How to Get Ready for a Job Interview as an Immigrant Architect in the U.S.

Gloria Kloter
Nov 20
5 min read

Finding a job as an architect is challenging enough, but doing it as an immigrant adds layers of complexity. Between language barriers, portfolio translation, and cultural nuances in communication, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, preparation truly is the key to confidence. With the right mindset and strategy, you can not only land the interview but also own the conversation once you are in it.

Below are practical tips, lessons learned, and strategies tailored specifically for immigrant architects getting ready to take their next professional step in the United States.

1. Update and Tailor Your Portfolio and Resume

Your portfolio and resume are often your first introduction to an employer, your visual handshake. Before sending anything out, make sure both are up to date, well-organized, and translated into clear, professional English. If English is not your first language, consider having a native speaker or professional editor review your materials to ensure clarity and flow.

Focus on quality, not quantity. Choose 4–6 of your strongest projects that show a range of skills, design, technical, collaborative, and conceptual. If your experience comes from abroad, don’t shy away from including it. U.S. firms value diverse perspectives and international experience when it is well-presented and relevant to the position. Make sure to place first the ones who may align with the firm’s interests.

Finally, mirror the language of the job post. If the firm emphasizes “collaboration,” “design excellence,” or “sustainable practice,” incorporate those exact terms (authentically) into your resume or cover letter. Many firms use automated systems to scan for keywords before a human even reads your application. Speaking their language helps you get noticed.

2. Research the Firm Like You Are Already Part of It

Before every interview, dedicate time to learn about the firm. Visit their website and social media, read about their mission, values, design philosophy, and recent projects. Do their projects align with your own design interests and long-term goals? This is not just about impressing them; it is about making sure you are stepping into a place where you can thrive.

When you understand their approach, you can speak their language in the interview. For example:

“I noticed that your recent civic projects integrate community engagement in the design process, which is something I am very passionate about and have experience with”.

3. Remember: It is a Two-Way Street

It is easy to walk into an interview feeling like you are the one being evaluated, and while that is true, it is equally important to remember that you are also evaluating them.

A job interview is a 50/50 chance. You may need the job, but the firm also needs the right person. Good employees are not easy to find, and good companies thrive by hiring the right people.

You bring value: your skills, your background, your perspective, your work ethic. That is not something to minimize. Ask questions like:

“How does the firm support professional growth or licensure?”
“How does your team collaborate across offices or time zones?”
“What is the firm culture like day to day?”

These questions not only show interest but also help you assess whether this is a company that aligns with your career path.

4. Be Honest About What You Know and What You Don’t

Confidence does not mean pretending to know everything. In fact, one of the most respected qualities in an employee is honesty.

If there is a software, code, or local process you are not yet familiar with, say so, and immediately follow it with your plan to learn:

“I haven’t used Revit for construction documentation yet, but I have completed several tutorials and am confident I can get up to speed quickly”.

This communicates integrity and initiative. Remember, adaptability is a powerful skill, especially for immigrants who have already proven they can adapt to entirely new environments.

5. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Some interview questions come up so often that they are practically guaranteed:

“Why do you want to work for us?”
“Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?”
“Tell me about a challenge you faced in a project and how you handled it.”

Prepare your answers ahead of time. Use examples that showcase both your technical and soft skills, teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Practice speaking your answers aloud to feel more natural and confident.

If English is your second language, record yourself and listen back to refine your pronunciation and tone. The goal is not to sound “perfect,” but to express yourself clearly and authentically.

6. Salary Negotiation: Let Them Speak First

One of the most delicate moments in an interview is the salary and benefits discussion. If the salary range is not listed in the job post or hasn’t been discussed yet, try to get the employer to say the number first.

Here is why:

One time, I was about to downball myself, ready to ask for a salary that was nearly $20,000 less than what the firm was planning to offer. Luckily, I kept quiet and waited until they revealed their range. If I had spoken first, I would have undersold my worth.

You can respond with something like:

“I would love to learn more about the range you have in mind for this role before I share my expectations”.

Once they share their range, you will have a better position to negotiate fairly and confidently.

7. Clarify Visa or Work Authorization Early

If you are in the U.S. on a work visa or need sponsorship, be transparent, but strategic. Employers often appreciate honesty early in the process, but immigration requirements can vary based on your specific status.

Before your interview, consult with an immigration attorney to understand your options and prepare accurate information. Being informed will help you explain your situation clearly and avoid misunderstandings.

8. Practice Confidence, Even If You Don’t Feel Confident at First

Confidence does not mean arrogance. It is about self-assurance. Remember, you have already done something incredibly brave by building a career in a new country. Every immigrant architect brings resilience, adaptability, and cultural depth to their work. That is something employers value, even if they don’t always say it out loud.

If nerves kick in, take a deep breath and remind yourself:

You are not “just lucky” to be there… You earned that interview.

9. After the Interview: Follow Up with Gratitude

Always send a short thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity, highlight one point from the conversation that excited you, and express your enthusiasm about the potential to contribute to their team.

Something as simple as:

“Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the Designer position. I really enjoyed learning about your firm’s approach to community-driven design and would be thrilled to bring my experience and passion to your team.”

This small gesture leaves a lasting impression and shows professionalism. You would be surprised by how many people do not follow up after they have a job interview.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for a job interview as an immigrant architect is about more than just updating your resume; it is about recognizing your worth, preparing strategically, and walking in with clarity about what you want and can offer.

Do your research. Present yourself authentically. Listen as much as you speak. And most importantly, remember: this is not just about getting any job, it is about finding the right place to grow, contribute, and belong.