Looking for a new job is both an exciting and somewhat daunting prospect regardless of the field. Factor in the inherently competitive nature of the architectural industry and it can be even more of a challenge if an architect decides they want to branch out into a new position. It can be a bit of minefield trying to negotiate all the different aspects that contribute to finding the perfect role, meaning appropriate guidance can be extremely beneficial for those looking to take the next steps in their career. To ensure that that all your needs are being met within any potential jobs I’ve devised the three Fs to guide you through your decision process.
Figures: When considering a new architecture job, it’s very easy to get caught up in numbers, but going for the highest salary isn’t always the best move. Salary is of course an extremely important aspect, but there are several other factors that you need to consider. Quality of life is based on more than financial reward and sometimes a high package may not be all it seems. Salaries in London for example may seem very appealing but it’s also worth considering the cost of living. On paper, a role within London may appear to pay more. However, after subtracting the extortionate property prices and travel costs, it may be financially beneficial to take the ‘lesser paid’ job somewhere such as Liverpool or Manchester, where the cost of living is significantly lower. Not working within the capital city doesn’t necessarily mean losing out, especially in today’s market as some studios in the North West are offering salaries equal to or slightly higher than London to attract the top talent’. It could save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Fulfillment: Money aside, you need to determine if the role is this the right fit for you. Will it compliment your long- term goals? Do you feel you’ll fit into the team culture? Will you feel happy with the work on a day to day basis? (this is particularly important in a creative industry). Within the field of architecture, another component that can often distract the job seeker from what’s best for them is the prestige that certain practice names and projects hold. Although it is great to aim high, it’s pointless to accept a role simply on the strength of a company’s reputation only to find that you really dislike the work. This approach will most likely put you back on the job market within a few months. Not every architect is suited to a large corporate practice.
If you want to gain a thorough knowledge of the companies you’re applying to speaking to a well- informed recruitment consultant can be of huge benefit. You can find out a lot of information about companies online, but a true insight into their culture and previous success stories only comes from an intimate knowledge of them. By discussing your goals and aspirations in detail with an architecture recruitment professional you’ll have peace of mind and support throughout the process. A good consultant should only ask you to consider roles that will really fit your skill set and expectations. After all the top priority of your architecture recruitment consultant should be to find you the perfect role. By utilising this important resource you’re more likely to find a new architect job that you genuinely enjoy (well for most of the time at least, we all have bad days…)
Functionality: My final F deals with the less interesting but highly significant aspects that make up your contract and working life. Considerations like holiday allowance, pension, childcare vouchers etc can have a big impact on your quality of life. If you are required to travel, are you adequately covered through company expenses? And most importantly within the architecture industry, what hours will you be expected to work? After the all-nighter work sessions performed by most people when securing their architecture degrees, it’s a well- known fact that those working in architecture are often expected to work long hours. In a recent survey in the architects journal it was revealed that just under 40% of architects work at least 10 hours overtime a week, and almost 10% of architects said they worked 20 hours or more overtime per week. The expected hours will vary for different roles. There will of course always be exceptions anywhere if there’s a particularly tight deadline or a demanding project, but overall you want to ensure that you find a role with the right work/home life balance for you. By addressing these practical aspects you’ll ensure that your daily routine will run as smoothly as each other allowing you to enjoy your new job.
Finding a new role shouldn’t be overly stressful. It’s opportunity to explore new options and make choices that will benefit your career in the long term. Pairing with the right architecture recruitment consultant will ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
Written by Lisa Clifton
Lisa is a Director at Clifton Gray Property Recruitment Specialists. Specialising in architecture she has spent the last 15 years working in the recruitment industry. Follow Lisa on LinkedIn or email lisa@cliftongray.co.uk to discuss current Liverpool and Manchester architecture jobs.