Career support

With the recent difficult times for the construction industry, finding work in architecture has certainly become a lot harder. More than ever you need to stand out from the crowd to succeed!

RIBA Appointments has come up with the following ideas to help you in your job search and offer some practical advice for job seekers in this difficult period. Some of the following may appear quite obvious but will hopefully prove useful as a check-list in case there is anything you may have missed.

1. Improve your CV
   Your CV and cover letter are the first impression you make on a potential employer and it is vital to make this a positive impression. There is a sample CV is on our website but here are a few tips:
   
   - Make sure that your contact details are correct and up to date.
   - Keep file sizes as small as possible. Large emails can get blocked and therefore not seen. Generally we advise to keep CVs below 2Mb.
   - Keep it concise
   - Check spelling. This sounds simple but CVs with errors do make candidates stand out for all the wrong reasons.
   - Include sample images of work - not a whole portfolio. The CV should give a snapshot of your career and experience. Your portfolio can then be presented at the interview stage.
   - Start with your most recent experience first and work backwards.
   - Include CAD skills and the amount of time you have worked on each system.
   - If possible send your CV as a single pdf document. Word documents can lose their formatting and look messy when sent via email.
   View sample CV
   
   
2. Ask for the right salary
   Last year architectural practices were often in urgent need of new staff and in many cases paying quite high salaries to attract the top architects. As the economic market has changed it is worth checking that the salary you are looking for is in line with the current market expectations.
   View salary guide
   
   
3. Be the first to see jobs
   Our website is updated regularly so it is definitely worth signing up for email alerts to avoid missing out on the latest vacancies.
   Sign up for job alerts
   
   
4. Search adverts
   The Classified section of our website contains adverts from practices across the UK and abroad. (When applying to adverts we recommend that you tailor your application to the specific requirements of that job description. This can be as simple as a reference in your covering note or changing the emphasis of the CV but it will show that you have the taken time to consider the responsibilities of the vacancy and addressed your application to that specific role.)
   Search for architectural jobs
   
   
5. Apply directly
   Contact firms in your local area to see if they have any positions available at the moment. In times like this, offering your skills on a contract basis may often be more appealing to a practice than taking on permanent staff. 
   Search for practices
   
   
6. Be up to date on CAD
   The majority of roles we recruit for nowadays require CAD skills and having limited CAD experience can put you at a disadvantage.
   View a sample of available CAD courses
   
   
7. Network
   Research says that the vast majority of people find work through word of mouth. Therefore ask friends if their practice is looking for someone at your level; speak to tutors at university, go to architectural events and lectures. You never know who you might meet!
   Find out what’s on at the RIBA
   
   
8. Be up to date on CPD
   If there are any areas you feel your knowledge is weak in or if you would like to redirect your career development you can take courses via the RIBA Online CPD.
   RIBA Online CPD
   
   
9. Research sectors
   Although a number of architects have been made redundant in the housing sector, areas like health and education appear to be holding up better. You can find practices specialising in various sectors using the search facility on the RIBA’s website.
   Search for practices by sector
   
   
10. Prepare for interviews
    - When you are asked to interview ensure your portfolio is well presented with images in a tidy folder and easy to display. Try to present all your images in one size and avoid bringing out separate sheets which will get out of order.
    - Confirm where the office is and don't be late! Google maps
    - Know who you are meeting and research the projects completed by the practice.
    - If you intend to take a computer presentation of your work, check that they will have the facility in the interview for you to display this.
    - Dress to impress! Look smart and professional.
    
    
11. Consider relocating
    Even though some parts of the country will lose jobs, others will also be gaining work and it is worth considering relocating to follow demand. Moving to another part of the UK could bring lower living costs and less competition for jobs.
    
    
12. Be Flexible
    - Consider working on contract.
    - Look at other construction related roles. For example working as Project managers or Client advisors.
    

If you have any questions on the above please give us a call on 020 7496 8370. Further links on redundancy and finding jobs can be seen below: