How To Write The Perfect Landscape Architect Resume
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How To Write The Perfect Landscape Architect Resume
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The perfect landscape architect resume takes your most notable skills and applies them specifically to the position to which you are applying.
One of the best things you can have from a potential landscape architecture office is a detailed outline of the position they are hoping to fill.
This is often accessible for an online application, however you can likewise find out what they are searching for by contacting the employment admin or HR rep directly.
To help you with your architecture job search, I've created a mega-pack of free resources that includes architecture resumes, cover letters, and an extensive collection of application documents.
How To Write The Perfect Landscape Architect Resume
Note: the biggest mistakes I see on job applications are grammar errors, so I recommend using Grammarly. Other programs fix spelling errors but Grammarly does much more by checking contextual spelling and vocabulary.
Since it is a Chrome plugin it works anywhere you are writing online - Gmail, LinkedIn, etc. It is a great tool for perfecting your architecture resume and cover letter. And it's FREE! (The Premium version is even better).
Check it out here: Grammarly.com
Here is an example of a current landscape architect job I found on the web. I just changed the area and name of the firm.
LS Firm is looking for a highly-motivated individual fluent in the language of natural, built and planned environments. The interested professional should seek responsibility, be detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to take on challenges and grow with our Design Team.
As a fully-competent landscape architect, the individual filling this position will oversee the preparation of landscape architectural plans, specifications and renderings, consult with manufacturers, evaluate and select materials, and field inspect completed improvements. This position is expected to be able to market and help win new work.
Desired Skills / Experience:
Licensed / Professional Landscape Architect
5+ years of landscape architectural design and planning experience
Ability to market new work identifying both short term and long term opportunities
Knowledgeable in GIS, AutoCAD, Land FX, Adobe Suite, Sketch Up and Microsoft Office
Desire to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment
Participate in a variety of project scales, including large scale land planning, downtown revitalization and urban design, new community planning, institutional and campus site planning and landscape architecture projects;
Analysis of physical and environmental features of a site
Analysis of planned projects for opportunities and constraints, and review projects for code compliance;
Understand site development capacity and limitations
Translate development programs into detailed land use and site plans
Prepare illustrative concept images, schematic design plans and construction documents including grading plan, layout plan, paving plan, planting plan, lighting plan, drainage plan, construction details and specifications;
Integrate innovative sustainable design strategies and construction methods into project work at the planning level and in specific site design
Assess locally available and locally sourced materials for landscape projects, including native plant species and commercial availability
Research innovative construction methods and materials
Construction administration including review for contractor compliance with construction documents and answer any contractor questions
Assist in coordination with external consultants and communication with clients
Overnight travel may be necessary
This is clearly a long description and a large portion of it is immaterial to building your landscape architect resume. Your first task is to remove the portions that are not essential.
I split the description into two classifications: skills / experience and qualifications.
I then tidied it up into the MOST IMPORTANT points:
Skills / Experience
5+ years of landscape architectural design and planning experience
Knowledgeable in GIS, AutoCAD, Land FX, Adobe Suite, Sketch Up and Microsoft Office
Review projects for code compliance
Translate development programs into detailed land use and site plans
Prepare illustrative concept images, schematic design plans and construction documents
Create grading plan, layout plan, paving plan, planting plan, lighting plan, drainage plan, construction details and specifications
Integrate innovative sustainable design strategies
Construction administration including review for contractor compliance with construction documents and answer any contractor questions
Qualifications
Licensed / Professional Landscape Architect
Now that is something we can work with.
Interestingly they do not list a college degree as a requirement. I am happy to see that companies are coming around to the fact that real world experience is what counts in today's work environment.
The only real requirement is the license, all of the other points are flexible. I often tell candidates if they meet approximately 75% of the requirements it is worth your time applying.
Make the connection
Now that you have the job description narrowed down to the key components, you can us these points to make the connection between your experience and what they are looking for in this role.
For instance:
Translate development programs into detailed land use and site plans.
Have you translated a development program into a site plan? If so, it is a straightforward method to add to your resume as shown below. If not, you may have to be more creative when writing your resume responsibilities.
For example, you may have reviewed the development program on a project but didn't draw the site plan. In this case you should focus on what you DID produce and combine it with one of the other key skills they are looking for:
Created a client Powerpoint presentation highlighting the innovative sustainable design strategies required in the development program.
Sort by project
I suggest you divide your landscape architect resume by project. Give a short description of each project alongside your key responsibilities:
The City Library
Dallas, TX
1.2 million sq. ft., $250 million public library
Created the landscape site plans based on the development programs provided
Developed the landscape design from concept to construction documents working with a team of architects and consultants
This technique will address the points in the job description and create a resume that can be clearly understood by the hiring manager, showing that you are the right person for the job.
I hope this has been helpful for writing your landscape architect resume. If you have any questions please leave a comment below.
To help you with your architecture job search, I've created a mega-pack of free resources that includes architecture resumes, cover letters, and an extensive collection of application documents.
Thanks for reading, see also my posts on:
3 Tips to Get An Architecture Job With No Experience
Where To Apply For Architecture Jobs Online
The Two Page Architecture Portfolio
Good luck!
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
