Emily, what's your specialty? Looking for jobs all over your area...well...that may be part of the problem. You may have to go elsewhere. And elsewhere could be far away. I don't think there is a silver bullet. I think it's a combination of academics, experience and selling yourself. I've been very lucky, and I'm not sure why, as I wasn't the greatest scholar, quite frankly. I didn't go to a big time program, or a school that would give me all the right credentials. I don't like professional jargon and don't know how to use it (even after 18 years). But...what I have is almost boundless enthusiasm for what I do...anywhere I've worked, I loved...and that shows. I didn't set out for jobs in big institutions, or with the government, or that had some sort of cachet, and that may have helped also. Dues have been paid. I am still not with a big institution, and that's the way I want it...I think I can help make a difference where I am. Someone commented about this being a profession of rich kids...I guess it helps, sure, but I wasn't that, and now I'm a single mom. Because I am a sentimental sod, I'll say this: I would never, ever do anything else...I find myself to be extraordinarily fortunate everyday I come to this institution, and well, my kids can take care of me when I'm old. As long as they don't work for museums... What I want to tell you is that there's a lot to this. Folks out there can argue with me, but it's not a field like anything in the corporate world. Once again...I am sickeningly sappy...but it has a heart and soul. Candace Perry -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Emily Milot Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 10:43 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Occupational Guidance Dear List: I've been reading your comments for some months now, and I appreciate all of the help and support that you give one another. And I was hoping that some of you might have some guidance for me. The truth is that I'm looking for a job in a museum. I've been applying for jobs all over my area for the past three years - ever since I started taking museum studies courses -- but I can't quite seem to do whatever it is that gets someone hired into the museum field. I've heard a lot of advice through the years. Everything from it's all about meeting the right people to if I could just hold out just a few more years and maybe someone will retire or die and I could get one of their jobs. I've written and rewritten my resume and cover letter. I've tried to show my enthusiastic, and I've done as much volunteer work as I can for many years. But the only jobs that I've gotten either don't pay a living wage (i.e. allow me to pay rent, buy groceries and have some kind of health benefits) or are seasonal. So, I decided to do something that I have never done before and ask all of you. What else can I do? What's the silver bullet? How did you get your jobs? When you're hiring someone, what do you look for? I appreciate any advice you can give me based on your experiences. I've purposely left my own skills and experience vague because I don't want to seem like I've got my hand out looking for a job from one of you. But, if it would be helpful to know a little more about me, I can always send you my resume. J Just kidding. Emily Milot ========================================================= 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).