How to write a solution architect CV (with example)

A solution architect is a professional who develops a technical vision for a specific solution to a business issue. They play a vital role in organisations that want to align their business goals with their IT services, products, software, and infrastructure. Learning how to write an impressive CV for this type of role can help you stand out amongst other applicants so recruiters can notice you. In this article, we explain what a solution architect is, outline how to create a solution architect CV and offer a template and example CV.

What is a solution architect?

A solution architect, sometimes called a system architect, is an information technology professional who is responsible for helping companies find solutions to specific problems. They analyse business requirements and design applications and systems to align with the company's goals. Then they integrate them into the current IT environment. A solution architect may act as a liaison between clients, stakeholders and other IT employees to make sure that everyone understands a project's requirements and expectations.

Solution architects can find employment in most environments that depend on computer networks and systems for their operations, including large corporations, universities, IT firms, government agencies and data management firms. They often work within a larger solution development team to create technological solutions and implementation plans. Solution architects make the plans that a developer typically builds and installs and oversees the project from start to finish. Their duties may include the following:

• evaluating current systems architecture to pinpoint areas of improvement

• making recommendations regarding system upgrades

• creating new networking systems and processes

• testing current systems and conducting performance reports

• troubleshooting technology issues and repairing problems

• working with developers, system analysts and clients to establish business needs and develop effectual strategies

• integrating new hardware, software and other technological devices

• supervising the implementation of new systems

• outlining project scope, timelines and budget for the IT team and clients

• evaluating a company's technological vulnerabilities

• designing the look and function of new applications

• developing plans for scalability and long-term systems maintenance

• identifying opportunities for cost reduction

• ensuring the security of data and information and determining levels of accessibility

• presenting findings and recommendations to company stakeholders

• developing proof of concept

• understanding how a company operates and how individual employees fit into the organisational structure

What to include on a solution architect CV

Before starting to apply for a solution architect role, it's essential that you understand what to include in your CV. You can include this information :

• Name and contact information: Your contact information is often a critical element of your CV, as this is how an employer knows where to contact you if they would like to invite you for an interview.

• Personal statement: A personal statement or summary allows you to introduce yourself to the employer. It typically consists of one or two sentences that highlight your relevant qualifications and work experience.

• Key skills: A skills section on your CV is where you can list your relevant soft and hard skills as they relate to the role you're applying for. Typical skills for a solution architect include communication, analytical and organisational skills.

• Educational background: It's often important to include the details of your educational background as solution architects typically require the minimum of an undergraduate degree in information technology, computer science, software engineering or a related field.

• Work experience: Employers are likely to look for candidates with relevant work experience. Therefore, it's important that you include a list of your most recent and relevant work experience with details of previous employers and your previous responsibilities.

Related: How To Write an Architect CV (With Template and Example)

How to write a solution architect CV

Here are seven steps you can follow to write a solution architect CV so you may stand out to recruiters:

1. Include your contact information

Be sure to add your contact information at the top of your CV. This typically includes your first and last name followed by your home address, email address and contact number. It's often important to make sure your email address is professional and all your information is current.

2. Add a personal summary

A personal summary can help the employer determine whether you have the qualifications required for the role. You may want to tailor your personal summary to the specific role you're applying for. It's often a good idea to review the job description and the company's website to find out more about its goals and objectives and what it's looking for in a candidate.

Related: How to become a software architect: definition and steps

3. Include your educational background

As many employers typically want to see at least an undergraduate degree, it's important to include a section detailing your educational qualifications. You can include any relevant degrees, certifications and courses you've taken. For each qualification, include the name of the university or institution you attended, the name of the degree or course you completed, your field of study and the dates you attended.

Related: What is a computer science degree? (With skills and careers)

4. Include your relevant work experience

You may want to list your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent employer. It's typically appropriate to include the job's location and include a few bullet points summarising your duties and responsibilities. A work history section typically allows prospective employers to understand your career path and review your suitability for the role.

Related: How to become a data architect? (Plus career advancement tips)

5. Add a skills section

You can add a skills section listing your relevant hard and soft skills. You can review the job description, note the skills they require and include any that you possess in your CV. Solution architects typically require technical skills in programming in addition to other interpersonal and communication skills.

Related: IT skills: definition and examples

6. Include relevant keywords

Many organisations, especially large corporations, use special recruiting software to scan their applicants' CVs to find relevant keywords. You can review the job description and note how they describe the position. Then you can identify any frequently used words and phrases to incorporate into your CV. It's often important to use the same language to describe your skills and previous work experience.

7. Review and edit your CV

Before submitting your resume, be sure to proofread it and review the formatting to ensure consistency. It's important when applying for any role that you submit a CV that is free of spelling mistakes or other errors. You may consider asking people in your network, such as friends, family members or colleagues you trust to review your resume and provide feedback.

Solution architect CV template

It's a good idea to use a reverse chronological format for your CV, as this communicates your skills and experience to the person reviewing your CV. You can use this template as a guide to creating your solution architect CV:

[First name] [Last name]

[Home address]

[Email address]

[Phone number]

Summary

[One or two sentences introducing your CV and demonstrating your suitability for the role]

Work experience

[Job title]

[Name of employer]

[Employer's location]

[Employment dates]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

[Job title]

[Name of employer]

[Employer's location]

[Employment dates]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

• [Duties and responsibilities]

Education

[Name of institution or university]

[Location]

[Name of degree and field of study]

[Years attended]

Key skills

• [Hard or soft skill]

• [Hard or soft skill]

• [Hard or soft skill]

Certifications

• [Certification, date obtained]

• [Certification, date received]

Example solution architect CV

Here is an example of a solution architect CV that you can use as a guide when creating your own:

Sam Jones

London, UK

Samjones@email.com

07788 112233

Summary

Junior solution architect with 10 of years experience working in the technology industry. I previously worked as an IT business analyst which provided me with a good understanding of how to meet business goals. AWS-certified with skills in programming languages including Python.

Experience

Junior Solutions Architect

ABC COMPANY

London, UK

May 2017–July 2019

• managing servers

• implementing quality assurance protocols

• monitoring existing architectural frameworks and testing functionality and performance

• keeping up to date with latest industry knowledge and news to improve business platforms

• communicating architectural plans across all departments

IT Business Analyst

Jones Company

London, UK

May 2013–April 2017

• collected, analysed and expressed over 150 business requirements for software applications according to practical and project management goals

• conducted data analysis to clarify business issues and their financial significance

• recommended amendments to support business units to improve processes

Education

University of St Andrews

St Andrews, UK

Computer Science BSc (Hons)

September 2007–June 2011

Skills

• Python

• Jira

• SQL

• authentication systems

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

Related:

• Common Solution Architect Interview Questions (With Answers)