In a previous article, How To Write The Perfect Architecture Resume (CV), I covered all of the things you should do when preparing a successful resume. However, it is just as important to know the things you should avoid.

Remember, you only get one chance at a good first impression. Even if you’re qualified for the position, an innocent, simple mistake on your architecture resume can really kill your chances of getting an interview.

I put this list together to help not only the job rookies but also the veterans that can make these same mistakes. So here are my top seven mistakes that will destroy a successful architecture resume (CV).

Mistake #1: Not Explaining What YOU Have Done

One of the biggest and most common mistakes I see with architecture resumes is the candidate does not clearly explain his or her experience. Often this comes in the form of a detailed project description instead of emphasizing individual contributions.

For example, explaining a particular building feature without actually mentioning if you had anything to do with it. We become so involved with our projects we forget that outsiders have no idea what we have worked on.

While it may be obvious to you that you designed a particular cladding detail, the hiring manger may not understand. Then, without even giving you a chance, dismiss your application for being irrelevant.

Remember you are not trying to teach the hiring manager about a project you are trying to teach them about YOU.

How to avoid this mistake:

Use action verbs for each of your resume bullets, that clearly show how you got things done. Examples such as: Led, Created, Delivered, Managed, Implemented, Increased, Achieved, Organized, etc.

Since obviously a building can't create or lead, these words will be a constant reminder to focus on your accomplishments and skills.

Mistake #2: Too Long

I once saw a job candidate with one year of experience submit a five-page resume. That is insane. Even if you have 50 years of experience your resume should be no longer than one page (maybe two pages under very special circumstances).

Question: "But I have so much experience and won so many awards, how can it possibly be so short?"

Answer: A resume is not a list of every single thing you have ever accomplished in your life. It is a concise checklist of the skills and experiences you have acquired that are relevant to the position you are applying.

How to avoid this mistake:

A successful architecture resume should just give a taste of your experience, so that an employer will want to learn more in the form of an in-person interview.

Leave out irrelevant or minute details that won’t lift you up as a candidate. Describe your job duties in enough detail to give the employer a good idea of your general responsibilities.

I am a big fan of bullet points to help the hiring manager focus on your accomplishments.

Mistake #3: Including Irrelevant Information

Your resume should be focused, concise and emphasize achievements and skills that fit the job you’re applying. Often this is a problem because candidates are trying to create a generic resume that can be sent to 300 architecture firms without having to create different versions. Unfortunately, the easy route is often the route to continued unemployment.

There also seems to be some confusion on what work experience to include on a professional resume. Especially if you are just coming out of architecture school you feel obligated to put any job down on the page. However, the fact that you worked at a fast food restaurant is unlikely to help your job prospects.

How to avoid this mistake:

Do your best to customize your resume for each position. If you are applying based on a job posting, use the process I outline here to create a targeted resume for the role.

The problem of unrelated previous jobs can be solved by being more creative with your past experience. Are there volunteer activities you took part in? Helped build something? Finished a project on time? Took part in a design competition?

These types of "jobs" are much more likely to be relevant to an architecture firm than flipping burgers.

Mistake #4: Using Too Many Graphics

The topic of graphic resumes seems to be a particularly heated debate. Some candidates swear by them and claim they are the future. While graphic resumes may be the future, they are definitely not working in the present.

Don't get me wrong, I think graphic resumes look cool but they often send the wrong message. Take this snippet below.