EPR Architects Hiring Lessons for Candidates

Do not treat an old hiring post like a live advert

Architecture roles move quickly. A post from a previous hiring campaign should be used as research, not as proof that the same vacancy is open today. Check current roles, then use the practice context to tailor your material.

• Browse current architecture jobs before assuming a role is live.
• Use the CV guide to make your relevant evidence easier to scan.
• Use the portfolio guide to choose projects that match the practice's likely work.

What EPR-style practices usually scan for

Larger practices with varied project types tend to scan for level, sector relevance, technical understanding, software, delivery stage and whether you can work within a team structure.

A candidate who has residential experience should say what kind. A candidate with hospitality experience should show pace, coordination and detail. A technologist should show buildability, standards and documentation. A Part II should show both design judgement and responsibility.

How to research a practice before you apply

• Look at the sectors the practice talks about most often.
• Check whether the work is design-led, technical, delivery-heavy or a mix.
• Identify one or two projects that genuinely connect to your experience.
• Read team, values and awards pages, but do not copy their language back at them.
• Prepare a short reason why your evidence fits their current direction.

How to tailor your CV and portfolio

Tailoring does not mean rewriting everything. It means moving the right evidence into view. If the practice works across hospitality and workplace, your first portfolio projects should not all be unrelated student experiments unless you are applying for an early-career role.

The best applications make the first scan easy: role level, location, right-to-work status, software, project sectors, stages and portfolio link. Then the portfolio proves the claim.

Practice application reset

Before applying to a named practice, check whether your application sounds specific without becoming over-written.

• Name the role level clearly.
• Move matching project sectors higher.
• Show the RIBA stage or responsibility where relevant.
• Keep the cover note short and human.
• Use one specific reason for the practice fit.

Check current architecture roles

Common mistakes

• Writing that you have always admired the practice without saying why.
• Sending a portfolio that does not match the project types mentioned.
• Using a cover letter that could be sent to any London practice.
• Hiding technical, delivery or coordination experience.
• Assuming an old hiring article means a role is still open.

Architecture Social view

Stephen's recruiter view is simple: relevance beats flattery. A practice does not need a long essay about how good it is. It needs to see whether your evidence matches the work, the level and the team need.