How long should an architecture CV be?

An architecture CV should be no longer than two pages, regardless of experience level. Hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds on an initial scan, so every line must earn its place — a third page signals poor editing, not rich experience.

What should an architecture CV include?

An architecture CV must lead with software proficiency, RIBA stage experience, and project sector — these are the three things hiring managers check in the first pass. Supporting details like project descriptions, education, and professional memberships follow, but burying your software stack below a personal statement is the single most common reason qualified architects fail the initial cut.

What is the best architecture CV template format?

The best architecture CV template for most applications is a clean, structured document using standard fonts and no graphic frames, text boxes, or icon rows for software skills. ATS systems used by mid-to-large practices automatically reject CVs built in heavily designed InDesign templates, meaning a straightforward layout is the safer default for any practice using automated screening.

Should an architecture CV be designed or plain?

For most practice applications, a lightly formatted, ATS-compatible architecture CV outperforms a heavily designed one. Applicant Tracking Systems cannot reliably parse text embedded in graphic frames or custom columns, so a visually elaborate CV may never reach a human reader — the ArchAdemia CV Exporter is built around this principle, producing clean, structured output that passes automated screening.

How do I tailor my architecture CV to a specific practice?

Tailoring an architecture CV means matching your listed project sectors, RIBA stage experience, and software skills to the specific project types a practice works on — a residential specialist and a commercial practice are not looking for the same candidate. Generic CVs that make no reference to a practice's portfolio are the most common reason qualified architects don't get interviews, even when their experience is directly relevant.

Where should software skills appear on an architecture CV?

Software skills should appear near the top of an architecture CV, visible within the first half-page without scrolling. Architects who bury Revit, ArchiCAD, or Rhino competency beneath a design philosophy paragraph routinely fail the initial 7-second scan, because software proficiency is one of the first three things a hiring manager looks for.

What is an ATS and does it affect architecture CVs?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by mid-to-large practices and recruitment agencies to screen CVs automatically before a human reviews them, filtering candidates by keyword matching. ATS systems reject CVs containing text boxes, graphics, or non-standard fonts, which means a heavily designed architecture CV template can disqualify a candidate before any human sees it.

Can I use the same CV for every architecture job application?

Using an identical CV for every architecture application significantly reduces your chances of getting an interview. Each submission should be adjusted to reflect the practice's project type, scale, and the specific RIBA stages listed in the job description — the ArchAdemia CV Exporter is designed to make this tailoring process faster without rebuilding your CV from scratch each time.

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How to Write an Architecture CV That Gets You Hired

8 April 2026By Jack Johnson

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How to Write an Architecture CV That Gets You Hired

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