How (not) to do a job interview as a woman in the architecture industry?
As my eldest daughter's 7th birthday approaches, I am also thinking about how (not) to work in architecture after becoming a mother, something that has also been with me for the past 7 years. Preparing for a job search and interview after becoming a mother is not an easy task. The terrain seems uncertain, you have to come to terms with one of the biggest transformations in a woman's life, you aren’t sure what to expect.
When I started looking for a job, I thought nothing had changed. I can still do it, push myself, work long hours, I will be able to do it all. I will be at home and at work and it will all work out magically. I didn't know that working full-time and being a mother was the hardest job in the world. Sure, there are nurseries and schools and babysitters, but there is a price to pay for the time we spend at work away from our children and the time we spend with our children away from work.
Photo by Leo Manjarrez on Unsplash
The first time I had a reality check was during my job interviews. I used to promise everything. Can you do this, that and the other? Yes, of course I can. I can do it all. This left me often with an unrealistic start and no room for myself in case something needed more flexibility - which is always the case when you are a parent.
One of my most fruitful experiences was working for the famous architectural firm Menges Scheffler in Frankfurt. This was my third job after my maternity leave, before that I had already experienced a corporate work 9:00-18:00 working in the office and the construction site and working in a small company that mainly relied on students who seemed to be able to have time and accommodate everything. Menges Scheffler is the rare office that functions like a balanced ecosystem. I went into the interview pretty relaxed and ready to be myself, not to make enormous promises or pretend to be something I am not.
In Germany, you are not required to disclose that you are a parent at a job interview, but the reality is that this is completely untenable. Especially for mothers. How is that supposed to work? If you don't say you're a mother in the first place, how do you explain the flexibility you need later? Of course, one way is to say that you need to work from home sometimes, that you can't work overtime... but, how do you explain that you can't be there during the school holidays for example? I have tried, tried to say all the things I need to keep up a functioning professional and family life without directly saying I am a mother, and what usually happens is that the other side thinks you have some big secret.
Photo by Leo Manjarrez on Unsplash
When I walked into Menges Schefller, an office full of handmade sketches and models (which is always a good sign), what made me feel great was that they took the time for the interview. They took the time to look at my portfolio, talk about my experiences and plans in a very human and friendly way. And I decided to be straight. I modestly said that my portfolio was varied and that I had done a lot of international projects, but that I would have to come in and leave early a couple of days a week and would not be able to work overtime. When I explained that I was a mother, I felt they had even more respect for me. I was open and clear. This is what I can do and this is what I can't do. And they heard me.
Leaders who have a healthy vision and value quality over quantity can create ecosystems. In ecosystems, every part benefits and works together. In that office, I always felt that I had enough space to be who I was, that I was cared for and supported, and that I had clarity about my schedule and responsibilities. And it worked. It started with the interview. It taught me a lot about how architectural practices can be the right professional ecosystem for women and parents. It just takes leadership with the right values. As simple as that.
If you would like to recieve my free guide on HOW (NOT) TO DO A JOB INTERVIEW AS A WOMAN IN THE ARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY? please complete the form below*.
*By completing this form, you agree to receive my newsletter on a regular basis.
