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Resumes, Cover Letters & Portfolios
[Writing Your Resume & Cover Letter]
[Creating Your Portfolio]
[Where to Go for Help With Your Resume, Cover Letter and Portfolio]
Writing Your Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter represent your first opportunity to sell yourself as a great fit for a potential employer. They function as marketing materials that highlight the key experiences and skills that you have to offer an organization. Effective resumes and cover letters are tailored to demonstrate your motivation, creativity and knowledge about the organization.
•Resume & Cover Letter Writing Handout (PDF)
•Resumes & Cover Letters for Architectural Designers (PDF)
•Resume Review Checklist (PDF)
Creating Your Portfolio
A portfolio is an additional way to showcase your past experience. Portfolios are usually expected for positions in creative fields such as architectural design, graphic design, fashion design, studio art, advertising and public relations. A portfolio can showcase visual and written work. For instance, an architecture portfolio might include schematic drawings and photographs of models; a public relations portfolio might include business writing samples such as a press release or situation analysis.

The first step in creating your portfolio is to document your work. You should keep high-quality copies or photos of work you’ve done for studio, classes or at summer internships. If you are unsure of what to include in your portfolio, ask a faculty member for help.

Architecture students should also create work sample pages. These “mini portfolios” are often one to two pages in length and are sent to prospective employers along with your resume and cover letter.

•Portfolio Samples (COMING SOON!) (PDF)
•Work Sample Pages (COMING SOON!) (PDF)
Where to Go for Help with Your Resume, Cover Letter & Portfolio
Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop
Learn essential formatting styles and techniques, including how to make your materials most effective. Check out our Calendar of Events to RSVP for a workshop date and time.

Quick Questions
Come by the Career Center to have your resume and/or cover letter reviewed. Our feedback will ensure that your materials are focused, concise and visually appealing. Just stop by - no appointment needed!
157 Umrath Hall 12:00 - 8:00 pm Monday & Tuesday
  12:00 - 5:00 pm Wednesday - Friday
324 Lopata Hall 2:30 - 5:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday  
110 Givens Hall By appointment  

Engineering Technical Writing Center
Get technical resumes and summary statements reviewed at the Technical Writing Center. Call 935-5494 to make an appointment.
Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Job
Go beyond the basics to learn how to construct a tailored, well-written cover letter. Check out our Calendar of Events to RSVP for a workshop date and time.
Portfolio Workshops
Workshops and events are held throughout the year to help architecture and art students put together and gain feedback on their design portfolios. Check out our Calendar of Events to RSVP for a workshop date and time.
Advising
Meet with an advisor for individualized attention and feedback that goes beyond a quick question. Call 935-5930 to make an appointment.
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Washington University Career Center
157 Karl Umrath Hall * 324 Lopata Hall * 120 Bixby Hall
Phone: 314.935.5930 * Fax: 314.935.5905
* E-mail: careers@wustl.edu