If I were in your shoes, I'd simply describe the current job conditions, as
you did for us, illustrate what you learned, and play up your eagerness for
more focus and depth. Don't bother mentioning the museum being underfunded,
etc. It should be obvious to your interviewer. If your prospective employer
doesn't promise you better conditions than the ones you've lived through,
you'll have to ask yourself if you want to work there. Sounds like the
leadership of your current museum is failing you, your colleagues, and the
public. Not the other way around. Good luck!
Dean Krimmel, Creative Museum Services
Affiliated with Qm2: Quality Management to a Higher Power
Improving Museums, Historic Sites, Cultural Organizations and Businesses
423 Range Road Baltimore, Maryland 21204
410-746-8350; [log in to unmask]; www.qm2.org
Check out my recent project: Go to www.pnclegacyproject.com and click on
Oral Histories
----- Original Message -----
From: "nicholas burlakoff" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] how not to burn bridges
> My advice has always been, be honest BUT diplomatic. Saying things such
> as: the present position does not allow me sufficient time for
> professional development, or consistent time with my family, is one way of
> approaching it (you are signaling thayt you are overworked but are not
> badmouthing your current employer). In terms of jobs, I would say that "I
> am interested in devoting more time to..., which my current situation does
> not allow. I would also turn the current situation to an advantage by
> saying something along the lines, "One advantage I bring to your position
> is that having had some experience in ... I can more effectively work with
> your person cahrged with ... Good luck. Peace, Nick
>
> -----Original Message-----
>>From: Annie Eleanor <[log in to unmask]>
>>Sent: Nov 21, 2007 1:30 PM
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: [MUSEUM-L] how not to burn bridges
>>
>>The museum for which I work is entirely underfunded, poorly managed,
>>and understaffed. Our staff size of 3 means that I fill a variety of
>>professional roles, including subject curator, registrar, collections
>>manager, exhibit research & development, exhibit fabrication, &
>>fundraising (among others, like cashier & tour guide!). I am grateful
>>for the many opportunities this position has given me -- it has
>>exposed me to museum work that I never would have been given the
>>chance to try in larger institutions. However, the flip side is that
>>all of these responsibilities have left me overwhelmed & WAY
>>over-stressed. After a year of 60+ hour weeks with no end in sight I
>>have concluded that my work situation is unsustainable.
>>
>>I applied for other museum jobs. With job interviews around the
>>corner, how does one address the question "Why are you looking for
>>work" or "Why did you leave your last position" tactfully without
>>attacking my current employer? How do I answer why I am leaving my
>>employment after such a (relatively) short time? Finally, how do I
>>address why I am interested in work that appears to be a step down on
>>the career ladder, going from what appears to be a very high-level of
>>responsibility to a job that is only one component of what I do now?
>>(for instance, going from my current responsibilities to "only" being
>>a collections manager). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>=========================================================
>>Important Subscriber Information:
>>
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>>
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>>
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
> information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
> message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
> read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
> [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>
>
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
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