This week we spoke to our team of Architect recruiters to find out what more you can do to impress in your interview. With help from Architect, Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos, we have compiled a list of top tips to help you get the job.
email: tom.brown@calibresearch.co.uk Tel: 0113 234 6047
Search our live Architecture jobs here
Turn the Interview into a Presentation
Never underestimate the importance of a well organised, professional portfolio. A portfolio led interview is relatively unique to architecture, and there are some real benefits to it. Arrange your portfolio for the particular interview and practice going through it beforehand. Knowing what is coming next will mean you can lead the interview and turn it into a presentation of your experience and skills.
Have Examples of When You Have Been Flexible
Flexibility on a project is a critical skill for an Architect. You need to be able to give examples of when you have successfully changed designs or plans for a client. Before the interview, prepare some example of changes you have made to projects that show your creativity and ability to adapt to client’s ideas. Examples of this within your portfolio would be even better!
Dress for the Company You are Going to Not the Company You are at
Unlike some industries, the dress code and formality within an architecture office is not always visible. Some may be very corporate and expect your work wear to reflect that. However, there will be some that jeans and t-shirt are completely normal. The rule of thumb is always to overdress, but you should also reflect the company you are interviewing. To put it simply, research the business, look at the images of their staff online and find out a bit about the personality of the company so you can show your ability to fit in. Using a recruiter is an effective way to know more detail about a company before you step into the interview, you find out more about the personality and company culture that might be difficult to read from the website.
Be Upfront With your Knowledge & Experience
In quite a few cases Architects with only a few years' experience slip up under pressure: Exaggerating their role on a project or their understanding of design systems. In the end, you will be caught out, so it is best to be upfront and truthful. Showing willingness and interest in learning from others or being trained on new software, while mentioning the skills you have that are transferable will make a positive impact on the interviewer. Use this as an opportunity to show your interest in the company, ask about the opportunity for progression, training and future projects. If a company is recruiting for a junior architect, they will not be expecting you to have vast amounts of industry experience and knowledge but will want someone with the right skills, a willingness to learn and commitment to the company.
Don't Spend Time Asking Too Much About Your Contract
Architecture contracts can differ dramatically. Hours, pay, bonuses and expectations can be a far stretch from other companies you have worked for, but it is important not to ask too much about this at the interview stage. The questions you ask should be business driven: Where they see themselves in 5 years' time and what can you do to help that? What the biggest project they have worked on? What is the structure of the team? Of course, the other things are important, but you do not want to look focused on your individual goals and expectations. Using a good recruiter can help you get the answers to the questions important to you before you even head into the interview. Speak to one of our architecture recruitment specialists to find out how they can find the right job for you by dropping us an email or give us a call on 0113 243 6047. Alternatively have a look at our live Architecture jobs here and apply today!
email tom.brown@calibresearch.co.uk
0113 234 6047
