Architectural Assistant CV and Portfolio Edits

Architectural assistant CV and portfolio edits should make the application easier to read and easier to trust. The goal is not to add more pages. It is to make the right evidence clearer.

Before applying, check whether the CV and portfolio are telling the same story.

Watch: review architecture CVs together

This Architecture Social CV review is useful for spotting the small edits that can make an assistant application clearer.

Listen: full CV review discussion

Prefer audio? This is the podcast version of the CV review conversation.

You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.

Start with the role

Read the job advert and note the evidence it asks for. Then check whether that evidence is easy to find in your CV and portfolio.

• Role level and job title.
• Project sectors or stages.
• Software and workflow requirements.
• Design, technical or coordination clues.
• Portfolio evidence that proves the match.

Related audio: portfolio choices

This related episode adds more context on portfolio decisions for early-career candidates.

You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.

Edit for evidence

Rewrite CV bullets so they explain project type, stage, software and responsibility. Then make sure the portfolio shows the same evidence visually.

If a page looks good but does not help the application, consider cutting it from the sample version.

Make the essentials work

• Use a working portfolio link.
• Keep the sample portfolio file size sensible.
• Add clear captions to project pages.
• Put the strongest relevant work early.
• Check contact details, dates and role titles.

Common mistakes

• Adding more pages instead of improving the first pages.
• Using vague CV bullets with no project context.
• Not connecting software claims to evidence.
• Sending a generic portfolio for a specific role.
• Forgetting to check links before applying.

Architecture Social view

Stephen’s recruiter view is that good editing is a competitive advantage. Practices are busy, so make the evidence easy to understand.

Next step

Do a focused edit, then compare your application with the architecture CV guide, the portfolio guide, the sample portfolio guide and live architecture jobs.