Architecture Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide
- What should your architecture cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an architecture vacancy?
- How to write a cover letter closing
Get ready to find that next great architecture position by learning how to craft the perfect cover letter. In our cover letter example and writing guide, we’ll demonstrate how to format your letter and what to include to ensure you’re a top candidate.
To be a successful architect, you need to have a variety of skills. Some of those skills involve designing and constructing buildings, but there are also other areas of expertise necessary. The role requires both a technical and a creative touch. You’ll need to create buildings that are functional and sound but aesthetically pleasing.
When you are looking for a job in this field, one of the best places to show you have these skills is in your cover letter. Your cover letter is where you introduce yourself to a hiring manager and show your design and planning, technical documentation, project management, and construction oversight experience.
In our cover letter writing guide and the corresponding example, we’ll go through exactly what you should put in an architecture cover letter, including:
What should your architecture cover letter include?
What can you write in the introduction of the cover letter
What information can you give in the body of the cover letter
How to write a cover letter closing
What should your architecture cover letter include?
Your architecture cover letter should be a blend of creativity and structure. It should show your passion for the field and align your skills and experience with the needs of the firm you are applying for. When looking at the template, you’ll see that a cover letter is made up of various sections. The top of your cover letter should be a header with your contact information and that of your contact. If you need more guidance on how to address a cover letter, our blog post includes several tips. The other sections of your cover letter are the introduction, body, and closing. We’ll explain each section in the following paragraphs.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
From the first sentence, the introduction should capture the reader’s attention. Start by clearly stating the position you are applying for and expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity. Mention your most valuable skill or achievement. Aim to give the hiring manager a strong first impression that entices them to keep reading.
One great way to do this is by telling them about a particular project you’ve recently worked on or something you’re particularly successful with. For example, you could share that you played a crucial role in designing a specific eco-friendly residential building. The goal here is to get the hiring manager excited to learn more about you and what you bring to the table. Leave them with the impression that you will make a positive difference in their firm.
Dear Morgan Ellis,
If your company is seeking an organized and reliable Architect and Project Manager, I invite you to review my enclosed credentials and consider me for a role on your team.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an architecture vacancy?
Your cover letter body is where you can go into more detail regarding your experience, skills, and achievements. It makes up the majority of your cover letter, and it’s important to structure it in a way that is easy to read and exciting for the hiring manager.
One way to do that is by dividing your cover letter body into three sections:
Why you. In your cover letter, highlight your experience using architectural design software, building information modeling, and structural knowledge as well as your specific education and work experience that makes you perfect for this role. The goal is to show a hiring manager that you have the hard and soft skills needed to design, document, and manage complex building projects. Showcasing some of your achievements and experience where you’ve done this in the past will show you are a candidate they want to meet.
Why here. Show a hiring manager why you want to work for this company. What is it about their architectural firm that gets you excited? Perhaps there is a particular project of theirs you’ve loved. Show the potential employer that you know about their company and understand how you can fit in with their team.
Why now. Finally, show them why the role you are applying for is the right option for where you’re at in your career. You don’t want them to save your resume for the future, so make sure they know they need to hire you for this open position. Mentioning your career goals in your cover letter is a great way to continue demonstrating that you are ready for this role and excited to work with this particular company.
- Mention your knowledge of specific types of architecture software.
- Tailor the cover letter around this specific role.
- Use professional wording that is relevant to the architecture industry.
- Use generic or vague statements.
- Overdo the technical terms or use jargon that becomes distracting.
- Include unsupported claims or avoid including examples of your skills and work experience.
With over 15 years of success as a Job Captain, Draftsperson, CAD Manager, Project Architect, and Principal Architect, I can provide the innovative designs, solutions, industry expertise, and project leadership your clients require. My experience includes tenures as both a staff member with established companies and as founder of my own design firm, and I am adept at overcoming obstacles and meeting challenges faced at every project phase from initial client interface to final delivery.
Some of the key strengths I can offer your organization include:
Success delivering high quality interior and exterior architectural designs for residential, multi-family, commercial, and health care projects, including ADA analyses and evaluations.
Polished communication and negotiation skills; adept at clarifying job scope and finding common ground among clients with differing visions, building positive relationships with stakeholders and licensing entities, and earning client trust.
Adept at managing teams and processes across all phases of project management; history of delivering outstanding quality work on schedule, within budget, and in line with stringent requirements.
Ability to establish technical standards, implement software solutions, and manage document creation, archiving, and distribution.
Bachelor of Architecture backed by State of California Architectural License and knowledge of green / sustainable building techniques; LEED Accredited Professional (AP).
How to write a cover letter closing
While the closing of your cover letter should be short—one or two sentences—it still makes an impact. Thank the hiring manager for their time, reiterate your excitement for the role, and leave them with no other option than to call you for an interview. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
Tie everything together. In the closing, show a hiring manager why your skills and experience are right for this position: “I am excited to share more about how my experience in architectural design with an emphasis on ADA analysis can benefit [Company Name].”
Include a Call to Action. Always ask the hiring manager to call you for an interview: “Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to talking with you and scheduling an interview.”
For even more tips and tricks related to closing your cover letter in style, check out our blog post here: How to close a cover letter.
Please contact me to schedule a personal interview, as I am eager to speak with you about your projects and the many ways I can contribute to maintaining AvantGarde Designs reputation for architecture excellence.
Sincerely,
Jordan Leclair
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