Make a good first impression with your cover letter in architecture and design

It should be about the role just as much as you.

A good cover letter at least makes an attempt to determine what the employer’s need is and then explains how your experience will help meet it

Choose your words carefully

If you send your CV via email then the message you include may be treated as your cover letter. In this instance, keep it short. Your only aim here is to get the hiring manager to open the CV.

Tailor your CV and cover letter to each potential job

Potential employers have individual needs. Your CV needs to address how your skills and experience will suit a specific role. Some firms will be keen to nurture the next generation of designers, others may be put off by grand design skills and are really looking for a more down-to-earth approach.

Keep it short and sweet

Ideally, you should only need one to two pages for your cover letter, and one to three pages for your CV should be sufficient

Check, check and check again

Attention to detail is an admirable trait. Spelling mistakes are a surefire way to make an instantly poor impression.

The personal touch

For some practices, a professionally presented hard copy of your CV will go down well – and if it’s easy for you to hand-deliver, even better.

Ask someone else to proofread your letter.

Speaking of making a good first impression, you might be interested in exploring the importance of cover letters in job applications. Understanding the field of architecture can also help you tailor your documents effectively. Additionally, knowing about the principles of design can make your application stand out. If you’re curious about how design and architecture intersect, learning more about the interior design process might also be beneficial. Finally, don’t forget the power of proofreading to ensure your application is flawless.