When I say “Job Creation” I’m referring to new jobs or positions created in our industry, not the act of filling an existing position. For example, several years ago, it became a necessity for many companies to have an on-line presence. Whether it was a web site devoted to the company or brand or an actual on-line marketplace would be determined later. What most companies lacked was an existing employee with the knowledge and skills to create and maintain a website. There were a rash of jobs created specifically to support websites and ecommerce positions. Now these jobs exist or are outsourced at most apparel manufacturers. So I’m wondering what the next set of necessary jobs skills will be.

Many companies have moved away from internal or domestic production in favor of outsourced or full-package production. With the economy the way it’s been, retailers demanding lower stock levels and quick turnaround, are we headed back to a domestic cut and sew production model? If so, we’ll need to be able to ramp up domestic production. Sewing and cutting contractors, dye houses, trim and fabric suppliers may start filling long empty spaces in and around downtown. Production managers and assistants would be required to manage cut and sew operations. Marking, grading and patternmaking skills would be in demand. Wouldn’t that be nice? Instead of losing more jobs to off-shore manufacturing, we’d start creating new jobs to be able to support the retailers’ need for speed-to-market.

FBI is working hard to help create new jobs in the apparel, footwear and fashion industries in general. Specifically, we work with new and existing companies to help them grow by providing the resources and training they need to survive and thrive. Where else in Los Angeles or San Francisco can a designer with a great idea for a new product go to get help finding a qualified contractor, a respected accountant or business advice to create a profitable company? Where else can a business go to find seminars, classes, even certification programs on industry specific software and skills? I can’t think of any other place than the FBI. And yet, most fashion companies aren’t aware of the benefits of an FBI membership. At a starting price of just $200 per year it’s the best investment a company can make.

Jill Mazur is an independent apparel business and technology consultant working with Fashion Business, Incorporated.  Email:  jill@fashionbizinc.org

Fashion Business, Inc. is asking for your input to help us conduct a study of the apparel, footwear, textile and accessory industries. Specifically, how the recession has affected job opportunities within these industries over the past 12 months.

We’d like to know a few things about your business. This study is anonymous – any information you include about your business will be kept confidential and only used for data gathering purposes. We will be happy to provide you with the results of the study, should you so desire. Please indicate this on your response, along with your email address.

1: What is your sales volume today (in dollars)?

2: Over the past 12 months what percentage of your sales volume has increased or decreased?

3: In the past 12 months, have you had any layoffs or reductions in staff? If so, how many people or percentage of your work force.

4: In the past 12 months, have you hired staff for any existing positions?

5: In the past 12 months, have you hired staff for any newly created positions?

Thank you very much for your time today. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Jill Mazur

Independent Apparel and Business Consultant

Email: jill@fashionbizinc.org

What sets you apart from all of the other people out there searching for jobs?  Is it who you know?  Is it your winning personality?  Is it your past experience?  The answer is “Yes” to all of the above.  But you already knew that.  What else can you do to set yourself apart?  I’d say it’s “What You Know,” at least as far as it relates to software.  Yes, software.  “But I’m a DESIGNER!” Or “MERCHANDISER!” Or “SALES REP!” Or “Fill in the Blank.”  “What do I need to know about software?”  As much as you can.  A talented designer should always be able to sketch.  But can you scan the sketch into Adobe Illustrator© or a similar tool – add colorways, create an inspiration board or portfolio?  Merchandisers, can you create a line sheet or look book to knock a buyer’s socks off?   Sales reps, how are you analyzing your business these days?  Are you able to look up your customer’s information and create your own reports and queries from your manufacturing system or reporting tools or are you relying on some else to do the heavy lifting?  Skills like these that set you apart from your peers and open up new doors. 

These days it’s not enough to know basic Microsoft Office© tools like Outlook©, Word© and Excel©.  Keep adding to your repertoire.  It never hurts to list the software applications you’ve used on your resume.  Employers may have resume scanning software that looks for key words such as Illustrator©, PLM, Excel© or more, since those are the skills they require.  If you don’t have those skills listed, your resume might get passed over even though you’re highly qualified for the job. Think about the tools you currently (or previously) used at work.  Think about how you can improve your knowledge, and then do it.  Does your company offer system training or tuition re-imbursement? Are there classes you can take at night or on the weekends?  Is there a “Super user” in your department who’s willing to give you some extra training sessions during lunch?  Is your company installing a new software application?  Can you volunteer to work on the project?  Update your resume with your technical skills and don’t be surprised if more companies start showing interest in YOU.

Jill Mazur is an independent apparel business and technology consultant working with Fashion Business, Incorporated.  Email:  jill@fashionbizinc.org