The Sentences Fashion Industry Recruiters Want to Hear in Interviews

As someone who has spoken with hundreds of fashion industry recruiters about thousands of candidate interviews, one thing is clear: certain sentences can make a candidate stand out.

Below are 4 statements you should consider working in to your interview prep to help demonstrate your qualifications but also convey a genuine interest, preparedness, and cultural fit.

1. “I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work on [Specific Project/Initiative] and I’m really impressed by…”

When a candidate mentions specific projects or initiatives, it shows they have done their homework and are genuinely interested in the company. For instance:

“I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work on the sustainable fashion line, and I’m really impressed by your commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovative designs.”

Why it works: This statement demonstrates genuine interest and knowledge about the company’s current endeavors. It indicates that the candidate is not just looking for any job, but is specifically interested in contributing to your company’s unique projects and values.

2. “My experience in [Relevant Skill] helped me achieve [Quantifiable Result] at my previous role, and I believe it would translate well to the [Specific Responsibility] you mentioned.”

Highlighting relevant skills and providing quantifiable results show that the candidate has practical experience and can deliver measurable outcomes. For example:

“My experience in digital marketing helped me achieve a 30% increase in online sales at my previous role, and I believe it would translate well to the e-commerce strategy you mentioned for this position.”

Why it works: This sentence effectively ties the candidate’s past achievements to the specific responsibilities of the new role, making a clear case for their potential contributions.

3. “I’m particularly interested in [Aspect of the Role] because it aligns with my desire to [Career Goal].”

This statement shows that the candidate has thought about how the role fits into their broader career aspirations. For example:

“I’m particularly interested in the design aspect of this role because it aligns with my desire to innovate and create sustainable fashion solutions.”

Why it works: Demonstrating that the role fits into the candidate’s long-term career goals indicates that they are likely to be motivated and committed, making them a valuable long-term investment for the company.

4. “I’ve reviewed the job description and believe my qualifications in [Skills] make me a strong candidate. I’m eager to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of the position.”

Preparation and enthusiasm are key qualities that recruiters look for. This statement highlights both. For example:

“I’ve reviewed the job description and believe my qualifications in project management and textile design make me a strong candidate. I’m eager to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of the position.”

Why it works: This sentence shows that the candidate has taken the time to understand the role and is enthusiastic about the potential it holds. It also opens the door for a deeper discussion about the role’s specific challenges and opportunities, indicating that the candidate is thinking critically about the position.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of fashion, standing out in an interview requires more than just a good resume. It’s about demonstrating genuine interest, showcasing relevant skills and achievements, aligning the role with your career goals, and coming prepared. By incorporating these sentences into their interview responses, job seekers can effectively communicate their value and make a strong impression on recruiters.

As a fashion industry recruiter and career coach, I encourage candidates to prepare thoughtful, tailored responses that highlight their passion, skills, and fit for the role. Remember, the goal is not just to land any job, but to find the right match where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Happy interviewing!