As much as I try to respond to the unsolicited resumes and inquiries about
job openings I am not always able to get the "I'm sorry we have no openings
at this time" letter out in a timely way.  The ones that tend to go to the
bottom of the pile are those from applicants who appear not to have done
much background research -- even looking at the Museum Directory or our
website -- and ask about positions that are unlikely to exist in a museum
with only two permanent staff members (no, we do not have a development
"staff" or an exhibit design "department") and a visitation of 11,000, or do
not have any experience with the subject matter of the collection.

I'm also more likely to respond if there is a request for an informational
meeting ("I know you may not have any jobs open at this time, but I would
very much appreciate having a chance to meet with you and see the Museum")
and, for those with very limited experience, a suggestion that they might be
willing to volunteer or work on a short term project.

Membership in professional organizations helps and (sorry to reinforce the
"it's who you know", but since I have been around for a while I may actually
know one of your instructors or someone you worked with) a personal
reference, even in the form of "Mary Sue suggested I contact you" also gets
my attention.

Hope this helps,

janice

Janice Klein
Chair, SMAC-AAM
Director, The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Kendall College
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www.mitchellmuseum.org

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