Here are a few answers to questions we often get asked – we hope you find the answer you are looking for. If you have a question or query not listed here, please email us direct at steph@fashioncareersclinic.com

Q. Can The Fashion Careers Clinic introduce me to companies I want to work for?
A. Unfortunately not. The FCC is not a recruitment or head hunting agency, therefore we can’t actively make introductions for everyone we meet. However we will give you the information and tools required for you to make new industry contacts and details of the recruitment agencies you should register with in order to find your ideal job.

Q. Why do I have to pay for the services you provide?

A. We wish we could offer the service for free! However, The FCC is a business, and we don’t receive any government funding.The advice we provide is based upon years of industry experience, and the services we offer to designers should be viewed as an investment in your future. We have positioned ourselves to be as affordable as possible by offering different price points on a sliding scale, which is dependent on experience level. Also, we often have special offers, two for one deals, and promotions, to make the service even more affordable.
We also answer general queries related to job hunting via our blog, which makes this a great FREE advice service.

Q. But I’ve already been to a few agencies, and they’ve given me some advice. Why would I need to pay for advice from The FCC when I can get it free from them?

A. That’s right, and we do tell our candidates to visit as many agencies as possible – we aren’t against you seeing agents at all! However, the advice you receive from agencies can sometimes (but not always) be influenced by their client base and the types of roles they have in at the time you visit them.
The advice you will receive from The FCC is totally unbiased, and is not influenced in any way by any outside company. Also, while most agencies are happy to give out advice, the majority of their consultants do not have a lot of time to spend on helping every candidate they meet or talk to on the phone / email. Their primary focus is to fill jobs, therefore they may not always have the time required to answer your queries fully every time you contact them.
The FCC is here to be totally dedicated to answering your queries via phone or email whenever you need advice (if you have our HELP DESK service). And when you visit us for a one to one consultation, we will always spend at least an hour with you (often more) in order to give you a very comprehensive and personal service.
We also exist to help those who have not been successful in registering with agencies, and don’t know what to do next.

Q. I’m not based in London, but could really do with some help. Can you still help me?

A. Yes definitely, that is why we have our Help Desk service – for more information, click here.

Q. I don’t have a qualification in fashion design – can you still help me?

A. We can definitely advise those who would like to get into fashion design, in terms of how you should approach the process, how to present your portfolio, and on what qualifications you should pursue. However, prospective candidates should already have some portfolio work to show us, so we can develop an action plan for you based on what you have presented.

Q. I don’t want a role in design. Can you advise on careers in buying, merchandising, styling, etc?

A. At the moment, The Fashion Careers Clinic works with designers only, as this is our specialist area. However, watch this space – we are definitely looking to expand our services soon!

Q. I’m still at university / college on a fashion design course. How can I prepare my portfolio for graduation?

A. The Fashion Careers Clinic conducts lectures on this topic at various colleges and universities throughout the UK. Ask your course leader to get in touch with us to arrange a visit!

Q. I would like to start my own fashion label – can you advise me on this?

A.We primarily advise designers who are looking to work for another company, not those who are starting their own labels. If you are looking for organisations to assist with advice on the day to day running of a new fashion business, start up and funding information, and development of your business plan, we have listed some of these on our links page.
However we are able to give advice to those who have their own label and would also like to find some freelance design work