If you’ve qualified as an architect, you might assume that you’ll be able to walk into a good job straight away.
The reality is that this is a competitive field, and you’ll be up against many other young, hungry upstarts who are gunning for the same positions as you.
To that end, we’ve put together some steps you’ll need to take in order to get your foot in the door with your dream firm, or at least start down the career path that will eventually lead to that point in months or years to come.
Research the Job Market and Design Your Career Goals
To land your first job as an architect, it’s important to have a clear idea of what type of work you’re interested in.
Start by researching the current job market for architects, identify potential employers, and look at their requirements for candidates. Make sure that your skills align with their expectations before applying, or else you’ll be wasting your time.
Next, think about where you want to be in five years. This will help shape your career goals and guide decisions, like which jobs or internships are best suited for helping reach those objectives. Having a plan can also help keep motivation levels high when things get tough.
Create a Competent, Professional Resume Using a Template to Stand Out from the Crowd
When applying for a role with an architecture firm, you’ll need to have an up-to-date and polished resume.
Start by finding recommended resume templates, and use these as a jumping off point to come up with your own custom document to sell yourself effectively to every prospective employer. These will include sections where you can cover specific attributes you bring to the table, such as project experience, and any certifications or awards you’ve earned. Fill out this information in detail, while also making sure it’s succinct and well written.
Additionally, be sure to highlight any relevant skills that might help make your application stand out from other candidates’. With the right presentation of your qualifications on paper (or online), employers are more likely to consider hiring you.
Also remember to tailor your resume to each job, rather than using the same generic document for every application. This will show recruiters that you’ve actually read the description of the role, and that you’ve done your research on the organization in question.
Network with Industry Professionals to Connect With Employers
Networking is a great way to build your career in architecture. It’s important to get out there and meet people who can help you find job opportunities.
Reach out to professionals in the industry and start building relationships, whether it’s through LinkedIn or by attending events like conferences or trade shows.
Make sure that you have an elevator pitch prepared so you can quickly make connections when talking with potential employers.
Networking is also key for keeping up with new trends and getting feedback on your work, which could be invaluable as you look for jobs.
Identify Potential Interview Questions and Practice Responses Ahead of Time
The only way to nail an interview is through preparation. So before the big day, it’s wise to research common questions asked in architecture interviews, and come up with good answers for them.
You also need to be able to reply to leftfield questions on the fly, and be prepared to talk about yourself, your abilities, and your achievements fluidly. To do this, think about how your skills are relevant for the job you’re applying for, as well as any unique experiences or accomplishments that can help mark you out as a candidate worth watching.
Once you have a few potential questions identified, practice responding out loud so that you feel confident when talking on the day of your interview. This will guarantee that all those hard hours spent preparing pay off.
Get Feedback After Every Interview
Whether or not you get the job, it’s sensible to contact the company and ask for feedback on how the interview went.
This is the only way you’ll be able to identify what you’re doing right, where you’re going wrong, and what you can do to improve in future.
Key Takeaways
A good job in architecture won’t just fall into your lap. You’ll need to dedicate yourself to working towards your career goals, and be prepared for setbacks along the way, to eventually succeed.
