How to create a hireable fashion portfolio

Before I go any further I think I should specify what a portfolio should always have...

- A FEW PROJECTS THAT PRESENT YOUR WIDE RANGE OF DESIGN ABILITIES:

 Don't be fooled that you have to target your portfolio to each company you interview for. You need to show everyone your versatility. For example you never know if that company is looking for an outerwear designer with a background in sportswear...These are things that aren't always put on to job postings, so always be prepared...Some examples of things you could show would be Sleep wear, Outer wear, Active wear, Sportswear, or Swim wear.

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-TECHNICAL COMPUTERIZED FLATS & TECHNICAL / SPEC PACKAGES:

Many companies these days work with Adobe Illustrator for creating CAD flats and knowing how to use this program is vital to you being hired as a fashion designer. Present your ability to use this program in the presentations you do such as I did...CLICK HERE for an example. Also It is important to show you know how to take accurate measurements and notice specific details of garments by creating "tech packs". Your knowledge of creating tech packs will be another powerful tool you can use to getting hired...For more examples CLICK HERE.

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-SHOW EXAMPLES OF PAST FASHION ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

If you have ever had works that were published, put on a website, presented at a school event...etc. Examples of these accomplishments should be exhibited in your portfolio. Give your portfolio something to brag about!

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- KEEP EXTRA STOCK OF YOUR RESUMES, COVER LETTERS, RECOMMENDATION LETTERS, AND BUSINESS CARDS:

This is something I would always forget when going on interviews. Sometimes your interviewer has seen your resume and cover letter at one point but they might not keep hold of it after they ask you on the interview...so you should always keep extra copies of your resumes, cover letters, business cards or any recommendation letters you may have.

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-ORGANIZE YOUR PORTFOLIO:

I have seen fashion hopeful after fashion hopeful come in to interviews with larger than life folder/ portfolio/ briefcases. Try to keep your portfolio neat, organized and as compact as possible. Your portfolio is a direct reflection of you in every way, even the way work is placed into it...so don't be sloppy! 

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-KEEP SKETCHBOOK WORK HANDY: 

I don't put my sketchbook work directly into my portfolio, however I keep it handy just in case they would like to see it. What I do is...After they are almost finished flipping through my portfolio I state "...and I also have a bit of my sketch book work with me if you'd like to see it" I have never had a case where they said "No that won't be necessary", but on the off chance that someone would, you should just smile and say "...oh ok"... plain and simple. I would suggest to always give them the option, because most employers want to see how you formulate your design process.