I don't actually remember my literal first interview, let alone my first interview in architecture. At the same time, I do remember bits and pieces of different interviews, mostly the stupid answers I gave and other fails.
Somehow I remember telling the interviewer, “I don’t like to travel” as I was applying for a volunteer youth organization that helped unite and rebuild communities throughout different southern states. Needless to say, I didn’t get the position.
One thing I do remember is telling the interviewer about “all the projects I have going on” as I was applying for some side gig work while I was in grad school. Again, I didn’t get the job.
I remember telling the interviewer, “I don’t like to do homework” as I was applying for a college scholarship. I did get the scholarship.
What does this have to do with you and your next interview? Not much, except maybe as a warning that I might know what I’m talking about, or I might be full of crap.
Interviews, giving them, being a part of them, being questioned, definitely not my specialty. But I do care a lot about leadership, professional development and personal growth, and I think all these things need to be addressed at your next interview. When you’re applying for a new position, you’re thinking about committing to an organization for what could be a major percentage of your professional life. You aren’t just there for the company to learn about you…you are there to learn about them as well. Without a doubt, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions, so you should have some tough ones ready. Here three questions I’d consider asking if I were to go in for an interview:
What are your plans for my professional development?
This is probably the number one thing I’d be interested in. I believe architecture firms, really any professional service company, should train and advance the professional skills of their employees more than just what is required to get their specific job done. And nothing happens without a plan. Presumably they have a plan for the work they want you to do. What’s their plan for your professional growth? Do they have a roadmap for how you can progress into positions with greater responsibility? Do they want you to acquire additional skills beyond what’s required for the immediate need they have to meet? Only way to find out before you start is to ask.
Do you value licensed architects and what support do you provide for me to get through the process?
This is really an extension of the first question. If you are not licensed and want to be, what will the company do to support this goal? Do they pay for the exams? Do they provide a library of resources? Do they give you paid time off to take exams? Do they allow you to study for a portion of the work day? Do they allow you to take your own vacation time to take the exams? Do they let you schedule exams during the work week? Do they provide mentorship through the entire licensure process? Do they even know how it works? Do they consider this unrelated to their mission statement and values?
Lots of variability here. Some firms pay for exams and celebrate those who pass and receive their licenses. Some firms consider this a completely personal endeavor and provide no financial or other support for candidates. Neither is right or wrong, but you should know what the expectations are at your potential place of employment.
This also goes beyond just the ARE. Want to get Passive House or LEED Certified? Interested in learning more about real-estate or development?
Looking for something a bit different? Check out some Retirement Investment Basics for architects and more.
Who will I be reporting to? Who will be reporting to me?
Maybe I was spoiled by the Navy, but it is shocking to me when I hear friends and family complain about not knowing to whom they must report. Or that the people who are supposed to be reporting to them don’t do it or don’t even know it. The regimented command structure of the military isn’t ideal for every organization, but one area where I think it really beats the regular world is the black and white nature of understanding who your boss is. It is always clearly defined. Who works for whom, who reports to whom. Would you take on a new job without knowing who your boss is or to whom you need to report on a daily basis? If you are going into a management role, do the people who will be working for you know this?
GIVE ME SOME FINAL TIPS ON MY FIRST INTERVIEW IN ARCHITECTURE
You might be a big believe in the “it's better to ask forgiveness than permission,” principle, but your first interview in architecture is NOT the time to put that to practice. You don't agree to buy a car and then negotiate the price. You want some benefit or opportunity in your next job? The time to get it is before you even start.
This post is part of the ArchiTalks series in which Bob Borson of Life of an Architect selects a theme and a group of us (architects who also blog) all post on the same day and promote each other’s blogs. This month’s theme is My First Interview. To read how others interpreted the theme please click the links below…
Eric T. Faulkner – Rock Talk (@wishingrockhome)
Interview — Nervous Energy
Michele Grace Hottel – Michele Grace Hottel, Architect (@mghottel)
“my first interview”
Brian Paletz – The Emerging Architect (@bpaletz)
My First Interview – Again
Jim Mehaffey – Yeoman Architect (@jamesmehaffey)
My First Job Interview
Mark Stephens – Mark Stephens Architects (@architectmark)
My first interview
Larry Lucas – Lucas Sustainable, PLLC (@LarryLucasArch)
My First Interview That Reconnected Me to the Past
Ben Norkin – Hyperfine Architecture (-)
My First Interview – Your Next Interview
