How To Land A Job At Polyvore

The perfect place to build a career that fuses fashion and tech.

polyvore
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We've all heard it before: A million girls would kill for a job in fashion. And if said position is at stylish place like Polyvore, it's easy to see why. The interactive platform allows users to create inspiration boards on anything from outfits to home decor. Founded in 2007, Polyvore is now a booming business that boasts an amazing corporate culture, complete with complimentary lunches, company-wide board game nights, and social events such as a scotch-tasting party or the 'Polyvore Olympics.' But what does it take to become a part of this super collaborative growing team? We chatted with the company's co-founder and CEO, Jess Lee, about what it takes to snag a job at Polyvore.

Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork

At Polyvore, getting to know those outside of your team is essential. They do so through get-togethers nicknamed "Polybreaks" that range from grabbing a quick cup of coffee to indulging a manicure alongside colleagues. There's no boundaries between executives and new employees when it comes to 'polybreaks.' Case in point, Lee recently went on one with an intern. Polyvore "isn't a very hierarchal company," Lee says. Co-worker relationships translate across divisions, which makes for strong camaraderie and lots of collaboration.

Be Willing to 'Make an Impact'

Polyvore has a distinct internal culture, so it's important for them to find employees who are a good fit, Lee says. What sets potential hires apart is their eagerness to "make an impact," one of the company's core values. To illustrate this quality, applicants need to prove that they're ready to get their hands dirty business-wise. But it's not just about where you're going, but how your past experiences have shaped you. Polyvore hopefuls should creatively show how they have made an impact in the past. "The way people tell their stories often reveals a lot about their motivations, their willingness to roll up their sleeves, and their ability to collaborate with others."

Be Passionate

With a workforce whose personal interests range from anime conventions to fishing, Polyvore employees' passions are undoubtedly varied. But the thing that remains constant is that everyone there has something they are excited about. "We don't care so much what you're into, as long as you're into something!" Lee says. She also credits the company's passionate workforce for their capability to consistently to turn out a great product.

You're Never Done Learning

In any career, you need to be a sponge, always ready to absorb and adapt to the newest thing. Even more at the constantly-evolving Polyvore, where quick learning skills are essential. In fact, it's one of the top qualities they look for in an applicant. "One specific skill is less important than the ability to master a new area of technology," Lee says. Not only do employees need to learn at an accelerated speed, but they need to be fast to solve complex problems.

Mind the Details

Many former applicants who were hired struck Lee with their attention to detail. One newly-hired mobile designer impressed her with an app design that grasped the minute additions that can transform a product. Another came to an interview with a Polyvore-branded PowerPoint in tow. The company cares a lot about polishing the details of their design, Lee says, so they're looking for employees who share that same careful thinking.

How to apply: polyvore.com/cgi/about.jobs

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Image via Polyvore

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.