(end of rant nearing)
   
  Ignorance of the law is no excuse.  None. Zip.  Zilch.  Zada.  If you have fallen into a leadership position, then lead, dammit.  Know the laws of our country, of your state, and your community, and be sure to follow them to the letter or you expose your insititution to injury and the jeopardy it could be closed because of financial loss due to your ignorance.  
   
  Candidates, know that, in this electronic era, employers are absolutely resoundingly overwhelmed by the volume of applications they receive.  Gone are the polite thank you notes from the employer thanking you for your resume or telling you that the job is filled.  It’s a numbers game.  You simply have to keep sending them out there, and if you really want acknowledgment your application was received, snail mail it return receipt requested.  It’s the only way you’re going to know.  Understand that most applications are pitched within a very short period of time (3, 6, 12 months depending), so don’t be afraid to reapply for a position if you didn’t get one the first time, and don’t let your bruised ego keep you from trying.
   
  By the way, while a thank you for applying from the employer is pretty much out of the question, the old fashion thank you note from the candidate who has interviewed is still a must.  Don’t lose your manners even if employers have.
   
  The original note precipitating this discussion was forwarded anonymously as a service to a long-time MuseJobber.  If you need such assistance, you have but to ask, and all but spammers are welcome on our 1,744 member list ( http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/MuseJobs ).
   
  I realize my post is longer and filled of more punches than I have offered in a long while, but you deserve it.  You deserve to be told the truth that, while there is a Spaghetti Monster and a Santa Claus, there is no such thing as a quality museum job market these days and you must get smarter in your ways.
   
  I don’t profess to have the answers, just clues (from the unqualified, LOL) to help you as you struggle to survive in a world that will otherwise leave you behind in the dirt.
   
  Keep trying.  Keep making beautiful institutions for my grandchildren and I, and we thank you, but the world isn’t nice, and some of you need to rethink your options.
   
  Best of luck
   
  (rant off)
   


Indigo Nights
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