So how do you level up your portfolio, and land your dream job in fashion using the Briefcase technique? What is the Briefcase Technique??? Read on fashion friend and we will show you how!
I recently led a webinar for students at the New York School of Design called: Portfolio Mastery: Secrets to Success. In the webinar, we covered:
Designers' Guide: Do's and Don'ts for Success
Enhance Your Portfolio Strategy
Mastering the Essentials
Elevate Your Skills: Expert Insights for Optimal Portfolios
As I was planning out the webinar, I thought it would be helpful to provide a takeaway for the students of Portfolio Dos and Don'ts for easy reference. As I was drafting the document, I recalled The Briefcase Technique and how impactful this technique is to really get noticed, and stand out from the crowd.
What is the Briefcase Technique?
The Briefcase Technique is a negotiation and persuasion strategy developed by Ramit Sethi, a personal finance advisor, and entrepreneur. The technique is designed to help job seekers stand out during job interviews and increase their chances of receiving a higher salary offer. I wanted to share this nifty trick to help you nail those job interviews and show off your fashion superpowers. Let's dive in!
If you are a fashion student, preparing to interview, in addition to having a strong portfolio, this is an excellent way to impress the interviewer and stand out from the competition. If you are worried you dont have enough in your portfolio, take a breath and focus on adding in a few pages to share with visuals created by using the Briefcase Technique strategy. It's like adding a secret weapon to your fashion arsenal, helping you stand out from the crowd and secure your dream job. This "brief" shouldn't be in your portfolio, but an extra on the side to pull out of your "briefcase" when the time is right.
Be a Standout Superhero: Sure, a strong portfolio is crucial, but with The Briefcase Technique, you can take it up a notch and leave a lasting impression.
Here's Your Action Plan: Follow these steps to unleash your fashion superpowers with The Briefcase Technique:
Get to Know the Company: Do your homework! Research the company you're interviewing with, dive deep into their brand, and understand their current challenges. This knowledge will help you tailor your briefcase content to their needs.
Spot the Opportunities: Look for areas where your fashion expertise can make a real impact. Think of ideas, concepts, or design solutions that address those opportunities and make the company go, "Wow!"
Bring Visuals to Life: Time to show off your creativity. Use design software or good old-fashioned drawing skills to transform your ideas into an eye-catching presentation.
Add Some Spice: Remember to explain the why behind each idea or concept. Show how it aligns with the company's goals and values. Throw in a written summary or a cool story to complement your visuals. Spice it up with storytelling
Practice Your Superpitch: Practice presenting your problem-solving suggestion like a confident fashion superhero. Let your enthusiasm and passion shine through as you share your ideas and the impact they can have on the company. Even if it's a hypothetical scenario, you can use this to provide that extra something special.
Ok, so now you're ready to create your "proposal" or brief: Here's an overview of how the Briefcase Technique works:
Identify a specific problem: During your research, identify a problem or challenge the company faces that relate to the position you're interviewing for. The problem could be a process inefficiency, a missed opportunity, or a potential improvement.
Create a solution: Develop a well-thought-out solution to the identified problem. Analyze the situation and brainstorm ideas to address it effectively. Consider the resources, time, and potential benefits of implementing your solution.
Prepare a proposal: Put together a concise and visually appealing proposal that outlines the problem, your proposed solution, and the potential benefits for the company. Make sure your proposal is clear, well-structured, and easy to understand.
The interview: After discussing your qualifications and answering questions, express that you've prepared a proposal to address one of the company's challenges. This is where the "briefcase" comes in.
Present the proposal: Take out a physical or digital copy of your proposal, explaining that you've put in extra effort to provide a potential solution to the company's problem. Walk the interviewer through the proposal, highlighting the key points and the benefits the company can gain from implementing it.
Engage in a discussion: Encourage the interviewer to ask questions and provide feedback. Be open to discussing your solution further and adapting it based on their input. This shows your flexibility, collaboration skills, and commitment to finding the best solution.
The Briefcase Technique aims to demonstrate your proactivity, problem-solving abilities, and value proposition to the company. By going above and beyond the typical interview process and presenting a well-prepared proposal, you differentiate yourself from other candidates and showcase your potential impact on the organization.
Remember to tailor your proposal and presentation to each job opportunity and company. The more relevant and compelling your solution is, the more likely it is to impress the interviewer and potentially lead to a higher salary offer or a favorable decision in your favor.
You've got this! The Briefcase Technique is your secret weapon to make a killer impression during job interviews. Amp your portfolio, show off your creativity, and let your fashion superpowers shine. Remember, this technique is about going above and beyond, letting your imagination soar, and showcasing your unique style.
For more on the Briefcase Technique, visit the original article here
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