How Shaunie became the Style Director at Thread

How Shaunie became the Style Director at Thread by Michael Cheary The best way to break into a tough-to-crack industry like fashion? Get advice from someone on the inside… Shaunie Brett has worked in fashion for six years, with stints at Love Magazine and Burberry eventually helping her land her current jobâ€"leading a team of 8 stylists at Thread, a free, online personal styling service for men who want to look good without the hassle.We interviewed Shaunie about how to get your start as a stylist, why heels aren’t always the best option for an interview, and the three things to remember when applying for a job in fashion:Q: Hi Shaunie. How did you get started in the fashion industry?When I was studying in Edinburgh, I got a job at Reiss to cover my expenses. I’d always enjoyed dressing well, but never considered working in fashion … until I realised how much I enjoyed working with people in the store to help them feel confident in their clothes.I went out and bought a tonne of magazines, found editors’ email an d mailing addresses and sent out dozens of CVs. I got three or four replies, and I did three internships my first year out of university: at the Times, British Vogue and finally Love Magazine, where I was promoted to fashion assistant. My interning experience set me up to get that first job, and prepared me to work on shoots with Love’s fashion editors.I really recommend committing a year to interning and learning the ropes. When I interviewed at Burberry after interning and assisting at Love, I think part of what interested them was that they could see I had perseverance, and that I had put in my time learning how the industry worked.Q: What’s the best piece of interview advice you got at the start of your career? Someone told me that the most important thing isn’t how passionate you are about fashion, but how useful you can be.You want to prove that you’re highly efficient and enthusiastic, no matter whether you’re doing photocopying or pitching in on a shoot. That advic e served me well.Q. What’s the best thing about being Style Director at Thread? I love the challenge. I’m constantly doing things I’ve never done before, I work with incredibly smart people, and I get to use an analytical, problem-solving part of my brain while still working in fashion.I also love Thread’s culture: I’m trusted to work autonomously and to make big decisions, and I love the camaraderie we have as a team.Q. How would you recommend someone dress for an interview in the fashion industry? The tough thing about dressing for a fashion interview is that your interviewer probably knows as much as you do about your clothes so I’d go for something basic, crisp and clean.I like the idea of wearing black cigarette pants or jeans, a crisp white shirt, a subtle accessory or twoâ€"like a watch or delicate jewelleryâ€"and a pair of great flat shoes. (Wear heels only if you’re completely used to them; tottering heels are a real turn off.)Avoid anything distracting like statement jewellery, too much makeup and trendy clothes and accessories. Most people in the industry keep their work clothes clean, neutral and basic, so that’ll appeal to them … and if youre not at all that kind of person, wear whatever makes you most comfortable.It’s always better to show yourself honestly.Q. Say you’re hiring a stylist. What key skills would you look for? We look for stylists who are creative, with great taste, but also smart logical streaks.And because it’s a tech company, it’s important that each stylist can communicate with different types of people and understand complex and technical ideas like how our algorithm works.In addition to a few years’ experience in fashion, we look for high emotional intelligence: each stylist needs to feel a strong desire to help every client find what they need.Q. What have you learned from being rejected from a job? Honesty is the best policy.I was once rejected from a job because when my interviewer asked what I did on weekends, I told her I spent time with friends and family. I know she was looking for someone who went to art shows and vintage fairs, and that’s not me.In the end that simple question proved that it wasn’t the right job for me: it would have taken my prized weekends away.Q. Finally, what three things should you remember when applying for a job in the fashion industry?1. Don’t say you have a passion for fashion. Say you’re passionate, say you love fashion, but don’t make this rhyme. I’ve read 100s of CVs that include this rhymeâ€" and that’s not even an exaggeration.2. Prove how useful and efficient you can be. Ultimately that’s the most important thing.3. Be honest. It’s not the right job if you have to lie to get it.For more style advice from Shaunie, and to look great without the hassle,  sign up to Thread today.  Still searching for your big break? View all available fashion jobs now.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features What job suits me?