I did it! I have a job!

I got a job at LVMH! How did I get this job in the fashion industry? Read about my interview process, how it went, how much time it took, and what I learned.

It seems that my advice and tips on how to get a job in the fashion industry really work. Of course, effort and perseverance are an essential part of the process of getting your dream job. My perseverance, willingness to learn new things, striving to achieve something more got me to LVMH – a giant not only in the fashion industry. Specifically, Louis Vuitton is a brand where I managed to impress so much that they offered me a full-time Client Advisor job.

How I applied?

Applying for the position was quite easy – I simply found a position on LinkedIn and sent an application. I wrote a cover letter, attached my CV and waited for a reaction. Soon after, I got a call from the HR Louis Vuitton department and conducted the first round of the interview with me over the phone. During the interview, of course, the classic questions were asked, such as “Why Louis Vuitton?” or “What attracts you to this position?”. These questions were of course to be expected and believe me, I prepared for them in advance or at least thought about them. You should definitely work with these questions too and 100% expect them during interviews.

Tip: Today, due to GDPR, companies are not allowed to process your personal data without your consent. This also applies to your CVs. That is why it is better to apply for jobs through official portals such as LinkedIn, job websites or through forms on official company websites, where you immediately check the option of consenting to the processing of personal data. If you email your CV to a random or official company email or even if you personally deliver your CV to the company, they will most likely have to shred it and throw it away. Why? Because it does not go hand in hand with the GDPR directive.

Interviews, interviews and more interviews…

I assumed that in addition to the initial telephone interview, there would of course be a personal interview. And that’s what happened. A colleague from HR passed on my details to the management of the Louis Vuitton store in Prague, where I was invited for a personal interview – Round 1. Everything was of a high standard, polite behavior, and a pleasant environment. I met directly with the Store Manager and the Team Leader of one of the teams. Some questions were repeated, but that’s understandable, because they hadn’t heard my answers yet. It’s important to be consistent, repeat your answers, and even embellish them to perfection. It might even be an advantage.

What is important to express during the interview?

1. The will and motivation to perform this position, desire, and enthusiasm.
2. Highlight all skills relative to the job position.
3. Be consistent, especially in your answers, and stand by your determination to get this position.
4. Decent behavior, tone and timbre of voice, choosing the right words.
5. Choose your clothes well and adapt your appearance to the position you are applying for.
6. Find out basic information about the company where you are applying for a position.

Do you think that was all? I thought so, but it definitely wasn’t all! Round 2 of interviews followed, this time with other Team Leaders – three people in total. A bit of pressure? Maybe, but the main thing is to stay calm and handle the situation as best you can. Basically, repeating the answers to the questions that were already asked, but these people haven’t heard the answers yet, so you I had to understand it that way. You definitely shouldn’t express that you are bothered by answering the same questions again. On the contrary, you need to repeat yourself and feel free to improve your answers. Take it as a chance to shine!

Round 2 wasn’t quite final either. Even though the management of the Prague store expressed interest in hiring me, I still had to convince the HR manager for the EMEA region. And since she is based in Switzerland, there was a video interview with this manager, who also wanted to make sure that the store management’s decision would be the right one. I really didn’t expect this part of the interview, but on the other hand, it’s just answers to the same or similar questions. You just meet a person online and not in person. Such interviews also exist and I believe that they are not uncommon these days.

And the result? Success!

Yes, the result was positive. After all the rounds of interviews, which included phone calls, personal meetings and video calls, I got an offer to work for Louis Vuitton. I was really happy and felt satisfied that my efforts were recognized and got me this position.

What have I learned?

• It takes DETERMINATION to not give up, because the path to your dream position can be long and difficult.
• Do not underestimate thorough PREPARATION, so that you are not surprised by questions or situations that may arise and look much more professional.
• Do not lose your POSITIVE ATTITUDE and mood, because this will help you overcome many obstacles and eventually open up new opportunities for you, and others will also react more positively to you.