You can simply say that in your next position you would like to focus
your work in the one area you feel you can make the best contribution.
(of course that "one area" will be the specific job opening!)

Julia Muney Moore
Public Art Administrator
Blackburn Architects, Indianapolis, IN
(317) 875-5500 x219
   
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Annie Eleanor
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 1:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] how not to burn bridges

The museum for which I work is entirely underfunded, poorly managed,
and understaffed. Our staff size of 3 means that I fill a variety of
professional roles, including subject curator, registrar, collections
manager, exhibit research & development, exhibit fabrication, &
fundraising (among others, like cashier & tour guide!). I am grateful
for the many opportunities this position has given me -- it has
exposed me to museum work that I never would have been given the
chance to try in larger institutions. However, the flip side is that
all of these responsibilities have left me overwhelmed & WAY
over-stressed. After a year of 60+ hour weeks with no end in sight I
have concluded that my work situation is unsustainable.

I applied for other museum jobs. With job interviews around the
corner, how does one address the question "Why are you looking for
work" or "Why did you leave your last position" tactfully without
attacking my current employer? How do I answer why I am leaving my
employment after such a (relatively) short time? Finally, how do I
address why I am interested in work that appears to be a step down on
the career ladder, going from what appears to be a very high-level of
responsibility to a job that is only one component of what I do now?
(for instance, going from my current responsibilities to "only" being
a collections manager). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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