Trying to land your first architecture or interiors role is hard enough without guessing what hiring managers, directors and recruiters actually look for.

In this practical lecture, Stephen Drew breaks down how students and graduates can approach the job search with a clearer CV, tighter sample portfolio and a direct application process that creates more chances.

The conversation covers:

  • How to stop relying only on job boards and reach studios directly
  • What to put in a focused sample portfolio
  • How to write a clear application email that gets opened
  • How international graduates can talk about graduate visas and sponsorship
  • What to prepare for interviews, salary conversations and follow-up

Read the episode on Architecture Social: How to Land Your First Architect Role

Watch on YouTube: How to Land Your First Architect Role

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Chapters

  • 00:00 Stephen's route from architecture into recruitment
  • 01:31 What hiring teams notice in CVs and portfolios
  • 04:59 Where students usually look for jobs
  • 08:28 Tailoring applications without overthinking it
  • 11:09 Why the application email matters
  • 15:04 CV basics, location and contact details
  • 20:12 Sample portfolios versus interview portfolios
  • 25:04 Building a spreadsheet and applying directly
  • 30:21 Market conditions and persistence
  • 34:30 Q&A begins
  • 39:29 Graduate visas and sponsorship conversations
  • 45:56 Salary expectations and fair pay
  • 50:15 Skills, value and early-career growth
  • 55:12 What to bring to interviews
  • 60:09 Grades, CV details and honest positioning
  • 70:09 What to leave out and how to stay credible
  • 79:01 LinkedIn, recruiters and direct approaches

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Architecture Social

Find more architecture career advice, practice insight and live roles at Architecture Social.

Explore more conversations on the Architecture Social Podcast, browse free resources at Architecture Social Resources, or join the community at Architecture Social Club.

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