According to architecture recruitment experts, an architect interview has some peculiarities that you must control if you want to get that job you are looking for. It is probably the highlight of getting a job. The vast majority of selection processes include at least one, and you should get used to dealing with them if you’re fighting for a position.

Some are of dubious value, either because the final decision is made based on external parameters (e.g., recommendations) or because the interviewer does not use them to check what the interviewer is interested in checking candidate’s suitability for the job.

And that is precisely 90% of the success factor in the process. The suitability for the job. If they ask for a seal tamer architect with a C2 level of Taushiro, don’t even try.

An architect interview must be prepared like all interviews. It is, above all, a question of not going in blind, of being clear about the context in which you are going to move and what you have to offer.

To begin with, you must take into account how you got to the interview. If you have gained access through your network built on networking, it is because you have been sought out or someone has thought of you. In that case, you are well on your way, and your suitability for the position is probably more or less fine-tuned.

If, on the other hand, you are applying for an offer you have found, you will probably have passed a previous selection phase based on your CV or, if you are lucky, other elements of your employable identity. In this case, the fit for the job is not so precise, although it should be.

Good mental preparation will help you be in better condition and jump into the field without an initial disadvantage.

Staying calm and managing your emotions properly is essential. The main mental challenge in a job interview is to manage anxiety and have a good attitude. Above all, show confidence. Don’t be constantly thinking that you can screw up; it shows.

Acting with confidence involves a previous mental work, and it is not just about talking. Body language and tone are essential.

Try to transform an interrogation into a conversation, at least inside your head. Some breathing techniques can help you relax.

If you know the environment in which you will move, you will have much to gain. You should see the organization you are applying for. Mission, vision, values, activity, structure, staff. All this shows interest and preparation and puts you in a position of certain equality concerning the interviewer. It is helpful to know if your purpose is aligned with that of your employer. It will help you build empathy. If you apply for a position that involves the design, do you know what kind of architecture the firm does?

You should also know the actual requirements and needs for the position. Sometimes this is not so clear first because you may have arrived at the interview without going through any offers second, because some offers do not explain concretely what is needed.

There are generic offers that don’t say much, apart from asking for the experience or program mastery.

Knowing the organization and its history will give you an idea of what will be most valued: skills (dynamism, independence, teamwork, network), knowledge (languages, certification), etc.

The architecture recruitment professionals recommend that knowing what will be valued; you will be able to check if your value proposition is in line with it and even modulate it (not transform it) to align it with what you are going to be asked for.

The Internet provides us with a lot of information on these aspects. Look at the organization’s website and do some detective work.

This will also help you to find out which people work there. This way, you can get an idea of their values and background and try to find out who will interview you and who is going to make the final decision (sometimes they are different people). Maybe you can find out by looking at LinkedIn profiles, and if not, you can ask.

If you go in with your homework done, you will have much more confidence and chances of everything going well. Even so, it can always happen that they choose another candidate, but you are not eliminated for lack of preparation, and you can be left with the feeling of having done an excellent job.