How to Write an Architectural Draftsman Resume (with Sample)

Updated 29 July 2023

A draftsperson prepares technical drawings or plans for building and infrastructure projects. They have strong IT and industry knowledge to use design software for converting sketches into detailed drawings. Learning how to create a comprehensive draftsperson resume may help you impress hiring managers with your skills and experience and improve your chances of getting an interview. In this article, we explain how to write an architectural draftsman resume and provide a template and an example to guide you.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

What is an architectural draftsman?

An architectural draftsman, also known as a draftsperson or architectural drafter, turns architectural ideas into accurate technical drawings that construction or urban specialists use to build, convert or renovate buildings, areas and interiors. They work for architects, supporting them during the design stage. The role involves both traditional and modern methods to create technical drawings. For example, they know how to produce drawings to a specific scale and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce 2D and 3D models that present an architect's initial idea for a building.

How to write an architectural draftsman resume

Knowing how to prepare an architectural draftsman resume is a skill that you may use at least a few times throughout your career. This process helps you make sure you include all elements of your resume in the right order and present your qualifications in an easy-to-understand and efficient way. Here's how to write a resume as an architectural draftsperson:

1. Review the job description

Before writing your resume, carefully review the job description. Read through the entire text several times to understand what phrasing the employer uses to describe their expectations and the ideal candidate's qualifications. As you're reviewing it, list role-specific keywords that appear in the job description. These are words or short phrases that describe the role's responsibilities and skills. Using them in your resume may help you appear as a suitable candidate.

Here are examples of keywords for an architectural draftsperson:

building information modelling (BIM)
CAD software
architectural drawing
technical documentation.

2. Create your resume heading

To start, create a header for your resume, which you place at the top of the page. Write your full name in a slightly bigger font than the rest of your document to make identifying your resume easier for hiring managers. Also mention your highest qualification if you have one. Write your phone number, email address and location on the second line.

3. Write a professional summary

Next, write your professional summary. In a few sentences, introduce yourself and mention some notable career accomplishments, such as projects you worked on. Highlight any certifications you have, such as software qualifications that the employer requires for the job. Make the summary dynamic by using action verbs.

Here are examples of action words suitable for an architectural draftsperson:

created
modified
advised
interpreted.

4. Describe your experience

Use the next section of the resume to describe your work experience in reverse chronological order. Starting with the latest or current position, provide your job title and dates of employment. On the next line, write the name of the company and its location. Use bullet points to describe each role's primary responsibilities descriptively.

As a draftsperson who works in architecture, it's beneficial to mention you have experience working with clients or supporting the work of an architect. This demonstrates that you know how to analyse architectural briefs and use your communication skills to produce satisfactory work for clients or your supervisor. Additionally, specify the types of techniques you've used to draft drawings or projects where architects used your work.

5. List your skills

A skills section shows employers that you have the necessary soft and hard skills to succeed as a draftsperson. If an employer wants to decide between 2 candidates with similar educational backgrounds, they may use the candidates' professional abilities to choose which one advances to the next level of the recruitment process. To create a skills section, list your soft and hard abilities.

Here are example skills that may help you impress hiring managers:

advanced proficiency in CAD and BIM systems
fundamentals of sketching and design
analytical abilities
mathematical aptitude.

6. Mention your education

Highlight your educational background. Start by listing your degree and major. On the same line, write the name of the school or university you attended. Suitable vocational programs for architectural drafters include courses in building design or digital drafting.

7. Include your certifications

In addition to emphasising your formal education, it's beneficial to show employers that you invest in your professional growth. You can do this by listing any certifications or software certificates you have earned. For example, you might have an advanced AutoCAD certificate or have completed a course in virtual and augmented reality.

Resume template

Using a template is a time-efficient way to create your resume. It also helps you make sure you use the right formatting and put all the necessary information in the correct order. Here's a resume template you may use:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Degree and Major] | [Name of School or University]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Example resume for an architectural draftsman

Studying example resumes allows you to understand what hiring managers and employers expect from yours. Here's an example resume for an architectural draftsperson:

Daniel Bryson
(07) 5550 9348 | D.Bryson@gmail.com | Brisbane, QLD

Professional Summary
Architectural drafter with experience working alongside architects creating commercial and residential building projects. Advanced proficiency in CAD software and BIM systems and over 5 years of experience creating accurate renderings in high-volume environments. Seeking a position to use my drafting knowledge and further improve my project coordination skills.

Experience

Architectural Drafter | June 2020–Current
Sunny & Son Architects | Brisbane, QLD

Creating designs and blueprints using CAD software according to architects' or the client's specifications
Rendering schematics to produce realistic 2D and 3D models for client consultations and idea-pitching meetings
Supporting new members of staff by providing them with training and ongoing advice in CAD and BIM systems
Achieving client objectives by overseeing schematic designs and assembling data
Participating in project planning meetings to create project schedules and drafting milestones

Junior Architectural Drafter | January 2017–June 2020
Building Your Dreams | Brisbane, QLD

Used project specifications to add utility information to architectural drawings
Created over 70 illustrative reports to demonstrate project costs, materials, schedule and building drawings
Assisted with other architectural or CAD day-to-day tasks, as necessary

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Architectural Design | Queensland University

Certifications

Advanced CAD software, Architectural Technologies Association – 2021