Confidence Series: Presenting Your Work
You’ve done the work, you have the meeting, but how do you present it?
As a Talent Acquisition Leader, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the world's top Creative Talent and Digital Innovators.
One common hurdle many face is confidence when showcasing their work. Whether you're preparing for a panel interview, an online portfolio review, or a pitch, confidence is key to making a memorable impression.
Let’s dive in on how to confidently showcase your work, consider your audience, decide what to show, and how to impact and shine!
Know Your Audience
Before you even begin preparing your portfolio or presentation, it’s crucial to understand your audience. Are they technical experts, creative directors, potential clients, or a mix? Tailoring your work to the audience can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived.
Tips 🔆
Research Your Audience: Find out who will be in the room or on the video call. Look at their backgrounds (Linkedin, Social, Podcasts) and understand their expertise and perspective.
Speak Their Language: Use terminology and examples that resonate with their experience. While you can use jargon, the real focus is on the impact of your work.
Address Their Pain Points: Highlight how your work solves specific problems or enhances particular aspects of the business that matter to them. * Have your success stories ready!
What to Show
The goal is to present a balanced portfolio that reflects your versatility while emphasizing your strengths. You do not need to show your entire portfolio or outdated work.
Tips 🔆
Highlight Your Best Work: Quality over quantity. Select pieces that you are most proud of and that have received positive feedback.
Show Diversity: Demonstrate a range of skills and styles to show your adaptability. This is especially important in creative and digital fields where versatility is highly valued.
Tell a Story: Arrange your work to tell a coherent story about your journey, growth, and the impact of your projects. This can help create a narrative that engages your audience.
How to Show
Once you’ve curated the right content, the next step is presenting it in a way that engages and impresses your audience.
Tips 🔆
Engage Your Audience: Start with a strong introduction. Explain the context of your work and why it matters. Encourage questions and be ready to provide insights into your creative process.
Use Visuals: High-quality visuals are your allies! Ensure your work is displayed clearly. For digital work, consider interactive elements that can showcase functionality.
Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse. Familiarity with your material will help reduce anxiety and allow you to present more naturally.
Panel Interviews: If you’re facing a panel, address each member by making eye contact and involving them in your narrative. Be prepared to handle questions from different perspectives.
Be Authentic: Authenticity resonates. Share your genuine passion for your work, and be honest about your contributions and the challenges you faced.
Showcasing your work with confidence can significantly impact your career progression and opportunities. By understanding your audience, carefully selecting what to show, and presenting it effectively, you can leave a lasting impression.
Remember, confidence comes with practice and preparation. The more you showcase your work, the more comfortable you’ll become. So, go out there, be proud of your creations, and let your work speak for itself!
Feel free to share your experiences and tips on showcasing your work confidently in the comments.
Best of luck!
