12 Return Questions to Ask in an Architecture Job Interview

Imagine you are sitting in an interview for an architecture job. You’ve answered all the questions, looked over your portfolio together, and attempted some light social chat in the gaps in between. It seems like things are winding up, and then your interviewer asks “do you have any questions for us?”

Interview advice articles nearly always recommend you have some prepared questions to ask back. I certainly suggest this in our own Job Interview Preparation Guide. But what should you ask?

I recommend having a few options up your sleeve, as some are likely to be cancelled out during your interview discussion. Here are twelve suggestions that you could personalise to your own situation and the job you are applying for.

1. The obvious: "When should I expect to hear from you?"

This is an essential question that you’ll probably want to save for last. It’s important to seek this information so that you can follow up if you haven’t heard from them.

2. The nitty-gritty: "Would I be employed under The Architect's Award? What would the conditions of employment for this role be?"

The conditions of your position should have been covered in the interview, but it’s not uncommon for them to be overlooked or forgotten in the excitement. Sometimes further details will be promised to you if you should receive a letter of offer. Asking this question is a polite and comfortable way to seek a bit more information about the legal terms of your employment, pay rates, and working hours, etc.

3. Showing ambition: "What are the priority skills or traits you're looking for in filling this role?"

A question like this can sometimes catch an interviewer slightly off guard but is nearly always perceived as a demonstration of ambition and genuine interest in the role. The answer may spark a further interesting conversation or the opportunity to show that you are a good match for the position.

4. Demonstrating deeper thinking: "Is there anything else you'd like to know about my experience or skill set?"

This question turns the tables back on to the interviewer and may prompt them to speak up about any hesitations they have about your suitability or experience, giving you the opportunity to address these concerns.

5. A day in the life of: “What would a typical day in this role look like?”

Asking for an idea of what a day in the role would look like is a nice easy way to show interest in the position and firm while gaining insight on the role and perhaps even an idea of how architecture practices operate if this is your first job.

6. Further interest in the role: "What would be the primary tasks in this role and how would this change over time?"

This question is similar to the one above, but perhaps more appropriate if you already have some work experience and a general understanding of what the role would look like. The answer should allow you to appreciate what the role would look like longer-term, as well as sparking discussion about growth in the position.

7. Seeking feedback: "Do you have any feedback on how I can improve my resume, portfolio or interviewing skills?"

This is an invaluable question to ask, yet it’s rarely done. On one hand, you get a face-to-face opportunity for professional feedback on your resume, portfolio or interview which you can then take forward into other positions. On the other hand, you’re showing real self-awareness and ambition to improve.

8. Making the most of the audience: "What personal or professional development would you recommend I undertake to further my skills at this stage?"

Likewise, why not take the opportunity to hear from your potential employers what skills they think would make you more employable? Questions like this can leave you with actionable advice from an interview, even if you’re not successful in getting the job.

9. Turning the tables: "How do you manage workplace culture and career development?"

If you think you may potentially find yourself choosing between job offers, or you would be moving from an existing position, this is a really good question to ask to try and work out what life at that practice is really like.

10. Checking what you're in for: "What's your approach or process for training and mentoring new staff?"

The answer to this question should provide insight into how supported you will feel in the early days of the position. It may even prompt the employer to ensure that the approach they’ve described is actioned if you are successful in getting the job.

11. The goal kicker: "What's your approach to supporting staff towards registration?"

By asking this question, you’re not only investigating how the firm supports employees in the registration process, but also gaining an appreciation for their opinion on the importance of registration, which should help you work out whether the firm’s attitudes are aligned to your own.

12. Let’s get started: "Do you have a project in mind that I could get involved with if I’m successful in getting the job?"

This is a nice positive conversational question to end on - you’re showing enthusiasm, interest in the work, and providing the interviewer with an easy opportunity to further paint the picture of the type of work you would be doing.

For reading: Three Architecture Interview Questions and How To Answer Them.