Masterclass: recruiters at PVH

Sarah Whyment en Kristina Bolling – recruiters at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein) – know as no others how to get that job in fashion. They receive around a hundred CV’s a day. What to do to make your CV stand out and how to let your interviews go smoothly? Read the tips & tricks of Sarah Whyment and Kristina Bolling and learn how to make the cut.

Step 1: Select the job you want to apply for carefully and know what you are applying for. This sounds obvious but is extremely important. A job title can sound very nice but often doesn’t say anything about the job description. Read the job description carefully and choose what really suits you.

Step 2: Prepare your CV: be clear, precise and concrete. Stand out by the content of your CV not the context (so no weird lay-outs!). Keep your CV targeted: write down things that are relevant towards what you are applying for and focus on your recent actvities and achievements.

Step 3: Make your introduction. You don’t need to send flowers but make sure you are addressing the right person in your cover letter.

Step 4: Prepare for the interview, read through the job descritption (again!) and research the company. You don’t need to make the interview into a history class about the company but keep it topical: know what is happening right now and make sure you know everything that is on your CV.

Step 5: Look the part. Wear something that fits the company and be smart on the brand. (Don’t wear Adidas sneakers to your interview at Nike).

Step 6: The interview! Again, make sure that you are prepared and that you can ask questions and answer questions. Be passionate (but don’t gush!), be galant and keep the conversation corporeal.

Step 7: Follow the ‘post-interview etiquette’. Be patient and be flexible. Didn’t get the job? Learn from the feedback (and dare to ask for feedback!).
Et voilà. Last but not least, Sarah and Kristina ended their presentation with the quote “Success is when opportunity and preparation meet” – Bobby Unser.

This masterclass was organised by Marie Claire Netherlands in collaboration with Amsterdam Fashion Week and FashionUnited.
Photo's: ROSSI&BLAKE