In 2026, nearly every part of a job application can be handled by AI. That makes the face-to-face interview even more important — it’s one of the last steps in hiring that can’t be automated.

The growing use of AI has created several challenges for both employers and job seekers. How much should we praise someone for using AI well in their application? Does AI make someone’s work and achievements look better — or does it misrepresent them?

Daniel Peters, a former marketer at Burberry and Selfridges who founded Fashion Minority Report, warns that if an application relies too much on AI, applicants will struggle to express themselves in the interview. “If AI did everything for you, that lack of authenticity shows in the interview room,” he says.

For many fashion students or recent graduates, the fact that formal interviews still matter comes as a relief. AI has made the hiring process so uniform that most applications look the same. So the interview is a chance to stand out in a sea of similar candidates.

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For designers, the interview is also a chance to show a physical portfolio. Career offices often stress that you should “show your process.” Quinn Fertig, a fashion designer who graduated from Parsons this year, says, “I really enjoy in-person interviews because I can bring my physical work. My work is very focused on texture and color, so seeing it in person definitely helps.”

Employers advise against exaggerating your achievements. Nicolas Aburm, creative director at New York label Area, wants specific details. “Everyone who has worked at Givenchy says they designed the Rottweiler print,” he says. “But what did you actually do on it? The research, the placement, the volume it went on, the commercial variations? Being specific doesn’t make your work seem smaller — it shows you understand your value in the team.”

Does what you wear matter?

In the fashion industry, what you wear to an interview matters a lot, even if employers don’t always admit it. Fertig plans her in-person interview outfits carefully, always including her own designs. She once presented a collection wearing a large pleated skirt she designed for a pitch competition — which she later won. “I always try to dress in the style of the company I’m interviewing with. I think that’s something that can be overlooked,” she says.

Fertig also points out that outfits can break the ice and start a conversation. More importantly, they can help hiring managers understand your creative thinking. In a fashion design interview, Fertig says, your outfit is really part of your portfolio. “Managers want to see how you think. What is your design language, and how do you turn your ideas into reality?” she says, repeating advice she got during her first internship at womenswear label La Ligne. She has also interned at Monse and Oscar de la Renta, and started her first full-time job as an accessories designer at Marcus Adler Gloves just weeks after graduating.

The power of personal storytelling

Peters from Fashion Minority Report believes AI can be a powerful tool for making things fairer for underserved or neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent applicants might struggle to communicate well in an interview but do better than others in the actual job.

Peters often coaches his mentees to think of the interview as storytelling. “Not so it’s a fairy tale, but to build a real story for the person on the other side who will read it — or if AI reads it first at the company,” he says. His ideal interviewee, Peters says, is someone who can create a narrative that “sparks a sense of wonder about who they are.””Who you are and what you can do.”

“Create a sense of wonder about who you are and what you can do.”

An applicant’s personal story can be a source of inspiration. “Tell me about how your mum and grandma used to make saris, and how they had you help with the hand embroidery—that was your first taste of it,” Peters says. He points to Tavi Gevinson, who started her fashion blog, Style Rookie, when she was just 11. “She lived in the middle of nowhere, but she found her way into fashion by creating her own path. That’s what I want to see.”

James Stuart, a headhunter who places executives in the fashion industry, reminds fashion students to check out employers just as carefully as they check you out. “Ask for references on your future boss and the company culture. What’s the founder like? Honestly, how toxic is it? And is that right for you? Don’t sell yourself short,” he says.

At the very least, prepare for an interview by Googling your potential employer. Natalie Boren, an executive VP at recruiter Career Group Companies who handles fashion staffing, is surprised by how many interviewees can’t recall basic facts about a fashion house’s latest work—or even the name of the creative director.

Employers respond well to candidates who show genuine interest in their companies. Fathia Aulia, a recent fashion merchandising graduate from the University of Westminster in London, believes her curiosity helped her land a merchandising role at Harrods. “I stopped trying to impress the interviewer and started focusing on understanding the company,” she says.

Above all, interviewees should try to relax and enjoy the experience. “Enjoyment might sound like a strange word to use for an interview,” says Roger Tredre, course leader for MA Fashion Communication at Central Saint Martins. “But the interviews that went best for me in my career were the ones where I had prepared well, knew I could do the job, and enjoyed every minute.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about acing a fashion interview written in a natural tone with clear direct answers

General Beginner Questions

1 What is the most important thing to wear to a fashion interview
Wear something that shows your personal style but is still professional Think polished and puttogether not a full runway look A wellfitted blazer a clean pair of jeans or trousers and a stylish but sensible shoe are a safe bet The goal is to look like you belong in the industry

2 Should I bring a physical portfolio or just a tablet
Bring both if you can A physical portfolio shows you care about the tactile professional presentation Have a backup on a tablet or laptop in case they want to see digital files or a video reel Always have a backup

3 I dont have a lot of work experience What should I talk about
Focus on your passion your knowledge of brands and your creative projects Talk about mood boards youve made thrift flips youve done or even how you styled a friend for a party Show you have a fashion eye and a strong work ethic even if its from school or personal projects

4 What are they really looking for in a fashion candidate
Beyond skills they want to see that you understand their brands identity you have a strong point of view youre adaptable and youre easy to work with Fashion is fastpaced so they need someone who can handle pressure and collaborate well

Intermediate Strategy Questions

5 How do I talk about my personal style without sounding like a cliché
Dont just say I love vintage Be specific Say My style is a mix of classic tailoring and 1970s bohemian I love the structure of a clean blazer paired with a flowy printed maxi skirt Im drawn to textures like linen and suede The more specific you are the more memorable you become

6 How do I answer Where do you see yourself in 5 years in fashion
Show ambition but be realistic Dont say I want your job Instead say something like