The architect and interior designer recruitment process can often feel a bit overwhelming, not only for the interviewee but also for the interviewer.
Having a plan of action will expedite this process, ensuring that you ask the questions that give you a concise assessment of the job seeker. You get to know their character, work ethic, and how they conduct themselves when dealing with clients or colleagues.
Well-crafted and thoughtful interview questions will be the key to finding the person who aligns the best with your company. Use this simple interview guide to get you started.
A Brief Interview Guide
Looking for a resource to help guide you through the interviewing process? Then you’re in luck – we have included generalized questions to help guide you through interviews for your architecture and interior design job openings. When you partner with us at Interior Talent, you will receive further resources, such as this, to help your team hire and retain top talent.
Tell Us a Little More About Yourself
This is an excellent question to help put the interviewee at ease. It calms nerves and sets the tone for the interview. It lets the candidate know that this is a conversation, not an inquisition. It’s also the most commonly asked question during an interview. The answer isn’t as important as the intended purpose – to break the ice during the interview.What Interests You in a Position with Us?
This is another excellent icebreaker. It does put the interviewee on the spot and might make them uncomfortable. However, it offers the opportunity to show they have done their research. They know what the job consists of and what is expected of them.Tell Us of a Time When You Managed a Conflict with a Colleague
This question goes to the heart of understanding how this person will manage conflict. You’re not looking at the situation itself but the resolution. You can glean some key-insight into this person, both in business and life. Take this opportunity to practice active listening. Take notes and be prepared to ask follow-up questions.Tell Us About Your Strengths? Weaknesses?
Candidates can often misuse this question by providing only strengths or they adversely only provide weaknesses that can seem off putting. Yet, this question is still a powerful one. The honesty, integrity, and self-awareness of the candidate are what this question addresses and what you should seek in asking this question.What in Your Portfolio are You Most Proud of and why?
Professionals in the architecture and interior design field love what they do. Their portfolio is how they showcase their talents. What they include in their portfolio speaks volumes about the types of projects they like to work on and where their strengths lie.Tell Us About a Time When You Weren’t Able to Meet Client Needs
This question is an opportunity for you to see how this prospect manages client relations. In the architecture and interior design fields, you aren’t always going to be able to do what the client wants. Does this person have interpersonal communication skills? Can they set realistic expectations with the clients? Do I want this person representing my firm?What Industry Programs are You Most Proficient?
Rhino3D, Revit, SketchUp, and AutoCAD are a few of the program software architects and interior designers use to develop their clients’ spaces. Asking this question allows you to ensure that the applicant is technically proficient. And, perhaps, whether there is a program in which they are exceptionally versed.Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
The answer they give here will provide a clear and concise idea of whether this candidate will be a good fit long-term. Do their goals, dreams, and values align with those of your firm? Will you each benefit from this relationship as you grow as a team? This question can answer these for you.
Finding a Team of Designers That You Can Rely On
These are a few basic questions to ask when you’re looking to hire. Some are general interview questions, and some are industry-specific. All designed to help you get to know the person you are interviewing, to evaluate if they will be an asset within your team.
By no means is this a complete and exhaustive interview guide. We encourage you to expand on these questions to understand better what you’re looking for in a potential candidate.
At Interior Talent, we want to help you build the team you can rely on. If you need assistance locating that top talent for your team, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.