A common question that frequently arises in our discussion forum is how to best apply for an architecture job. Who best to answer these questions than the employers? We have contacted some of the firms that seek talent through Archinect's job board to help provide some insight.

The following questions were posed to the employers:

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
• Can you offer any other helpful information?

The following firms have been kind enough to offer their advice:

Graft Architects, Rafael Vinoly Architects, Lettuce Office, Winter & Company, Mihai Radu Architects, Karin Payson Architecture + Design, Spacesmith LLP, Peter Marino Architect, Zeidler Partnership, Fiedler Marciano | Architecture, NAC Architecture, Cannon Design, and Red Top Architects.

GRAFT

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  We like to see a strong balance between great design and practical experience. We want to see the ability to conceptualize an idea and develop it and are equally interested in how these ideas are then materialized in built projects. Specifically submissions should contain: Cover letter and resume (we are interested in the applicants writing skills), Illustrations (3D renderings, hand drawings, sketches, photo shop, illustrator … depending on what the applicant’s strongest medium is), line drawings, DD sets, CD sets, prototypes, physical models.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  The presentation in the portfolio is incredibly important. We are in the business of designing and documenting design information. This is our first impression of the applicant ability to provide this service. Design, proportion, clarity, and spelling is important on all material that applicant uses to represent himself.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  The portfolio should contain a thoughtful concise selection that covers a broad range of skill sets from all phases. The portfolio is an example of how the applicant synthesizes and documents information geared to a specific recipient, each piece in the portfolio should be intentional and lead to a relevant discussion regarding the applicant’s interests, pursuits and skills.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  We prefer to receive a small selection of work in digital format. This is fundamental to selecting who we invite to personal interviews. During the personal interview we prefer hard copy format.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  The interview is generally the first impression. We are as interested in the person as we are in the work and are looking to find a mutually beneficial fit. The more genuine and open the applicant is about whom he/she is and what his/her career goals are the better. Relax and bring yourself to the interview. Social skills are important in architecture, particularly in upper management. Bring relevant work. Bring examples of built work. Bring examples of your design work that clearly represents you. Often we ask what project the applicant has felt most passionately about and why. Recognize that time is valuable to both parties, make every minute of the interview purposeful.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  People often choose not to read the ad we have placed. Please … read it. We have put thought into it before posting it, it illustrates what we are looking for in our office at that time.
  Many applicants do not offer references. Employers often pre-screen this way. If you have great references … use them!
  Inaccuracy about work experience in terms of longevity (a two month summer internship does not equal a year of work experience)
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Be prompt, be polite, dress appropriately, give a good hand shake, inspire confidence, be enthusiastic.
  Bring questions about the firm you are looking to work for.
  Write to confirm your interview time and date. Bring a copy of your resume. CD Sets CD Sets CD Sets.
  Please ensure that your name is on all work samples.
  Be realistic regarding your salary expectations … identify the market you are looking to work in (design architects vs. corporate, experience level etc.) and research what you should be receiving as compensation.

 
RAFAEL VINOLY ARCHITECTS

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  Previous professional work, 3D, personal projects
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Presentation is very important.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  The portfolio can contain any amount of work -- whatever is representative and reflective of background.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  We prefer to review in digital format.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Bring examples of construction documents!!!
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Not using spellcheck or proofing. Not including name on work sample attachments -- if printed they can end up with someone else's resume. Counting internships toward years of professional experience. 

 
LETTUCE OFFICE

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  Digital AND freehand drawing skills. Demonstrative sequence of thought in process/progress. Clarity of objective. Competent in graphic design. Also like to see development through projects. If there is not growth shown in their work, it is suspect that they aren't that invested in the program or the profession.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very. Extremely. Include good spelling in that as well.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Should demonstrate range of skills. Massive tomes are pretentious and a bit self important.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Digital for inquiries, hard copies for f2f interviews. As long as the digital inquiries are not huge files are not readable on the screen. Do not want to open CDs. Will visit a website.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Don't sit silent while your portfolio is being reviewed. Offer insight when appropriate. Speak articulately and avoid blather. Filling up airspace is just as bad as silence. Treat it like a conversation and don't be shy about asking questions. You should formulate questions before the interview. Leaving with no questions is a bad sign that they are not thinking or processing what is in front of them.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Sloppiness. Typos. Bad graphic layout. Poor writing. Not making things personal to the employer.
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Be professional. Arrive on time. Be prepared. Have manners. Follow up. Keep contacting the employer if you really want to work for them. Don't be shy. Take initiative.

 
WINTER & COMPANY

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  Range of work the candidate has produced, developed and/or designed. The portfolio should demonstrate the applicant's various skills, techniques and/or project types.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  VERY! The content should be presented in a simple, but organized manner, and in a format which makes reading easy for employers
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Carefully selected projects that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the applicant
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Either if fine, but digital is preferred
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Read the job advertisement/description carefully! Be thoroughly prepared to answer questions and/or demonstrate experience that directly applies to what the position requires
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Errors on dates of employment. Check your applications for accuracy!
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  YES. Remember to say THANK YOU. At the conclusion of EVERY step in the interview process (i.e., phone screen, face-to-face interview, etc.), take time to reflect on the conversation and then follow up with a "thank you" email or note and a comment on your thoughts from the discussion. For example, "Thank you for the time you spent talking with me today about the position of XYZ at 123 Corporation. Based on the needs you identified in our discussion, I think my skills can address those needs by....(examples)..I appreciate your time and consideration." Show some personal interest in the employer by thanking them and expressing how you/your skills might help them grow or prosper. 

 
MIHAI RADU ARCHITECTS

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  For less experienced job candidates, we like to see good conceptual design work done in school coupled with good graphic design. It is always very good to have some job experience even if its only as an intern. If the candidate has worked in an office, we like to see examples of drawings he has worked on (preferably a drawing he has taken form start to finish) to see the level of detail he is comfortable with. It is always important to have good CAD experience even if its not in the same program we work in. 3D rendering is a plus. For more experienced candidates, we like to see previous projects they have worked on and the drawings they were responsible for. It is important for us to understand their role in the firm.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  I would say an 8 on a scale of 1-10. Presentation isn't everything but in a design oriented practice it something we are thinking about all the time. Whether the candidate does or doesn't present well is a consideration.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  It really depends on the candidate. My preference has always been to see 2 or 3 featured projects that are well developed and documented. And then this is supported by a number of of briefly presented additional works to get a sense of their experiences/interests.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  I prefer to review work samples along with resumes in digital format with the ability to print it if I wish.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Relax. Don't rush. How you present yourself is as important as the portfolio. Also, take charge of the presentation of your portfolio and take me through it. I really dislike flipping through a portfolio while a candidate sits in silence and watches. And ask questions about what your role would be in the firm.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Poor cover letters are a big turnoff. If there are mistakes in my name or the firm name I don't even bother. Also, when the cover letter seems like a form letter with our name plugged in I am less interested.
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  I think it's very important to us that a candidate seems excited to work with us. We want some one that is well qualified but its also very important you seem excited about your job. We don't want to hire someone that isn't eager to do interesting work. 

 
KARIN PAYSON ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  A mix of technical work and design work. Photos of finished work if possible.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Moderately important. Clear organization is more important than glitzy graphics.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Fewer projects in greater depth is preferred.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Digital in application, hard copy in person.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Be punctual. Bring the work you have done in an office. If you are more than 3 years out of school don't rely on school work to show your skills. It indicates a poor attitude about the work you've done for pay.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Spelling and grammatical errors. Impersonal letters (Dear Sir, or "Hiring Manager" or Dear Mr. __) that presume a man is going to read the application regardless of the name of the firm or the contact name (indicates a lack of attention to detail!)
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Research the firm's website before sending the application. Personalize your form letter. Remove irrelevant work experience from your resume. No one cares where you went to high school or what non-professional jobs you have had unless they add depth to your professional experience.

 
SPACESMITH, LLP

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  A variety of things: what skills are represented (CAD, 3D modeling, hand sketches, concept development, construction detailing); how creative is the person (thinking outside the box, how unique is the work); and how do they think through a design (ability to develop ideas into real finished work).
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very. Online or emailed work should be short but sweet (ie: one project shown very well, in one or two pages of a pdf file, not exceeding 2 or 3mb unless it is truly amazing work). Portfolios brought to the interview should reflect the degree of care a person puts into their work... a sloppy portfolio is a bad sign that the work they will produce will be sloppy. However, the more experience someone has, the less this matters... someone who has been working for more than 7 years will probably show most of their work through one or two sets of working drawings or design presentation books, and a bound set of 8x10 photos.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  The best would be an overview to show the breadth of experience (maybe a list of projects with thumbnail images) and one or two projects which best exemplify the skills and interests of the candidate. I also love it if they make clear to me what their roles were on the projects, without me having to extract the particulars of what they were responsible for versus what other people did, and how they give credit to other people.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Digital first, then hard copy if I ask for it to be sent.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Research the firm you are visiting, dress professional, show up on time, and then relax. The interview process works both ways- you are interviewing the firm as much as they are interviewing you. Be open and honest about your work. It is also important to ask questions that will let you know if you will be happy working there: is the place is a good match for your professional interests (do you like the kind of projects they do, and how they do them?); how does it fit with your career goals (are you starting in the position you want to have? do you need to work your way up to that position? will the firm allow you to pursue your interests? how competitive is the firm? is that good or bad?); how flexible is the schedule; how are salary/benefits/bonuses determined and reviewed? By asking these kinds of questions, they will get to know you, what is important to you, and how serious you are about making sure you find the right match for yourself and for them.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  We usually receive resumes (not applications), but the most common issues are not presenting the necessary information quickly and clearly (education, professional experience, level of responsibility on projects, and what types of projects). Personally I prefer very simple, clean layouts, as opposed to unusual fonts or too many graphics.
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Research the firm and what they are looking for, so you don't waste anyone's time (including your own) by going on interviews that will lead nowhere. On the other hand, when you start a job search it is worth going on one or two interviews at places that are not at the top of your list, so you get some practice and will be less nervous when you go to firms you are most interested in. This will help you identify the questions you want to ask, and the ones you should have answers to. You should have a good idea of the salary you want, and the benefits you need. Also ask how the salary is paid, as this varies widely- how often you receive payment matters as much as how much you receive- some firms pay every week or two, some pay monthly, some include semi-annual bonuses in your salary calculation, and sometimes they pro-rate these bonuses. Don't be afraid to ask about these details- from a negotiation point of view there might not be much that the firm can do (some have very strict procedures and salary guidelines), but you may be able to negotiate for flexibility on your work schedule or for vacation/personal time. Find out if they pay for overtime, and how much you should expect to work.

 
PETER MARINO ARCHITECT
Resume Advice

• Don't send resumes in weird/small formats, booklets etc. They may look graphically interesting, but they are difficult to file and work with. They also are easy to lose.
• Don't send massive work sample files that are difficult to print. 5-10 works samples are plenty for anyone.
• Do make sure your name is on the back-up work samples. They do get separated and could end up on someone else's resume.
• Make sure resume is in Word or pdf format. Work samples are best in pdf.
• Do send a cover letter highlighting your experience. 2-3 paragraphs are plenty. Don't make it too long!
• Do include reference letters if you have them.

 
ZEIDLER PARTNERSHIP (BEIJING OFFICE)

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  1) Hand sketches, concept sketches; 2) Thinking process; 3) Work showing all aspects
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very important, as it shows the taste of the presenters.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Scope of experience is important, and meantime the quality of work is important, too.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Digital is good for initial e-mail communication, while hard copy is preferred for interview.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  No role description, but only project name list with no images in their portfolio.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Expected salary shall consider the local living expenses and market price. For example, China has much lower living expenses, so expected the pay for cost living in North America or Europe will reduce the chances in China.

 
FIEDLER MARCIANO | ARCHITECTURE

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  If senior level, work from previous offices. Otherwise, work from previous job and student portfolio (with 2d and 3d images)
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  A lot of work
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Hard copy
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Be prepared to ask questions
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Portfolio images too small, spelling mistakes

 
JUBANY NAC | ARCHITECTURE

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  Interns: presentations, design, writing; Upper level: CD's, writing skills.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very important because we are looking for rendering / presentation skills, not just design or drafting skills.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Smaller section
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  An email of interest with work in digital format is always better because we can do a first determination on whether or not to spend the time to interview the applicant.
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Be on time, have questions for us, do your homework (know who we are and what we do), have an idea of what you're interested in doing, don't forget your portfolio.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Bad grammar / spelling, being unaware of the requested qualifications (if responding to a particular ad), generic cover letters.
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Be honest with your abilities and interests—I have applied to jobs for which I thought I might be under qualified but got the offer because I was open to the firm's desires. Have a dialogue with your interviewer—don't not talk, or talk too much. If you know what the firm does / who they are, make that apparent in the interview—it makes you seem more interested in working for us—not just getting a job. If you have special circumstances (school, visa requirements, etc) be upfront about that. Let us know what you think your general career plan might be – we like to look at people for the long range.

 
CANNON DESIGN

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  Creativity and design intelligence; how carefully the portfolio is put together; computer savvy
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Very important (it is part of our first impression of the applicant)
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Preferably a smaller selection of carefully selected projects
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Hard Copy format is the preferred format among hiring managers
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  1. Have an interesting portfolio, 2. Have at least 3 intelligent questions about the job that is being offered or the company,
  3. Have all pertinent info with you so you can complete a job application right there, on the spot - don't leave blanks.,
  4. Know how much salary you want, 5. Be on time but don't be more than 15 minutes early! 6. ALWAYS check out the prospective company's webpage on the internet.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  1. Leaving blanks
  2. Not knowing what salary they want
  3. Incomplete job history or reference information & bad phone numbers
  4. Misspellings
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  Contact your business references if it has been a while since you last spoke. Update them on your progress. 

 
RED TOP ARCHITECTS

• What do you like to see when reviewing a portfolio?
  The highlights from past work experience and school work. 4 pages maximum.
• How important is presentation in the portfolio?
  Extremely important. Must be presented concisely and clearly.
• Should the portfolio contain a lot of work, or a smaller selection of carefully selected projects?
  Smaller selections.
• Do you prefer to review applications (including portfolio) in digital or hard copy format?
  Digital
• What recommendations can you give an applicant for the interview process?
  Bring hard copies of portfolio and construction documents. Do not take up too much time explaining individual projects unless prompted by the employer. Relax and smile.
• What are the most common mistakes potential employees make on their applications?
  Not including an actual resume that is clear and well designed….but not over designed.
• Can you offer any other helpful information?
  The email should address the employer and not just have a resume attached. Keep everything simple and not have more than two attachments.