That's also the problem with a lot of federal jobs--they're not real.  I
don't know how many times I've applied to jobs with the Park Service
only to be told that "funding" was cut or they've re-evaluation the need
for the position, and then I've seen some positions that *were*
full-time permanent come back as term or temporary positions.  Yes--less
than 2 weeks, I'll believe they already have someone in mind.  Just my
$0.02, and I'm not a personnel person--just someone who's learned
through doing....

Amy Marshall
Curator
Ft. Bliss Archaeological Collection

My own opinions--not those of my employer.
> ----------
> From:         Laura Mahoney[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Museum discussion list
> Sent:         Friday, January 16, 1998 9:10 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: questions on posted jobs -Reply
>
> I was thinking the same thing.  At least at the Smithsonian, flags
> should
> go off if a position is only open for 2 weeks.  Even within my own
> office,
> we have had open positions which we were required to advertise for
> when all along it was know who would be hired.  For Smithsonian and
> Federal jobs, I generally won't even bother to apply unless the
> position is
> open for longer than 2 weeks.  Another suggestion... I will generally
> try
> to call someone I know at the museum and ask them to find out if the
> position is "real."  It is surprising how many are not.
>
> --------------------------
> Laura M. Mahoney
> Grant/Contract Specialist
> Office of Sponsored Projects, Smithsonian Institution
> 955 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7400
> Washington, D.C. 20560
> Voice: (202) 287-2170;  FAX: (202) 287-3707
> E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
>
> >>> Ross Weeks <[log in to unmask]> 01/16/98 10:20am >>>
> The question is raised about why so many museum job postings allow
> very
> little time for someone to submit an application, and the anticipated
> "start date" for the successful applicant isn't mentioned.
>
> Are many, if not most, of these postings simply an effort by the
> museums
> to
> be able to verify that their openings were "advertised" widely in the
> effort to seek non-traditional applicants, i.e., to comply with
> affirmative
> action policies?
>
> In so many cases, I am afraid, the museum has already pre-selected
> someone
> for a job but either government regulation or museum policy requires
> that
> every vacancy be advertised.  I'd be curious how many museums really
> do
> open their best positions to all who might be
> qualified/interested....and
> then select from that pool without prior familiarity with the
> applicants.
>