CAREER PROFILE: EMILY FA’OA
Welcome to our July edition of our journal series ‘Career Profile.’ We sit down with inspiring people doing inspiring things in their careers to discuss what inspires them. Join us for this month’s career musing with our one of our divine employees and inspiring industry professional.
Emily in her RÈLIER era
SAY HELLO TO OUR JULY MUSE: OUR VERY OWN EMILY FA’OA.
First things first, how did it all begin and what was the lightbulb moment that led you to pursue a career in fashion recruitment?
The first lightbulb moment was running my first in-person recruitment session as a State Manager. I absolutely LOVED everything involved in these large-format sessions – prepping the agenda, the organisation, sending out the invitations, running activities & workshops and most importantly meeting so many wonderful and inspiring retail superstars! I thrived in this environment. The second lightbulb moment was seeing the results of making a good hire! Over my years in retail, I have seen incredible people progress through their own fashion & leadership careers – I knew it was something I just had to be a part of.
You have led an inspiring career journey, tell us about your biggest career highlight to date?
In my roles at Glassons and SHEIKE, I was able to support both businesses in planning their first National Retail Conferences! To see businesses invest so heavily in the development of their Store & Assistant Store Managers was eye-opening. I was lucky enough to also run training workshops at both conferences. It’s so special to have so many leaders in one place, sharing knowledge and learning from each other.
No career journey comes without bumps in the road, what have you found most challenging thus far?
There will always be bumps in the road! I take each challenge as it comes and try not to get too caught up. Any HR role can be challenging because you are working with & supporting real people with real problems, emotions, and challenges. It can be tricky not to take these on as your own, especially when you want to help everyone!
Can you provide our readers with a brief synopsis on what being a fashion recruiter entails, for those who are unfamiliar with how the magic happens?
Working with a recruiter might just change your life and career trajectory.
As a recruiter, we take the time to become experts in the industry – we research salaries, gain market insights, understand different roles across SO many departments, learn about brand culture, perks, challenges etc. The list goes on! We do this so that when your CV lands on our desk, we can give you expert advice that will place you on a path to your land your dream role. We take the time to understand what you are aligned with, where your strengths lie, what will benefit you – whilst giving you open & transparent feedback too.
We then match you to a brand that aligns with your wish-list and help you score that interview! As a recruiter at RELIER, we will support you every step of the way, even after you score the role.
Emily in her retail support office era
Can you share any advice for those wanting to move from the shop floor into a support office role? And perhaps what experience you look for when head hunting?
The experience I look for really depends on the role, however attitude, a hunger to learn and a true passion for the industry will get you places.
I have a few pointers for those wanting to make the move into a support office role:
Be as clear as possible about what department in HQ you enjoy and want to grow in! We don’t expect you to understand every role however it is so much easier to guide you and give you tailored advice when we know where your interests initially are.
Do the hard work on the shop floor. Take all the opportunities to progress on the shop floor (even if it is not your end goal).
Have a desire to learn anything and everything! We love seeing motivated and driven people who have a hunger to learn.
Connect. Get to know your State leaders, put your hand up for opportunities internally, reach out to those in your network, chat to recruiters! You never know where that perfect opportunity will be.
As someone with an extensive recruitment and HR background, what do you find is the most rewarding part of your role?
The trust people place in you. HR/Recruitment roles only work effectively when there is trust involved. I had a wonderful thing happen to me just last week, after a really wonderful exploratory call with a candidate, she told me she felt that she was in safe hands because I understood exactly what brands were aligned with her and what type of roles she was after.
What has been your favourite part so far about becoming a RÈLIER angel?
Can I name more than one? I am in love with the industry, so to be immersed in it so heavily every day is so exciting! I love meeting so many cool and talented people & playing a part in placing them in their dream role. I love understanding the inner workings of the clients we work with. I LOVE our team!
Lastly, for those reading along – each week at our team “All Hands” meeting, we share a recommendation for each other to try. Were there any products, places or podcasts you would like to share with our beautiful RÈLIER community?
I am currently listening to the podcast “Oologies” by Alie Ward, love all of the different topics they chat through! I am also currently loving the Rose Inc. cream blush and bronzers. The colours are gorgeous, and I love the way they apply.
We are so proud to have such an incredible retailer join our team. Become a part of Emily’s journey (and let her be part of yours!) by connecting on Linkedin here.