Can’t believe we’re in December!
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Interview Notes
In job search literature there is a trope that the interviewer is just as scared as the interviewee.
It’s true.
Two years ago I was a voting member for a colleague’s project. This year I interviewed firms for my own project. Both experiences were surprisingly difficult.
The morning started with jitters even though I wasn’t going to be on the hot seat. The interviews went well enough that afternoon, but it was a difficult decision and I didn’t fully wind down until long after dinner – after an impromptu therapy session with a colleague who took my call that night.
Maybe it was the video chat format. Plus, working from home grants zero decompression time on the way home. Maybe I identity too much with these folks. I know how badly I would have wanted this project. Maybe it’s just because this is all still new to me. Then again, some old hands told me it doesn’t get easier.
We saw presentations by four great architects, any of whom would have been a great pick for this project. As such, this interview should have been a cakewalk. A wrong decision was impossible.
Who thought a gimmie would be so tough?
For any architects who may be curious about how their presentations are received by the client. It’s pretty simple. The speaker matters much more than their words. The hard part is developing that relationship enough so the client already knew you before the interview.
Before posting this letter, we conducted a second round of interviews for our Construction Managers at Risk. It was not as emotionally draining as I expected, even though the contract at stake is much higher. I’m not sure why. Because there wasn’t a professional affinity with the Contractors? Or maybe I’m just getting less sensitive with practice.
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A Question
How do you manage your interviews?
Hit reply and let’s chat!
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A Link
This video about Armor weaves together technology, decoration, politics, craft, and history. It is very much an analog for the world we navigate as Architects and OPMs.
… and a photo.
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Thanks for reading the OPM letter! I’d love to have a conversation if you have any feedback. I hope you found some prompts to stretch your craft and relationships as a curious Owner PM. See you next week!
Stay humble, be kind, and keep experimenting!
Justus Pang, RA