An architectural assistant CV should make your level, education, project evidence and software experience easy to understand. It should not ask the practice to decode your entire journey.
For Part I, Part II and junior candidates, the challenge is often balance. You need to show potential without pretending to have experience you do not have.
Watch: getting your CV in front of more studios
This Architecture Social video is a practical fit for architectural assistants who need their CV and portfolio to reach more relevant studios.
Start with clarity
Use a simple structure. Put the most useful information where a practice will actually look: current status, education, experience, software, portfolio link and contact details.
- Current role or course level.
- Practice experience or placements.
- Academic projects with relevant evidence.
- Software used in real work or projects.
- Portfolio link or sample portfolio note.
Related audio: CVs and resumes for first architecture jobs
This related episode adds more early-career advice on CVs, resumes and getting your first architecture job.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
What to include
For each role or project, explain the context and your contribution. If it was academic work, say so. If it was team work, say what you personally did.
Practices are not expecting a junior candidate to know everything. They are looking for clarity, judgement, progress and a sensible attitude.
How the portfolio should support it
- Show the best evidence from the CV visually.
- Use captions to explain project context.
- Do not overload the sample portfolio.
- Include process only where it proves thinking.
- Keep file sharing simple and professional.
Common mistakes
- Using a vague title like designer with no level.
- Listing software without showing evidence.
- Overclaiming responsibility on team projects.
- Sending a huge portfolio too early.
- Forgetting to tailor the CV to the role.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that early-career candidates stand out when they are clear, honest and prepared. You do not need to pretend to be senior. You need to show useful evidence for your level.
Next step
Compare your CV with the Part I Architectural Assistant guide, the Architecture CV guide, the portfolio guide and live Part I jobs.
For practical next steps, compare the architecture salary guide, browse current architecture jobs, set up architecture job alerts or contact Architecture Social for tailored advice.
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