Motivational letter

Let me explain what it is!

A motivation letter tells YOUR story, gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what interests you and what drives you, as well as your enthusiasm for working for the company. Through the motivation letter you can show that you fit thecompany’s needs, values and culture: emphasize your knowledge and your strongest and most relevant skills for the position.

Explain why you want to intern/work for this particular company and what you can give to it.

Structure:

Reason for writing:

“I read with great interest your recent announcement of a new position at your architectural firm and feel that I would be an ideal candidate for this position”

Why do you want to work for them:

“I really like your work <list and explain why>. / I really like so-and-so’s project because <explanation>. / I like this technique <explain which> and I would like to learn it.”

Emphasize your skills:

“I have knowledge in <describe your skills and knowledge: construction, building economy, codes, etc>, and I also know <list of programs you know>. I consider myself as <emphasize your soft-skills and describe your qualities as a professional>.”

Bottom line:

End the letter politely! For example, “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this role with you and am available for a conversation at any time. Thank you for your time and consideration.”.

Interview

A portfolio is only part of your “test” in your job search. Generally, people are looking to add like-minded people to their team who are willing to fight alongside them for a common idea. In that sense, the interview helps you and the employer get to know each other better.

After reviewing and evaluating your portfolio, the employer weighs the pros and cons and then decides whether or not to meet you in person. During the interview, more attention is paid to human qualities, which are also known as soft skills.

At the interview, tell them what you already know and what you would like to learn on the job. You will also be asked about your experience from your CV, you will be asked to present your portfolio again and to tell them more about each project or what is most important to you. At such meetings you have the opportunity to show your “professional portrait” and the employer will already have an impression of you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What motivated you to get into architecture?
• What is your experience in architecture?
• Tell us about one of your projects
• Present your portfolio to us
• Why did you choose us?
• What kind of projects would you like to work on?
• What are you most interested in working on? In our company?
• What project did you like most in our bureau?

Strategies to stand out from the competitors when applying for a job

• Create a unique portfolio: Include projects in your portfolio that showcase YOUR unique skills and creativity. This way the employer will see YOU as a person, not a “robot”. It could be a visualization, a drawing, a building project, or even a research paper.Yes, you can rely on references, but that doesn’t mean blindly copying. For example, some people add artistic details to their portfolio, and some like to leave more “white space”.
• Participate in competitions and workshops: participate in a wide variety of events and competitions! Not only does this help you develop your skills, but it also builds connections with architectural professionals and brings your work to the attention of architects.Almost every project, whether it wins or not, ends up on a website or social media. For example, we found some of our projects on Pinterest, which shows the company your activity and interest in the profession.
• Networking: meet people from the world of architecture! The same events or competitions are a great option for networking.Active participation in architectural events can expand your opportunities: you may be offered a collaboration, a job, maybe even a project.
• Constant learning and development: our profession is constantly changing. So always keep up with the latest trends in architecture and learn new skills and techniques. Books, arch. events, meetings – there are so many options!
• Know how to present your work: this skill makes you very different from your competitors!It’s important not only to create a cool design, but also to be able to effectively present it and defend the idea, drawing attention to your projects.

Developing your style

• Identify your unique traits and strengths. We all have them and they are all different. It could be certain techniques, interests, design approaches, or types of projects you are particularly strong at. For example, one of us always in favor of engaging design. That is, working with the local, with the residents of the site or surrounding areas. We use this vision everywhere: in interviews, in competitions, and in my work.Your characteristics and strengths should be reflected in your portfolio. Again – through your portfolio, try to build a portrait of yourself. Not only as a professional, but as a person.
• Create a unique visual style. Your visual style should reflect your personality and uniqueness as an architect. It should be evident throughout your portfolio. You don’t have to do the same projects, but be sure to add YOUR visual style.Do you like to use pastel colors? Or futuristic architecture? Then show it off. Don’t change just to fit the company’s criteria.
• Developing a personal brand. A topic I started exploring just last month. Your personal brand should reflect your uniqueness and what you offer as an architect. It can include your name, logo, slogan, and other visual and perhaps ideational elements that reflect your identity.For example, Kengo Kuma is about wood. And BIG is about innovation and climate change.

So how do you find your style?

Look at different instagram or pinterest pages, try different project ideas in competitions, network at workshops and see what others are doing and how they are doing it. From there, pull only what is close to you and use it in your Teal. As YOU see it.