-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Melinda Gilpin, Site Manager
Sent: April 4, 2000 09:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Museums jobs - an unoffical guide

>...We must, however, remember that letters behind one's name does not
"qualify"
>us for a job.  ...
***** In my experience on both sides of the hiring table, the degree(s) help
to get you through the screening process and onto the list to be called for
an interview. The employer will set a high standard. If they cannot find
what they are looking for, they have the option of requesting fewer degrees
and broadening their search. Some employers are perceptive enough to know
that having multiple degrees does not automatically make you better than
someone who does not, and that related experience and personality are
important factors to also be considered. Even if the ad calls for a certain
degree that you do not have, you can apply anyway, especially if you have
experience to offset it.

>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.

***** THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT especially for smaller museums! Remember, for
the Board members who are hiring you, the museum is their baby!

***** An important question to ask is if the Board wants someone to come in
a make a lot of changes (and if so what kind of changes do they have in
mind) or if they want someone who can fit in with what they have in place.
If they simply want someone to carry on, then do so. After they get to know
you, and you have proved yourself to them with temporary exhibits etc., then
you can put forward the ideas you have for revamping the whole museum.

>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....
>Melinda Gilpin,  Harding Home

***** I for one like to go in and find out how things work or don't work,
and then make changes as needed. I keep a notebook of "first impressions"
because one soon gets into a rut and accepts things. If you were confused by
the signage when you first visited, later on you won't be because you no
longer need the signs, but your first time visitors still need them! I have
worked for Directors who came storming in and made major changes right at
the start. Usually these impulsive decisions had to be changed or reversed
over time. For awhile we were getting a new organization chart every few
weeks! Changes and improvements are alright however, they just should be
thought through and the timing is critical. If a situation is really bad and
can't wait to be fixed, then you can research before coming onto the job,
and thus be ready to implement some major changes right away, or make this a
priority once you get there. Be aware that in such cases you might be hired
as the 'hatchet man' with the role of firing certain 'problem' people.

TIP: How to fit in when you get a job at a small history museum. Keep your
eyes open and your mouth shut. Ask lots of questions. Take a real interest
in the local history and read everything you can about it, talk to the
old-timers, go and visit the local historic spots. Get excited about it! I
found that when I ran a museum in a former coal mining city (now a village
after the downsizing), that I was soon able to show locals stuff they never
knew about their own town. Try to not be "holier than thou" but look for
qualities to admire in local historical figures e.g. coal miners, soldiers,
native peoples, farmers etc. Try not to take sides. In this old coal mining
community, the mines had closed almost 20 years before, but people were
still divided based upon whether their families had been management or
workers. Small town life, especially for a city slicker from a big
university city, is different. Ask your Board for guidance and background
information. Be a student of your community.

Colin Macgregor Stevens,
Curator,
Burnaby Village Museum,
Burnaby, BC, CANADA

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