Interviews

CVs are redundant here. Interviewers want to see your CV in THEIR FORMS. You walk into a job interview only to be welcomed by a 5-page form. They want to know your I.C number, age, gender, religion, race, your parents' name and occupation. Do you have a car? What type? Is your spouse working?

Today, there was even an IQ test. Yes this is exactly how they put it - "IQ" test. Not just any test, IQ. Haha. Tell me that is not absurd.

I wonder what employers look for in an architect. First of all you need to be able to reproduce long and repetitive information. Then you have to be either very young and sexy if you are a girl, or old and snobby if you are a guy. You better be religious. It will be a plus if you are of a superior race, and if your parents are somehow related to a minister. And you better remember the answers for the IQ questions you have done all of your life.

Some companies think it should be your privillage to work for them, and "their name says it all". Sorry but this really doesn't work for architecture. This is a creative industry that needs a constant spark. The name says very little.

Very few interviewers, either directors or associates, are enthusiastic about what they do. I looked at them and thought "I really don't want to be you in 5 or 10 years." On the other hand, I adore the passionate ones.

I am grateful for the interviews. All are inspiring and educational, one way or another. I think I am more certain about what I want now.