How I Got My Job in Fashion: Farfetch

LONDON, United Kingdom - In 2017, after graduating university, Holly Prosser landed a job as a brand assistant at Farfetch, which describes itself as an end-to-end technology platform connecting the luxury fashion ecosystem worldwide. Farfetch now boasts over 2 million customers and is present in 190 countries — with its own global community of more than 3,000 people.

Since Prosser joined the company, Farfetch has introduced a store-to-door delivery service in under 90 minutes, filed for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange and reached a multi-billion valuation following its public listing.

Here, she shares her experience of landing her dream job in fashion.

What is your role at Farfetch?

As brand assistant, I support and execute our multi-channel brand campaigns, alongside various seasonal projects such as commissioning content for Fashion Week and key category and brand moments. Day to day, I am responsible for building relationships with key opinion leaders in the industry and collaborating with brand partners to create inspirational content which is used across the business globally. Working in the fast-paced and entrepreneurial culture at Farfetch allows me to work closely with a variety of teams both locally and internationally.

How did you get your job?

Before university, I completed an intensive one-week course at London College of Fashion called "An Introduction to the Fashion Industry." I knew I wanted to work in fashion, but I wasn't entirely sure in what capacity. The course educated me on all the different opportunities and aspects of the fashion industry. I also completed a number of internships during my summer holidays to develop my understanding and gain practical experience.

I chose to study Fashion Management at Nottingham Trent University as I believe a broader course provides you with a crucial baseline of knowledge across the whole industry before deciding what to specialise in. The course offered the opportunity to complete a placement year and I secured a 12-month placement at menswear start up e-tailer The Idle Man. At the time, there were around 20 people in the company so it was a close-knit environment, which allowed me to take on a huge amount of responsibility and learn a lot. The placement solidified my desire to pursue a career in fashion marketing and using the skills I gained, I was able to land my job at Farfetch.

What did you learn in the application process?

Communication is so important, both written communication when creating your cover letter and verbal when building relationships. Being personable with those you meet throughout the interview process is essential. I also learned the importance of really understanding the company I was applying to, for example with Farfetch it was essential for me to learn about the business model as well as the unique culture and brand values.

What was your experience of using BoF Careers?

I used The Business of Fashion a lot at university to support my coursework. Then when I began searching for jobs, I used it as a key source of information. I went on The Business of Fashion Careers page, quickly found the brand assistant role and submitted my application. From there, I was contacted by Farfetch and we set up a telephone interview, which was followed by two face-to-face interviews, with the second involving carrying out a task and preparing a presentation. The final step was a telephone interview with the brand director.

What excites you about working in fashion now?

With the way that technology is shaping the industry, you have to be adaptable and ready to chop and change direction at any time. Nothing stays the same for long in the industry and Farfetch is really driving that change and that’s what excites me. Aside from the fast pace, fashion is such a diverse space which offers the opportunity to work with talented people from many different backgrounds; being collaborative and working as a team is essential.