How do you write a CV for a luxury job?
How do you make a success of your CV and job interview in the luxury sector?
In the world of luxury, where excellence and attention to detail are essential, a quality CV plays a crucial role in standing out from the crowd. It should reflect not only your skills and experience, but also your sense of aesthetics and precision, fundamental qualities in this demanding sector. Luxury recruiters are looking for candidates who can represent their prestigious brands with elegance and professionalism. A good CV, well structured and tailored to the industry's identity, shows your ability to understand its codes, while highlighting your added value. It will be your first port of call in this competitive environment.
Sup de Luxe's Luxury Brand Marketing & International Management MBA is designed to prepare students for international careers in the luxury sector. Delivered in English, the programme tackles global issues by combining theory and practice through courses on strategy, marketing, innovation and brand management. Students benefit from the expertise of guest lecturers from leading luxury houses, a global network of alumni and work placements, enabling them to develop strategic skills and immerse themselves fully in the demanding world of global luxury.
The ‘luxury professions’ CV: what an art!
Putting together a ‘luxury professions’ CV that is convincing enough to impress recruiters in this absolutely unique sector can't be invented. Places at the heart of this highly coveted world are very expensive, and only an effective CV will enable you to stand out from the crowd. At our Sup de Luxe school in Paris, we train our luxury students in the key principles of the sector, which must be reflected in a perfectly crafted CV.
The first thing that jumps out at a recruiter, whose job sometimes involves examining hundreds of CVs every week, is the elegance and sobriety of the graphic choices. In the luxury sector, the importance of presentation is paramount, and the same applies to documents. Always go for clarity rather than originality, and make sure that what you say is properly structured.
To create a more personal dimension, take inspiration (with subtlety!) from the graphic identity of the company you are applying to. By using its colour code, for example, you'll show that you have an eye for detail.
But beware, even perfectly mastered aesthetic elements will not compensate for a lack of substance. Use a rich and rigorous vocabulary, emphasising the key words in the advert to which you are responding or the expressions used by the brand in its communications. List your relevant experience precisely, but without ‘filling in the blanks’: a CV for a ‘luxury job’ will be more effective if it gets straight to the point. Instead, use the ‘interests’ section to show how your passions reveal your strengths.
Finally, note that the slightest spelling or syntax error will be a killer: get your CV proofread!
Steps and advice for writing a CV and having a successful interview
1. Writing an effective CV
- Choose the right format: opt for a clear, professional format, with a simple, airy layout. Use distinct sections (identity, professional experience, training, skills, etc.).
- Personalise the content: tailor your CV to each vacancy by highlighting the skills and experience that are relevant to the post. Highlight your achievements and concrete results, especially in the luxury sector, where proof of performance is crucial.
- Take care with the presentation: use a legible font (such as Arial or Times New Roman) and a uniform font size. Use short sentences and precise vocabulary for each section.
- Add elements specific to the sector: mention any relevant experience in luxury goods, brand management skills, or knowledge of digital tools specific to the sector. If applicable, add any additional luxury certifications or training.
2. A successful job interview
- Prepare for the interview: find out about the company (values, missions, products) and the job. Practise answering common questions (strengths, weaknesses, why this job, etc.).
- Dress professionally: choose an outfit that respects the dress codes of the luxury sector: elegance and sobriety. Personal presentation is a key element in this sector.
- Express your interest in the company and the job: show that you are passionate about the luxury industry and that you understand the challenges of the job. Make the connection between your skills and the company's needs.
- Highlight your skills and experience: be prepared to explain your professional experience in detail, focusing on measurable successes. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your expertise and your ability to contribute to the company's success.
- Manage non-verbal communication: maintain eye contact, an open posture and a positive attitude. Adapt your tone and body language to the atmosphere of the interview.
- Ask relevant questions: at the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company, the position or the team to demonstrate your interest and preparation.
- Follow up after the interview: send a thank-you email to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position.
The ‘luxury’ interview: the moment of truth
During a recruitment campaign, several dozen candidates are interviewed for a single post. That's how important it is to make a good impression! Of course, punctuality, presentation, skills and experience count for a lot, but in such a prestigious sector, intrinsic knowledge of the industry is particularly sought-after. The point is not to take advantage of your ‘luxury’ interview to ‘force’ information into the conversation that you haven't been asked for, but rather to use the context judiciously to prove your passion and motivation. Eloquence is therefore at the heart of this exercise, which should also lay the foundations for a relationship of trust.
Be authentic and show that you have researched the company you are working for and that you are aware of the privilege of working for them. Make a point of reading the specialist press and never be afraid to go into detail, or even to ask questions if the time is right! If you have taken part in events related to the field you are interviewing for, don't hesitate to mention it. But don't be tempted to go into too much detail: it's bound to come out.
And don't forget: even a ‘failed’ interview is still an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. Next time, you'll be all the better prepared.