Flight of fancy?
What is the biggest mistake candidates make when responding to job vacancies in the rag trade?
Dee Maidment, Scarlett Recruitment senior consultant
Not correctly addressing an email/covering letter, essentially sending out one application for different roles to different people and not checking the names and titles of roles have been appropriately amended - very bad!
Garry Connell, Trak Recruiting director
The biggest mistake many candidates make is either not sending a 'good' covering letter which outlines the strengths they have - specifically in relation to that role. You need to make every application letter look as if it was tailor-made for that position.
What is the most memorable response you have had from a candidate hoping to secure a job within this sector?
Dee Maidment, Scarlett Recruitment senior consultant
Too many to choose from.
Garry Connell, Trak Recruiting director
Many years back Trak Recruiting advertised a marketing graduate role with Bonds. I received more than 200 applications - with most candidates having an almost identical background. Then, a gift-wrapped parcel arrived containing a resume and cover letter written on a white Bonds T-shirt. Needless to say she was the first person I interviewed and she then went on and got the job.
How much truth is there to the perception of fashion being a sexy occupation?
Dee Maidment, Scarlett Recruitment senior consultant
Not a lot, sure it has its perks but essentially it is an industry requiring individuals who are passionate and committed to hard work and long hours.
Garry Connell, Trak Recruiting director
Some job functions certainly appear sexy, particularly to those on the outside. A buyer who travels the world 'shopping', for example, sounds pretty good, however, like all roles there is also always a lot of hard work.
Who in the fashion field deserves to earn the biggest pay check and why? Dee Maidment, Scarlett Recruitment senior consultant
Too hard to say, each part of the process is critical in the success of a business whether in wholesale, retail or manufacturing - it is essential that people recognise this and the part their staff and teams play and the value they all add to their product.
Garry Connell, Trak Recruiting director
This one could be argued many ways, but in my view whilst it all starts with product, all members of the team (right through to the shop floor) make an impact on the company's bottom line and should be paid according to their level of responsibility and market forces.
If you had to spend one year working in fashion , which role would you like to do and why?
Dee Maidment, Scarlett Recruitment senior consultant
Visual Merchandising - lots of great product to work with, moving around to different stores and seeing how customers respond would be fantastic! There are some great new merchandising concepts out there now, plenty of variety in what you could do and inspiration you can gain from abroad.
Garry Connell, Trak Recruiting director
This is a tough question, but as a guy spending a year as a buyer or product developer at Victoria's Secret could be interesting.