Are you busy preparing for an interview within the architecture sector? There are plenty of highly rewarding job opportunities within architecture and design and we’re here to help advise how to hopefully secure that all-important job offer.
When approaching any interview it is best to be prepared, whether that be the questions you ask the interviewer, or the way you dress and the portfolio you bring along with you.
Take a look at our top tips below and typical interview questions to ensure you’re prepared to make the best of your potentially life-changing opportunity.
Architecture interview questions:
- What do you see as the key challenges faced by architects on a day-to-day basis?
- How do you see your professional development over the next few years?
- What are the most intriguing architectural problems you have come across so far?
- What do you think are the most interesting trends in architecture at the moment?
- What first prompted you to look at architecture as a career?
- What elements of architecture do you find it most challenging to explain to others that you work with?
General interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- What are the key reasons we should employ you rather than another candidate?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- How do you see your career developing over the next few years?
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Are you comfortable with working within a large team or managing other staff members?
- Do you have any questions about the role or the company?
Scenario interview questions:
- Describe a recent project and your role within it. What would you like to have done better?
- Tell me about the most difficult architectural problem you have had to solve? How did you go about starting to solve it?
- Can you talk me through what you see as a typical day in this role? What elements most appeal to you?
- If I asked you to design your ideal building, what would be its key elements?
Questions to ask at an interview:
At the end of the interview you will almost always be given the chance to ask your own questions. Although it’s great to be able to make conversation throughout, make sure you take advantage of this opportunity. Having questions is a good way of showing that you have both prepared and listened and engaged with the interview. Here are some creative, killer questions to ask in an interview;
- What does a typical day look like?
- What are the most important skills or characteristics needed to succeed in this position?
- Can you tell me about the company culture and strategy/vision?
- Is there room for progression with this company?
- Is there an opportunity for training?
- What do you like most about working here?
- What does the team structure look like?
Architecture interview portfolio.
- Copies of your sample snapshot portfolio that you would have given prior to interview as part of your application. Advised to be 12-16 pages.
- Copies of your interview portfolio which should be longer than your sample piece, showcasing the greatest hits from your career so far. It is advised to be 20-30 pages based on 3-6 pages per project focusing on around 4-6 of your best projects.
- Technical drawing document sets - this is aimed more towards the technical roles within the architectural industry
- It’s good to bring a copy of your CV too so that you can quickly see what points the interviewer is referring to
Architecture interview dress code.
Always wear smart attire for your interview, even if it is a dress down Friday! Check that your shoes and nails are clean and that your hair is neat and tidy, you want to make the best first impression, they certainly count!
Design yourself a successful future with a job in architecture and design.
