There’s been a timeline takeover for a few weeks now and I can’t say I’m mad at it!
Tell me if you’ve experienced the same, but my Instagram feed has quite suddenly blossomed into a constant scroll of golden sunsets, higher hemlines and glasses brimming with the pink hues of rosé enjoyed al-fresco.
Come mid-March, it’s inevitable that spring will come knocking on the door, beckoning us in the western hemisphere to crawl out from under the duvets we’ve found comfort in all winter. Just like when any guest turns up quite unexpectedly, we’re left scrambling around getting things in order to make the place look half decent. My guess is that’s where the term ‘spring clean’ comes into fruition, it’s time to get your swizzle together. The rest of your year depends on it!
Statistics say a successful job hunt takes a minimum of 3 months.
If you’re a student on the brink of leaving the education system for the sometimes scary but very exciting ‘real’ world, we’d suggest you beat the crowd to it. For every ONE job that is advertised, a whopping 400 – 4000 applicants put their CV’s forward in the hopes of being the chosen one.
Although companies may not be willing to hold an entry-level position for 3 months. It’s wise to have an ‘hit-list’ of the companies/roles you’re interested in, research the relevant contact (usually the assistant or co-ordinator) and express your interest in any future vacancies. Keep your message short and memorable. Top tip: PERSONALISE IT! If it seems like a copy and paste robot email, you may not get a response.
Check the creative way in which a fashion hopeful landed a much coveted internship at Man Repeller (here)
Targets are being reviewed, start thinking about what you want.
Typically, employees will sit down with their managers in the first quarter of the year to review targets, discuss bonuses and set an action plan for the year. Jenna Lyons, President and Creative Director of J.Crew, outlines her best piece of advice for climbing the ladder:
The person who makes herself indispensable, that’s the person you want to promote. But when someone comes in and starts demanding, “I’ve done all this and I want X,” doesn’t work for me so much. [Instead] ask questions: “I’m ready to take it to the next step. What is it that I can do better?” That, to me, is an engaged, collaborative way to get somebody to the next level. You’re not going to get there just because you think you’re ready or because someone else got promoted.”
Outfits – look good, feel better!
One of the most common forms of a good spring clean happens with our wardrobes. Just after the clocks shift an hour forward (I’m still mourning the lose of 1 hours sleep), the evenings begin to get brighter and the temperatures gradually rise. But the change in weather isn’t just about packing away our thicker garments, it’s also as important to re-evalaute how the clothes we wear make us feel professionally. There’s much to be said for dressing for your new hopes, aspirations and the energy you want to give off.
My go-to is and forever will be, a relaxed look – boyfriend shirt, any style denim and an investment ‘piece’ of footwear – investment meaning more expensive than I can actually afford. For spring, I’ll be maintaining this look and can’t wait to get my ankles out in the cute frayed denim or asymmetric hem jeans I’ve seen on almost every blogger I pretend to be – HA!
Go out and network!
You hear it here all the time and I’m quite sure this won’t be our last conversation about networking. It goes without saying that if you want new things to happen in your career, you’ve got to go out there and get it. Bearing in mind the common saying “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”. Giving your professional relationships a spring clean may be something you’ll thank yourself for when it’s January again and time to reflect over what you managed to achieve on 2017.
Click (here) for a look at our events calendar, in which we promote the best fashion events happening in London. The month of April is looking promising already with events hosted by i-D Magazine, Susie Bubble, Harpers Bazaar and more. Perfect opportunity to wear your new ‘spring clean’ outfits.
