What resources are you using?

[Kenneth Aunchman]

I was just curious what resources people are using or have found successful to find potential jobs. I have been using the AIA web site, Monster, Careerbuilder, online newpapers, and cold calling. I have had the most replies with cold calling and have toured a firm, had 1 interview, and dropped tons of resumes.

I know that this is a touchy market and would appreciate any ideas if you are willing to share.

[Forgi]

Thank you Ken, I will try using that and see if it works on any of the other sites I've been using too.

[Lonnie Anderson, AIA, LEED AP]

Sounds like you are doing everything possible. I have only started cold calls.
I did get on http://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnieanderson and I am trying to build it as a web site with my portfolio.
I've also used a few recruiters, but no positive vibes.
-Lonnie

[Mark Whitenack]

I have been using the AIA, IIDA, ASID website job boards as well as Interior Talent, S.R. Clarke and some other recruiter web pages. Also, Craig's list.

I am searching in Chicago and put together what I call "intro packets" which consist of a general cover letter that tells about myself and what I can bring to a potential employer as well as a resume and a few color pages of some examples of my work. I decided, since I had time on my hands, I would just "drop by" and hand deliver these with the hopes of spending a few minutes at least introducing myself to someone in the design dept (rather than having my resume lanquish on some HR person's desk for eternity - LOL). It did not really work out the way I had hoped - but the follow up calls have produced some meet and greets, coffee, etc. I make it clear that I really just want to meet for coffee to show my work, discuss my qualifications and experience and also learn more about their firm - for current or future opportunities. Keeping it brief and informal.

I think I just need to do more of it...kind of exhausting. I may target some firms via email and see how this compares to dropping by.

It certainly is a tough market. I have had folks say that "if the market was good I would not have a problem finding a position...but..."

[Gabriel Legaspi]

Dear Ken:
I'm an Architect with almost 20 yrs of experience, 9 years of that time I worked as a Project Manager and a Senior Architectural Designer in different offices here in South Florida. I also do some work as a free lancer for some Developers and private clients.
Last November 2008 I was laid off after almost 4 years in a Company with a wonderful compensation of a hot dog and a coke.
Here in South Fl, I use the same as you are using plus the official state job web site. So far since November 2008, I went to 5 or 6 interviews, when in regular times I used to get 4 or 5 interviews in a month.
I sent my qualifications to thousands of job advertisements, here, there and overseas.
In almost all cases It does not work, all the people agree that I'm very qualified, skilled, talented, experienced etc, etc, etc.
I some cases the open positions die before anyone take the job, in another they don't even want to answer the phone of a follow up call, in others the position does not exist, they just want to know salary requirements.
However, I started a mailing campaign in the local market and some people contact me back with a "future, potential, possible etc job opportunity"
I think that the problem is not us, is just the market. Hasta la victoria, siempre!
Good Luck

Gabriel Legaspi

[Thom Schwetye]

try USAJOBS. the fed govt has 600 architect jobs posted around the counrty. Good luck.

[David E. Hronek, LEED AP]

I have found using LinkedIn as a useful way to network, let past clients, colleagues, college class mates, or even prospective employers and recruiters know that you are looking for work. You can post your resume, a digital portfolio and other information on the site. I have gotten many responses for employment leads, recruiter interest, and even contract work by using this site. I would highly recommend you going to the site and becoming a member which is free.

[Fernando Zabala, Int'l Assoc.AIA]

dear all,
as you might have witnessed the market has shifted, the qualifications are never enough fo rthe picky employers, and any new job is as uncertain as the one that you just lost.
I found that frelancing and expanding and connecting in a more free way pays my bills, allows me to spend time studying more and free myself from the "pleasing the recuiter and HR" environment.
Good luck to all.
If anyone is interested in discussing opportunities to join venture, marketing and innnovative aproaches, please let me know.
Sincerely,

Fernando

[Rex Prater]

I'm thinking about attending Rotary - anyone here attend Rotary? Just curious if anyone else has found Rotary, as a networking medium, helpful for career advancement? O.K. - this just sounds unconventional these days...but I'm giving it a try.

[Fernando Zabala, Int'l Assoc.AIA]

I got a very good client many years ago, tow jobs posted on my site as aresult of lecturing at the Rotary.
It did work for me.

Rex Prater said:

I'm thinking about attending Rotary - anyone here attend Rotary? Just curious if anyone else has found Rotary, as a networking medium, helpful for career advancement? O.K. - this just sounds unconventional these days...but I'm giving it a try.

[Christian Fekete]

I have found a job through craigslists in NY area not excactly in architecture but for twice the salary, in manufacturing, running the projects with architects and pm