How to Land a Job After College in the Fashion, Beauty, or Lifestyle Industries
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Graduation is a huge achievement, but if you don’t have a job lined up yet, you’re not alone. The average job search for new graduates takes about five months, and in competitive industries like fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment, it can feel even more challenging.
Here’s what you need to know—and what you can do today to improve your chances of landing that first post-grad role.
Why the Post-Grad Job Market Is So Competitive
A bachelor’s degree used to be a fast track to employment. But with a 600% increase in degree holders over the last 50 years, more people than ever are applying for the same jobs, especially in high-demand creative industries.
And social media? It’s not helping. Seeing peers announce job offers can create a false sense of pressure. The truth? Most grads are still job hunting, and you’re not behind.
How to Build a Competitive Job Portfolio
Internships & Freelance Work: Even if you’ve already graduated, it’s not too late to gain experience. Internships, freelance gigs, and contract roles in fashion PR, beauty content creation, or event production can help you build a killer portfolio.
Skill Building: Master tools and platforms used in your dream industry. Think:
Canva, CapCut, or Adobe for creatives
Google Analytics or Meta Ads for marketers
Excel and project management platforms like Asana for operations roles
Certifications: Complete online courses that align with your niche. Fashion marketing, social media management, or brand strategy courses look great on resumes.
Tips for an Effective Post-Grad Job Search
Widen Your Search Net - Don’t just apply to your “dream role.” Look for starter jobs that build relevant skills—even if they’re not glamorous. Fashion interns, brand coordinators, content assistants—these are stepping stones to bigger opportunities.
Set a Daily Job Search Routine - Spend 30–45 minutes per day searching and applying. Set job alerts on LinkedIn, Fashionista Jobs, and other niche sites.
Track Everything - Use a spreadsheet or Notion board to document where you’ve applied, who you’ve followed up with, and where you’re networking.
Keep Learning - Use downtime to enhance your skills. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, or Coursera can help you fill in gaps fast.
Customize Your Resume for Every Job - Use keywords from the job description. Tailor bullet points based on what each employer values most. You can have 2–3 resume versions depending on whether you’re targeting PR, marketing, or events.
Don’t Fear Rejection - It’s part of the process. Focus on consistency, not perfection.
Final Thought
You don’t need a job lined up by graduation to be successful. With the right mindset, consistent strategy, and realistic expectations, you can break into your dream industry—even if it takes a little longer.
You’ve got this. And if you want help refining your strategy or building your resume, apply for career coaching here.