How to Get Your First Architecture Job: 13 Tips
We recently published a series by Chaim Lieder called Breaking Into Architecture. The series asked six architecture professionals for their advice on starting out in the architecture industry. In this article, Chaim has considered the responses received and distilled them into the thirteen most potent tips for job-seeking students and graduates of architecture.
Crafting the perfect application
Target your application
Apply using a sniper, not a machine gun. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential employers, find out whom to contact and email your application directly to them, then follow up with a phone call. If you can get someone on the phone and start a conversation, expressing your interest in the firm, it demonstrates your dedication to the company and strengthens your application.
Tailor your cover letter
Because architecture firms usually get hundreds of cover letters and are short on time, a simple cover letter of 1-2 paragraphs is recommended. Researching the firm and referencing something mentioned by a senior staff member in a lecture/article is a terrific method to stand out and demonstrate your passion for that particular company as an applicant. You can also express your favourite project of theirs and why you loved it or even quote something from their website.
Demonstrate your design capability throughout your documents
Your application is their first impression of you. Keep it nice, neat and professional and avoid standard fonts and templates. Your sense of design reflects heavily on the documents you are providing. When it comes to your portfolio, only include work in your portfolio that you are proud of and illustrates your unique strengths.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when crafting your application. One quirky idea for an application can be to craft an object to go alongside it. Show them that you want to play the game and you're willing to have fun in the process, it’s a sure way to set your application apart.
Always follow up
You must follow up, otherwise, no one's going to review your application. People won’t come knocking on your door. This industry is filled with time-poor people who have deadlines to meet, the last thing they are doing is sifting through their inbox to chase previous applications.
Outside of your application
The passive job search strategy
Use every conversation as an opportunity to express your desire to find work; this is what ultimately led to my first job. Not only does it reinforce your subconscious mind on a regular basis, but I have found that people genuinely enjoy helping in any way they can, whether it's by reaching out to industry contacts or providing their own helpful ideas. By doing so, you are leveraging your network to passively broaden your job search, as you now have their eyes and ears working for you in your effort to break into the industry.
Develop your brand
When people think about you, what comes to mind? What do they know about you? How would they describe you to other people? Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen your brand. Always be friendly to your peers and everyone you interact with. The industry is small, and a good reputation is vital.
Network
Sometimes it's more about whom you know, than what you know. This is particularly true when it comes to landing your first architecture job. Networking is very important in Architecture and LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to reach out and connect with people in the industry.
By doing things like joining SONA and attending events, you will meet other students and professionals who work in the industry. Not only will you get the chance to get a face to face introduction with industry professionals, but you may also pick up little bits of advice that you wouldn't have obtained anywhere else.
Invest in your tutors
The one most important thing you can do while at university is building a connection with your tutors and peers because these people are the ones that are going to reach out their hand when you need it. Stay behind in class, have a chat and build that connection. Your tutors are gold, and they have connections inside and outside the industry.
Put yourself out there
Social media is such a powerful tool you have at your disposal, leverage it to display your skills and passion. Doing competitions is another great way to get yourself out there.
Broaden your knowledge
Learn all of the software you think you'll need to know. Take the time now, whilst you've got it, to get all of those skills, because once you get into the workplace, it's very hard to put time aside to upskill and learn new programs. Furthermore, the more you know, the more control you have over your designs. The industry is so diverse, and therefore understanding things like planning, development, finance, government and industry trends will help you in your pursuit of success.
Things to keep in mind
Any experience is good experience
Getting your foot into the industry is a much better approach than waiting it out for the perfect offer. If the company you want to work for doesn’t have openings, take the opportunity to gain experience elsewhere and slowly move up towards your desired company.
Don’t be discouraged with what tasks you're given in your first job. If you're given an opportunity, seize it and create a masterpiece of it.
Embrace rejection
It is perfectly normal to send 100+ unsuccessful applications. Keep trying and constantly revisit and refine your approach with every application. It is important to understand that even the very best graduates or students are frequently turned down for jobs due to the timing of their applications. It's critical to understand what's going on in the industry at the time you're applying.
Believe in yourself
Students are often fearful that they lack skills or experience, preventing them from applying for jobs. Skills can be taught, and experience is earned.
With your fresh viewpoint and ability to introduce new software and efficiencies to the organisation, you're a valuable addition. What you so lack in confidence is merely 10% of what you actually require for the job, the other 90% is learned through the experience you get working on real-life projects, so don’t let it get you down.
Good luck with your job search!
For further reading, see the original interviews with the following architecture professionals:
For more Job Seeking advice, please check out our free Job Seeker Workbook or our Portfolio and Resume Preparation Workbook.