Flingly magazine

TIPS FOR MAKING IT IN THE FASHION / MAGAZINE INDUSTRY

TV presenter, fashion journalist and Flingly contributor, Louise Roe, 29, fronts both the US and UK versions of her makeover show, Plain Jane, (CW network and MTV). Exclusively for Flingly, Louise Roe presents her tips on how to make it in the industry. Do you dream of taking an important role in influencing one of the top fashion magazines, or perhaps you have ambitions on creating your very own magazine? Pay attention to Louise´s top 10 tips below. Everything is possible with the right moves. 

1. Start a blog. Back in the day, editors would ask if you had something published already, which was near impossible unless you already had a job: chicken and egg! But nowadays, anyone can set up a blog. So be proactive: write creative pieces, review fashion week from runway photos online, take photos, style shoots in your street: whatever it takes. Editors want to see initiative and imagination.
2. Refine your resume. I always tell interns to reduce a CV to one page, keep it clear, concise, and never stretch the truth (the fashion industry is too small and you can easily be caught out for pretending you worked somewhere you did not). Don’t bother putting a photo of yourself on your resume, it looks a little arrogant, and send it to a couple of professional friends for their opinion first. Also, alter it according to where your sending it, so that it suits that particular magazine / designer.
3. Make sure you send your resume to the right person, or it’ll never get reviewed properly. Call ahead to say you’ll be sending it, so they expect it. Email and mail it, some editors like things on old fashioned paper. On average, editors look at resumes for 8 seconds each, and are sent over 10 per day. Make sure yours stands out.
    
4. Before an interview, research the magazine / person / company you are approaching, so you can both answer and ask questions. It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people don’t!
    
5. Dress well. First impressions count for everything, and you are your own campaign poster. In addition to working hard, the fashion industry is also all about looking the part.
   
    
6. Give a firm handshake, look your interviewer in the eye, and don’t forget to smile. This isn’t school or an exam, so it’s ok to look like you’re passionate, and that you’re enjoying yourself. Express how much you want the job – a lot of people forget to do this!
    
7. If you get the opportunity to intern, take it. Be super keen, stay as late as they need you, and try to be as enthusiastic about making coffee and photocopying as you would be about going backstage at fashion week. Trust me, those fun opportunities will come!
    
8. If you finish a stint of work experience or an internship, keep in touch with the people you worked with. Take their business cards and drop them a line every now and again. As soon as a role comes up you’ll be top of mind.
    
9. Be nice to everyone, first of all because you just should be, and second of all because the industry works in funny ways: somebody that was once your assistant could well end up your boss one day!
    
10. Don’t ever, ever give up. I know people who had to intern for over two years but who are now extremely successful writers and editors. Follow your dream. My first boss at In Style magazine, who truly took me under her wing and is still a friend, typed up some notes ‘for fun’, got offered a book deal, and is now a best-selling author on her seventh novel (Tasmina Perry). Go for it.

WANT TO BECOME A FLINGLY EDITOR?

If you want to move your future fashion career in the right direction, you can start by applying for an invite to become a Flingly Editor. Send an email to invite@flingly.com. Mark your title with "Flingly invite",  tell us why you want to become a Flingly Editor and explain how you can contribute to take Flingly to the next level. Attach a link to your existing blog if you have one.  

If your application is accepted, you will get access to your own Flingly magazine, which will work as your showcase for your work for Flingly. Being a Flingly Editor serves as a kind of internship (non-paid), but with possibilities as being part of the Flingly team. We´d love to hear from you.