How to Write the Perfect Architecture Cover Letter (Cover Letter Guideline)

Architects are primarily responsible for creating designs for commercial and residential construction projects. The architectural field is highly competitive, with jobs usually requiring applicants to go through a lengthy application process. Alongside a strong resume and portfolio, a strong architecture cover letter is a great way to boost the impact of your application and land you in the next stage of the application process! 

Essentially, an architect cover letter is a one-page letter that summarizes your skills, experience, education, and other qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for a job. A strong architect cover letter should go beyond rewriting your resume in a letter format and should instead use the space to elevate the content of your resume and form a connection with your employer.

Writing an architect cover letter can be a challenge, but it is worth the time as it can give you the edge against your competition. This article will break down the parts of an architect cover letter, and provide some key tips and tricks that you can use to take yours to the next level! We will also provide some sound samples and an architect cover letter template at the end to give you some perspective for writing your own. 

Architecture Cover Letter Examples

Let’s begin by going over some great examples of architecture cover letters!

Cover Letter for an Architect Job (General)

Cover Letter for an Architecture Internship

Fresh Graduate Architect Cover Letter

5 Sections in an Architecture Cover Letter

Writing a strong architecture cover letter can be simple! This section will break down the structure of an architecture cover letter and provide everything you need to know!

A complete architect cover letter will have the following parts! Make sure that you include all of them, as each section contributes unique and essential information to your overall cover letter!

Cover letter header

A complete cover letter header should be used in an architect's cover letter, at all times. Generally speaking, your architect's cover letterhead should follow the standard letterhead format. This includes your name and contact information, as well as the name and contact information of the hiring manager or employer to whom you are writing. 

A good way to boost the effectiveness of your architect cover letter in the context of connecting with your employer is to personally address your letter at every available instance. On your letterhead, for example, taking the time to find out the information of your addressee and personally writing to them helps to form a connection from the get-go!

Salutation

Similar to the cover letterhead, the salutation of your architect's cover letter should be personally addressed whenever possible. Formal salutations are the way to go in an architect cover letter, and here are some great examples!

• Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager/Employer’s last name]
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager/Employer’s full name]
  

In the event you are unable to source the name of your addressee, these nonspecific salutations are also great!

• Dear [Addressee’s job title]
• Greetings
  

Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph of your architect cover letter should briefly introduce and describe why you want the job. Remember, your architect cover letter is an extension of your personality and life experiences, so personalize this as much (or as little) as you feel is necessary! 

Body paragraph(s)

The body paragraphs of your architect cover letter are where you sell yourself. This section details your architectural experiences and qualifications and forms the link between your cover letter and your resume.

Closing paragraph

The closing paragraph of an architecture cover letter wraps up the entire letter and includes a strong call to action that demonstrates your proactivity as a candidate. 

Sign off

Finally, all architect cover letters sign off formally, in a similar fashion to your salutation. Here are some examples of how to do this: 

• Respectfully
• Sincerely
• Regards
• Yours sincerely
• Best regards

How to Write an Architecture Cover Letter 

Briefly introduce yourself and why you are writing.

In the introductory paragraph of your architect cover letter, succinctly describe yourself and your intentions for applying to the position. For some context, some good information to add to the introduction of your architect cover letter includes your years of experience, a key qualification you have, your interest in the position, and ways you can add value to the company. 

To illustrate our point, here is an example paragraph from an architecture intern's cover letter.

Explain the background qualifications that make you a great fit.

In the next paragraph of your architect cover letter, form a connection with your resume by explaining your background and qualifications in the context of the position you are applying for. Your architect cover letter should always aim to explain exactly how you can benefit the company. 

Here is an example from a junior architect's cover letter to illustrate this point:

Illustrate your skill proficiencies using past achievements.

Build on the description of your achievements in your architect cover letter by elaborating on the skills you have gained throughout them.

Cover letters for architect positions have a broad hard and soft skill set, so specifically including skills desired by the company is key! Don’t forget to consult the JD at every step! 

Here is an example of how you can illustrate your skills through your achievements. In this case, we are taking an excerpt from a standard application letter for an architecture job.

Pro tip: although hard skills are a great metric for your potential as a candidate, it is usually not enough. Remember, you are working in a team! Including some soft skills that balance out your professional character will boost your architect cover letter greatly!

Invite the recruiter to discuss further.

In the final section of an architect cover letter, restate your excitement for the job and express enthusiasm in hearing back from them at their earliest convenience. Finally, end your letter by thanking the hiring manager/employer for their time. 

Example: 

Architecture Cover Letter Template

It’s your turn! Use this architect cover letter template as a guide to writing your own!

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Architecture Internship

For the aspiring interns out there, this section is especially for you! Here are some key tips on how to write an architecture internship cover letter.

• Emphasize the architectural skills that you have.
  

Skills are essential in an architecture internship cover letter, especially since you are probably lacking professional experience. Here are some useful skills to include in your cover letter.

• Do research on the company’s past projects and mention it in your cover letter.
  

Do your best to connect with your employer in your architecture internship cover letter. A good way to do this is by conducting research on a past project done by the company and mentioning it in your letter. 

Example: I was drawn to your company in particular based on my admiration for the 123 Street apartment building project. Your use of texture and color to accentuate the dimensions of the building stood out as unique to me, and I wish to learn from a firm whose work I admire so much. 

• Make sure your cover letter is correct.
  

Ensure that all the parts of your architecture internship cover letter are included! Refer to the previous sections for reference when writing. 

• Show your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the field & position.
  

Throughout your architecture internship cover letter, demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the field and position. Firms looking to hire interns want to invest in those who show passion for their work because it will yield a stronger experience for them, as opposed to an individual simply looking to complete a degree or earn some pocket money. 

• Check all your attachments.
  

Make sure that you attach all the documents requested by the employer alongside your architect intern cover letter. Typically, employers will ask interns to submit a resume, portfolio, and 1-2 recommendations, depending on the exact nature of the internship

• Detail the exact reason you want this internship
  

Choosing where you do an internship and what you do it in is a critical step in the application process. Consider which firm you want to apply to and why you want to apply. Then, tailor your architect intern cover letter, especially towards that reason!

Conclusion

And there you have it! Remember, a well-written architect cover letter can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection in this highly competitive industry. Here are some key takeaways that you should keep in mind when writing your architect cover letter:

• Follow the architect's cover letter format to ensure all the necessary material is included
• Lean heavily into forming a connection with the employer through your cover letter and avoid it becoming a verbatim repetition of your resume

Ensure that you include an updated resume and portfolio alongside your architect's cover letter! CakeResume is the best free online resume builder that compile and consolidate all these documents in one place!