Archimess

Q:<p>I believe you are practicing architect correct? I was just wondering, since I finish up my studies this year, and start looking for jobs in the architectural world again (I worked at Coop-Himmelb(l)au on my year out) , what you would look for in a job application? or CV/Portfolio tips. Cheers.</p>

Anonymous

Hey meanwhilesghost, good question,

Yep, I am an architect with a modest practice. Off the top of my head here’s a list of some of my likes and dislikes when receiving work applications:

Be succinct. Keep your application short and sweet, quality, not quantity.
Be polite.
Be sincere.
Show your range, have variety, don’t present yourself as a one trick pony.
I suggest snail mail over e-mail. e-mail is easy to dismiss, easy to lose and doesn’t take any real effort. Hard copies can provide a chance to show off.
Don’t send e-mail with 20mb + of attachment material
If you really must present a lot of work, have your own domain and post the work there. A tumblr would be fine by me though I’ve never seen it.
If you decide to ignore my advice and send e-mail anyway, at least take the time to make a PDF. Keep it small.
I like it when it’s clear that the application is written well and shows care and thought.
I ignore the application when it places a burden on me. ie. “please call me to set up an interview”. Yes, this really happens.
If you do get an interview do not expect the company/architect to work their schedule around yours. Take what you can get and adjust your schedule as needed. I have had a number of recent applicants act as though I was putting them out because they couldn’t meet when they wanted. In the end I didn’t interview any of them.
Quality drawings and artwork are good. I prefer people who can draw with a pencil. People who can draw well generally understand 3d space.
Don’t be afraid to drop by the office and introduce yourself. I prefer this because I can get a feel for the person behind all the statistics.
Spell correctly, especially peoples names…..
Don’t send an application by e-mail and cc: all the other offices you are interested in.
Maybe it sounds harsh but don’t write on and on about yourself and how wonderful you are. Of course you think you are wonderful. Instead I suggest letting your presentation explain what you are capable of. It shows a different kind of confidence.
Review the work of the company or practice you are applying to before applying so that you can talk about their work and ask questions if the opportunity arises.
What have you built?
What have you designed that was built?
Edit. Don’t show up to an interview with a 100 page roll of drawings for a 30 story building then open it to show me the reception desk you worked on with 3 other people.
Only present work that you have made significant contribution on. It doesn’t look good if/when you have to admit that all you really did on the $3,000,000 house you just presented is take notes at meetings near the end of construction.
Understand the current market and fair market value. After all, I’m probably not going to hire you if you ask me to pay you more money than I already pay myself, right?