How to Become a Personal Assistant in Fashion

Designers and other fashion industry personnel have hectic schedules, and require help with basic daily tasks. A personal assistant in the fashion industry has worked her way up the ladder with time, patience and commitment, and has learned as much about the industry as possible. Assisting in the fashion business requires knowledge of administrative tasks and the ability to perform these with little to no supervision. Although being a personal assistant in fashion does not involve clothing design, it does provide a window to the inner workings of the apparel industry.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Bachelor's degree or comparable, relevant work experience

Instructions

The Internship Method

1. Be patient and willing to start at the bottom rung of the industry ladder. Personal assistant positions require an attitude of service and modesty; offer your time and skills as necessary.

2. Emphasize relevant information and experience. A personal assistant in fashion resume highlights office equipment and software expertise, travel planning, event planning, correspondence aptitude and ability to multitask. Include any apparel skills you have, such as sewing, textiles, styling or garment construction.

3. You're not asking for a design position, and that there may be little call for technical apparel knowledge at this early stage. Sell your abilities in handling practical tasks rather than vying for a creative role.

4. Apply for internships with designers. Many of these positions are unpaid, but serve to get you in the door and on the way to a paid assistant job.

5. Demonstrate responsibility and dependability while working as an intern. Fashion work is not all about parties and glamor---distinguish yourself from other candidates by being diligent and serious.

6. Offer to take on extra tasks to illustrate your willingness to step in during stressful deadline periods. Project an eager attitude without being pushy.

7. Ask for a review of your work after interning for 6 months. Announce your interest in becoming a personal assistant and emphasize your accomplishments. Begin a dialogue about salary requirements without making specific demands. Suggest a set amount of time for their consideration of your proposal, perhaps 1 to 2 weeks.

Through a Job Posting

1. Check Craigslist and other online job boards for fashion personal assistant postings; the majority of these jobs are located in Los Angeles and New York City.

2. Answer a job posting with a resume that emphasizes personal assistant tasks like event and travel planning, clerical skills, typing, ability to run errands and multitasking skills. List fashion-relevant knowledge and experience.

3. Be patient and persistent. Personal assistant jobs in fashion are popular, and have many applicants---it might be a while before you receive an interview request.

4. Be punctual and professional at the interview. Dress in business casual clothing, showing your extra flair for accessories and shoes. Demonstrate your comfort in performing difficult or complicated tasks; this will help illustrate that you're serious about working and not just the glamor of the fashion industry.

Tips & Warnings

• A personal assistant job is always a paid position---only internships are unpaid. Beware of "trial periods" or "test runs," and ask for a written contract at the time of hiring that includes compensation details.

Resources

• Personal Assistants.com Job Listings and Information
• Toronto Sun: Dream Jobs: Personal Assistant