I can appreciate what you're saying, Jamie. But honestly, I wonder if it isn't more of a financial hardship on these grads to not have jobs than to spend a few hundred bucks on an interview. I mean, I wouldn't do it for the first interview. But at the second interview level (first via phone), they have a better sense of their chances and it could be a justifiable expense. Especially if they live in cities that are crowded with museum studies graduates--there might not be 10 but rather hundreds of local applicants for every job. But they also wouldn't want to just move to a new place without a job offer in hand just to become a local--especially to cities with fewer opportunities or high living expenses. They're caught between a rock and a hard place.Cheers,ShanaOn Thu, Feb 21, 2013 at 8:52 AM, Jamie Smith <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From the Museum perspective, I think a small to medium museum is not going to consider an out-of-State candidate if they are located more than a reasonable day trip away from the museum they apply to because the museum does not have the resources to reimburse each candidate for travel and they do realize that these candidates are just starting out and do not have the means to fly in for an interview for an entry level job either. That is why we keep our search State wide for entry level positions. Please keep in mind that we typically receive at least 50 resumes for such positions, all of which have basically the same level of education and experience and at least 10 of these candidates are fairly local, so there is no shortage of qualified local candidates. If we did advertise nationwide for such positions, I would really have a hard time as a human being asking a candidate to fly in knowing, at this stage in their career, it would cause them financial hardship when they are competing against so many other candidates with basically the same credentials. I would really concentrate my search locally, try and attain an entry level position and then take it from there. Certainly when you are ready to move on to a higher position, the search parameters widen and you can cast your net wider as well.
Jamie
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Shana West
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 9:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: SPAM-MED: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Employment Search Frustrations for the recent graduates
I have found it puzzling when museums I applied to in other states weren't interested because I wasn't local. I moved across the country for my first, entry-level museum job. Many graduates would jump at the chance for a full time job, regardless of location. So when grads have come to me asking for advice on applying out of state, I've told them to say they're already planning on moving to that city independently of the job (yes, it's a white lie). That way, the hiring museum won't feel like they have to pay expenses.
I haven't tried it myself, but I was in a situation where I was actually moving to a new city and applying for a job. I don't think I would have been considered had I not already been planning a move. In fact, I'm pretty sure they asked me on the phone interview, "And you're definitely moving here?"
Just an idea.
Shana
On Thu, Feb 21, 2013 at 8:08 AM, Jamie Smith <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi All:
I have posted positions on local sites before, such as MANY (Museum Association of the State of NY) and I have interviewed and hired candidates from these postings. Perhaps you need to look at State museum organizations rather than national organizations to post your resume on. I know from the Museum perspective, we are not interested in a nationwide search to fill an entry level position, so we keep the posting local, or at least at the State level.
Hope this helps and good luck,
Jamie Smith Quinn
Executive Director
FASNY Museum of Firefighting
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Laurie A Sedicino
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 11:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Employment Search Frustrations for the recent graduates
I would also be interested in the answer to Matthew’s question. I have to agree that - at least for museum field jobs – I have never once experienced museum search committees using posted resume sources…and I have never been contacted through these sources. I would like to hear along with Matthew if you think these are good uses of such spare job search time and energy??
Thanks
Laurie
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matthew White
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 4:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Employment Search Frustrations for the recent graduates
I have a question for the group that is tangentially related.
There are several professional organizations that invite those looking for a job to post their resumes and particulars. (I have posted at both AAM and AASLH. I am sure there are similar sites in other niches of the field.) I have also posted on Linked-In. As anyone who has ever done this knows, it can be kind of time consuming to enter and keep current.
Has anyone ever gotten contact through one of these services? An interview? A job?
For those of you who have hired recently, did you use these services? If not why not?
What about Linked-In?
Personally, I know a lot of people in the job market and even a good number who hire and I have never heard of ANYONE even being contacted through one of these services, let alone get a job.
Does anyone think these are good uses of spare job search time and energy?
Matthew White
On Feb 20, 2013, at 4:34 PM, Ashley Watson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hello all,
I want to thank you all for sharing your experiences and the advice. I already decided to open my search wide open to start somewhere. I had two job interviews that took the place last November but didn't get the job. I received a PERSONAL email from a museum to inform me that my professional package has been forwarded directly to the museum director. So it certainly passed the human resources wall. So with that, should I check with them for the status progression?
One more thing:
In response to Allison Bott, despite my name giving an implication that I would be a female, I am actually a male. That is alright. I will read the article in the link you provided as it may apply to me as I am also in the minority as i am Deaf. So I face the same challenges as others who are in the minorities.
Ashley Watson
On Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 4:24 PM, Jillian Shoblock <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I have been applying since December 2011 when I graduated with my MA in Museum Studies an have only had 2 interviews. Do I get frustrated a lot, yes but I haven't given up hope yet. I do still have an active social life and work in management in retail. Is that what I want? Definitely not. I intern at a museum that I love and would love to be able to work at. But can't afford to hire me so right now I am getting a little of what I love to do. What I have found is trying to stay positive even though I have applied to well over 100 positions all dealing with collections management and most with history, since that is one of my undergraduate degrees, is what keeps me going. Try to enjoy your life outside the museum an continue to visit museums. If you can't find a job in I e and have to work elsewhere then volunteer so you still get your fill. I know it sucks, trust me all my friends have full time jobs and are "living the life" but I have to believe that my time will come. Also my one friend keeps telling me to look at higher Ed jobs like academic advising if you have a masters. Just a thought. Good luck and keep your head up!
Jillian
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 20, 2013, at 3:58 PM, "Jentzsch, Tracy" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Ashley, for you and others searching for job leads, I would recommend a
> free resource we offer through the University of Delaware's Museum Studies
> Program. MuseWeekly is our weekly electronic news that provides job
> posts, internships, conferences, calls for papers, announcements and news
> related to all things "museum". We never rent or sell our list, and there
> is always a plethora of good leads. You can sign up for this free
> resource by going to our website, www.udel.edu/museumstudies and filing in
> the three question form on the index page. Good luck to you.
>
>
>
> Tracy H. Jentzsch
> Staff Assistant, Museum Studies Program
> University of Delaware
> 302.831.1251
> Www.udel.edu/museumstudies
>
>
>
>
>
> On 2/20/13 3:49 PM, "Ashley Watson" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>> I graduated with masters in the museum studies at Syracuse University
>> last May and have not found a job yet despite aggressively applying for
>> various openings within my experience and skill range. I have completed
>> an internship at National Museum of Natural History in the exhibits
>> department and is currently a zooarchaeological/collections intern at the
>> Museum Support Center till this May. Any recent graduates here that
>> have the same frustrating experience? Those internships certainly help
>> keep me sane professionally and personally but I certainly need to begin
>> LIVING. I want to add one thing that I was more than qualified for one
>> position at National Museum of Natural History but didn't break through
>> the annoying human resources "wall". My colleague who was qualified to
>> the maximum also applied for the same position got the same result.
>>
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