The New Year is all about new beginnings, your career in Architecture or Interior Design included! Scouting for job opportunities in December can be tricky since some architecture firms and employees take vacation time or shut down for the holidays. Start January strong by getting back into the job search that you had to put on pause. If you feel uncertain about where to pick up from where you left off, don’t worry! Many design firms kick off their hiring season in January based on their project forecasts and pipelines allowing you to find more employment opportunities during your search. With a little planning and effort, you can successfully relaunch your job search and find a new role that will be a great fit for you.
Here are our top 6 tips to restart your job search in January:
- Spruce Up Your Resume and Portfolio
Coming back from holiday breaks leaves you feeling more rested, so before you begin applying for jobs, take a glance at your resume and portfolio with a fresh set of eyes. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, that all information is current and relevant, and that highlights your skills and experience in a way that showcases your value to potential employers. Comb through keywords in new job postings to make sure those are present in your resume and LinkedIn profile. Some additional resume tips, use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Showcase your direct impact in your previous roles with concrete examples of your achievements. If there are any noteworthy projects that you completed before the holidays, add them to your portfolio to showcase your latest work!
- Know What You Want and Why
A big mistake you can make in your job hunt is not knowing what you are looking for in your next role or what your deal breakers are. Uncover why you want to make a career change by asking yourself some questions:
- Are you interested in the projects you work on? Are you satisfied with your contribution to the projects you are involved in?
- Do you work with a team of like-minded individuals? Are you satisfied with your leadership team?
- Are the company values aligned with your own?
- Do you see opportunities for learning, development and increased responsibility?
- Are you satisfied with your compensation?
Once you have a clear picture of what you want, what you don’t want and why, your job search becomes intentional and prevents you from mindlessly applying to any job posting you see. To determine your deal breakers, ask yourself: What do I need from work? What are my professional values? What role do I want work to play in my life?
- Search For New Roles
Now that your resume and portfolio are up to date and you know what you want from your next role, the job hunt begins! As we previously mentioned, many firms begin to recruit in January making it a perfect time to start your search. Use traditional online job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed to scout out hiring firms. Set up job alerts on these platforms so you can be an early applicant for any new job postings. Consider reaching out to recruiters who can provide you with valuable resources and connections or network with other architecture or interior design professionals. For the latest industry job openings, sign up for our newsletter where we share new interior design and architecture opportunities in Toronto. While some firms are well-known across the industry, others fly under the radar. Don’t discount the lesser-known architecture firms in your search. Some of these firms do high-quality work and can fast-track your career growth.
- Stay Organized
As you start applying for jobs, it is essential to keep track of your applications and those you have contacted. Use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything including the job posting, your application submission dates and any follow-up communication you have had. Assign the next step to hold yourself accountable in the process. Using a form of an organizational management tool helps you stay organized, avoids duplication of effort and ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.
- Staying Connected With Your Contacts
Networking is an essential part of any job search. Staying connected with your existing network can be a great way to get your foot in the door or point you in the right direction for potential job openings. Send a message to those in your network that you connected with before the holidays. Avoid using a generic message, instead, make it meaningful by referring back to a specific project or strike up a conversation about relevant news they or their employer has shared. If you are in touch with job posters or recruiters throughout your search, send them a follow-up message to remind them of your interest in the position. A polite email can go a long way toward getting noticed!
- Keep Networking
Don’t forget to keep growing your network and building new relationships during this process. Connect with people in the field of architecture and Interior Design, attend industry events and remain active on social media to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. Even if you don’t immediately land your next role, networking allows you to grow your contact list and position yourself for future opportunities. If you’re looking to start 2023 by attending industry events, Toronto’s Interior Design Show and DesignTO are happening this month!
By following these tips, you can successfully restart your job search, find a new role that is aligned with your next career move and use your skills to make a positive impact. Best of luck in your job search!
To stay up to date with the latest job postings in Toronto’s architecture and Interior Design market, check out our current opportunities or follow our Talent Community page on LinkedIn.