionate -Organised -Determined -Accurate -Good attention spam
High levels of technology are used throughout the industry from the software in the office to the technology of creating designs of products and prints.
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Job Role.. Buyers Admin → Buyers Assistant → Junior Buyer → Buyer Buyer Assistant Being a Buyers Assistant the main purpose to the job is to offer support to the rest of the buying team. The Buyers Assistant needs to ensure that the tasks are carried out correctly and to a high standard. The tasks need to be carried to meet to the companies timescale to contribute to the overall performance. Having good communication is key when being a buyer, as a lot of the responsibilities entitles contacting and communicating with different suppliers liaising with them about product samples and ensuring the suppliers produce what the buying team wants. Each week the buying will have trade on the Monday going through the critical path. The critical path is to be updated each week to ensure you know what was sent and what has been received to keep a record of the samples.
Key points of the job role
-Critical path meetings. -Trade meetings. -Looking at best and worst: Rate of Sales. -Computer Skills. -Good relationships with the rest of the team and supplier relationships.
Job Role.. Buyer Being buyer is all about being up to date with the latest fashion trends, sourcing, developing and selecting products to put together for ranges. As a buyer you need to think of the consumer and their wants and needs and constantly think of the demand and what would appeal to your target market. The purpose of the role is to meet the financial targets for the company and create a high profit figure. The fashion industry is continuously changing and the demand by the consumer is quickly changing, as a buyer you need to ensure you follow what is going on and have a good head for business. Main Job Roles of a Buyer -Researching the latest fashion trends and analysisng the target markets buying patterns and demands. -Attending fashion and fabric trade fairs at every opportunity ensuring they are on trend and up to date. -Sourcing, developing and selecting product ranges. -Working closely with merchandisers on creating products ranges, trade meetings and critical paths and the team’s budget. -Negotiating and communicating with the suppliers and manufacturers. -Travelling nationally and internationally to visit suppliers and manufacturers. -Carry out comp shops and visiting other stores to see their latest ranges as well as visiting own stores to keep updated on sales and product performance. Key Skills: -Eager eye for fashion -High level of commercial awareness -Strong level of communication and negotiation skills -Analytical (not as much as a merchandiser) -Ability to work as a team -Ability to work to tight deadlines -Awareness of the competition within the same market -The knowledge and understanding of fashion trends and the industry
Salary: Buyer Admin = 18,000-21,000 Buyer assistant= 22,000-25,000 Junior Buyer =26,000-32,000 Buyer=40,000+
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Job Role.. Merchandiser A merchandiser of a fashion company is responsible for the budget and work to maximise the company’s profitability by making sure the right products are distributed to the correct stores and correct quantities. The merchandising team work closely with the buying team to plan the ranges and determine the quantity of each style which should be distributed or bought. Another merchandising role is to ensure the buyers stays within the budget given and that the range will achieve margin and profit targets. The merchandisers must work closely to suppliers to liaise and co-ordinate and to monitor the deliveries of products and product samples as well as the distribution and warehouse departments to ensure the deliveries are on schedule with the right quantities and also to the correct locations and stores. Being a merchandiser it is very analytical, they monitor the daily and weekly sales figures and need to be proactive in devising markdown and promotion strategies for the products and stores.
Main job roles of a merchandiser -Planning a budget. -Attending the weekly trade meetings. -Analysing financial data. -Working closely with buyers, suppliers, distribution, stores and management. -Forecasting sales, profits and stock figures. -Negotiating with suppliers on delivery dates and the stock quantities. -Travelling with the buyers to suppliers and manufacturers.
Job Role..
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Visual Merchandiser Visual Merchandisers are responsible for creating and installing window schemes for stores and the in-store design and displays. Being a visual merchandiser you need to be creative and imaginative with the displays and designs, ensuring that it draws customers into the store and to purchase the products. As a VM you may be part of a large company or part of a Visual Merchandising team for retail or VM consultancies, which are hired for smaller businesses. Similar to Buyer and Merchandisers, VM are expected to travel from store to store and to set up displays at unsociable hours e.g. after the store is closed. VMs are to be prepared to lift mannequins, carry heavy objects such as props, adjust lighting and climb ladders to put together their displays.
Main job roles of a Visual Merchandiser
-Researching and putting together display concepts and schemes. -Drawing skills, technical drawings by hand and CADs of window and floor plans to show the team and management. -Installing displays. -Dressing mannequins. -Putting together Visual Merchandising packs and sending them to store to ensure staff at the stores know how the displays should look. - Visiting the stores and training the VM staff within the stores. Key Skills : -Creative and imaginative flair with a good eye for composition, proportion and colour. -Understanding the consumer of the products and what will attract them to the store. -High standard of display techniques. -A clear understanding of how to communicate brand identity through visual displays. -Work under tight deadlines.
Salary: VM Starting: £12,000£16,000 Senior VM: £20,000£25,000 VM Manager: £25,000£55,000 VM Directors: +£60,000
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Job Role.. Promotion & PR Fashion PR is about promotion and brand image. The overall aim of PR is to gain media coverage to promote and generate an image for a company, brand or a fashion label. To work in PR you have to be creative in what you write and have the ability to get on with a wide range of people and have a large network of connections. Working as a Fashion PR you need to have strong relationships which are built over time with the companies clients and with members of the fashion press.
Main job roles of Promotion and PR
-Writing press releases and handling press enquiries. -Creating press packs and goodie bags for fashion shows and events. -Sending garments out to magazines for fashion shoots and editorials. -Putting together lookbooks and stylebooks to give to the press and buyers. -Running press days to view collections -Organising and running launch parties and special events for new product ranges. -Managing the guest lists for fashion shows and events. -Managing the communication of a company when announcing designer collaborations. -Ensuring there is limited damage to the company by dealing with any negative stories in the media.
Promotion & PR Key Skills:
-Strong verbal and written communication skills -Confident in social situations and at good networking and meeting new clients. -Flexible, proactive and organised to a high level.
Salary: PR starting: from ÂŁ18,000 PR assistant: from ÂŁ35,000 PR Drector: from ÂŁ60,000+
Recruitment Agencies.. There are many different ways in which you can search for current job roles within the industry. Many companies are dedicated to providing a service to give individuals the opportunity to search for a job which matches their specific criteria: -Salary -Location -Catergory -Job Title; Temporary or Permanent Majority of recruitment agencies have a website which allows you to search for a job as well as other service such as advice on your CV and uploading it to send to companies. Social Networking is not just for talking to friends, but also for companies to advertise current jobs online from their own twitter accounts, as well as recruitment agencies advertising jobs which are currently available. Below are well known Fashion Agencies and Twitter accounts which will benefit you when searching for a job...
www.Targetjobs.co.ukOffers Graduate jobs, schemes and internships
www.Fashionjobs.comOffers individuals to search current jobs in the fahsion industry as well as being able to upload their CV with activated emails.
www.fashionmonitor.com A leading organisation offering events, news, contacts as well as Job searches to make individuals their criteria.
www.drapersjobs.co.uk Offers a broad range of jobs in the fashion industry in many different countries as well as uploading your CV.
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Twitter.com There are many twitter accounts that ‘tweet’ about jobs that are currently available from full-time, permanent, internships and graduates for students. It is an easy and simple way of seeing what is out there. The fashion industry is very competitive, following recuritment agencies and companies will allow you to keep you updated with what is out there. Twitter accounts that you should think about following: @fashionjobs @FM_JobsUK @FashionJobsUK @FashionJobs.com @FindFashionJobs @Fashioncareeruk @StyleJob @DraperJobs @Arcadia_Talent @FM_Jobs @FashionUnitedUK
LinkedIn LinkedIn is a popular site used to connect with people to build networking connections as well as to find jobs and to find professions within the Fashion Industry. As a student looking for a job in the industry it is highly recomended that a LinkedIn profile made and you start connecting to people. Your profile works as a advertisement of what you are currently doing working or studying as well as your past experience, personal information and your skills. A lot of companies use this and will see if as a benefit and determination if a candidate has a LinkedIn profile.
Interview with Caroline Withey.. 3. What are the expectations of your job role? Responsible for the strategy and delivery of the sales brands and stock. Motivate and manage a team of 24 people and hit and exceed sales and margin targets. Manage the stock through the business and acquire new branded partners. 4. What does your typical week 1.What is your job title? at work involve? Buying Director at Brand Alley UK Monday is team trading day, from the previous week and forecast the 2.What qualifications and exnext two months all day. perience have you got that Tuesday would be a manageenabled you to get the job you ment meeting, all directors meet to have today? discuss trade meetings, and perI have a degree in business studies, formance, which is then followed marketing and languages and a by a marketing meeting, agreeing postgraduate degree which mathe marketing and buying strategy jored in marketing. for all the up coming sales for the I worked for five years in a buying following week. office in London and Paris for the Wednesday and Thursday, brand most prestige oversea department acquisition or key brand perforstores: Lane Crawford Hong Kong, mance meetings. Joyce Boutique Hong Kong, Hault Fridays, one to ones with direct Renfrew Canada (owners of Selreports. fridges), Neiman Marcus US, Liberty Trade shows attended, over sea London. meetings. Each week is different After I had 16 years, head of and flexible. Monday and Tuesday buying House of Fraser. Following morning are set in stone, the rest that I had 3 years at TK Maxx as a of the week depends on what is divisional director (American) going on at the company.
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Interview with Jo Pain.. cifically wanted to work in Fashion so I opted for more broad brush modules. I’ve also never worked in the garment industry. 4. What would you recommend is the best way to be noticed by employees within the Industry? Work experience and placements. The whole retail industry is all about “who” you know, not “what” 1. What is your job role? you know. If you can get in with I’m MD of my own Retail Consula quality retailer and show them tancy that you are keen, intelligent, tenacious and have a good head for business you are in. 2. What are your main roles and Keep in touch with your contacts, responsibilities? ask them advice on your course, I work with both retailers and ask if you can go back again suppliers helping them grow their next holidays etc. Be as keen as businesses using my knowledge mustard. If they rate you, they’ll and experience from working in get you a job! several major UK retailers – Tesco, Woolworths, Mothercare, SainsThe starting rung with most fashbury’s, Dunelm Mill. ion retailers is as a Buyers Admin and in general merchandise retailers it is as a Buyers Assistant. 3. What qualifications and Buyers Assistants are usually of experience have you got within a higher grade than a Buyers the Fashion Industry? Admin. Unless of course you get I don’t have any Fashion specific high enough grades to get onto qualifications. I do have an HND a Graduate Scheme and then it’s in Retail Business Studies and normally a fast track programme. there were a few fashion related modules within that – Fashion PR and Fashion Display. I never spe-
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At a interview I would advise talking about the company itself and your passion for retailing in general rather than fashion. Talk about how important the consumers are and how you would like to be involved in shaping the future of the organization etc. Retailers like versatility in their employees. Obviously if your interview is with Top Shop or H&M for example then a passion for fashion would need to be high up on your list, but if it was say Next or John Lewis then talk about the importance of trends etc. 6. Has this always been the job you wanted? I have always wanted to work for myself, but previously I didn’t have the guts! I had a huge mortgage on a house in London and I didn’t feel I could take any risks on my income. When I got made redundant from Sainsbury’s I decided to use the money to go for it. I love it and could never go back to work for a company on a permanent basis.
Interview with Rebecca Hoffman..
1. What is your job role? Events Assistant 2. What company do you work for? The British Fashion Council
4. What qualifications and experience have you got? I studied a BA hons degree in Fashion Management at London College of Fashion and achieved a 2:1. Working at the British Fashion Council was my first job after I had completed my course, but I began by interning in the events team for 2 x months prior to being offered a full-time role.
5. What advice would you give to graduates wanting to apply 3. What is your main role and for a job in the fashion indusresponsibilities? try? I work on the events team at Undergraduates should apply The British Fashion Council, supfor relevant internships to gain as porting the Events Manager. I much experience as possible. In work across multiple events and terms of applying for jobs, underinitiatives, these include: London graduates should always make Fashion Week, Vodafone London sure their cover letters and CVs Fashion Weekend and London are tailored to the jobs they are Collections: Men. My role and re- applying for – cover letters should sponsibilities include coordinating be short and to the point. Always events, working to strict budgets, be positive & enthusiastic during working with the marketing team the interview process and make to develop comprehensive sigsure you have fully researched nage across events, investigating the company before attending new event spaces, liaising with the interview. florists & caterers etc.
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Interview with Poppy Williams..
5. Have you got any other experience in the industry? Worked as a sales assistant in my local boutique.
1. What do you study at University? Fashion management and marketing 2. Where did you do your experience of being a Trainee Merchandiser? Tesco F&F, Footwear & Accessories 3. What did your job role entail? Critical Path, Trade; printing trade & line prints, Daily Sales, Store Problems RMS (retail merchandising system), Size analysis, Wrack up (wracking up products), Correcting delivery schedule & range plans, Product amendment, Web Upload (raising PO, Orders), Containers at Risk (tracking where the containers are & ensuring everything is on it if wrong amending it). Day to Day jobs vary.
6. What would you say were the most valuable experiences working at Tesco? Being able to understand the process of design, buying through to distribution and how the teams work together. 7. Can you see yourself working for the company after you have Graduated? Definitely, I thoroughly enjoyed it and its good starting point as I have my foot in the door and built a lot of relationships with the members of the team. However, I feel I would want to venture to buying as I found merchandising very analytical and feel my strengths would benefit a buying role.
8. Would you recommend getting work experience like you have throughout your university education to other fashion students? Definitely, it helps a lot with work and 4. Do you feel it benefitted you it’s always good to feel you’ve got having this experience during your relevant experience to your course. time at University? Knowing that I have a position at Definitely, carried out this role during F&F when I graduate is a positive. non-term time through-out the year. Juggling studies and work was not an issue. It was good as I could relate experience to assignments and seminar work. Gave me good office experience on how buyers and merchandisers work together.
Interview with AliceNicole Springthorpe.. I have been able to relate my work to real live situations in the industry. It has also helped me a lot in deciding what I wanted to do when finishing university. I have now got a job lined up for when I finish which I believe is due to the experience I have on my CV.
1. What do you study at University? I am in my third year at Southampton Solent University, studying Fashion Management with Marketing 2. Where did you do your work experience? I have completed work experience at Aqua PR in South London, and TradShow PR experience at Natures Purest.
5. Have you got any other experience in the industry? I have previously worked in retail at H&M for a couple of years while I was at college and at a shop at East Midlands Airport over the Summer holiday before my final year.
6. What would you say were the most valuable experiences working at the company/companies you have worked at? Being responsible for and writing press 3. What did your job role entail? releases for the company I was inWhilst at Aqua PR I had a range of terning for and feeling valued. I also different job responsibilities. I gained attended an event for the company experience in most PR aspects includ- which was really interesting to see the ing: - Press Liaison via email & phone - PR role in action and the preparation Compiling press cuttings from print and for the event. online media - Social Media- including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest - As7. Can you see yourself working for sisting with mail outs - Attending press the company after you have Gradappointments - Compiling press reuated? leases - General office admin - Online Yes, I could see myself working for them research but I do want to widen my experience and work for other companies as well. 4. Do you feel it benefitted you having this experience during your time at University? Yes, I feel it has benefitted me a lot as
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Psychometric Tests.. There are many different types of Psychometric Tests that companies use for their employees and as an interview process. Using Psychometric tests as part of the interview process and job application gives the company the chance to know a bit more about the candidate before meeting them or after a stage of the interview is completed.
Different types of tests: -Aptitude Tests; this test is carried out in a systematic form in order to evaluate individuals and candidates on how one would behave in different situations and when carrying out tasks. Useful links to practice Aptitude Tests: www.wikijob.co.uk/wiki/aptitude-tests & www.kent.ac.uk/careers/psychotests.htm
-Personality Tests/Questionnaires; This type of test is to find out about the
candidate and individual as a person and the personality traits they have rather than their skills and ability. Useful links to practice Personality Tests: www.Psychtesting.org.uk, www.shl.com, & www.9types.com/newtest
-Ability Tests: This type of test is mostly multiple-choice questions and is timed,
its used to measure your ability. Practicing these tests will not improve your ability but will increase your performance of carrying out the test whilst being timed. Useful link to practice Ability Tests: www.shl.com, www.ets.org/practice_test/index.html & www.allthetests.com Southampton Solent University on the portal offers students to access a range of different psychometric tests Portal→ Home → Careers → Graduate Work → Psychometric Tests & Assessment Centres www.portal.solent.ac.uk/careers/graduate-work/psychometric-tests-assess-
ment-centres.aspx Students also have access to Careerbox on mycourse Search: Careerbox.
It is important when carrying out the tests you are honest, there is no right or wrong answer its about you as a person.
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Personality Test Are you an Optimist or Pessimist? 1.Do you ever worry, for the future generation, about what the world will be like in 50 years’ time? A. More than occasionally B. Very really or never c. Occasionally 2. If you break a mirror, how concerned are you that it will bring bad luck? A. Quite concerned B. Not concerned in the slightest C. Slightly concerned 3. When you take part in any sort of context, do you expect to win? A. Not usually B. Yes, I usually expect to win C. I like to win, but realise that I will sometimes come out second last 4. How often have you chased your loses at gambling? A. Never B. More than once or twice C. Perhaps once or twice 5. Do you believe that in life there is the ideal partner for everyone? A. Only in fairy stories B. Yes C. Some people, but not everyone 6. Do you consider that your cup of life is half full, or half empty? A. Half empty B. Half Full C. Neither 7. How would you complete the saying: “if at fist you don’t succeed…. A. Give up B. Try again C. Try, try and try again
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8. Do you always feel that it will be possible to achieve your goals in life? A. Less than usually B. Yes C. Usually 9. Do you agree that every dog had its day? A. Disagree B. Strongly agree C. Partly agree 10. After adversity, how quickly are you able to pick yourself up and dust yourself down? A. Not very quickly B. Almost immediately C. Fairly quickly 11. How often do you los sleep through worrying? A. More than occasionally B. Rarely or never C. Occasionally 12. How confident are you usually that you have made the correct decision when faced with a choice? A. Not at all confident B. Usually fairly confident C. I worry about it a little perhaps 13. If you had a bad does of flu would you see the doctor? A. Probably B. No C. Doubtful 14. Do you believe in keeping your aspirations low, so as to avoid disappointment? A. Yes B. No C. Sometimes 15. Do you feel secure financially? A. No B. Yes C. Most of the time
16. Do you believe that when one door closes another one opens? A. No, life it not that simple B. Yes C. Sometimes
17. Do you believe that your friends will never let you down? A. Unfortunately not B. Yes, usually C. Not sure 18. Is it your philosophy that there will always be calm after the storm, or storm after the calm? A. Storm after the calm B. Calm after the storm C. Both, as life is full of ups and downs 19. How long does it take you to count your blessings? A. Not long B. I could almost go on forever counting them C. About the same tie as most other people I suppose 20. Which of these song titles/adages is most applicable to your general outlook on life? A. ‘The other person’s grass is always greener?’ B. ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ C. ‘Somewhere over the rainbow, the bluebirds fly’ 21. Do you expect to live to a ripe old age? A. Not particularly B. Yes C. I hope so 22. Do you believe your next big break is just around the corner? A. Big breaks don’t just happen, they have to be created B. Yes C. Hopefully 23. Would you take out a large mortgage, confident you would be able to make the repayments? A. I might, but it would worry me greatly B. Yes C. Yes, but it would worry me somewhat
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31 24. Do you believe that bad news always comes in threes? A. Usually B. If it does, then it is always balanced out when good news comes in three C. It does sometimes 25. Do you worry about flying? A. Usually B. Rarely or never C. Sometimes 26. Do you believe there is an afterlife? A. No B. Yes C. I hope there is but I am not sure 27. When you buy a lottery ticket or scratch card, do you expect to win? A. Not really B. Yes, I wouldn’t buy one otherwise C. I am hopeful, but also realistic about my chances 28. Do you believe in the ultimate triumph of good over evil? A. Not really, especially in today’s troubled world B. Yes, good will always triumph over evil, that is why we are all still here C. Not sure 29. If you were stranded on a desert island, how would rate your chances of being rescued? A. I would probably resign myself to never beng rescued, but retain that slight glimmer of hope B. I would know in my heart of hearts that one day I would be rescued C. I would just hope for the best and try to survive in the meantime 30. How often have you applied to become a contestant on a quiz show with aspirations of winning loads-a-money? A. Never B. More than occasionally C. Occasionally
32 Award yourself: 2 points for every ‘B’ 1 point for every ‘C’ 0 points for every ‘A’ 45-60 points You are externally optimistic with a wonderful outlook on life, the modern-day Mr Micawber who is always expecting something to turn up. Instead of sleepless nights worrying about things, you like to look on the bright side of things and believe ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Ensuring you don’t become naïve about the negative realities that life throws at us you will be happy and to a certain extent carefree and strongly believe you will get out the most out of life. 27-44 points You are realistic, like most people. You realise that life has its ups and downs, however this is exciting, as you don’t know what is round the corner. For you the highs reduce the effect of the lows. Sometimes, you worry too much although your not pessimistic one or two things can be learned from the external optimist such as not to worry too much.
Less than 27 points
Although you may consider yourself as a realist, you appear to be born a pessimist. You have more negative thought then others but this does not make you a bad person or less approachable. You suffer from sleepless nights when worrying about things; this may be due to your defence mechanisms. You worry about the future and what it might hold instead of focusing on the present. If what you worry about turns out better than you hoped you feel good about the situation however, if it is worse then expected you feel let down.
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References Carter, P. 2007. IQ and personality tests. 1st ed. London: Kogan Page Ltd. Dillon, S. 2012. The fundamentals of fashion management. 1st ed. Lausanne: AVA Academia. Parsons, E. and Maclaran, P. 2009. Contemporary issues in marketing and consumer behaviour. 1st ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann. Posner, H. 2011. Marketing fashion. 1st ed. London: Laurence King. Nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk, 2014. Visual Merchandiser Job Information | National Careers Service. [online] [Viewed: 7/5/2014]. Available from: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/visualmerchandiser.aspx
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