- - The original note follows - -
From: Tamara Chambless <tchambless@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Do's and Don'ts for Marketing Yourself
Date: Tue, 6 Sep 94 00:06:22 -0500
Over the past few years I have given seminars to local architectural
students regarding resumes, interviewing, what to look for in a job, etc.
As part of the effort of "The Society for the Dissemination of Useful
Knowledge", I wish to share this info with whoever is interested. The
following is one of several excerpts from this seminar.
(Credentials: I am a registered architect working for a medium size
firm in Dallas, Texas. I have 15+ years experience as a project architect.
I have a desire to share my knowledge with those who care to learn from
the experience of others. Thanks.)
DO'S AND DON'TS FOR MARKETING YOURSELF
Contacting Firms
DO
Research the firms you contact .. no exceptions.
Ask for a brochure.
Find out who conducts the interviews.
Prepare a well designed resume.
Include extracurricular activities and personal backgroung on your resume.
Prepare a short, personalized cover letter, including 1 or 2 achievements.
Send a graphically excellent example of your work as a teaser.
Assume your materials will be scanned and must communciate their essence
in 30 seconds.
Call for an appointment..no exceptions.
Send a letter thanking the person you talked to, whoever it is.
Talk to everyone about your job search.
Make a good impression on the receptionist.
Be politely persistent.
DON'T
Don't make your form letters look or sound like form letters.
Don't send a resume by itself.
Don't stretch for things to put on a resume.
Don't send non-personalized letters.
Don't misspell anything.
INTERVIEWING
DO
Show up on time.
Dress like a professional, not a student.
Research the firm and the person to whom you will be speaking.
Have a brief list of questions.
Convey confidence without being arrogant.
Ask to be taken through the office on your way out.
Have answers to "What salary do you expect?" and "What are your goals?"
DON'T
Don't be late.
Don't stay too long.
Don't worry about benefits and salary during the first interview; you
can finalize negotiations on this items in follow up interviews.
YOUR PORTFOLIO
DO
Design it to be a compelling "package".
Do it in color.
Include only your best work.
Assume it will be scanned.
Show your range of presentation styles and media.
Include sketches which convey your thought processes.
Spend as much as you can afford on high quality photography and other
reproduction.
Include reference letters if they are from people the interviewer would
know.
Include any commissioned outside work.
Have one or two brief, unique things to point out on every page.
Bring along one original drawing.
Think of your portfolio like an ad -- graphic, easy to understand,
interesting and informative.
DON'T
Don't go for volume.
Don't bring any bulky or difficult to handle drawings.
Don't skimp on your portfolio exhibits.
Don't explain every project in great detail.
Don't assume the interview will center around the portfolio.
Don't be esoteric in your descriptions of your work.
Don't assume explanatory text will be read.
FOLLOW UP
DO
Do follow up.
Write a thank you note.
Ask about other employment leads.
Find ways of keeping your name in front of the firm without being
a pest.
Bring the firm a lead.
Be personable to whoever is on the phone.
Introduce yourself to the interviewer if you see them in other settings.
DON'T
Don't drop by.
Don't be a pest.
GOOD LUCK!
( The above list was developed by Duncan Fulton, FAIA )
From: Tamara Chambless <tchambless@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Do's and Don'ts for Marketing Yourself
Date: Tue, 6 Sep 94 00:06:22 -0500
Over the past few years I have given seminars to local architectural
students regarding resumes, interviewing, what to look for in a job, etc.
As part of the effort of "The Society for the Dissemination of Useful
Knowledge", I wish to share this info with whoever is interested. The
following is one of several excerpts from this seminar.
(Credentials: I am a registered architect working for a medium size
firm in Dallas, Texas. I have 15+ years experience as a project architect.
I have a desire to share my knowledge with those who care to learn from
the experience of others. Thanks.)
DO'S AND DON'TS FOR MARKETING YOURSELF
Contacting Firms
DO
Research the firms you contact .. no exceptions.
Ask for a brochure.
Find out who conducts the interviews.
Prepare a well designed resume.
Include extracurricular activities and personal backgroung on your resume.
Prepare a short, personalized cover letter, including 1 or 2 achievements.
Send a graphically excellent example of your work as a teaser.
Assume your materials will be scanned and must communciate their essence
in 30 seconds.
Call for an appointment..no exceptions.
Send a letter thanking the person you talked to, whoever it is.
Talk to everyone about your job search.
Make a good impression on the receptionist.
Be politely persistent.
DON'T
Don't make your form letters look or sound like form letters.
Don't send a resume by itself.
Don't stretch for things to put on a resume.
Don't send non-personalized letters.
Don't misspell anything.
INTERVIEWING
DO
Show up on time.
Dress like a professional, not a student.
Research the firm and the person to whom you will be speaking.
Have a brief list of questions.
Convey confidence without being arrogant.
Ask to be taken through the office on your way out.
Have answers to "What salary do you expect?" and "What are your goals?"
DON'T
Don't be late.
Don't stay too long.
Don't worry about benefits and salary during the first interview; you
can finalize negotiations on this items in follow up interviews.
YOUR PORTFOLIO
DO
Design it to be a compelling "package".
Do it in color.
Include only your best work.
Assume it will be scanned.
Show your range of presentation styles and media.
Include sketches which convey your thought processes.
Spend as much as you can afford on high quality photography and other
reproduction.
Include reference letters if they are from people the interviewer would
know.
Include any commissioned outside work.
Have one or two brief, unique things to point out on every page.
Bring along one original drawing.
Think of your portfolio like an ad -- graphic, easy to understand,
interesting and informative.
DON'T
Don't go for volume.
Don't bring any bulky or difficult to handle drawings.
Don't skimp on your portfolio exhibits.
Don't explain every project in great detail.
Don't assume the interview will center around the portfolio.
Don't be esoteric in your descriptions of your work.
Don't assume explanatory text will be read.
FOLLOW UP
DO
Do follow up.
Write a thank you note.
Ask about other employment leads.
Find ways of keeping your name in front of the firm without being
a pest.
Bring the firm a lead.
Be personable to whoever is on the phone.
Introduce yourself to the interviewer if you see them in other settings.
DON'T
Don't drop by.
Don't be a pest.
GOOD LUCK!
( The above list was developed by Duncan Fulton, FAIA )