As an architect, your network is your most important tool when looking for a new role

It’s often said that people within NZ are separated by two degrees (hence the company name). I have done many informal tests of this during my years living in the UK. My bet to anyone was that if they knew a Kiwi, I would have someone in common. If I did then they would buy me a beer, visa versa if I didn’t. I think my success rate was about 30%, but it didn’t matter too much a beer at my local weatherspoons was only £3.50.

These two degrees of separation are even more relevant in a discipline like architecture where there are only about 1000 architects in the country. Architecture is incredibly difficult to recruit for due to its conceptual nature. In the interview process you can get a feel for the person, their designs and thought process but it can be very tricky to understand what type of architect they really are and what their engagement style is like until they hit the ground. This is why many architecture leaders to lean on people they know to allay concerns and try find the right fit.

Formal references are seen to be ‘critical’ by HR, they enable an organisation to get a deep dive into the candidate’s background. This is all well and good, but it really depends on the person you are getting the reference from and what their understanding of architecture is. I have taken many references from people who would give rave reviews of architects, but they can’t back that up with any insight into the designs etc. I would argue that informal references from your network are more important. I have seen countless instances of one architect getting chosen over another because the architecture leader has a connection in common. That leader has undertaken an informal reference on a candidate and progressed as they are more of a known entity.

What you will also find is that your network can also be the best place to find your next opportunity. Most jobs I recruit for and know about (contract and permanent) don’t ever make it onto job boards. They are companies going to agencies or to people they know directly. I also know many architecture leaders who will shoulder tap architects they have either worked with before or have been informed of by their network. Although posting “looking for a job” on LinkedIn is something that many people are uncomfortable with it can be an important step to notify your wider network that you are looking when the time comes.

From a personal perspective it’s my greatest tool as an architecture recruiter. Due to my reach in the market, many clients come to me to help them build their team because they know there is a much lower risk of failure by using someone who is well connected and can take those informal references than a recruiter who is sending cv’s of people they have met once. As an architect you can make yourself more hireable by having a strong network.

So, my advice is to get out there; meet your ex-colleagues for a drink (ask them to bring other architects who might be interested); start cross organisation working groups, do as much as you can to engage that network. If you aren’t doing this, then you are missing out on opportunities.