Designing Your Career, Crafting the Perfect Architecture Resume
Creating a well-crafted resume is vital for architecture professionals to showcase their skills and experience effectively. As recruiters that focus on architecture positions, we are often asked how to create the most effective resume. Here’s a guide on what to include, and what to exclude, on your resume.
Keep in mind that every piece of information on your resume should be relevant to the specific architecture role you are applying for, and the person reading your application. Tailor your resume for each application based on the job description and your knowledge of the firm.
What to Include on Your Architecture Resume
Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and location. If you have a professional website or online portfolio, add this to your resume.
Professional Summary: If you choose to have a professional summary, keep it concise. Write a concise summary or objective at the beginning of your resume, ideally not more than three lines, that illustrates your experience and professional goals.
Work Experience: Use reverse chronological format to list your work experience (most to least recent). Emphasize the roles that are most relevant to the job you are applying for, and elaborate on any experience specific to architecture position you are applying for.
Education: List your educational background in a way that highlights your architectural training and any specializations or certifications (LEED, PMP, NCARB, etc.) you may have.
Skills: Clearly list your architecture-related skills, including both technical and soft skills, to show employers your competencies.
Additional Sections: If you unique achievements, publications, or awards, include these in separate sections to add depth to your professional narrative.
What to Exclude from Your Architecture Resume
Irrelevant Work Experience: Only include work that is relevant to the architecture role you are applying for. This helps to keep your resume focused and concise.
Personal Information: Avoid adding personal details that are not relevant to your professional qualifications, such as marital status or age.
Unnecessary Graphics: While architecture is a design-oriented field, ensure any graphics or design elements on the resume do not overshadow the content.
Long Text Blocks: Employers skim resumes, so use single sentences or short paragraphs where possible to make your resume easy to read. Bullet points are your friend!
Remember, the goal of your resume is to get you an interview. It should highlight your qualifications, experience, and the unique value you bring to the role. Keep it professional, precise, and tailored to the job at hand.
As Minnesota’s premier architecture recruiter, the headhunters at AEC Resources view hundreds of architectural resumes every week. We are happy to provide a complimentary review of your resume, and offer suggestions on how best to revise your resume, to be as impactful as possible. Feel free to email your resume to: resume@aecresources.com for personalized advice and suggestions from professional architecture recruiters.