December is notorious for usually being one of the slower months when it comes to recruitment, but this year seems to have taken a turn with our clients recruiting more than usual.

Usually December is a quieter time of year for recruiting as everyone winds down, goes on holiday or is just simply on annual leave for Christmas. Although companies look to find their new staff to begin with them in January, recruitment is usually the least of their priorities around this time of year – but not this year!

Our team across all sectors including; Property, Architecture and Interior Design have reported that things are busier than ever at the moment with a fast-paced flow of new vacancies coming through from their clients and they’re looking for staff to start as soon as possible. As December can be a frugal month for recruitment, it’s imperative you make sure you stand out from the rest of the crowd to land you that dream job in time for January.

Here’s our top tips to help you in your job search and interview process:

YOUR SEARCH:

• Exclusivity – In your job search it’s better to work exclusively with an agency or minimise the number of recruiters you work with, due to saturation of the market – it looks unprofessional on your part as a candidate to have your CV arrive to the same company via 10 different recruiters.
• Good communication – Communication is key! Keep your recruiter updated with any changes in your search, e.g. expanding locations considered or size of practice.
• Keep an open mind – Always be open to the advice and suggestions from your recruiter, as you may find something you never knew you liked.
• Be Honest – Honesty really is the best policy. As well as being honest about strengths and weaknesses, it’s important to share things with your recruiter that you don’t like too, as it helps us save time in finding the right role. Always be honest with your feedback after the interview too to avoid wasting time.

YOUR INTERVIEW:

• Punctuality – Being on time for an interview is crucial when it comes to first impressions, whether it’s for an interview, meeting or just a casual chat, no one likes to be kept waiting. Turn up a maximum of 10 minutes early and notify your recruiter if you think you are going to be late.
• Dress appropriately – Looking the part for an interview is another first impression you don’t want to lose points on. Regardless of how corporate or casual a company is, go suited and booted unless told otherwise.
• Arrive fully prepared with your highest quality portfolio and CV printed – Showing you’re prepared sets a good impression of what your work ethic will be like and let’s face it, people are busy and don’t want to have to start printing off your portfolio in the middle of an interview.

Miranda Butler, Architecture Recruitment Consultant says “We have found our industry to very closely reflect the current market in Architecture, especially with the current political climate. However, one thing we have found as a company is an increase in clients advertising and jobs available across the country and especially outside of the capital, however the skilled candidates these jobs are targeting seem to be holding tight and perhaps waiting until the election or perhaps even the new year.”

NEW VACANCIES THIS DECEMBER

PROPERTY

New Homes Director – East Anglia And The North – £100,000
Senior Associate – Building Surveying – North London – £70,000 – £80,000 + £3 – £4k car allowance + £4k Bonus
Senior Town Planner – Hertfordshire –£50,000 – £60,000 + £6k car allowance

ARCHITECTURE – OUT OF LONDON

Senior / Associate Architect – Hampshire – £45,000 to £50,000
Senior Architect (Succession Planning) – Hertfordshire –Up to £60,000
Associate Landscape Architect – Manchester – Negotiable

ARCHITECTURE – LONDON

Experienced Architect / Experienced Part II – Waterloo, London – £38,000 – £45,000
Project Architect – North West London – £30,000 – £42,000
Part II Architectural Assistant / Interior Designer – Chelsea, London – £28,000 – £30,000

INTERIOR DESIGN

Senior FF&E Designer – High-End Residential – West London – Circa £50,000 per annum
Senior Interior Architect – High-End Residential – West London – Circa £50,000
Senior FF&E Designer – High-End Residential – SW London –£40,000 – £45,000 per annum

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Let Hunter Dunning do the hard work of finding a job for you so you can concentrate on practicing your interview techniques and career wins. As an exclusive candidate, we can offer professional advice as experts in our field, time and cost saving solutions and a quality service. See more about us here.

To search our current jobs visit the Hunter Dunning jobs section and use our search function to find that perfect job in property, jobs in Architecture or a job in Interior Design.

Want to speak directly to the team? Great! Contact us here or on 01243 779789.