A First for most of Us: An Endorsement of “Faking it till you Make It” and other pearls of preparatory presentation wisdom

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

I agree……..some excellent points!

I will ADD this……with respect to JOB INTERVIEWS.  I highly recommend buying and reading the job interview book called……..”HIRE ME” by Patricia Drain.  You can find it on Amazon.com…and I believe you can also buy an electronic copy and just download it.  I believe it’s less than $10.00.

With today’s job market as bad as it is….especially for Landscape Architects, job interviews are just really difficult to come by.  So, when you do get a job interview, you really MUST give a fantastic job interview.  I’ve read where many LA grads have sent out hundreds of Resume’s and have NOT been invited for a single job interview.  So, LA’s, whether your a new grad or not, you have to make EVERY job interview count….you’ve got to nail every one of them.

I found this book to be extremely helpful.  It’s about a 45 minute read.  In the back of the book, the author added approx. 50 potential job interview questions….along with her suggestions of how you might best respond to those questions. 

One of the many things I got out of this book….that really got my attention was this…..the author states that “the job interviewer will make his/her decision on whether or not to offer you a JOB within (7) seconds after first laying eyes on you”……so, “first impressions” definitely DO count!

Of course, it definitely helps to have a GREAT design portfolio….but, if you don’t give an outstanding “job interview”……that portfolio won’t do you much good.

GOOD LUCK!

J. Robert (Bob) Wainner

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Thomas……………..being that you are STILL an LA student, you might want to pay attention here.

When you go for your 1st JOB interview……one of the things you BETTER be good at is being able to SPEAK well in front of that potential EMPLOYER.  He/She may ask you to stand up in front of them…..and using one of your projects, give them a “verbal presentation” of that project.  I know, because, I have had to do that at a job interview.

If you give a POOR verbal presentation……that may very well cost you that job!

Listen, I have absolutely no affiliation with the job interview book I recommended OR the author.  But, IF you don’t know HOW to give a GREAT job interview……you may just be searching for a job for a VERY LONG time! 

But, you go ahead and laugh, if you like……You just THINK you have all the answers….guess again, you don’t.  BEFORE you concern yourself with “public speaking” as a Landscape Architect………you first have to become one…..you think?

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

Thomas…….#1….you need to go to the LAND8 site and “edit” your profile information.  I looked you up…..and the profile I looked at stated you ARE a student.  Now, I see you have another LAND8 profile that says you are a “professional”….which is it?  Do you now understand HOW I would be confused as to your “status”.  Maybe you could clear up the confusion by eliminating your “student” profile here on LAND8.

#2…..There’s nothing wrong with my attitude, Thomas.  You were being a rude with your little comment.  I was trying to be “helpful’……to not only you, but to other young LAs as well.

#3….Explain HOW can you be hired by “two very large firms”?  Unless you’re only working “part-time” for both of them. LA jobs are very difficult to come by in the U.S. and the U.K…..most LA’s are very lucky to have ONE job. 

#4….IF you are now a “Professional”, be proud of the firm you work for and indicate their name and their website.

#5….You will NOT go far in the Landscape Architecture profession being disrespectful to Principal/Senior LA’s……I promise.

[J. Robert (Bob) Wainner]

No problem.

Best of Luck with your Landscape Architecture career, Thomas.

Kind Regards,

Bob

[Goustan BODIN]

talking alone, Rob, or am I missing something ?

[Author]

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