I have a question about Instagram, and your thoughts on how it’s perceived from a recruiting stand-point? Do recruiters like to look at an Instagram feed, or is it irrelevant next to a portfolio? Some Tutors say not to have personal photos and to use it as an extended portfolio, and some say it’s not that important.
(Question from Eleanor Chapman – Final Year Fashion Design Student at Kingston University)
FCC: As a head-hunter, I use a variety of different methods to find candidates and talent, and I’m using Instagram more and more to do so.
I would advise that you perhaps have two different accounts – one for personal use, for friends and family, and another as a platform for your creativity and to showcase your work.
My view is that it’s a free tool to promote yourself to prospective employers, media and people in the industry, so why wouldn’t you?
It’s even more useful and important to have this when recruiters and head-hunters don’t already know you, i.e if they haven’t already received your CV or portfolio in response to a job advert. Most recruitment agencies / HR and Talent Acquisition Managers probably won’t look at your IG if you’ve already sent them your portfolio and like it, but it’s different if they’re actually using Instagram to research new talent.
Many head-hunters don’t advertise jobs, and instead will approach designers directly via Linkedin, their personal websites, IG and other portfolio sites, so I’d agree with those tutors who have mentioned that it should be an extension of your portfolio and should look as polished as possible. Talent Managers and head-hunters who are researching on IG for designers, will find it useful to find a professional looking feed and profile, and may be motivated to contact you, should your feed align with the skill set, role and aesthetic they’re looking for.
Do you have a question for us, related to any aspect of finding a job in fashion design or working in the industry? If so, please email: q&a@fashioncareerscounsel.com
