You just completed college or you are stepping back into the job market and you’re ready for the next step in your life. That means getting your career started and planning how to get there.
To get your architecture career started though, you need to make sure you have a well-thought-out and meticulously detailed architecture resume and portfolio.
At Interior Talent, we’re here to help ensure you have all the tools you need to land that job.
There Are Reasons to Have a Resume and a Portfolio
Getting that next role or that first internship at an architecture firm is more than just displaying your skills. An architecture portfolio and resume are the most important tools for any architect when looking for a job. It helps display the work you’ve already done and the future work you will do.
Whether you’re just starting in the field or looking to enhance your career, knowing what to do and what not to do will help you stand out.
Sure, putting together a portfolio and resume may seem like a tireless task, but the results are what matters. These are some questions you may ask yourself when putting an architecture portfolio together:
- Which projects do I list?
- What personal information do I include?
- Should I put my academic papers, certifications, or licensure into my portfolio?
Architecture Resume Tips
When it comes to completing and showing an employer your resume, you want to make sure it is top-quality to be reviewed. That means you have every relevant experience to support your architecture career organized thoughtfully for potential employers to see.
Here are some tips when creating and turning in an architecture resume:
1. Less is More
There is nothing worse than having a potential employer not be able to read your work. When it comes to a resume, less is more. There’s no need for multiple fonts or layouts. You want to make sure they can read it without distractions.
2. Check for Spelling Mistakes
This one seems like it should not be on the list but regardless, some people need to be reminded.
Especially when technology can prevent a spelling error from happening, there’s no excuse for having any. Spelling errors not only make your work look messy, but show a lack of caring.
3. Never Just Send Your Resume Alone
For an architect, it’s important that you do not only give the employer your resume. Of course, they want to see the experiences that you have learned from, but what they also need to see is your body of work. What they need to see is your project list or portfolio.
Architecture Portfolio Tips
Your portfolio is your most important tool used to stand out against the rest. It’s the work you’ve made and compiled throughout your academic and professional careers. The last thing you need is to make a mistake or have something go wrong.
Here are some tips when creating and showing employers your architecture portfolio:
1. Know Your Audience
When applying for a position at an architectural firm make sure you do your research first. Try to figure out what they specialize in (hospitality, residential, landscape, etc.).
Make sure to display your work that best fits their dynamic, but don’t be afraid to add something else for a newer perspective and to show your abilities.
2. Choose Your Best Projects
Like any creative person, you want to include all your work. However, it’s best to choose only a handful of your work that you’re most proud of. If the company wants to see your evolution throughout the years, try not to go back any further than five.
The best way to decide is to ask yourself, “what projects have I done that I am most passionate about?” Displaying these projects make you stand out because when the interview is taking place you will demonstrate your passion and the potential employer can see and feel that.
3. Presentation Matters
Less is more. Keeping your portfolio as simple and short as possible is better than cluttering it with too much information.
An employer doesn’t want to read through so much. Instead of analyzing every picture or project, utilize labeling to get a clear idea.
4. Display All Your Abilities
Make sure you are displaying all your abilities by providing a tailored variety of your skills in your portfolio.
Provide samples of construction documentation to hand renderings to completed images of projects. Take the person on a journey in your portfolio and display all that you can do.
5. Get Personal
Personality is a critical trait to have for the job. All architects are different when it comes to their skills. Go the extra mile by putting things in your portfolio that help you stand out and show who you are as an architect.
Additionally, Archifolio has created portfolio examples and a step-by-step guide to help create your architecture portfolio. Utilize their tool to support the creation of your stunning architecture portfolio.
You Have the Tools to Succeed
Now that you know what you need to do to succeed, it’s time to apply it. You can take all the tools you’ve been given and put them into action.
At Interior Talent, we make sure that you get the right job for you without worry. What are you waiting for? Start your journey now.