How to get a Job in Architecture. Designing your Application & Job Search Strategies

Young man in office hired for architecture job, celebrating professional success.

Introduction

Ever felt the stress of job hunting in the architecture domain? You’re not alone! Today, we’re diving deep into a conversation with Stephen Drew, a former architect turned recruitment specialist, to bring you some golden nuggets on making your job application stand out.


1. The Power of Presentation

Architecture is all about visuals. Your CV, cover letter, and portfolio should reflect your design prowess.

  • Branding Consistency: Ensure your CV, cover letter, and portfolio have a consistent design language. Think fonts, colors, and graphics.
  • Tell Your Story: Your application should narrate your journey, skills, and passion. Highlight relevant achievements and experiences tailored to the job you’re eyeing.

2. Crafting the Perfect CV

Your CV is your ticket to that coveted interview. Make it count!

  • Clean & Concise: Avoid clutter. Stick to a single A4 page, detailing your experiences, skills, and education.
  • Add a Personal Touch: Infuse your CV with a touch of your design flair, but don’t overdo it. Balance is key.

3. The Art of the Cover Letter

While some employers might skim through it, others value a well-crafted cover letter.

  • Keep It Short: Dive deeper into your experiences but avoid making it too lengthy. Stick to the essentials.
  • Showcase Soft Skills: Mention skills you’ve acquired outside of architecture that might be beneficial to the firm, like filming, writing, or web design.

4. The Portfolio: Your Masterpiece

Your portfolio is a reflection of your journey, skills, and creativity.

  • Variety is Vital: Include a mix of sections, plans, elevations, and drawings. Showcase your proficiency in tools like Revit or Rhino.
  • 10-15 Pages Magic: While some firms might have specific requirements, generally aim for a portfolio length of 10-15 pages. Start with your most recent and impressive work.

5. Job Hunting Strategies

Finding the right job can be daunting, but knowing where to look can make a difference.

  • Online Platforms: Utilize platforms like AJ 100, design job boards, and even Instagram to discover firms hiring.
  • Cold Applications: Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to firms, even if they aren’t advertising openings. Remember, only 20% of jobs are advertised online!
  • Networking: Engage on platforms like LinkedIn, join relevant communities, and don’t shy away from networking events.

6. Continuous Learning

Stay ahead by constantly updating your skills.

  • Courses & Workshops: Invest in courses that enhance your skill set. Even platforms like YouTube can be a treasure trove of knowledge.

Job hunting in architecture can be challenging, but with the right strategies and a stellar presentation, you can stand out in the competitive field. Remember, persistence is key. Keep applying, keep learning, and soon enough, you’ll land a role that you truly love.

Key insights

Branding your application package by being consistent and coherent with graphics, font, and color scheme throughout your portfolio, CV, and cover letter is essential to create a strong and unified impression.

“The CV is the most important document which has all the information to an employer which should get you in for an interview.”

Keep your job application simple, clean, and precise, with minimal text and a single sheet of A4 paper to quickly communicate your skills and achievements.

Keep your job application succinct and concise to grab the attention of employers.

Don’t forget to include the technical detailing and illustrate the process behind your work in your portfolio, as it highlights your expertise and attention to detail.

“One of the hardest things is simply trying to find the right job for you in the right location and where to look, where is the best places to look, how do I get in contact with people, where is the best place to network.”

“Contacting practices directly, even those that aren’t advertising, through cold emails can be a good way to get in touch with people and increase your chances of getting a job.”

“Networking is quite daunting, but I would definitely encourage you to get signed up on LinkedIn, get connected with people, and make yourself visible on Instagram by sharing your work.”