The firm is not hiring
Right now.
Some firms are very pro-active about hiring and keep their websites updated on available positions. Others may’ve had a bad experience with an applicant who has somehow scuppered their trust.
Your application is weak
If your application letter is weak it will do you no good. It should have just a little bit about yourself. Show your potential employer that you can work hard and that you would be a valuable employee. Relevant work experience is also a plus.
Your experience is vague or irrelevant
Unless you’re a graduate or you’ve got few years experience, you will be expected to reach, stretch and articulate your experience in the application.
Even if your first job was on a particular project, unless you’re applying for a role in that project or similar ones, the details are unlikely to be relevant. If you’re not sure, ask your CV writer or career coach to clarify.
Try to use experience from your current or past roles to demonstrate transferrable skills and be specific about your experience. For example, if you describe writing code in your software dev role, include the type of code written, estimate coverage, whether you were given clear specs or it was open-ended etc.
Your experience is not a good "fit"
If you have a solid degree and work experience, you will be well qualified for most architecture jobs. And yet, as great as your experience may be, if it does not fit with this particular job, you stand very little chance of getting it.
Think of a job application more like a jigsaw puzzle. All the pieces need to fit together to make a good final product. If just one piece doesn’t fit, it will stick out like a sore thumb and no matter how well you have performed the other pieces, they will not compensate for your lack of experience in this particular field.
So before you even start writing an application, take the time to research the company you are applying to. Read the job ad and make sure they list all the requirements. Review your CV and make sure you include all the relevant experience and skills the company is looking for.
Concentrate your application around the skills and experiences that match the job description because it’s that criteria that the hiring manager will base her decision on.
You don't live nearby
The labor market is tighter than ever with top-notch designers available for every job advertised. Therefore, you may not get the job even if you are the best candidate.
If you live somewhere else, it may be best to take care your own interview and make sure they know that you will move to them, ASAP if they accept you. Otherwise, they will recruit from the local talent pool.
You can't work without a visa
Most countries offer working holiday visas, allowing young adults to travel and work part-time while having fun.
Have you considered applying for a working holiday visa in advance?
Bear in mind that this is not an option everywhere but it’s worth checking out. If your country offers it, you can use the time to get work experience. This can mean a faster, smoother transition from student to professional.
Your grammar is terrible
It is no surprise that the demand for qualified architects in the field is rife, but that doesn’t mean that employers will be able to ignore bad grammar.
Making typos is not “letting the creative spirit flow”, it is showing that you’re eager to hurry the process along and make a mistake … the wrong one.
If you write “I have worked as an Architects since graduation” instead of “I have worked as an architect since graduation”, you need to rethink your grammar.
You have graduated with architecture qualifications and worked in the field as an architect. Don’t write like a student who hasn’t yet graduated. If you write “I graduated from an architecture degree programme in 2009 having achieved third class honours. I then joined a well-reputed firm in 2012, where I have worked as an architects since graduation”, you’re showing focus, commitment and maturity.