As someone who is in the middle of a big job hunt myself, I'd like to offer my perspective.  Two things are going on here: first people are making a shot in the dark, hoping it might turn into something significant; and second, many recent grads truly do not understand the realities of the job market.  

I have myself applied to jobs that I did not expect to be seriously considered for, yet there is always a chance that you will appeal to the hiring agency or at least make your interest known.  I know a number of people who have said they submitted a resume to an organization and the application was obviously kept on file as some time later (in one case the time lapse was two years) the organization did contact them when an opening came up.  Besides, many organizations can't hire additional permanent staff, but can and do offer temporary positions based on grant funding availability.  The idea is that you just never know what might turn up if you get the word out that you are interested.

Many students that I have encountered (I'm speaking primarily of undergrads in public history programs) are under the impression that they will be seriously considered for curator positions with nothing more than a bachelor's degree and one or two internships.  It isn't until they receive those first few rejection letters that reality sets in.

Even in the museum field, it is common to apply to a job and never get a response to an application.  Some organizations simply send cursory and insensitive rejection e-mails--if anything at all.  Some organizations have taken what I considered a very sensitive (and probably time consuming) approach to thoughtfully acknowledge the applicant.  I have received rejection letters that were so well written, that they actually made me feel good--not an easy feat!  These letters have made a point of specifying the number of applicants who applied to the position, sometimes how many were actually interviewed, and what the key deciding factors were.  This type of rejection letter gives the applicant a sense of how far off base they might be in their job search and how well they compare to other applicants.  

Even a well written and precise job application will generate inappropriate applications--people can always hope they'll get lucky.  If you are not even soliciting applications to begin with, the applicant probably won't be surprised if you do not have any openings.  For all of you out there who take the time to send even a brief explanation to unsuccessful job applicants, I would like to thank you for your sensitivity and thoughtfulness.  Many of us appreciate the feedback, which in turn aids us in our job search.

Danielle Stuckle
Job Seaker and Graduate Student
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota


-----Original Message-----
From: Janice Klein <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Dec 30, 2004 11:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: help with misguided job applicants

I need some words of wisdom (and support) for dealing with job applications
(usually in the form of a resume and standard cover letter) from bright
young things who have obviously not done their homework and have no idea
that the career objective they are looking for -- or even their short-term
employment goal -- is not to be found anywhere in or around this museum
(e.g., with only two staff members -- something that is listed on our
website -- we are not likely to be hiring an assistant technology
coordinator) .

I am torn between writing back with some basic job-hunting advice (starting
with "your application was a complete waste of your time and money and if
you continue on this road you will only find disappointment...") and just
tossing the letter and resume.

Any ideas?

janice

Janice Klein
Director, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
[log in to unmask]
www.mitchellmuseum.org

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