Reply To: What are the best Landscape Architect qualifications and trainings to get ahead?

[mark foster]

Number one skill: interview well

Number two skill: interview well

Number three skill: interview well

 Number four thru seven: don’t smell bad, be well groomed, design/tech skills and experience

 

Most people are incredibly bad at interviewing, and I believe it is because they are convinced they don’t have any training or skills for it . This is nonsense–anyone who has dated is already an expert. Your job interview will be much like a first date—You will be sitting across from someone who has serious commitment issues, is not sure if you are “the one”, and wants gratifying results as quickly as possible.

To wit, here are a few tips for interviewing well when applying for a job (I.e. they have worked for, and on, me):

1. Find out what they are looking for, so you can limit the time you talk about yourself. Talk about you only as much as you have to, then talk about them.

2.. Flatter them, and show an interest in their interests. If possible, learn about them and their projects before the interview. If this is not possible, comment on a project if it is on the wall. If you have to, ask to see, or about their work.

3. Help them picture you in their future. While viewing/talking about their projects, mention your skills and interests in direct relation to what they have done “That shading technique is fantastic– I used a similar technique with CAD Br549.” or “This is a great finished project, looks like a ton of work–did it come in on time?.

4. Tell them what you can and can‘t do for them– before they ask. “I could probably help you with the construction detailing, but I may need some time to get up to speed with the contract administration”.

 5. Be low maintenance– show that you are thinking about how you can “hit the ground running” from day one, and that you are honest, especially about yourself. This is best done by stating the negative thing you suspect they are thinking about you. “I need a little more time with Photoshop 9V9, but I could help you on the CAD now”

 6. State anything negative about yourself in terms of a temporary condition (see 3-5)

7. If toward the end of the interview you believe you are a legitimate candidate, try to ratchet down the commitment. You may want the full-time job (marriage) right now, but they may need another date or two, even perhaps living together for a while. “I believe I am a good fit for you, and you for me, but perhaps we could work together for _______weeks/months at a small salary/consultant basis. We can see how it works, and re-evaluate then”. Some may say it’s debasing your worth, but I say if possession is nine tenths the law, then residency is nine tenths the job. And who knows? The job may suck and you may be glad to have the out.

8. If you believe you are not in the running, say so. “I may not be appropriate for this position– I would appreciate it if you keep me in mind if a position opens up that you believe I would be right for.  Remember: You are not interviewing for this job only–you may be interviewing for another position in the firm which hasn’t opened yet, or a position in another firm they may recommend you for.  Be very careful about asking if anyone else is hiring– this is liking asking your date if he/she has any cute friends.