I'm pleased that the debate has moved to providing useful help to those
engaged in the job search.  Would those who have been successful in the
museum field and those hiring be willing to answer a few questions for
those searching?  It is true that many universities are not fully
helpful in the career search for this field.  Hopefully those in the
field can provide the information.

What non-site/museum specific skills, experience, personalities do you
look for or are most important?

What are some of the most common deficiencies (beyond experience) you've
encountered, and how do you suggest new museum professionals address
them?

Some recent postings have addressed the method of application, but are
there further "rules" an applicant should be aware of?

When is it appropriate to use new technologies, fax/e-mail?  this
information is often provided in postings.

References are an important part of museum applications.  Any
suggestions for handling them?  Resumes and cover letters are often
tailored to the posting, can you and should you try to tailor
references?  Any suggestions for building a good reference base?  Are
non museum references acceptable?  When do you send contact information
and when do you send a letter written by the reference?  How do you not
antagonize your references when applying in several places in a short
time frame?

How long should a searcher plan to spend on the search?

Museum jobs and professionals tend to be very individual and unique.
How good a match between subject and interest should the museum and
individual be for an entry job?  (I'm afraid I could be looking forever
for the perfect match, never mind actually landing the job.)

Myself and others trying to enter the field thank you in advance for
your input.  I'm sorry there are so many questions.

Cheryl Brookshear
Historic Preservation
Research-Interpretation-Site Management
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
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