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Back to the Drawing Board - S4E5 -The Architecture Job Hunt
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Ever wondered what happens to your architecture job application after you hit send? In this candid conversation, we pull back the curtain on how small architecture practices really evaluate potential candidates and what actually gets you noticed—or immediately rejected.
Drawing from years of experience reviewing hundreds of applications, we reveal why your portfolio typically carries more weight than your CV, how personality fit often trumps technical perfection, and what fatal application mistakes you might be making without realizing it. From the dreaded mass CC'd email that instantly signals lack of care to the questionable practice of self-rating skills on a five-star scale, we don't hold back on what makes employers cringe.
Beyond the obvious dos and don'ts, we explore the deeper dynamics of small firm hiring: the unpredictable timing of job openings, the importance of showing who you are beyond your professional skills, and why being "teachable" might be your most valuable asset. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking to move to a smaller practice, this episode offers practical insights into crafting applications that truly connect with the humans who'll be reading them.
For those applying to large corporate firms with automated screening systems, we highlight key differences in approach—because knowing your audience might be the most important application strategy of all. Listen in for an honest, sometimes humorous look at what employers are really thinking when they review your materials, and how to stand out in a sea of talented applicants for all the right reasons.
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Music by friend of the cast: https://on.soundcloud.com/bey4p
Chapters
1. Episode Introduction and New Setup (00:00:00)
2. CVs and Job Applications Overview (00:09:07)
3. When and Why Small Firms Hire (00:18:37)
4. Finding Applicants Through Different Channels (00:30:17)
5. What Makes a Promising CV and Portfolio (00:43:45)
6. Cover Letters and Application Mistakes (00:55:34)
7. Portfolio Design and Presentation Tips (01:05:34)
22 episodes
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