Polishing an architecture CV and portfolio is about removing friction. It should make the application easier to read, easier to trust and easier to discuss at interview.
Do not confuse polish with decoration. A more polished application is usually clearer, tighter and more relevant.
Watch: getting your CV in front of more studios
This related Architecture Social video is a practical reminder that polished application materials still need to reach the right practices.
Related audio: early-career CV advice
This related episode adds advice for candidates who need to present experience honestly while still looking credible.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
Polish the first impression
- Use a clear CV title and profile.
- Make the portfolio link obvious.
- Check file names and file size.
- Open with the strongest relevant project.
- Make contact details easy to find.
Tighten the wording
Replace broad claims with evidence. A practice wants to know what you worked on, what stage the project was at, what you contributed and what tools you used.
If a bullet could apply to almost any candidate, rewrite it. Specific does not mean long. It means useful.
Portfolio polish checks
- Are captions readable on a laptop screen?
- Does each project explain brief, role and contribution?
- Are the best pages near the front?
- Are weak or repeated pages cut from the sample?
- Does the layout support the work rather than hide it?
Common mistakes
- Adding more pages instead of editing the right pages.
- Using a graphic style that makes text hard to read.
- Keeping old work because it took a long time to make.
- Sending broken links.
- Leaving spelling, dates or role titles inconsistent.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that final polish should make the evidence sharper. If the reader has fewer doubts, the application is stronger.
Next step
Use the CV and portfolio clarity guide, the portfolio presentation guide, live architecture jobs and the 30-minute career advice call.
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