Image via Complex Original
Getting a job in the sneaker industry is not has hard as it looks. You already know the best jobs in the industry– and even the ones you didn’t know existed - it’s time to go out there and put your best foot forward. You love the industry and everything that comes with it. Why not become a part of something you love. “But how do I do that?” you may ask. Well, that’s what you’re here for. It may take a lot of work and some of it may not be easy, but if you check out How to Get a Job in Sneakers, you will be one step closer to that job you always wanted. The only person preventing you from getting these jobs is you.
RELATED: 10 Sneaker Jobs That We Wish Existed
RELATED: Why We Do What We Do: Conversations With Sneaker Industry Insiders
Starting from the bottom.
Believe it or not, we all didn't start from the top. We all started from some place and somewhere to get where we are today. Kanye said it best: "first week he moppin floors, next week is the fries." Don't be afraid to take a job that's not perfect to get your foot in the door. Sometimes that's the best way, just ask the Vice President of Reebok where he started.
Know something about sneakers.
We all like sneakers but we don't know everything there is to know. Even the most seasoned vet doesn't know. But knowing a little will take you a long way. Also, It will open you up to learning much more, which makes you more valuable than anything.
Start a blog.
Greatest way to get noticed is to start your own blog in this industry. Make it legit. Give people your point of view. It doesn't have to be a full bells and whistles type of thing, either. A well curated Tumblr or Instagram can be better than some of these sneaker "blogs" leaking fake pictures.
Put yourself out there.
When you're coming up, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. But remember, everything on the Internet is permanent. Even if you think you can delete it, somebody saw it and will remember it. Do it in a classy way. Definitely not like Miley at the VMAs.
Go to events.
Sneaker conventions and events are the best ways people from all over that are just as interested in the culture as you are. Make a friend, we promise it won't hurt.
Get advice from people in the industry.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to get advice. You gotta remember, these people have been through it already to get where they are in the industry. It works better in your favor. Trust us. We don't make these who-to-follow lists for no reason.
Remember it's about who you know-and who knows you.
Make a good impression. You can actually get a break from someone in the industry who has met you before or even had small talk about sneakers with. It's better to have the one to one with someone rather than just having an email with your resume attached to it. You have to remember that you aren't the only one, there are plenty of people just like you that want to get where you're headed, so get to know someone.
Ask the right questions at the right time.
In other words, always talk about it. When it comes down to it, you can't expect everything to just fall into your lap. You don't know what "the right time" is or when it will take you further. Someone may be looking and talking about it with people is the key to finding your way into new opportunities.
Have a passion for sneakers.
If you're not genuinely passionate about sneakers, don't do it. If sneakers are where you want to be, you have to have a passoin for it. It has to be something you love doing that doesn't necessarily feel like work. Once it becomes your everything that makes you one step closer.
Fill out an application.
Dude. There are plenty of boutiques and sneaker stores out there with applications waiting for you to put your name on it. There's writing jobs out there. There's mailroom jobs to get your foot in the door. There are assistant designer jobs. Literally, hundreds maybe thousands of jobs are out there. What are you waiting for?
