From the Candidate’s Perspective

Not every candidate for a position in an architectural firm feels exactly as if he or she were being courted with candy and flowers. Although the market demand for qualified candidates is high, there are still a large number of highly qualified, very talented, extremely ambitious young people coming into the market every day, competing with each other for those “perfect” jobs at the firms of their choice.

Technology and social media, along with all the powerful capabilities they give both candidates and firms, also have a double edge. Many firms will require extensive software skills. Not only young people face this requirement, but older candidates are at a distinct disadvantage if they don’t have at least a basic understanding and ability in CAD. Competition for Revit users is fierce, but the demand is for candidates who have actually used it in practice and can apply it on a professional level. A brief training course or general awareness is only marginally helpful.

New graduates will be expected to have a working knowledge of programs like InDesign, Rhino, Sketchup, and AutoCAD. Expertise in other areas will likely pay big dividends. For example, BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools and processes are giving architects a more critical role in the entire development process; for example, making it possible for a drawing to go directly from the firm’s computers to the building’s fabricators. So the demand for BIM experts both nationally and internationally already far exceeds supply and that is expected to increase.

But as it has ever been, success in a job search is very much about being in the right place at the right time. A “no” now may actually be a “not yet.” If you have applied when the company is looking for you, and you have a good resume and portfolio, you have a good chance, and those odds will be increased by careful research and preparation. For example, if you do research on firms in the area of your choice, you will find out who’s busy, who’s winning awards, what projects they’re working on. All of these will inform your search.

Getting to the Interview

• A well presented CV and portfolio, including examples of best project work, will increase prospects exponentially. Always send work samples with your CV, preferably only a selection of the very best. Sending too much can be overwhelming and off-putting for the person at the firm dealing with numerous candidates.

• The perfect CV is probably three pages or less, and should include clear and succinct presentation of education, work, and projects, in chronological order.

• Explain any gaps. They’re not unexpected in today’s market but should be explained.

• List software skills, as well as all other relevant skills, for example hand sketching, 3D CAD, technical drawing, model making.

• List references.

• Again, basics are critical. Spell check! And get an independent pair of eyes on the finished product.

• Your portfolio should be easy to carry, and if it’s on a laptop or tablet, a charged battery and back-up hard copy are important.

• Some agencies offer either basic or extensive consulting, design or creation of a portfolio customized for the candidate’s projects, qualifications, specialties, and aspirations.

The Interview

Once again, preparation is important. The more you know about the firm -- specialties, projects, awards, the managing director, the design director, what they’re working on now, etc. – the more you will get out of the interview, in every sense. You will be able to evaluate whether this is the place for you, and if it is, they will be able to see you at your best.

The interview is another area where the basics can make or break your chances: know where you’re going, get there early, and dress appropriately. For example, you should know whether everyone else or no one else will be wearing suits.