Landscape Architecture Resource

This is part 2 of my interview with Elaine McEwen of Talentbird.com. Click here for part 1, What to Expect at Your First Design Job.

As they say, companies don't hire degrees, they hire people. Ms. McEwen on being humble and ready to learn, and on having a positive attitude:

Many new grads find it difficult to determine the appropriate degree of confidence in their abilities without coming across as indifferent or arrogant and, in some cases – simply full of themselves. Be warned - no matter how fabulous your academic credentials, an inappropriate attitude will not help you to get the job you want.

Put yourself in the position of the employer. If you were the employer – what would you be looking for?

-Technical skills
-Creativity
-Passion for your craft
-A genuine interest in the employer’s projects and their specialty
-A great attitude

Many employers will hire a candidate with less than stellar technical skills if they have a great attitude and a willingness to learn. No matter how skilled you are, the wrong attitude will neither help you to get the position you want or keep it. Most design firms today are highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary. They already have great talent and they are not looking to add either a prima donna or a shy wallflower to the mix. They will be looking for candidates that have good social skills – relate well to others – will fit in with their team.