Architecture, in general, is a social engaging field. Though, this fact may not be pleasant for some individuals with an introverted personality. During your time in school and in the work field you will come across peer interaction, social functions, engagement with professionals & clients, and networking events. This is not so bad when you start practicing your social skills throughout the years, and it is best to get the practice in while you’re in school. As you transition to the work field, you will grow to interact with your colleagues, senior architects, consultants, contractors, clients, and manufacturers. This will become part of your daily life when you grow as an architect. These people that you interact with, you may work with them for a long time. Socializing can be draining at the end of the day.
before interview
1. PREPARE YOUR DESIGN PORTFOLIO & RESUME
In-Person Interviews – Have a physical copy of your resume & design portfolio.
Some firms might request for a digital copy and present it on a monitor. Though, this is just a matter of asking the firm’s contact on their preference on presenting your work..
Online Interviews– Be prepared with your resume & design portfolio
2. SELF-REFLECT: TO PREPARE FOR QUESTIONS
Some firms may structure their interviews differently. There are those who may go down a list of questions they want to ask you, or it may be a conversation just to gage you on a surface level. The person interviewing you may have their internal reading: Would I work well and enjoy working with this person?
Potential Topics:
Use of Programs – BIM Modeling, 3D Modeling, Rendering, Adobe Programs, Excel, Word, etc.
Design Portfolio – They will run through your portfolio, and sometimes not every piece of work you’ve done. Just reflect on your portfolio, and which one you’re most confident in presenting. Also, when you have that one project that connects to that firm’s specialty area. For example, if you’ve worked on residential or masterplan projects make sure that you have that one project you are confident presenting.
Strengths & Weakness – This topic can generate questions in different ways, such as: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a designer? What are your strengths with your work production? Are you good graphically, BIM modelling, or management?
Interest in the Firm – Make sure you really do your research on the firm’s work. Ask yourself what sparked your interest? What do you want to get out the learning experience for this firm? If you know someone who worked at the firm you’re applying to just ask for their opinion ahead. You may have raised your interest in the firm after talking to that individual. Please avoid narrowing yourself to a firm just because they gained a big name in the industry. If you ever mention that is your biggest interest in the firm – it is not guaranteed you’ll get it.
Challenges as a Designer – As a designer you will come across many struggles in your career. Among those struggles, were there times when you made your way for improvement? For example: Maybe you were that soft spoken individual, and you had the struggle of working in teams. How were you able to overcome that in an environment that always involves you to work well? Whatever your struggles were in architecture school or previous work – How were you able to grow and strengthen your skill?
DAY OF INTERVIEW
1. BE AWARE THAT THERE MIGHT NOT BE JUST ONE PERSON INTERVIEWING YOU
This could really depend on the firm, and who is apart of the hiring process. The interviewer could be part of the administration or the principal/ architect. The range could be 1-3, so be prepared for that. You will be sparking conversations with these people evaluating you. Make sure you prepare or request for a glass of water because you will spend about 1 hour for the interview.
2. ASK THE FIRM QUESTIONS
Be prepared to ask the firm questions, so that this can help with your decision in choosing a firm. Ask questions pertaining to the firm: their projects, work culture, and project process. Asking questions can also be a good thing, because it can show to the interviewer that you are interested in working with the firm and their specialty.
3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY (IF INTERVIEW IS IN-PERSON)
Dressing appropriately is definitely important especially when you are meeting your potential boss or future colleague. Also, it may be very distracting if you wore something inappropriate.
Avoid – Revealing clothes: Short skirts, Cleavage Tops, Jeans, Ripped Anything, Dirty Shoes. No
– Overdressing: (This does happen) The full suit, tie, blazer, and dress suit package – No.
The blazer can be understandable, for colder climates, but a tie cold be too much.
– Casual Cover- Ups: Hoodie Jackets.
– ”Club” Dress, body contour dress – No, you are not going to the club.
– Loud patterns
– T-Shirts
– Tight – No Skinny pants (unless back is covered), Dresses,
Do’s: All Safe Gender Neutral Options:
– Dress Shirts: A nice dress shirt long or short sleeve is ok
– Slacks: Are always safe – preferably with a wide leg
– Dress shoes
– If you are in colder climates – its nice to have a nice cover up: Cardigan, blazer
Hi! I'm Vheonix
The intent for this blog is to guide, inspire, & achieve as aspiring designers. I am an introverted individual in a field that involves social & interpersonal skills. Though, I want you to gain the confidence you need to succeed as a designer.
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