In 2023, navigating the job market for recent graduates can be daunting. Discussions surrounding portfolio advice, crafting an effective resume, and if one should follow their "dream job or a dream school" have been ongoing topics on Archinect and our forum. Within the last few years, expanded discussions over work conditions, ethical labor, and internship opportunities for graduates across our editorial have also been widely discussed. More recently, discussions of fair wages and unionization have propelled the launch of salary transparencies across several U.S. states and parts of the U.K.
For students who have recently graduated and preparing to enter the workforce this summer, Archinect aims to provide as many tips and resources for those preparing to step into professional practice.
For over two decades, the Archinect Job Board has been the leading architecture job board in the US. With our expertise in architectural employment, professional practice, and academia, we aimed to provide recent graduates with a curated list of resources to help sharpen portfolios, understand how to craft an effective resume/CV, and prepare for job interviews.
*We've also included an easy-to-follow guide to creating an effective Archinect profile that attracts employers.
For students seeking a job, one struggle is knowing where to look. While some students rely on "word of mouth" referrals or job listings posted to sites like Indeed or LinkedIn, it's important for students to be proactive in their search. One ideal place to start is the Archinect Job Board. Each week Archinect Jobs features 100+ new jobs listed from firms around the U.S. and internationally. Our team actively publishes employment-related editorial that highlights new opportunities for entry-level designers in various cities like Los Angeles and New York. (Not to mention crafting job round-ups for individuals at various stages of their careers and in different cities like Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. to name a few.)
As recent graduates, some may have a goal of working for large international firms. Yet, there may be others looking to start their careers in small or medium-sized firms that will help them grow and gain experience, like SITU and Fogarty Finger, among others.
As the industry continues to regroup after 2020 and learn how firms navigate remote working/hybrid set-ups, there are added variables to "finding the right job." Reflecting on Archinect's coverage of "What to Expect After Graduating From Architecture School," let's expand on how you can create a post-graduation plan that works for you.
In our previous coverage of what to expect after graduation, author Sean Joyner shares, "You’re entering a new frontier. One that is unknown to you. After school, you’re going to have to step into a world that should be familiar but is oddly foreign. This article will give you some insights into that foreign land. Think of it as a kind of map of unexplored terrain. If you embrace the points to follow you will surely be ahead of the game as you embark on this new chapter in your life." Joyner reminds students to keep these things in mind when searching for a job post-graduation.
That article can be used as a resource and reminder for recent graduates to be realistic yet flexible in their approach toward what to expect after graduation.
The notorious resume. The age-old question of what to include, what to omit, and if "embellishing" a past job experience is worth it has been a recurring question in our editorial and on the Archinect Forum.
However, writing a strong resume is a question individuals across several industries look into. While we're specifically covering resume-building and fine-tuning reminders for an architect or design professional, the following tips can also be applied to areas outside of architecture-related employment opportunities.
Resume tip #1: Pay attention to the job listing and read it carefully
When writing a resume, it's easy to think that writing a "one-size fits all" resume will do the trick. However, it's important to pay attention to what the job listing is asking for and if there are specific requirements, qualifications, OR asks a future employer may add to a job posting to see if the applicant is paying attention. Similarly, when you're planning out a drawing detail for a project, remember it's all in the details. Be intentional with your job search and application process. It's important to make sure your resume isn't a series of copied and pasted words and "catchphrases."
Resume tip #2: Tailor to the job
Following tip #1, be intentional and tailor your resume to the job you're applying to. I've heard of potential applicants sending out 10 to 20+ jobs in a day or week using the same resume for every application. While the old saying "applying to jobs is a numbers game" has some validity, it's better to find elements of your resume to highlight depending on the job and what the employer is seeking. In a previous Archinect Tip piece on resume writing, "Resumes are kind of a default when it comes to job hunting. Sometimes they might even seem like an accessory to your portfolio and work samples. In a sense it is, but only with the right sense of value. Like a building made of many parts, some more visible and beautiful and others more rough and hidden, they all are necessary for the structural composition to hold together. In your application package, the portfolio packs a powerful punch, but the resume communicates your historical value in a way that a portfolio cannot. How do my past experiences position me for the position in front of me? This is the question we must ask when crafting a resume. (Read More...)
Resume tip #3: Know when to omit a job from your resume
When does more become too much? For an employer that's looking to hire the right candidate, don't bank on a 3-page resume to get you hired. When crafting your resume, remember to be concise and current. If you're a recent graduate applying to a firm, don't get carried away with adding accomplishments or former accolades that may disjoint your resume and current skills. Remember, "...employers want to see relevant experience, not just experience for experience's sake." It's important to "frame your future employer's perception of you" and "view your work as strategic content rather than banal information." Whether you're updating or editing your resume, ask yourself if the information you're providing is "relevant to the opportunity in question and if it helps you communicate the appropriate image to your prospective employer." (Read more...)
Resume tip #4: Understand how to highlight your skills
Similarly to Tip #2, it's important to highlight all your skills as a designer. While there are some job listings that highlight specific software or technical skills like Revit, AutoCAD, the Adobe suite, and Rhino, there are also other important skills worth including, like time management, strong communication skills, being a strong collaborator, and understanding how to prioritize work. Not to mention the growth of other technical skills like familiarity with various AI software. (If you're looking to expand your AI knowledge, be sure to check out the Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series)
When highlighting your list of skills, it's also important to be realistic with what you include. Over-inflating your resume has a way of biting back in the end.
Resume tip #5: Check your spelling
Putting a resume together takes time, but besides making sure you're a stand-out candidate, it's important to check the little things like spelling and grammar. As an editor, it's not uncommon to catch spelling errors because, let's face it, not everyone is a spelling wiz. However, before you begin sending out your resume, be sure you review it at least once. Twice would be ideal, and even sharing it with a trusted friend, mentor, or colleague wouldn't hurt. Remember, your resume might seem clear to you, but it's important to craft a resume that's clear and understandable to others.
Resume tip #6: Beware of resume "trends" and overused words
It's easy to fall into common writing habits or "trends" when crafting the ideal resume. Not only do you want to showcase a level of competency and experience, but many are also quick to flaunt their proficiency in specific software. However, in this piece, the author reminds us, "when tackling the skills section of your resume, make sure not to do these two things: using graphic charts to show software knowledge and listing generic software."
Take note that when it comes to crafting your resume, remember to use strong action words and avoided redundant word use. An ongoing tip I've noticed across the internet is knowing identifying the difference between strong action verbs versus weak ones.
When preparing your cover letter, the goal is to communicate what you, as a candidate, can offer in addition to your proficiencies. However, when does "selling yourself" become too much? When does highlighting your achievements or skills begin to sound too arrogant? It's also important to take note that not every job application requires a cover letter. Below are a few tips from previous Archinect coverage to help you when crafting an effective cover letter.
Tip #1: On your cover letter, sell yourself without "selling" yourself
Excerpt: The best way to sell yourself is by highlighting favorable aspects of your character through your resume, portfolio, and cover letter. You don't want to try and do this by telling a prospective employer how great you think you are [...] Your cover letter should be used to highlight how your experience aligns with the opportunity you are responding to. You can put all of your awards and achievements on your resume, but the cover letter is an opportunity for you to show a bit of your personality. (Read more...)
Tip #2 Four rookie mistakes architecture graduates make when writing a cover letter (and how to avoid them)
Excerpt: You've just graduated architecture school and it's time to start pursuing your first job. Like most, you've probably spent a lot of time on your portfolio, and perhaps even your resume, but what about the cover letter? Are you confident you're composing this crucial component of your application package in a way that captures the attention of your prospective employer? And more importantly, you'll want to be sure you aren't doing the opposite, that you aren't destroying your chances of moving forward in the hiring process by making avoidable errors. (Read More...)
Portfolios – every architecture student can agree this might be one of the most stressful components to finding a job. Some may grapple with finding the perfect projects to showcase their skills, while others may have a problem with editing and curating what to include and what to omit. Either way, the goal of a portfolio isn't to be perfect but to communicate a culmination of your work.
...the goal of a portfolio isn't to be perfect but to communicate a culmination of your work.
When it comes to portfolio preparation, we discuss in a previous Archinect Tip, "there are too many portfolios out there that just look too pretty, too perfect [...] An employer wants to see how you arrived at that final result. Think about math class in grade school. You had to show the teacher how you solved your long division problem. The teacher's job was to teach you how to arrive at the solution, not just how to write down the correct answer on the page."
It's also important to remember that, like you and your skills, your portfolio will also grow and change over time. Similarly to the tips we included in our Resume section above, your portfolio is meant to showcase your best work as a designer, and that means not all your work might be included. Be sure to show a variety of work and projects, not only based on skillset but also work type. And don't forget to spell-check your portfolio as well. Having nice images is great, but be sure to check all your project headings and text.
Besides crafting the ideal resume, cover letter, and portfolio, interviews play an integral role when landing a job. However, if you're not a conversationalist or worry about saying the wrong thing, don't fret. Interviewing is a skill that improves with practice. Whether it's a mock interview with a mentor, friend, or colleague, the important thing to remember is that firms hiring want to have a conversation.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when prepping for an interview.
Before the interview...
Interview Tip #1: Assess your strengths and weaknesses
Before your interview, create a list of all your strengths and weakness. Since is an exercise meant for you, it's never a bad idea to self-reflect and be realistic with yourself about what your capabilities are before going into an interview. This exercise can help you have the confidence to discuss these items during your conversation with a future employer.
Interview Tip #2: Learn about your future employer
Learn about the firm you're applying to. It never hurts to have a bit of information in your back pocket to pull out and mention casually during your interview. This shows the employer that you're interested in the place you're applying to and that you've come prepared. It will also help you visualize if this is a place you can see yourself working at. Look at a firm's website and its social media platforms. It also doesn't hurt to see if that particular firm has already been interviewed or featured in a media publication...like Archinect! Read more on researching the people you're meeting here.
Interview Tip #3: Dress your best
Pick out your interview outfit a day or two before the big day. It may sound cliche, but dressing well and feeling good in your clothes can make an impact, not only on how you'll feel but also shows your future employer you've taken the time to bring your best.
Interview Day...
Interview Tip #4: Don't rely on "wing it"
Confidence is key but also learn to check your ego at the door. Having a bit of preparation never hurts anyone. Even if you're a "master improvisationalist," having a few points prepared before you go into your interview can only help you in the long run.
Interview Tip #5: Arrive at your interview early
Whether it's an in-person interview, a video chat, or a phone call, give yourself extra time before the actual interview. If you're a local Angelino like myself, give yourself plenty of travel time! Never underestimate how long it might take to get somewhere. It's better to be a half hour early than 15 minutes late. If you're communicating with an interviewing digitally, give yourself some time before your call to gather your thoughts. Find a calm and quiet space to conduct your call.
Interview Tip #6 Answering the "Tell me about yourself" question
If you're worried about the "tell me about yourself" question, we have you covered. Don't be surprised if your interviewee asks you this question. Some may think this question is not meant to see you stumble or trick you. Others may think answering this question means reciting your LinkedIn profile or resume using "other words." However, this question can offer you a unique opportunity to provide added details and context to your future employer that you can't learn from reading your resume and portfolio. Mind you, this also doesn't mean telling the interviewee your life story and saying, "I've wanted to be an architect ever since I was five years old."
In a previous Archinect Tip about interviewing, a presentation coach named Joel Schwartzberg explained that "Nailing the 'Tell me about yourself' question starts with realizing that your interviewer already knows your job history thanks to your resume [...] Remember that interviews are more about making strong matches than proving qualifications. If you weren’t qualified, you wouldn’t be in the room." Read more about answering this question here.
Interview Tip #7 Ask questions
At the end of the interview, if the interviewee asks if you have any questions, use that as an opportunity to learn more about the firm and set yourself apart from the others. Many applicants might dismiss the questions and say, "No, I don't have any questions," but this moment during an interview is a great way to gain more clarity on items that you're curious about, AND it shows the employer that you're interested in engaging further. A set of suggested questions I'd ask are...
Granted, these are only a few examples, but it's ok to ask questions. Sometimes their answers may surprise you or provide more clarity.
Interview Tip #8 Thank your interviewee and follow up
Before and at the end of your interview, thank your interviewee for taking the time to chat with you. While there's no guarantee that you'll be picked, a job offer can often come down to the little things. Sending a thank you email is also a good move if you're looking to set yourself against other potential applicants. Read more about following up after a job interview here.
Diving into a career in architecture is a bit of a balancing act. Especially if you're a student, the thought of taking classes, studio, and working as an intern or junior designer seems ideal but also overwhelming. Last May, Archinect dove into the question "How To Choose Between Architecture Schools." This also happens to be one of our most discussed topics on our forum. Selecting the right program can be a tough decision. However, we've provided a guide to help prospective students organize themselves and their thoughts during our investigation. But wait, how does this relate to choosing between working and going to school OR working versus pursuing a Master's program? This month two questions were asked by a fellow Archinectors.
Similar to picking the right school, a few key points made in the article can also be applied to these two forum questions. For example, remember to ask yourself what your end goals are and what your constraints are. These constraints can be based on factors like location (the US or outside the US), your financial situation, and how well you manage your time. Another point to keep in mind is what the job entails if you decided to work while attending school OR taking a job versus pursuing another degree. While advice and comments vary, both decisions will have their pros and cons. As one enters professional practice, different experiences will work for different people.
When it comes to putting yourself out there, students and postgraduates often wonder how they can put their resumes and portfolios in front of firms currently hiring. Archinect created a special feature that breaksdown how you can use Archinect to get a job. Developed by Archinect's very own Paul Petrunia, he's created an easy-to-follow guide on How to Use Archinect to Get a Job: Optimizing Your Profile With Your Current Portfolio and CV.
Consider your Archinect profile as the place to keep all your information that architectural employers look for when recruiting. Simply put, if you want a job, spend the time to complete your Archinect profile.
According to Petrunia, "One of the most appreciated aspects is that employers are able to quickly browse job seekers in a consistent format, allowing the skills, work, and biographic information to be presented clearly without the hassle of navigating different presentation formats. Unfortunately, many job seekers haven't devoted the time to complete their profiles, and some simply provide a link to their own website. When an employer is browsing hundreds or thousands of potential employees' CVs on Archinect, these incomplete profiles often get passed by due to the time required to get more information. Consider your Archinect profile as the place to keep all your information that architectural employers look for when recruiting. Simply put, if you want a job, spend the time to complete your Archinect profile. We'll go over how to optimize each component of your profile."
This easy-to-follow guide is the final step to positioning yourself in front of firms currently hiring and checking Archinect. You can post your resume, CV, and portfolio in addition to other skills and personal links like social media platforms to your Archinect Profile. Capture the attention of your future employer by learning how to maximize your profile. If you have any questions, or advice, about how the profiles can be improved, feel free to contact us or post to the comments below.
Don't have an Archinect profile yet? Click here to get started.
When entering a work scenario, assuming what a role or position may entail may not be the best step. Let's start with a breakdown of common job titles related to recent graduates and how learning a position's definition can lead to a more focused job search. Back in December 2019, Archinect unpacked job titles within firms through our Archinect's Guide to Job Titles. Since then, we've taken dives into a dozen job titles and what they entail. For example, below are excerpts from our guide to job titles dive for Interns and Designers.
Archinect's Guide to Job Titles: Intern
Feix & Merlin Architects. Photo by Ellen Hancock
Excerpt: As one progresses in their professional journey, the depth of knowledge required to practice architecture arises as a requisite reality. Aspiring practitioners enroll in college and proactively acquire foundational skills for their future careers as architects. Internships act as a salient supplementation meant to deepen the practical education of the up and coming pupil, with an aim for growth and development. But what exactly does an intern do? What do firms look for in an intern? And what characteristics make up a good internship? (Read more...)
Explore paid internship opportunities currently posted on the Archinect Job Board here.
Archinect's Guide to Job Titles: Designer
Excerpt: Within the architecture studio, designers exist as a polymorphic phenomenon so varied and nuanced that there subsists no exhaustive description of their fundamental nature. On a foundational level, designers design, but they are also so much more than that. Some might run their own projects, working through all phases of a project, while others may only operate in the schematic phases. The differences are endless. Moreover, designers can be junior, intermediate, and senior; all experience levels spanning eons uncommon in other positions. And so the challenge becomes one of defining such a wide-ranging position, a task this series has set out to tackle. (Read more...)
Explore designer job opportunities currently posted on the Archinect Job Board here.
Good luck with your job search!!
*If you're interested in exploring more tips, check out our Archinect Tips: Employment piece that provides an organized archive of news and features relating to architecture employment at any stage of your career. If you're curious about how to get a job at a specific firm, don't miss Archinect's "How to Get a Job at _____" series, where we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.
Katherine is an LA-based writer and editor. She was Archinect's former Editorial Manager and Advertising Manager from 2018 – January 2024. During her time at Archinect, she's conducted and written 100+ interviews and specialty features with architects, designers, academics, and industry ...
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