How to Get a Summer Job at a Fashion Magazine

If you want a summer job or internship at a fashion magazine, you need to start planning at the previous year's end. In most cases, application deadlines are during February. To get a paid position, or even an internship, you must be highly flexible in what you are willing to do. Many people start out performing low-level jobs in order to work alongside the powerhouse editors and designers who dominate this industry.

Things You'll Need

• References
• Cover letter
• Clipes

Instructions

1. Start with your school's career center. The parent companies of many fashion magazines, such as Conde Nast and Time Warner, often post summer employment opportunities with the local colleges, especially if they're looking for young, intelligent people who are willing to work for cheap.

2. Contact the staff members of fashion magazines even if they did not advertise any internships or summer jobs. Get the address for the editorial offices of all the leading fashion magazines. Send a letter to the assistant to the publisher, the managing editor and any other editors of departments that interest you. The managing editor should be on your must-send list as she is a vital liaison to all the departments of a magazine.

3. Prepare a letter requesting a summer job. First review a few issues of the magazine you wish to work at to get a good feel for the editorial content, layout and its target audience. To capture an editor's interest, write a lively letter highlighting your knowledge of the latest fashion trends and why you respect the magazine. Attach letters of reference and samples of your work, such as clips from a college newspaper, program from a fashion show and photos of any costume design work you might have done. In all your sentences, reveal your can-do attitude and avoid any weak phrasing or middle-of-the-road statements.

4. On an interview, be prepared to talk about the fashion designers you like to show your knowledge of the industry. Keep up to date on the newest and most innovative designers in addition to those already well known.

5. Outshine your competition by starting a fashion blog. If you spend several months blogging about your fashion interests and develop a devoted readership, this will prove to the magazine editors that you possess a truly sincere interest in the fashion industry and you have enough personality and knowledge to impress others.

6. Keep track of your applications and follow up with each magazine shortly after its application deadline passes. Call or email sooner if you feel competition will be stiff or to make sure the company received your materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Jobs in the fashion industry are highly sought after and competitive. You must be very assertive in your approach for getting even a part-time job.