Hi Janey et al.:

The question of writing samples is tricky; however, I'll second my vote for
Diane's rationale.

A potential employer can safely assume an applicant knows the standards for
the type of position for which they are applying.  It IS a screening technique
- like any contact an applicant has with a would-be employer.

The applicant who assumes a 402-page MA thesis is appropriate is likely to be
omitted from the rest of the process as lacking an understanding of
appropriateness.  So, if an applicant is unsure about writing samples (what
type, how many, how long, etc.) . . . ASK!  It's better to ask for
clarification from, rather than complain to, a would-be employer.

[Similarly, an applicant who shows up for an interview late, wearing torn
jeans, a wrinkled tie-dye T-shirt, with offensive odors (pot, booze, body
odor, and/or "other") is unlikely to get hired.  UNLESS the museum tries to
recreate the Sixties - complete with lava lamps, "roaches," and books by and
about Georgi Gurdjieff or the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for sale in the gift
shop.]

The issue is appropriateness - not sadism or being dim.  (Though some would-be
employers may very well be either or both.)  It's sad to think that writing
samples must be (for some jobs) a necessary "screening technique" when the
average museum job posting attracts dozens of unqualified applicants.

The peson who gets the job is the person who makes the least mistakes -
including the selection of appropriate writing samples.

Best wishes to all, sincerely,

Jay Heuman
Assistant Curator of Education
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art
Utah State University
www.artmuseum.usu.edu
t 435-797-0165


>----- Forwarded Message -----
>From: Jane Teebs <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: RE: writing samples
>Yes, I agree. I was discourteous not to spell out the kinds of writing
>samples expected. Making them guess not reflects poorly on the sadistic
>character of the person asking, it makes them appear dim. This is not an
>employee screening technique I would brag about.
>Just being blunt.
>Janey

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