TeNnASIDy - (n) The Courage to Design TN.

While it seems the economy is coming out of its slump, the housing market isn't.  This factor may be a key component to a lot of interior design and architectural firms either laying off practicing interior designers or refusing to hire new ones.  The residential housing market is one of the key indicators of the economy and will have an effect not only on the residential sector, but also the commercial sector.

This can be very frustrating to professionals who have done their research in a particular market, have experience under their belt and have taken the time to enhance their credentials as a professional.  But, there is hope.  A lot of potential employers are reinventing themselves, becoming more stream lined, and starting to think there may be a need for additional designers to have on staff, IF they have skills which can enhance their business.

In the past when an interior designer would work for a firm, the firm was largely responsible for the marketing function of the business. They would put out the advertisements and the new clients with projects ready to go would call and hire them.  This trend has changed. In fact, 1 in 2 interior design firms have eliminated design assistant positions and are seeking out revenue producers to market and attract new business. Answering the questions clients have and producing drawings are no longer the basis of hire.  Most firms even state they are seeking new graduates to hire because they are easy to train, have the computer skills and are willing to do some footwork - all at an entry level salary.

If you are a member of ASID, you have a few very important tools at your hands of in which you can learn from and use to enhance your skill set during this down time.

#1 - Be sure you are familiar with how to use online marketing resources.  There are so many out there today, most designers don't even realize what they can bring to the table - at no cost to the firm. Be sure you are on social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and the ASID TN website.  All are designed for you to position yourself as a professional and helps to being additional value to an employer.  After all, if you are doing it for yourself, you could even help with the business that is interviewing you. These sites are free to use, therefore opening up the lines of communication during the interview process and presenting to potential employers you know a lot more than AutoCAD and Revit.

#2 - Sharpen your selling skills.  While you may have a lot of skills in the design department, be sure you are comfortable selling your creation.  Attending seminars online, reading books aimed at sales and presentation techniques, and communication skills will make you an asset. no matter the environment you design, if your clients can't be comfortable in your confidence and with the design itself you will not sell the big picture.  People buy one thing - feelings. So, be sure you can sell them on these points.

#3 - Blogging.  We aren't suggesting you go out and spend thousands to create a blog.  We are suggesting you blog at least 1-2 times a week using free tools available to you.  There are multiple blogging sites out there.  Blogger, Wordpress and Typepad are just a few to get you started.  Creating content on your blog then posting the content to your social networking sites will only add value to your bag of tricks and quickly make you part of a growing community of online professionals sharing information with the rest of the world.

#4 - Sharpen your resume. This is the only thing a potential employer judges you on. Without an impressive resume listing all of the knowledge you have, not only from a design standpoint, but also from a marketing standpoint will definately make you a standout. Keep your resume short, to the point and professional.

#5 - Attend your local ASID meetings.  You are a member of the largest professional organization for interior designers.  Utilize your membership.  From free CEU's to expand your base to meeting other practicing designers you have a lot of resources.  Most designers who own their own firms or who are in charge of hiring for their firms will say they hire people they can trust, but mostly they hire on personality.  Having a degree is a must, but since everyone sending in resumes also has a degree in interior design? That is the standard. So your education may not stand out.  When people are familiar with you, they will help you in your job search. This is of course, word of mouth - which is the best way to gain the attention of a firm. Firms will shy away from hiring someone they are unsure of, or from hiring someone they feel is temporary.  Set goals for yourself and be sure they are in line with the firm you are interviewing with.  If your goals are not in line with the firm? You are less likely to get hired.

#6 - Funding a hire. Although the normal course would be to have an interview, get hired and earn a great living, a lot of firms will tell potential candidates they are not going to earn 40K the first year out.  Or maybe even ever just working as a designer at their firm.  As a candidate you have a number in your head you need to make to live.  Yet the employer also has a number they know they can afford with existing market conditions.  The two may not be the same or even close.  A lot of designers looking to be employed do not know the cost associated with being employed.  Tax rates and deductions are all part of the equation put into consideration when an employer makes an offer to a candidate.  So when seeking a job be sure you are realistic with the number you are asking for.  If you are offered a position, there is a large probability you will be earning less than originally thought, or until the economy grows again.

By implementing some of the ideas listed here - and bringing value to your potential employer, you will be on the right track. After you are in the office and working and implementing your skill set across a broad spectrum, you will become a valuable team member and increase your salary. 

As more research is brought to light in this area we will share it with you all.  These are difficult times but the technology is available to you as a candidate for a position can move you ahead of the pack.

Good Luck on your job search and as always be sure to ask questions here.  If we don't know the answers, we will surely work our hardest to get them for you.

 Edit Post