So, you have found your dream architect job through our Architectural Vacancies job board and have been successful in securing an interview, the next stage is landing the job and being able to deliver a good interview is key to this, so we look at what makes for a good interview, what you need to do to prepare, during the interview and following up. Below are our key tips.
Preparation.
Before the interview, take time to study your CV as well as your portfolio, be sure to be aware of everything that you have submitted prior to the interview and try and determine what questions about your previous work or experience the interviewers will have for you. As an architect, be ready to explain the processes of the work as well as the expectations of previous clients and how you met them. This will enable you to answer questions confidently. Always do thorough research on your potential employer, this will not only show that you have a good knowledge of their operations but also allow you to illustrate that you are meticulous in your due diligence. Having four or five key points of the company will stand in good stead if they ask you (and most interviewers will) what you know about their business.
Before The Interview.
Be sure to have prepared the clothes you are going to wear the night before, allow for any travel disruptions that may delay your journey to the interview venue, as well as have clear and concise directions of how to get there. Avoid eating any ‘odour lingering’ foods the night before, so garlic bread is certainly off the menu. When it comes to punctuality, it is always better to arrive early, but not too early, it’s worth looking to see if there is a coffee shop near you can hang out at allowing you for last minute revision and preparation and arrive a few minutes before the start of the interview.
During the Interview.
A firm handshake to start, if you are offered a drink, only accept a glass of water, that way if you do get a dry throat, you can take a sip if need be. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer or interviewers, remember they can be as nervous as you so do your best to relax, although try not to slouch by retaining a strong posture. Have a selection of questions already prepared at the end of the interview as it is common practice to be asked. Some of these may have been answered during the interview, so by having half a dozen you should be able to ask one, if everything is covered, you can tell them.
After The Interview.
If you do not hear back from the company, then get back in touch, even if you are unsuccessful and have been notified, it is worth getting in touch and politely asking for feedback on your interview to see why you didn’t get the architect job or what you can do better in your next interview. Of course, if you land the job, then there is no need to and we wish you the best of luck in your career path as an architect.