Exploring the Field -part 1

Yesterday I've been scouting for potential employers. As my knowledge of the the sartorial world is mainly limited to my personal experiences, I would hope to find somewhere to work in the field and learn a bit more - about sizing, preferences and perhaps salesmanship - before embarking on the adventure of trying to set up my own lines. Perhaps this will also provide a source of inspiration, and help me decide on details concerning the target-group.

Looking for a job in a clothing-shop is not as easy as it might sound. First of all, there is the type of establishment to consider: are we thinking H&M and Zara, or more Maison de Bonneterie (the Dutch parody of Harrods), Society Shop and Oger? Secondly, I need to ask myself what kind of job I am looking for.

I do not envy doing naught but selling things I feel no connection to, so that quickly excludes salesman in a large retail-chain. But obviously there are other things to be done in such shops too, and quickly reminding myself of my position and scratching out all the manager-positions, I came across the interestingly worded position of "Visual Merchandiser" at Hennes & Maurits in Amsterdam. Although I'm no lover of H&M, I do consider it a coal-mine with many diamonds, and displaying the wares might just be what I'm looking for. Zara is also looking for a "Shop Assistant" (which seems to be a sort of Assistant Management function) in Utrecht, and has many interesting aspects to it too.

Both positions also require the applicant to be adapt in training other members of staff and leading smaller teams for certain projects - something that is a bit more in my "familiar-zone".

Fascinatingly enough, H&M says to be unimpressed by diploma's, and ZARA doesn't require anything but a full-time commitment and fluent English and Dutch (though 2 years of experience in dealing with teams is appreciated).

Two international chains with seemingly accessible criteria - worth the consideration at least. Next post on the other side of the spectrum, before too big a decision is made.