Architect Cover Letter & Writing Guide

As an architect, you’re used to juggling massive blueprints, polishing 3D models, and dealing with accidental coffee spills. You also know how to handle mountains of all kinds of documents, so writing an architecture cover letter shouldn’t be too difficult.

Crafting an attention-grabbing cover letter requires precision and finesse, much like trying to strategically position windows to capture the perfect view. It’s a document where structure meets eloquence and creativity mixes with professionalism. And, logically, a well-written architecture cover letter can also be the foundation for your career’s progress.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide that will teach you all you need to know about cover letters. You’ll learn everything from general rules to professional tips and tricks. Let’s get started! 

How to Format an Architecture Cover Letter

A good thing about cover letters is that there’s an established format to follow while writing them. This format stays the same for all candidates, whether you’re writing an architectural designer cover letter or a cover letter for a BIM architect. It goes like this:

By following this structure while writing your architecture cover letter, you’ll end up with a concise document packed with valuable information. You’ll show hiring managers everything they want to see in the most effective order.

Now, let’s see how you can make your document visually captivating by utilizing a professional cover letter layout:

How to Write an Architecture Cover Letter

Now that you know the general guidelines regarding the format and layout of your architecture cover letter, you might be tempted to start drafting. However, if you stick around for a few moments longer, you’ll learn how to get every section of your document right, down to the sign-off.

To help you visualize this guide, here’s a graphic depiction of a cover letter template:

#1. Add Contact Information in the Header

The contact information section is one of the easiest to write. There’s no need to get creative. You should simply include the following details in your cover letter header:

After your details, you should include the date of writing before adding the recipient’s information. It’s vital to try to find their real name to include both here and in the cordial greeting. People are much more likely to respond to their names, making this a great way to stand out in the crowd of candidates.

Now let’s check out an example of a contact information section:

#2. Greet the Hiring Manager

Here’s a simple yet strong way to greet the hiring manager:

As you can see, there’s no need to overcomplicate it. The important thing is to mention their name, which you hopefully found while researching the company. If you didn’t manage to do that, you can swap the recipient’s name for their title. What you should avoid is the generic “To whom it may concern,” as it feels too distant and impersonal.

#3. Emphasize Your Achievements in the Introduction

The first paragraph of your architecture cover letter is often the most important. That’s because many hiring managers have lots of cover letters to go through. As a result, they leaf through them until one grabs their attention.

You want to be the one that stops hiring managers in their tracks and convinces them to give your cover letter their full attention. To achieve that, start your cover letter with a couple of your most impressive accomplishments. Give them a taste of your capabilities, and they’ll keep reading to find out more about you.

Let’s see that in an example:

#4. Elaborate on Why You’re the Right Fit

One of the biggest reasons for writing a cover letter is to show that you’re the right person for the specific job. Architecture is a vast field, so whether you’re creating a junior architect cover letter, an architecture cover letter for an internship, or that for a senior position, you’ll need to highlight different sets of skills and experiences.

As a result, most of your writing should involve those abilities and competencies that will help you perform the role that you’re applying for.

Here’s a good example:

For bonus points, you can explain how the company that you’re interested in is a good fit for you too. To achieve that, you can mention something about them that truly resonates with you, such as their goals and aspirations, work ethic, or similar.

Let’s see that in an example:

#5. Add a Call to Action

So, you’ve written an architecture cover letter with a strong introduction and a compelling midsection. How do you capitalize on that with a powerful finish? The answer is simple: end your cover letter with a call to action in the last paragraph.

Here’s how you can do that:

#6. Write a Formal Closing

After finishing the body of your architecture cover letter, it’s time to close it just the way you opened it—briefly and formally. There are several ways to do that, including:

After that, add your name, and you’re done. Here’s an example:

#7. Proofread the Cover Letter

The final step in the writing process involves proofreading. This allows you to spot and correct any potential mistakes you could’ve made. Moreover, by proofreading a cover letter, you can ensure you’ve included all the important details that can help your application.

Furthermore, proofreading a cover letter can help you better tailor it to the job ad. Lastly, it’s a great way to check whether you’ve merely repeated the content of your architect resume or actually added new, valuable information.

Architecture Cover Letter Example

Use this example

Let’s check out a complete example of a senior architect cover letter.

Closing Thoughts

And that’s all there is to it!

Wielding the tools of professionalism and creativity, coupled with a bit of guidance sprinkled throughout this article, you’ll be able to write an outstanding architecture cover letter.

Remember not to treat this document as just another piece of paper. Instead, think of it as a portal into your personal architectural world. Use it to showcase what makes you good at what you do and highlight your unique blend of prowess and artistry.

The rest is up to you. Sharpen your pencils, dust off your keyboards, and write with flair and precision—the job of your dreams might be one cover letter away.