Finding A Career In Architecture,
It's no secret that the job market is tight right now. More people are looking for work than there are openings, and those openings that do exist don't come with a lot of room for error. With those factors in mind, this article aims to map out how to find a career in architecture while also providing insight into how you can successfully break into the field.
Why Architecture?
Design is not just about aesthetic appeal, however it needn't be all about outward appearances as well. Architects design buildings and homes that provide an experience that they hope will shape their lives. They design offices and shops that provide a framework for people to work in. They design everything from massive sports arenas to small bedroom furniture sets to sprawling city centers. This gives architects some of the most power in the world to make a difference.
While many people who go into architecture may not see it as their primary focus, these opportunities can emerge. Architects can find ways to design buildings and spaces that have a positive impact on the world around them, and this is a concept that should be taken into consideration before pursuing a career in the field.
A good way to get started on your search for architects positions is by looking at local architecture firms or even smaller companies or agencies. Go to their website and read over the information they have available. If they seem like a good place to work, look up their address and call or email them to ask what kind of architects positions they have available.
If you don't want to contact a company directly, you can also go online and search for architecture firms in your area. While you're on their website, look for "careers" or "employment" sections and see if they have any openings posted. Get the addresses for these sites from Google or Yahoo Local and send off your resume. Keep track of which ones you send it to so that you can follow up with them in a few weeks if necessary.
Applying for the Job
If you are applying for an architecture position, you need to write a good cover letter to go with your resume. The goal of a cover letter is to illustrate why you're the right candidate for this position. The first step of this process is figuring out who will be reading your application and what skills they are looking for in an applicant.
You can often find information about the hiring manager online or in the company's website. Look at their company profile and see what they do there and how long they've worked there. This can give you more insight into their personality, their goals, and what they're looking for in employees. Be sure to address the cover letter to a specific person so that you can use their name when you write the letter.
What should you say in your cover letter? The goal of your letter should be to explain why you're applying for this position and how your previous experience matches with what they're looking for. If there are any particular skills or interests that are relevant, be sure to point them out. For example, if the job listing says that they need a person familiar with building standards in your city, make sure that you mention any classes or certifications that show this knowledge in your resume.
Show your enthusiasm for the position and explain why you want to work for them. Mention any positive aspects about their office and any reasons that you think you would be a good fit for the company. This can often be one of the most vital aspects in getting a job, so it's important that your cover letter is well-written.
When you're looking for architecture jobs online, another important part of your job search is going to involve networking. If you don't know anyone who works at an architecture firm, see if there are any architects in your area that are willing to meet with you and talk about careers in architecture or give career advice. You can also contact architecture professors at your local college and see if they're willing to meet with you for career advice or to offer their connections.
A final way to find out about architecture jobs is by going directly to the source. You can check with your local government's planning department and see if they have any job openings. If you're thinking of pursuing a Master's degree in architecture, then you may want to speak with someone in the admissions department at your school of choice or visit their website to take a look at their site and see what kind of positions they might offer after obtaining a degree there.
When you're looking for a job as an architect, persistence can be everything. If you keep sending out your resume over and over, eventually you're bound to get noticed and approached with a job. However, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Be sure that you have plenty of backup copies or else you run the risk of losing all of your work if they accidentally delete it. If something goes wrong, however, take the time to contact the organization and make sure that everything is okay before moving on.
Being able to give the interviewer a good first impression can make all of the difference in whether or not this job ends up being good for you. So make sure that your dress code matches what they prefer and don't be afraid to smile when meeting them for the first time. Also make sure that you have a copy of your resume with you so that you can offer it to them. Your resume should include all of the information they need to know about you, including your contact information, education, relevant skills and any other relevant factors you feel are important.
When looking for an architecture firm that offers great benefits and good salary, you want to go somewhere where the people are happy. They say that misery loves company, but if everyone around is miserable then no one will be happy at work. Be sure to read over their website or ask around if anyone else knows how the office is like before getting a job there.
There are a lot of big names in the architecture world, including "The Rome Group" (r2global), "Edward Larrabee Barnes" (ELB), "Arup" (Arup), "NBBJ Architecture and Engineering", and many others. There are also a number of other companies that have popped up in recent years, companies like The Building Group, Hines, Sekisui House and so on. This means that there are numerous opportunities available to you when searching for jobs as an architect.
There are usually recruiters who network with agencies and firms to get their business. You should contact them directly about their job openings if you would like to work for them. The recruiters may be able to give you tips about the firm and what position you would be suited for.
Most architectural firms have their own in-house architecture school. This is where they train future employees for jobs and keep them up-to-date with all of the latest information that's important in the industry. An internship at an architectural firm will give you a chance to work closely with various people as well as get a firsthand look at how things work around there. The training will help build your portfolio of portfolios, so that when it's time to find job openings, they'll know exactly what they can expect from you at interviews.
The American Institute of Architects has over 150 chapters nationwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a job as an architect can be difficult if you're not familiar with the process. But by making these suggestions above, you'll be well on your way to finding success. Good luck!
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Tips for Finding an Architecture Job Online- http://www.architecturejobs.net/tips-for-finding-an-architecture-job.html
How to find jobs in architecture online - http://www.architecturejobs.net/how-to-find-jobs-in-architecture-.html
Top 5 Architects Coaching Agencies - http://www.architecturejobs.