Breaking In – What actually helps when you’re trying to get hired

You utilised the LCF Graduate Futures service, and credited your 1-2-1 consultations with Graduate Futures Careers Consultant Melanie Mitchell as the reason you landed your role. What support did you receive that you think lead to you successfully getting the job?

"The support I received from LCF Graduate Futures was extremely valuable because it helped me approach the job search in a much more strategic and confident way."

Having one-to-one guidance made a real difference, especially because the period after graduating can feel quite isolating; there’s often a sense that you must figure everything out on your own, so having that support reminded me that help is still there and that you don’t have to navigate it all by yourself.

A big part of that support was refining my CV and learning how to present my experience clearly but also understanding that job titles in the creative industry can mean very different things depending on the company. That completely changed how I approached searching for roles. As a graduate, it’s easy to focus only on titles like “graduate” or “trainee,” but sometimes assistant roles are equally suited to someone starting out; it’s about reading the job description carefully and not dismissing opportunities too quickly based on the title alone.

I think one of the biggest impacts was also mindset. I was encouraged not to take rejection personally but to see it as redirection, which helped me stay motivated during uncertain periods. Looking back, I’m genuinely grateful for some of the rejections because they helped me realise that not every role was the right fit for me.

The process also taught me to be more selective rather than applying for everything out of panic. Focusing on roles that genuinely aligned with my skills and interests meant I could put much more thought and energy into each application especially when you have a design brief to complete, which can take a lot of time and thought. This made the whole process feel more intentional and clearer. It also reminded me that opportunities can appear very randomly, sometimes when you least expect them.

You’ve mentioned you attended the LCF Careers Fair, how was your experience with that? Did meeting with brands help you feel more prepared when applying for jobs?

It was a really valuable experience because it gave me direct insight into what different brands were looking for in graduates.

"Speaking to recruitment teams face to face made the job market feel much more tangible and helped me understand how companies present themselves, what they value in candidates and how different interview processes can vary."

It also became useful later when applying for roles because I could reference conversations I had at the fair or mention that I had already engaged with the brand, which helped make my application feel more personal and memorable.

What I found most helpful was that it gave me a clearer sense of which brands were actively interested in graduate talent and what qualities they were looking for beyond a portfolio. It does not guarantee a job, but it gives you an opportunity to ask questions, understand recruitment expectations and start building genuine connections.

I think the biggest lesson is that you get out of it what you put in. Taking the initiative to introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions and follow up afterwards can make a real difference. Even using those conversations later when reaching out to recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn or the brand via Instagram can help create a stronger connection.

Having been through the process of accessing LCF Graduate Futures’ support in landing your role – what key tips or advice would you give to anyone at the start of their job search journey?

I’d say initially that the job search is a journey. It can be challenging but it teaches you resilience, patience and a lot about yourself. Entering the creative industry can feel daunting because there is no single route into it and everybody’s path looks different, which is something I gradually learned to accept.

What helped me most was listening carefully to tutors and mentors because they often understand the industry in ways you only fully appreciate later. It is important to stay curious about different pathways and roles, seek advice where you can and trust your instincts when thinking about your own strengths. Be honest to yourself on where you need to improve and be proactive.

I also found it valuable to speak to previous graduates, especially those who had finished the year before me. They had very recently been through the same experience and offered advice that felt relevant and reassuring, particularly around interviews.

"Reaching out to people from my course reminded me that you do have a community around you but sometimes you need to take the first step and ask for guidance."

Over time my confidence grew through experience, especially through interviews. The more conversations I had, the more clearly I could communicate what I had to offer. I realised how important confidence is in such a competitive job market because even slight uncertainty can affect how your answers are received. Knowing your portfolio, your experience, the role and the brand in depth allows you to speak naturally and with conviction. I also learned that showing genuine interest in the interviewer, their professional background and what they value about the company helps create a stronger connection and makes the conversation feel more natural.

Another important thing is to think carefully about how your final year project positions you because it can become one of your strongest tools when applying for roles. My portfolio showed a strong ready-to-wear, trend-led commercial focus but also variation across product categories including sportswear, denim and outerwear, which meant I could apply across more types of brands for design roles.

I would also encourage graduates to look for a company that genuinely supports learning and development. Joining a supportive team was very important because starting out in the industry is much easier when you feel encouraged to grow. When speaking to recruiters, try to present yourself as enthusiastic, curious and ready to support the team. Show that you think practically, are interested in solutions and want to contribute in a way that helps others work well.

Finally, go the extra mile where you can, whether that is being especially prepared, bringing printed work to an interview or finding small ways to make yourself memorable. Often it is these details, with genuine engagement in a company’s future direction, makes the strongest impression. Most importantly, believe that you have something uniquely valuable to contribute because that confidence often comes across more than you realise, especially in a competitive job market.

I’m sure many graduates and soon-to-be graduates will resonate with Lucy’s experience in the struggles of applying for jobs. Thank you Lucy for sharing your insights and experiences! If you are a final year LCF student, take advantage of the careers support Graduate Futures can offer you before you graduate and enter the world of work.

This is part two of a two part story from Lucy. If you missed it, check out part one ‘Starting Out – Inside Lucy Whireford's first role and the reality of getting there’ to hear more of Lucy’s experiences on what to expect when starting a new role as a new graduate.

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