Navigating the Job Market: Essential Tips for Recent Architecture Graduates

At this time of year, whether you are still studying or have successfully gained your degree, securing your first role in architecture can be challenging, with tough competition and lengthy application processes. To help you maximise your chance of success, the Lees Associates (LA) team have shared their advice for securing that first graduate job opportunity. We’ve looked at six key factors: CVs, portfolios, networking, cover letters, recruitment agencies and interviews, which all need to be perfected in order to secure your first role.

1. CVs

Your CV is the starting point of any application, so it's important to make a great first impression. You’re applying for a position at a design company, so high-quality presentation is essential. Make sure the CV looks good and reads easily. Prioritise your experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting real-world work experience over education. Be succinct, and don't waffle; there is no need for lots of detail at this stage. While it's important to highlight software experience, don’t embellish your experience. We test those candidates claiming to have strong knowledge of ArchiCAD, our BIM package of choice, so honesty is crucial.

2. Portfolios

Having a strong portfolio containing a diverse range of projects across all stages and design skills is incredibly useful prior to applying for job opportunities. More variety means more opportunity for something to stand out to your potential employers. Additionally, when applying to roles with particular requirements, highlight examples of your work that align closely with these needs. Don’t blanket apply your portfolio to vacancies; edit and amend it to suit the specific studio’s niche or the role’s focus. 

If you have limited or no professional experience, showcase any technical skills you gained as part of your degree. Use impressive design images and ensure everything in your portfolio is clear and legible. This will mean you stand out next to a candidate with more experience but a poorly constructed portfolio. Also, be mindful of your portfolio’s size; avoid attaching a document larger than 10MB!

3. Networking and Building Professional Relationships

Networking can feel daunting even to those who are established in the industry. If you get the opportunity to network with industry professionals at alumni events, for example, make sure to do some research about who you could talk to before attending. Approaching someone of seniority is much easier if you have a good idea of who they are and what projects they have worked on. Asking questions like: ‘What did you enjoy about working on that project?’ or ‘How did you decide to focus on that specific area of project management?’ is a great way to start exciting conversations that could lead to mentorships.

Make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile and post updates regularly showcasing what you’re up to. LinkedIn is a really easy way of connecting and reconnecting with people and having an active presence will always look good.

4. Cover Letters

Cover letters/emails are your first means of helping you stand out from the crowd and are an effective tool to complement your CV and explain to the hiring manager why your experience is relevant. Each cover letter needs to be drafted specifically for each role. If someone is prepared to draft a cover letter specific to our practice, it shows us they really want to work with us and are not just applying indiscriminately. Show that you have done your research into the practice and the vacant position, explaining why you would be an asset. Your cover letter should be a few concise paragraphs, so ensure it is succinct and not generic.

5. Recruitment Agencies

Recruiters have a strong knowledge of the job market, what employers are looking for and how to stand out amidst competition, so building relationships with these professionals can be incredibly useful in finding that first job. Be polite and patient when reaching out. Coming across well to a recruiter greatly increases your chances of success, as they will be more likely to put you forward for roles and get you interviews. 

However, in our experience, applying directly to a firm rather than through a recruitment agent increases your chances of success, as the agency charges 15 – 25% of your starting annual salary as an upfront fee. Presented with two otherwise identical candidates, employers will always choose the one that doesn’t come with a hefty fee!

6. Interview Preparation

Congratulations, you have been offered an interview! This is half the battle, and it shows that your CV, cover letter, and portfolio are of a high standard. Make sure to check you know how to get to the interview venue and leave plenty of time. Arriving late or flustered will immediately set you back. 

Research
Thoroughly research the practice before the interview, not just their website but any press coverage they have recently received. Knowing a few things about the practice will make you stand out. During the interview, you will need to summarise your background, experience, why you are suitable for the position, and what you would bring to the team. This is your opportunity to sell yourself, so rehearse your pitch. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. These could include: ‘How big is the team?’, ‘Is there a specific project I will be working on?’, or ‘What benefits do you offer?’. Remember, you also need to determine if this firm has the right culture and environment for you. The best interviews flow like conversations, making the employers feel more relaxed and eager to work with you. 

The Interview
Arrive for the interview with five minutes to spare, and bring a copy of your portfolio. If your portfolio is on a laptop, make sure it’s set up and ready to share to avoid awkward pauses. If you plan on bringing a memory stick containing your portfolio, check with the interviewer that this is acceptable in advance. When presenting your portfolio, you don't need to explain every detail of each drawing. A simple overview is usually enough, and the interviewer will ask questions if they want to know more.

Focus on examples of previous work relevant to the position you are applying for. Make regular eye contact with the interviewer and speak clearly, slowly and with confidence. An interview is not all about experience but assessing your attitude and whether how well you will fit within the existing team. Skills can be taught; attitude is much harder to learn. You will be halfway there by demonstrating a positive, friendly, ambitious disposition.

Conclusion 

Navigating the job market as a recent architecture graduate can be a daunting task, but by following these essential tips, you can significantly enhance your chances of landing your first role. By mastering these aspects, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the competitive landscape and secure a rewarding position in the field of architecture. LA is always on the lookout for ambitious new talent, so feel free to send us your application via our careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!