The need for good fashion products is immense. Hence, newly graduated fashion designers can apply for an intern position to learn the actual trade. However, you must prepare for the interview process before you appear for one.
During the interview process for a fashion intern position, you will be asked questions to determine your knowledge of fashion design, and the ability to handle design processes.
But you will not only be asked questions to see what your work knowledge is. Your ability to work with people from different backgrounds and the capability to handle crises will also be judged during the interview process.
As soon as you apply for a fashion intern position, start preparing for the interview process.
Find out what questions may be asked. A set of interview questions and answers for this position is provided below for your reference:
Fashion Intern Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am a recent fashion school graduate. The reason that I took up this work is because I had an inherent interest in fashion. I have been a star student all through, and have a fashion externship to my name as well.
2. What sort of work did you perform during your externship?
I was working as an extern in a leading fashion house for 3 months. During this time, I performed many duties including producing designs by hand and through CAD, conducting market research, and selecting seasonal themes. Apart from this, I was busy in assisting teams to select the right fabrics and trims for each design. Also, my work involved reviewing products for style and fitting during presentation processes.
3. What skills do you have to offer to us?
I have a huge array of skills including excellent design thought processes, and the ability to perform solid research. In addition, I am well-versed in managing design processes from conception through to final styling. I am also competent in ensuring the products are in accordance with business strategies. Additionally, my skills include the ability to create solid patterns, in sync with market research, keeping well above the competition.
4. What do you like most about this work?
I love the creative aspect of working in fashion design. The fact that one gets to work in an environment where creative juices are constantly flowing is great motivation.
5. What do you dislike most about this work?
I love the work in all its entirety. I cannot point out a single part of it that I do not like.
6. What is the most challenging part of working in this position?
I feel that developing concepts is the most challenging part of working in this position. Once this is done, the rest just falls into place.
7. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
I usually do not find myself in the midst of conflict. I love my work and concentrate on meeting deadlines. If there is a conflict, I take a step back and try to resolve the issue as quickly as I can.
8. What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my ability to follow orders exactly the way I am expected to.
9. What is your greatest weakness?
My greatest weakness is my inability to stop working. Sometimes, I work 14 hours a day, which cannot be good for someone involved in creative work.
10. Tell us of your biggest academic achievement?
My biggest achievement was during the time that I was studying. There was a fashion show held in New York, where designers from all over the world were participating. I received 2nd prize for my design. That was a huge brownie in my pocket, and a great motivating factor for me as well.
11. What types of designs are you most talented in making?
I love children’s fashion, and this is the area that I am most talented in as well. Designing t-shirts, and making patterns for dresses and trousers is my niche.
12. If you are asked to work with designs in another area, how would you take it?
Children’s fashion is an interest. But of course, I am interested in all kinds of work, as I want to be able to grow as a designer. Eventually, I would want to work in children’s clothes designing, but right now, I am open to everything.
13. During your final year project, what kind of stuff did you design?
Since my interest was in children’s clothes, my final year project was also along the same lines. I designed children’s t-shirts and tops.
14. What do you find most interesting about the design process?
I feel that the initial research is the most interesting. This is because one gets to understand so much about what is going on in the market, especially trends, and the competition.
15. How would you deal with it if your immediate supervisor did something that was unethical, such as copying designs?
I am no supporter of plagiarism. If such a thing happened, I would object, and try to change their mind. I would also offer designing something similar so that we don’t have to copy.
16. Describe your perfect work environment.
A perfect work environment would be where I can learn a lot, and contribute as much.
17. Do you think you will ever work in a perfect environment?
No. I am sensible enough to know that perfect environments do not exist. One has to make them as perfect as possible by working within set parameters.
18. Do you mind working on a rotating shift?
No. I love my work and do not mind working on rotating shifts, or even extra hours.
19. If we hire you, when can you join us?
I am willing to join immediately, as my externship ended 2 weeks ago, and I am raring to get to work.
20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I would like to be working as the head of design within the next 5 years.
21. Do you have any questions for me?
I am interested in knowing more about the internship position, especially pertaining to design processes and printmaking.