Loretta, Most of us do not get acknowledgements on applications, no matter our level of education or experience. The excuse is normally that there are simply too many applicants. I doubt it has anything to do with your unsuitability for the position(s) you were applying for. My PhD was for exactly the same reason, personal improvement and interests, not tenure track research. It does me no good whatsoever, in terms of salary. I would hazard the statement that you should focus on curatorial or directorial positions with an advanced degree in art history. Your PhD will seriously over-qualify you for other areas. I have been told many times that insitutions will not hire people with a PhD for certain jobs, not because they are not capable of the position, but because they can not pay the person what they should be getting paid. I know that sounds odd, especially when we say we would be willing to accept that disparity, but administrators and human resources departments are rather adamant about it. As Adrienne noted, the process is not always logical. As to getting an interview, I would certainly leave the PhD on your resume. I know I would be a little put off if I found out someone who applied for one of my positions left off education. I would not consider your PhD a "red flag" unless you are applying to truly entry level positions. The best advice is to just keep trying, and to tailor your experience/resume to the jobs. Also, make sure you are making it clear to the prospective employers that their position is really what you want to do and show them what you can bring to the position. Do not be equivocal about it in any way. Good luck. Mark Janzen Registrar/Collections Manager Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection Wichita State University (316)978-5850 Loretta Lorance <llorance@EARTHLI NK.NET> To Sent by: Museum [log in to unmask] discussion list cc <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject Re: trying to get back into museum work after graduating with PhD 05/15/2004 10:41 AM Please respond to Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask] SE.LSOFT.COM> I've been following the entry level discussion and decided to ask for advice about my situation. I'm an architectural historian with a new PhD in art history. While taking classes I worked in a museum in different departments and for a private collector. However, I was, like many graduate students, nudged toward teaching. I have volunteered a bit at museums, but not regularly, more as time and other commitments have permitted. As I was completing my degree there were a couple of jobs that interested me, director of historic house, education director, registrar (although I'm a bit rusty on this, not up to date on computer programs but am a quick learner) and usually I didn't even get an acknowledgement of my application. I felt that the people on the receiving end might have been bothered, perhaps intimidated, by the level of my education. It doesn't bother nor impress me to have a PhD, it's something I wanted and accomplished and am now ready to move to the next stage of my live. Furthermore, I'm not a snooty person (I don't expect to be called Dr.). I don't want an entry level position and don't mind volunteering if I have a source of income. I've applied for a couple of teaching positions and would also considered applying for museum work in education, curator, director, administrator, registrar, etc. Given the job market both in higher education and museums, can anyone offer advice about how to apply or get an interview with the PhD red flag. I guess I don't have to put it on my business resume, unlike the resume I use to apply for teaching jobs. Thanks for any advice. Loretta Lorance, PhD [log in to unmask] ========================================================= 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).