How to Find an Architecture Job

Architects work in a variety of fields and settings.

Finding a job, especially one right after you get out of school, is not always as easy as you might have hoped. You can look in the usual places, but there are ways to think creatively and look in places that might not have occurred to you.

Instructions

1. Look online for architecture firms in your area. Even if they do not say that they are hiring, send a resume anyway. Send it by email instead of fax or regular mail so you are earth friendly and not wasting paper. You never know; they may call you for an interview.

2. Contact large commercial furniture dealers in your area about employment opportunities. The dealers hire architects as salespeople and as systems furniture layout designers. This job requires people who have a high attention to detail.

3. Contact your university to see if it has any employment leads. Many graduates still keep in touch with their professors and ask for help when they have a job opening, so check with your professors as well as the career placement center.

4. Contact large companies that have their own facilities department for employment opportunities. The facilities department works with architects, furniture manufacturers and others to create efficient and pleasing workplaces for their employees.

5. Contact large production home builders that have their own design department to see if they are hiring. The design department helps people who are purchasing a new home select items such as flooring, counter tops and cabinets. This job will probably require you to work weekends.

6. Look at the AIA website and any other architecture-related website. They may list employment opportunities.

7. Contact kitchen and bath showrooms to see if they have any employment opportunities.

8. Get a headhunter. Headhunters will meet with you to determine what you are looking for in a job and help find employment opportunities for you. They are paid by the company that hires you, and they do not get paid unless you get a job.

9. Contact a temp agency about getting temporary employment at an architecture firm. This will enable you to get your foot in the door, and you will have something to put on your resume. Even if you are answering the phones instead of working with architects, it will help you get a feel for the environment and learn about the architecture business.

10. Go to as many business-related social events as possible. Tell everyone that you are looking for a job. The best people to talk to at social events are the manufacturer's representatives, people who sell products that architects use, such as paint, carpet and bricks, because they know almost everyone and can help by telling you if they hear that someone is hiring.

11. Consider offering yourself for free as an intern for six weeks. This will help you get your foot in the door, give you something to put on your resume in the employment section and enable you to learn about the business. Interns are often hired on full time after their internship is over.

12. Look online at as many employment websites as possible. You may find an employment opportunity on these sites, and you should post your resume if that feature is offered. Don't forget to look for jobs that might not be in your area but may allow you to work from home.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Architecture; March 19, 2010
• American Institute of Architects: Career Center
• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages; May 2010