<strong>About the employer: </strong>Hollis + Miller Architects, a full-service architecture firm, is based in Overland Park and has an office in Lee&#8217;s Summit.</p><p><strong>My role: </strong>I help clients meet their goals for interior spaces, image and furniture needs. I let them tell me how the space will help them do their business better. We collaborate, and my colleagues and I help create an environment that is pleasant to work, learn and play in &#8212; one that represents fiscally responsible design.</p><p><strong>How long have you been in this position?</strong></p><p>Since October.</p><p><strong>How did you find your job?</strong></p><p>I talked with an industry representative, whom I had known for 18 years, about opportunities in this field. Just a few days later, Hollis + Miller Architects happened to have a conversation with that same person and asked her about designers who she thought would be a good fit for the firm. The contact recommended me. I interviewed with Pegge Brenenman, director of interior design, and John Southard, partner and vice president, and was offered the job a few days later.</p><p><strong>What helped the most in the job search? </strong></p><p>Networking yielded the best results and the most interviews. I believe this is because I have been in the industry for more than 20 years. Reputation &#8212; both mine and my employers&#8217; &#8212; helped a lot.</p><p><strong>Did you reach a low point in this process?</strong></p><p>No, because I already was at a job I loved. I just found an opportunity that filled a need for long-term goals.</p><p><strong>What is your best advice for others in the job search?</strong></p><p>Seek advice from a professional resume writer or career manager. I received advice from the Missouri unemployment office. I thought my profession was too specialized to fit into a standard business resume format. However, having this professional see it from the eyes of a potential employer, while still being sensitive to the subtleties of my profession, was extremely valuable.</p><p><strong>How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?</strong></p><p>I get to do what I love, and the firm can take advantage of my 20-plus years of experience.