Applause to John Martinson's recent post on employment! Have we forgotten
how powerful a liberal arts degree can be in the job market these days?

We must, however, remember that letters behind one's name does not "qualify"
us for a job.  If the basic "employablilty" lessons have not been learned by
an applicant, no matter how academically qualified, the job search is that
much tougher!
 I have never been so aggrevated as I was when conducting an interview at
another museum with a candidate who knew nothing about my institution,
collecting scope, etc., presented an outdated resume, and showed up late.
It is a waste of my time, and resulted in me immediatly dismissing of the
notion to hire that applicant.

I think when we are trying to find jobs in the museum field, the best thing
we can do (other than remembering all those important general
employment/interview skills) is show the versatility of our experiences,
expertise and interests.  Of course, I am aware that, in many larger
institutions, specialized knowledge is what is required.  However, I think
the vast majority of people starting out are finding themselves in smaller
institutions where versatility is a MUST.

And don't forget one of the major issues in getting that first museum job,
especially at a small institution, is the ability to get along with people -
especially largely aging volunteer corps.  I have seen highly qualified
candidates with advanced degrees be shut out of jobs because the Board
Members perceived a sense of "I'm a professional and I know better than you.
When I get the job we'll be doing things much differently" from the
applicant.  BAD MOVE.  In my humble opinion, learning to work within
existing organizations to bring about change in a gradual, subtle way is a
major selling point for any job applicant.  Come in with too many "radical"
ideas (at least in the mind of the organization's Board), and your chances
are slim.

Like my father-in-law (who hired thousands of people during his career) used
to say:
"I can hire a monkey to do almost any job - the trick is keeping them from
fighting with the monkey in the next cage."

Good luck to all!
Melinda Gilpin
Harding Home

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