A Part II architectural assistant CV should be tailored enough that a practice can see the match quickly. The same is true of the portfolio: it should lead with the evidence that fits the role.
You do not need a different personality for every job. You need to show the right parts of your real experience in the right order.
Watch: review architecture CVs together
This Architecture Social CV review video is useful for spotting how small wording and structure choices affect the whole application.
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.
Read the role first
Before editing the CV, mark the evidence the role is asking for. Look for project type, software, stage, sector, location and seniority clues.
- Residential, commercial, workplace, interiors or public sector experience.
- Revit, Rhino, Adobe, BIM or visualisation requirements.
- Concept, planning, technical or delivery stage exposure.
- Client, consultant or team coordination clues.
- Portfolio evidence that proves the match.
Related audio: portfolio bootcamp
This related episode adds more depth on portfolio order, project evidence and how practices read visual work.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
Tailor without overcomplicating it
Tailoring can be simple. Move the most relevant project bullets higher, sharpen the short profile and make sure the portfolio starts with work that supports the role.
Avoid stuffing the CV with keywords. Use natural language and specific evidence.
Connect the CV and portfolio
- Use the same project names in both documents.
- Show the work that proves your CV claims.
- Label your role and project stage clearly.
- Remove weak pages from the sample portfolio.
- Keep a fuller portfolio ready for interview.
Common mistakes
- Sending the same profile paragraph every time.
- Starting the portfolio with work that does not fit the role.
- Overclaiming responsibility on team projects.
- Making software lists longer than the evidence behind them.
- Forgetting that Part II still needs clarity, not senior posturing.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that tailored applications feel respectful. They show the candidate has understood the role and made the practice’s decision easier.
Next step
Choose one live role from architecture jobs, then tailor your CV with the architecture CV guide, refine the portfolio with the portfolio guide and prepare answers with the interview guide.
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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