Recovery for all?
Wanted to share an interesting article, Recovery? What Recovery?, by C.J. Hughes in Architectural Record. It sheds some light on the economic recovery in the architectural field compared to the overall recovery.
What do you think? Will the architectural community recover soon?
Follow this link to read the full article:
http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/2010/09/100922recovery_recession.asp
Tips For Applying And Interviewing In A Down Economy
The current economic times not only make it difficult to find a job, but they also make it harder to stand out when applying and interviewing for that perfect position when it becomes available. The following tips are all based off of conversations I have had with candidates and hiring managers in the AEC community and the feedback they have provided about the application/recruitment/interview processes.
Applying
- Avoid over-applying to a position or multiple positions within a company as this usually makes you look desperate and moves your resume to the bottom of the pile. Companies keep the resumes they receive on file. Instead try to get the name of a contact person who you can periodically check in with or send a quick email to.
- Customize your resume/cover letter to the position that you are applying for. Be sure to include keywords that are listed in the job description and provide specific examples of how your skill sets match up with what the employer is seeking.
- Submit your resume through the company’s website instead of a job board. This one I kind of comical as many firms pay to post ads but many hiring managers say they give preference to people who apply through the actual firm website. It shows a little bit more interest on the applicants side and also give the hiring manager the belief that you actually looked at their website instead of just applying.
- Apply on-line and also mail in an actual paper version of your resume/cover letter. I am a firm believer in this and many hiring managers have told us that it helps to be able to physically hold and review an applicants qualifications instead of seeing a summary online.
- Spell check your resume and cover letter. Nothing is worse than reviewing a resume or application that has the name of the company spelled wrong or other simple spelling mistakes. Every job you apply for should be carefully thought out and reviewed before submitting. Often times you only get one chance to impress or catch interest from a potential employer.
Interviewing
- Don’t take phone screenings/interviews lightly. Many times applicants assume that a quick phone conversation is no big deal, but many hiring managers use these quick 5 minute conversations to gauge level of interest and competencies. Make sure that if you are actively applying for positions that you are answering your phone in a professional manner.
- Dress appropriatly…..this one should be a given, but I can’t tell you the amount of times I follow-up with a client after an interview takes place and one of the candidates that interviews shows up in jeans and a t-shirt.
- Answer all questions accurately and keep them brief. In difficult times people have a tendency to add abilities that they might not really have in an attempt to get the job….This only ends up hurting you more once you get laid off for inability to perform the job tasks. If an interviewer wants you to elaborate in a certain area they will ask. There is no need to go off on tangents as it normally just turns reflects negatively.
- Send a thank you card to each person you meet with and try to incorporate a specific point of interest that was brought up during the conversation. Remember that most of the time the people who are interviewing you have offices close together and will notice if you are sending the same thank you to all involved.
- Post Interview Follow-up. One of the biggest turn-offs that hiring managers touch on is when candidates repeatedly call to check on the status of the decision-making process. If you do well in the interview and send a nicely tailored thank you hiring managers will remember you based on your abilities and credentials, if you call three times a day to follow-up they will remember you for that instead.
- Social Media. A great way to add follow-up value without pestering hiring managers is to connect with them via social media outlets such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. This also shows that you are continuing to think about the interview after it is over and builds up your network at the same time.
Obviously these are only a few of the many factors that can assist in the application and interview process. If you are an architect, engineer or anyone else in the design community, I would love to hear stories or tips on your experiences about your application/interview process. E-mail Jeff at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com.
Happy Hunting!
AIA Focuses on Emerging Professionals
Recently, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) posted a ton of great information regarding the emerging professionals in the architecture and design community and how they are being affected by the current recession. I would encourage anyone who is currently in school studying a design trait or anyone interested in the field to check out the information and provide feedback based on your personal experiences.
The postings, which can be found by clicking the following link, http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/ look at emerging professional, emerging leaders, AIA surveys, local news and resources, alternative careers in or outside of the industry as well as many other useful thoughts on where things are at for the emerging design professionals.
The following is a table from the AIA/NCARB survey depicting the amount of laid off professionals who plan on someday returning to the field.
In the recruiting industry for the architecture, engineering and landscape architecture professions I get to have a unique in site into people who are seeking employment of making a change. I would love to hear recent stories from current students or recent graduates of how these economic times have forced you to make changes in your career goals. E-mail Jeff @ jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com or comment on this blog to share your story.
Happy Hunting!
Are Dress Codes A Thing Of The Past?
I read an interesting article yesterday by Sarah Ball of Newsweek titled “It’s Casual Friday, Every Day” and want to share and get readers opinions. Her article takes a look at the ever-changing dress code tolerances in our society and points out that suits and ties as well as dresses are becoming a thing of the past. With the introduction of telecommuting as well as independent contractors it seems that more employees are signing on or reporting to work in jeans and a t-shirt or even their pj’s!
Telecommuting is changing our culture—and so are the fields we’re choosing to work in, from near or far. The Department of Labor calls computer-systems design and related services “among the fastest growing industries in the economy,” and says sectors software engineering and data systems are the most likely to surge over the next five years—jobs you can do from anywhere, no-suit-required.
I would love to hear readers thoughts on how dress codes (or lack there of) are influencing the architecture and design industries. Have firms been relaxing the age-old dress codes and promoting a more relaxed and often-times creative workplace? E-mail me at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com to share your attire stories. Click here to read Sarah’s entire story at the Newsweek site.
Out Of Work…..Don’t Apply????
I was forwarded this article today and it kind of turned my stomach. As a recruiting professional in the architecture and engineering industry it saddens me to know that there are staffing firms and recruiters out there that would buy into this form of discrimination….yep, I said it, discrimination. After all isn’t this basically like telling a female that they need not apply?
Here is a link to the article by CNN Money, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Outofwork-job-applicants-told-cnnm-3498252371.html?x=0.
It is not against the law for companies to exclude the unemployed when trying to fill positions, but Judy Conti, a lobbyist for the National Employment Law Project, said the practice is a bad one.
“Making that kind of automatic cut is senseless; you could be missing out on the best person of all,” she said. “There are millions of people who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer feels that the best qualified are the ones already working, they have no appreciation of the crisis we’re in right now.”
Conti added that firms that hire unemployed job seekers could also benefit from a recently-passed tax break that essentially exempts them from paying the 6.2% of the new hire’s wages in Social Security taxes for the rest of this year.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic and if you have encountered a situation like this. I can tell you that Dakota DesignStaff does not follow this ideology nor do the clients who we represent. Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible talent in the market and we feel that if that person happens to be unemployed that they are equally deserving to get a chance at the opportunity as someone who is still employed with a firm.
E-mail me at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com to share your thoughts, opinions or stories.
Team Christner Bikes for MS
A recent Christner news release announcing the Christner bike team charity event for MS;
Fundraising and training are underway for our 73 riders, culminating in the 150-mile Bike MS ride on September 11-12, 2010. For many years, the Christner-sponsored team has been among the top fundraising teams, contributing nearly $60,000 annually to MS research.
Team Christner welcomes riders (experienced and beginners) who share our passion for curing multiple sclerosis and enjoying good company on weekend rides. Contact us for more information or visit www.teamchristner.org.
If your firm is taking part in any charity or fundraising events we would like to hear about them. E-mail jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com to submit your event so we can highlight it on our blog.
A recent article published in Bloomberg BusinessWeek titled, “Sizing up an Architectural Firm’s Carbon Footprint“, takes a look at the ever-growing demand for architecture firms to be held accountable for their carbon footprint. A new software program developed by the American Institute of Architects is being released to assist firms in monitoring their footprint as well as set a standard for firms moving forward.
To read the entire article click here. What are your thoughts on more regulations being enacted over the struggling architecture community? I would like to hear your thoughts. E-mail me at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com.
It has been a topic that will just not go away for the past few years in the architecture, engineering and design world; do you allow your employees to access social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter? Depending on the day and the firm that you are talking to you will probably hear completely different stances on the subject. A recent article by the Detroit Free Press takes a good hard look into the use, policies and procedures for social media sites among the AEC community. I have quoted some of the key facts/stats below but you can click here to visit the full story by Patricia Montemurri.
A survey this spring commissioned by Robert Half Technology found that 54% of American companies banned employees from logging on to Twitter, Facebook and such sites from the office. About 19% of companies allowed social networking for business purposes. Of the 1,400 executives surveyed, only 10% gave employees open access to social networks at work, while 16% allowed some personal use.
At SmithGroup, giving employees access to social media sites coincided with the rollout of SmithGroup project videos and testimonials on YouTube. On outgoing e-mails, employees are urged to include links to the company’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
“It’s an easy way for our employees to integrate that on their e-mails and allow people to check us out on our Web site, YouTube and Facebook,” said Sandra Knight, corporate marketing director. “They can check out what clients have to say about our projects, which is pretty valuable.”
What is your stance on social media and its place in the workplace? I would love to hear your thoughts as well as what/if your company has an official policy on Facebook, Twitter, etc. E-mail Jeff Simeone at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com to share your story.
May 14, 2010 – Columbus, Ohio – BHDP Architecture announces the addition of internationally recognized designer Giancarlo Del Vita to the firm’s Higher Education practice, providing additional expertise and depth of experience for clients.
In addition to his expertise in Higher Education projects, Del Vita’s experience encompasses healthcare, residential, the arts, civic, commercial development and master planning. He has worked on projects in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Prior to joining BHDP, he was a Senior Designer at Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott (Boston, Mass.) and Steffian Bradley Architects (Boston, Mass.), and served as Project Architect at Cambridge Seven Associates (Cambridge, Mass.), and Ellenzweig Associates (Cambridge, Mass).
Del Vita received his Architecture degree with Honors from the Boston Architectural College (BAC), Boston, Mass., and a Diploma in Product and Communication Design from the Istituto Superiore Industrie Artistiche in Florence, Italy.
A John Worthington Ames Scholarship recipient at BAC, he has also taught Thesis Studios there and served on its Board of Overseers.
Del Vita’s projects include:
- New Science Building, Brooklyn College (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
- The William S. Paley Library, Temple University (Philadelphia, Pa.)
- Rockwell Residence Hall, Lasell College (Newton, Mass)
- Central Utility Plant, University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine (Portland, Maine)
- Searles Science Building, Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine)
- Thomas Steitz Science Hall, Lawrence University (Appleton, Wisc.)
Del Vita will be joining BHDP’s Higher Education practice which focuses on the design of Science, Learning, and Student Life facilities to create great experiences for students, faculty and staff. BHDP’s strategic approach results in dynamic learning environments with flexible, vibrant designs that accommodate evolving teaching styles and technologies.
“We are delighted to be bringing Giancarlo’s talent and experience to BHDP,” said Michael Habel, CEO. “His collaborative approach to design is central to engaging clients and colleagues, resulting in successful results for each project.”
About BHDP Architecture
BHDP Architecture is a national architectural firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio and Durham, North Carolina. Focused on creating environments for people that deliver great experiences through an informed design process, BHDP effectively blends the science and the art of architecture. BHDP is committed to market-specific expertise to provide informed strategy and creative intuition in Higher Education, Retail, Science and Workplace categories. BHDP celebrates its recognition as a member of Engineering News-Record’s “Top 100 Green Design Firms” and “Top 500″ list, Architectural Record’s “Top 150 Architecture Firms,” and Business First’s “Best Places to Work.” For more information, visit www.bhdp.com.
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This press release was obtained through the BHDP website. To learn more about BHDP Architecture click here to visit their homepage.
Face Of The AIA, Spotlight On One Of Boston’s Own
The following is the most recent “Face of The AIA” published by the American Institute of Architects. Gregory Minott is currently employed with Elkus Manfredi Architects in Boston and enjoys a very active lifestyle in the Boston area. To see the actual article on the AIA’s website click here.
Summary: Gregory Minott, AIA, is a project architect at Elkus Manfredi Architects in Boston. Gregory is very active in the community and a proud member of the Boston Society of Architects. Mr. Minott is a mentor to Boston inner-city youth, conducts design studios, and promotes careers in design.
Early career
Gregory Minott was born in Jamaica where he also began his professional career as an architect and continues to consult. In 1999 Gregory moved to the US in order to continue his education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
After completing his graduate work, acquiring a Master of Architecture and Master in Infrastructure Planning, he has continued to work in the northeastern regions of the US, becoming a member of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) and gaining more than 10 years of experience. Gregory has developed an expertise in infrastructure and master planning, and the design of retail, commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects, combining aesthetic appeal, functionality and sustainability.
Gaining recognition
Gregory has quickly made a name for himself through his important contribution in urban design and architecture on diverse projects that seek to make more livable communities, better connection in urban neighborhoods and more durable and sustainable urban environments. In his current role as a project architect at Elkus Manfredi Architects, Gregory has made significant design contributions to award-winning transit-oriented and urban renewal projects throughout the country. Greg’s commitment to urban neighborhoods is best demonstrated in his participation last year in a planning competition sponsored by the Boston Redevelopment Authority for Dudley Square in Roxbury.
On his own time and with his own resources, Greg led the winning team, which crafted a comprehensive strategy for integrating mixed use development, civic uses, and infrastructure improvements to regenerate this fragile urban center. Greg’s proposal not only won first place for Best Design for Building, but was also specifically recognized for its insightful consideration of the cultural and physical factors affecting the site and the solution’s potential for revitalizing this community. Recognized by the jury and the Mayor of Boston for its comprehensive vision, the plan has impacted the BRA’s planning for the area and influenced new infrastructure proposals. His work has been featured in several national-level publications and was even featured at the 2008 AIA National Convention.
Giving back to the profession
Gregory is a committed mentor to Boston inner-city youth programs. He conducts design studios, promotes careers in design, and cultivates long-term relationships as a role model. In recognition of his role in promoting the diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds within the BSA community, the BSA nominated Gregory for elective office this year.
Gregory is most energized by his work in struggling urban areas, but he also demonstrates an overarching commitment to design innovative spaces that improve quality of life. Regardless of the project, whether it be a daycare center or a city hall, it is clear that Gregory aspires to hear and translate the dreams and desires of others. He has proven to be not only a talented designer, but also a caring man with tremendous potential to further impact the lives of others with his work.
If you know of a local architect, engineer, landscape architect or design professional who you feel is deserving of being noticed e-mail Jeff Simeone at jsimeone@dakotadesignstaff.com.
If you would like more information on Dakota DesignStaff or the recruiting and staffing services that we offer please visit www.dakotadesignstaff.com or call Jeff Simeone at 978-371-0530 to learn more or discuss how we can help you.
