Top 10 Architecture Job Application Tips

Architects looking for jobs generally look for options to join a firm or for freelance architecture jobs to work on.

When applying for architecture jobs, there are certain things one can do to find suitable companies and positions to apply to and to make a strong case to be hired.

In this guide to Architecture Job Application, we will cover a few aspects of how to apply for your dream architecture job role and get success.

Content:

1. Location
2. Architecture job title list
3. Architecture job postings
4. Job application resume
5. A crisp cover letter
6. Architecture portfolio for job application
7. Create an excel sheet for job applications
8. Share resume with the right person
9. Get referrals
10. Get on a call!

1. Location!

Where to apply for architecture jobs? The location that you are licensed to work in, and the place you’d like to work in will be your starting point for where to look for architecture jobs.

Make a mental perimeter for where you can and would like to work, and start looking for the firms you’d like to work for in that area. Some jobs need you to travel, while other firms assign specific architects to certain locations. You can pick a job that suits your needs.

2. Architecture job titles list

There are various architecture job titles one can choose from. This will help you decide the best role fit for you. You can also align your resume and portfolio to the roles you wish to apply for.

Here’s a short architecture job titles list for your reference:

• Architecture
  • Senior partner
  • Mid-level and junior partners
  • Department head or Senior manager
  • Senior architect or designer
  • Project manager
  • Architects and designers
  • Interns
• Architectural technologist
• Building architect—residential, industrial, and green design
• Landscape architect
• Restoration architect
• Architectural engineer
• Town planner
• Interior and spatial designer 
• Building surveyor
• Town planner
• Production designer
• Historic buildings inspector
• Structural engineer

3. Architecture job postings

You can look for architect job postings on regular job listing websites like Indeed and LinkedIn. Job listings for architectural engineers give detailed job descriptions that will help you choose the job roles you like.

You can search for the niche you’d like to work in--construction, landscape, residential, interior, etc.--and apply for various positions.

4. Job application resume

Once you’ve decided the job title you want to apply for and have found various job listings, do not rush into applying for jobs.  Edit and align your resume to every job posting you wish to apply for. Before submitting your resume, make sure that it highlights your skills suitable for that position.

Make it easy for recruiters to see what relevant skills and experience you have, so that they can make a quick decision.

5. A crisp cover letter

An architecture job application letter is as important as your resume. Write an architecture cover letter for job titles that you choose. 

How to write a cover letter for an architecture job? Pick the best features of your resume for a job and highlight it in your cover letter, while explaining what value you can deliver in a job.

Here’s an architecture job cover letter example that you can use. Architecture job application emails and subject lines help you get the right attention from the get go.

6. Architecture portfolio for job application

Creating an architecture portfolio for job applications is one of the most important things. Here are the steps you can follow to create an impactful portfolio.

1. Refer to job description: Refer to the job titles/descriptions you are applying for and make notes of the skills you need to highlight.
2. Refer to examples: Find some architectural design portfolio examples to refer to for relevant job titles. You can download a sample architect portfolio template pdf to use as a base for your portfolio.
3. Essential elements: Now create an outline for the elements you want to show in your portfolio. Here’s an infographic that will guide you about what essential items to cover in a portfolio.

4. Create a story: You can create a story around different skill sets or for your portfolio as a whole. Use text or design elements to bring all the portfolio elements together.

5. Design: Once you’ve added all that you need to your portfolio, design it well to showcase your sense of aesthetics.

7. Create an excel sheet for job applications

Create an excel sheet for all the companies and jobs you want to apply to. Keep a log of their URLs, locations, and date of application and follow up.

You can keep a chronological record of the jobs or by your company/job title preference. This will help you remember where all you applied and which companies you need to follow up with. It will help you avoid sending duplicate applications, missing deadlines, and ensuring that you get a response from each company timely.

8. Share resume with the right person

Whichever architecture firm you want to work with, find the right person to send your job application to, lest it gets lost in the pile of applications they receive. 

Find the right HR person, Manager, or the person responsible for hiring for the job. Try to connect with them on LinkedIn and make a professional application for the job.

Going this extra step can go a long way in getting in front of the right person for the job.

9. Get referrals

Try to get referrals from your existing and old colleagues, clients, vendors or teachers. A good testimonial can go a long way in strengthening your job application. 

To save time, you can even send an outline to your associates to easily write a referral. Here’s an outline for your reference:

• How did you both work together? (companies/projects)
• How {your name} skills helped in the job/project?
• Any special contribution/achievement you made that they’d like to highlight
• Will they recommend you to other companies/clients?

10. Get on a call!

Once you’ve applied for a job, try to get on a call with the person responsible for hiring for the job title you want to apply for. Talking to someone directly helps them in assessing your application way quicker, and it helps you make a direct impact on them in a short amount of time.