How to Find a Job in Interior Design

Finding a job in interior design can be easily achieved when looking in the right places. It is important to know what qualifications are required, and to align yourself with the proper network and associations in order to get the best positions in interior design. Many firms only hire from specific sources and it is important to know where to find these them.

• Look in the career development office of an interior design school. Graduates of interior design programs can seek jobs through their career development offices. They typically have a listing of all potential employers who are looking for a student or a recent graduate to work with their firm.


• Look on job boards at community colleges. Some colleges offer job listings in their student centers to non-students as well as students. This can be a great resource.


• Prepare a resume and cover letter to send to all interior design firms that are of interest to you. A listing of these firms can be found in a local directory by location. Using this method is a long shot but sometimes a firm is hiring, and they have not posted the job outside their network. This could be a great way to find a job with a sought out interior design firm.


• Join interior design industry associations. This is a great way to network with professionals in this industry. These types of associations commonly have job boards. They also hold functions such as conferences or networking seminars that include lunch or dinner. Networking in person can be a great way to get a job with an interior design firm. Be sure to have a cover letter and resume handy when attending these events.


• Become an intern while still in school. Sometimes paying and even non-paying internships turn into careers with some interior design firms. These interior design firms only like to hire from within a certain network, so they count on their interns becoming full-fledged employees once they graduate. When interning be sure that you make your employment desires known with the company. Let them know that you are interested in staying on board with the company after graduating. Let them know to keep you in mind if they have any positions open at that time. Sometimes they will even create positions to hire talented individuals.