Searching for a job in fashion and luxury has changed. It can take so long to land the ideal role, I’ve seen great people starting to feel despondent. Today, it’s not unusual for the hunt to stretch out for over six months before you land something. You're still waiting even when you spot a role that looks like a match. Companies are taking their time, super cautious as they navigate challenging trading conditions. Frequently setting up round after round of interviews, assessments, and more interviews.
It can be exhausting. You prepare, show up, and try to put your best self forward every time, but sometimes, you hear nothing for a while. You’re waiting for feedback or some idea of where you stand—unsurprisingly many people feel stuck in limbo.
Shockingly, in a recent survey 72% of job searchers said the process has negatively impacted their mental health.
It’s a tough combination: uncertainty, high stakes, no clear timeline. It’s easy to start thinking it must be something you did wrong. However, unfortunately, extended hiring processes are increasingly standard now. Believe me, we do our best here to try to move things along!
It doesn’t mean you’re not qualified or valuable. So, how do you stay motivated and healthy throughout this process?
Understanding the Modern Hiring Landscape
Before blaming yourself for a job search that takes forever, look at the fashion recruitment space; approach this with context.
Firstly, multi-stage interviews have become the default. It’s rare to get a yes or no after one or two meetings. You’ll often start with an interview, then do a skills test or assessment project, followed by another interview, maybe a panel conversation, and sometimes a final round with a team that will decide if you’re the right fit.
That alone can stretch out over weeks, especially if calendars don’t align.
Then there’s the economic side of things. Companies are so cautious right now. They want to be sure before they add a headcount. So, even when everything looks positive, the final decision can stall while budgets are signed off or teams debate priorities.
Technology plays a part, too. AI screening tools seem to be everywhere now. When companies are relying purely on advertising to recruit, they can be useful for sorting through thousands of applications. However, they make it harder to feel any sense of connection. In one survey, nearly two-thirds of candidates said automated systems made the experience feel distant and hard to read. We never use AI to screen or communicate with candidates, unless it’s something as simple as location or visa requirements. When you hear from us there’s a real human there.
It’s also worth remembering that industry-specific timelines vary a lot. A process can easily run into the two or three-month mark when key moments in the fashion calendar get in the way. This doesn’t reflect your worth as a candidate. It doesn’t mean you slipped through the cracks. It means the system is complex.
Knowing all this upfront can make it a little easier to breathe. If you expect it to take time, you’re less likely to question yourself when it does.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Strategies
A long job hunt can wear you out in ways you don’t really see coming. You start feeling ready, maybe even excited to see what’s out there. Then it just keeps going. You might think you should be handling this better but you’re not the problem. The process itself can be draining. It’s normal to feel this way.
Practical Mental Health Strategies
There’s no perfect solution here, but a few science proven habits can help you stay steadier. One thing a lot of people find useful is mindfulness. This isn’t about sitting cross-legged on the floor for an hour. Just pause. Breathe for a minute. Let your thoughts settle a bit. If you don’t know where to start, Headspace or Calm have great guides that walk you through it.
Establishing a routine helps, too. If you’re out of work and your days lack structure, you can feel you’re never doing enough. Maybe pick a window of time in the morning for applications. Then give yourself a break and focus on something else. Even a ten minute walk outside can reset your mind a bit. Talking to someone helps too.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, look for help. It doesn’t have to be a therapist—maybe just a career coach, a trusted mentor, or someone from an Employee Assistance Program.
Some things to try, even if they feel small:
· A ten-minute guided meditation when you feel anxious
· A set time every day when you’ll look for jobs, and when you’ll stop
· Breaks that have nothing to do with work
· A chat with someone you trust
· Checking if you have access to EAP support
Self-Care Fundamentals
Remember that self-care is important, too. If you’re not looking after yourself, you’ll lack the energy or momentum to keep going.
· Go outside, take a walk, get some exercise
· Eat well
· Build a sleep schedule and stick to it. It’s proven that erratic sleep patterns impact mood.
· Talk to the people around you and lean on your relationships
· Unplug. Don’t be switched on 24/7. Doom scrolling is another mental drain.
Remember, looking for the ideal fashion job doesn’t have to consume your entire life, no matter how important it feels. Look after yourself.
Strategic Networking and Relationship Building
When you’re waiting for interviews and not hearing back, it can feel like everything depends on job ads. But most jobs don’t even get posted. About 70% are filled through word of mouth or personal connections.
It’s one of the reasons networking matters so much. Even a quick chat online can open a door. On LinkedIn, countless fashion candidates have landed jobs through casual conversations. You don’t have to pitch yourself to everyone you meet; learn how to leverage your network.
Leveraging Hidden Job Markets
Most managers would rather hire someone they’ve heard of than sift through a pile of applications. That’s why telling people what you’re looking for is worth doing.
Start with people you already know. Maybe a former coworker or a classmate. A manager you got along with. You don’t have to lead with a request; tell them you’re exploring opportunities and want to catch up.
Speak to a variety of recruitment firms. At LIFE we rarely advertise our roles, instead we tend to approach candidates directly and rely on our network. Put yourself on recruiters’ radars so they know you’re looking.
Effective Networking Strategies
If you haven’t already, update your LinkedIn profile. Keep what you do clear and honest. Think about how potential employers and recruiters search so you’re easy to find. For example, if your company uses an unusual title for your role, be sure to include the more commonly used one too. Join a couple of groups that interest you, leave a comment here and there, interact with posts from people at brands that interest you, and share something now and then that feels like you.
Next, look for fashion events, panel talks etc. Chat to the people around you to find out if they may be working at a business that interests you. This can be great at getting some real insight into what it’s like to work at a specific brand.
Handling Rejection and Building Resilience
Rejection hurts. even when you tell yourself it’s not personal. Particularly when you’ve put so much work into finding the right role. However, a lot of the time, rejection doesn’t really have anything to do with you.
Sometimes, the budget freezes, the team changes direction, or you are one of three final candidates, and they pick someone else. You could have done everything right and still not been the one.
Try to think of it this way: every “no” moves you one step closer to the place that’s a better fit. Take the opportunity to:
· Learn from feedback: Ask for feedback. Sometimes you’ll get radio silence, or something generic that doesn’t help. Or you might hear that your examples were vague or that someone else had more experience. It stings, but it’s information. Keep a note of what you learn.
· Stay resilient: Rejection can chip away at you. You don’t have to pretend it doesn’t hurt. Try to observe how you feel objectively, talk it out with someone you trust, and be kind to yourself. Listen out for any negative self-talk and quash it straight away. Try to spot little wins. Maybe you got further in the process this time. Perhaps you answered a question more confidently. Those things count.
· Recovery and momentum: There’s no shame in pausing after a rejection. You might need time to rethink how to present yourself, and that’s okay. When you’re ready, pick back up again gradually. One small step is enough. Remember, the effort you’re putting in still counts.
Practical Motivation Maintenance Strategies
It’s hard to stay motivated when the finish line keeps moving. One way to keep going is to set goals you can see yourself hitting. You might decide to apply for three jobs this week, have one conversation with someone in your field, or spend an hour updating your CV/Resume.
If it helps, write it down somewhere you’ll see it. A sticky note. A phone reminder. The point isn’t to pile on pressure. It’s to give yourself something solid to work toward when everything feels vague. Other ways to stay focused might include:
· Setting up accountability systems: It's easy to drift when doing this alone. Having someone to check in with can keep you from losing your grip on the process. Maybe you set up a standing call with a friend looking for work. You can also join a small online group where people share updates. Just knowing someone else is in it too makes it less lonely.
· Developing skills: If interviews are slow or offers aren’t coming, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. You can pick one thing to work on in the meantime. It could be a short course you’ve been meaning to take. Or brushing up on a skill that comes up in interviews. Or just reading about trends in your field so you feel informed when conversations pick up again.
· Using monthly checks: Once a month, pause. Look back at what you did. Look at what you learned. You might realise that something isn’t working as well as you thought. Take the time to find a strategy that works for you, one that balances wellbeing, with measurable and ongoing progress.
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
If there’s one thing to take from all this, it’s that long hiring processes are how things work now. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
But that doesn’t mean you must let it run you into the ground. You can set boundaries, look after your mental health, develop your network and build new skills
To summarise, here are a few steps you can start with right now:
· Set a routine. Decide when you’ll job hunt and when you’ll step away.
· Pick small, clear goals. A few applications. One conversation. One profile update.
· Stay connected. Reach out to people you trust or join a group so you don’t feel alone.
· Take breaks. A day off here and there isn’t quitting. It’s taking care of yourself.
· Check in with yourself. Once a month, look at what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust.
This process is challenging, no matter how prepared you are. But you’re not stuck. Every small step counts. Just keep moving forward.
LIFE is a search and selection firm that sources talented people for some of fashion’s most respected brands. After twenty years, we are still passionate about the work we do. That is why we only work with fashion and lifestyle brands that light us up, brands that are shaping the industry, and brands that we are proud to represent.
Talk to us about finding the right talent for your brand by emailing info@lifeinfashion.co.uk