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. 

Highlight the essential

If you're just starting out, your high school summer job at Ralphs may not be applicable to your inquiry on an opening for junior designer (unless perhaps you highlight your lessons in teamwork and collaboration). Creating a resume comes with many approaches and techniques but one universal rule of thumb: tailor it to the job you are applying for AND for the job you want.

If you are applying for a position focused on design then highlight your previous design work. What does that mean? Let's say it's an intermediate designer position and you've previously worked on 3 projects (for the sake of example: a 5,000 sf interior office renovation, addition of 12 portable buildings at a high school, and construction documentation of a large mixed-use building, how do you highlight design?

Office renovation example

On the 5,000 sf office renovation it'll probably be a bit easier. In your portfolio, show your design process (iterative sketches, how did you arrive at the final outcome?) and briefly describe in your resume how you helped the client realize their vision for the space. 

You may have been involved in the project from beginning to end but you are merely highlighting the aspects relevant to the position you are applying for. Still include other details, but present them more as "assumed" details ("Office Renovation: pre design through construction administration" assumes that I saw all phases of the project).

Portable buildings example

On the high school portable buildings how do we show an emphasis on design? Every great architect needs to be a creative problem solver, this is a given in almost any area of focus within the profession. For a project like this you might focus on how you addressed the scheduling and phasing challenges with the work. 

How did you work with the client to ensure students and teaches would have everything they needed? How did you solve any difficult ADA or grading issues with the civil engineer? Did you have to modify the portable structures? While not the traditional idea of "design" these kinds of things show your creative ability and potential. Now, how do you briefly highlight that in your resume and visually display it in your portfolio?

Mixed-Use CD Phase Example

On a large project, if you're at an intermediate level, chances are you may have taken on more of a support role. In this case, we're saying it's jumping in on the Construction Documentation Phase. We're applying for a design heavy position and need to communicate the core skills we developed that will help us fulfill a prospective employer's needs.

Interestingly, having a set of construction documents with you at an interview is a great way to talk about design. "It's not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." Steve Jobs said that, and he's totally right. You can't be a good designer if you don't know how a building goes together. Showing your experience with Construction Documents (with all disciplines) will significantly support your merit as a design focused team member.

Highlight, highlight, highlight

So, in the end, craft your resume for the position you are applying for and for the type of work you want to do. This example on a design focused position is merely an anecdotal talking point. Some positions may be more technical, some may be more focused on management, and others will want you to know it all. In all cases highlight the essential and leave out the unnecessary.