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October 30, 2008
November Mixer Cancelled
The GAHA Mixer planned for Saturday, November 8 has been cancelled.
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Resume and CV Workshop Notes
Presenters: Holly Witchey, Anne Helmreich, Catherine Scallen
Attendees: Dana, Ally, Rebecca, Erin, Bethany, Lourdes, Theresa
Holly’s Power Point: Resume Redux
Resume or Curriculum Vitae:
In the museum world, directors, curators and assistants usually need CVs, while most of her kind of jobs require resumes.
What I think about when I look at a resume:
- professional documents
- decent legible font
- good: Arial, Times new Roman, Garamond
- bad: Algerian, Bernard MT Condensed, Giddyup standard
- produce at a decent legible size
- Some job positions will receive 75 – 100 + resumes. While some places have human resource departments to go through all this, many do not. Holly creates two piles of applications – those that will be easy to read, and those that look like they might take awhile. The better your resume looks, the nicer someone reading will think about it.
- Whatever you do – DON’T USE COLORED PAPER OR TEXT. The color of your paper is not the place to show your creativity.
Cover letter advice 1: Now
- Including a cover letter with your Resume/CV is always a plus. Including one when it is not required is better than not including one when it is.
- write a good master draft cover letter, name & date it (cover_letter_10_28_08), keep it in a folder called “Cover Letters,” and keep that folder in another folder called “Resume and Cover Letters.”
- Your master cover letter should include:
- good strong opening sentence
- paragraph or two about who you are and a bit about your background
- summary of skill sets
- polite and professional closing and signature
- could make signature slightly larger (11 text, 12 signature)
Cover Letter advice 2: Applying for a job
- Make a copy of your master cover letter
- Review the letter before adding new things
- add necessary paragraphs - more specific about what makes you an ideal candidate for the particular position
- keep it to one page (until you’ve had more experience)
Cover Letter advice 3: Before you send your cover letter with the resume
- Call the place you are applying to, and ask who you should specifically send the letter/resume to. Even if it ends up going to the HR department, the fact that you called will show you put in some extra effort.
- Proofread your cover letter at least three times.
- Remember – spell checking is not a substitute for proof reading!
How it looks and works on Holly’s end (a.k.a. the person who reads the cover letter/resume)
- first impressions are made both in paper and in person
- Things you should avoid: colored paper, misspellings, grammatical errors, inappropriate or unprofessional language
- Don’t apply if you aren’t qualified.
- 40/60 ratio – paper/intangible ratio
- 40% paper: your cover letter and resume
- 60% intangibles: Do look me in eyes? How is your handshake? Are you dressed nicely? Are you able to articulate yourself well on your feet? Are you acting nervous or keeping your cool?
Documents its good to have and keep updated:
- For finding jobs:
- resume and or CV
- master cover letter
- Once you have the job:
- brief biography
- recent photo
- one page resume or CV ( especially when applying for federal grants)
- brief job descriptions for the jobs you’ve held in the past, and the one you have now
Theresa asked: Are the CVs only for museums?
Holly: The director and curatorial jobs usually do CVs, but for the ones Holy hires for, she doesn’t see a great distinction between CVs and resumes. Especially at this stage in our career, there won’t be a big different between the CV and resume, except maybe different formats.
Theresa: Will a long CV end up in the way too long pile?
Holly: Only if the information is not articulated in a concise and brief manner – excessive repetition isn’t good. Holly also said you don’t lose if you have a slender resume – again, at this stage in our careers, people expect it.
Theresa: What if you have professional skills not in museum world ( for example, experience working with budgets)? Should you include this on your Resume/CV?
Holly: Absolutely – It’s important to let anyone you working for know and see that they can hand you all kinds of tasks to do (computer skill or workplace skills, ability to work with others or on your own). Holly gave an example: Only a small minority of curators can create and manipulate Excel sheets. Knowing this could get you the good bonus points needed to get the job.
Bethany: What kind of computer-related skills should you list? How should you list them?
Holly: You could say something like – complete familiarity of Microsoft products – BUT only if it’s true. Curatorial assistants will most likely need a decent grasp and knowledge of Photoshop and Power Point, in order to create competent presentations.
Rebecca: Is there a specific length we should try for with a cover letter? A lot of undergrad programs suggest something under a page.
Holly: It depends on the job you’re going for, and level of the job, and your experience. Don’t try to sugarcoat it too much.
Theresa: How do you best articulate your involvement in such volunteer activities as GAHA or the Cleveland Symposium? How is this different for a CV and a Resume?
Holly: This kind of experience is appropriate for both. You would usually list these activities under professional organizations and volunteer work. BTW, never use acronyms (write out the full name first and put the acronym next to it in parentheses. Don’t use out of place terms that stops the reader reading – keep a good flow – you want the person reading the application to like and respect you at the end.
Dr. Helmreich
Holly touched on a lot of the stuff Dr. Helmreich wanted to say about the composition of resumes and CVs. She went more into resources available to us:
- Resources close to home
- you need to look at the resources available to you in a wide and inventive way
- you need to take advantage of such events as special talks and lectures
- Cleveland Foundation exhibitions
- both those interested in museum studies, and more specifically those looking to pursue curatorial positions, should apply to curate a show at the Cleveland Foundation. Going to the exhibition openings at the Foundation can help you understand what goes into the exhibtion, and whether or not you would be interested in participating.
- Resources outside of the art history department (University Resources)
- Career center
- free (although you’re technically paying through your tuition)
- always available
- someone there will gladly look at your CVs, resumes, and cover letters
- no, it’s not just for engineers – we need to use it to change that misconception
- testing is also available if you’re not sure what you’re interested in
- get to know the people at the resource center – they are great people!
- The department and university resources should be where you go first, but there are also other external resources to help you develop a CV/resume and cover letter, as well as tell you about important opportunities. The two most important organizations to join are the College Arts Association (CAA) and the American Association of Museums (AAM). These organizations have student rates and can provide you with several useful features on their websites, including:
- professional listing
- job listings
- (CAA) – examples of CVs and resumes on their sites
- fellowships and internship
- Dr. Helmreich also recommended the Academic Job Search Handbook. Although this is technically an academic book, many of the methods explained are analogous to those found in the museum world. Although the examples come from PhDs about to enter the work force, you can look at what kinds of skills they reference and how they organize their CVs/resumes. This book is available in the KSL reference collection.
- So what should you do if you’re havin a career crisis, and you don’t know what you want to do? There is a career alternatives website for art historians through Notre Dame by Charles Rosenberg (http://www.nd.edu/~crosenbe/jobs.html). This is a good site to look at if you’re thinking of recasting your job search net.
Cover letters
- A cover letter is not intended to be a reiteration of your resume. These people are looking for a certain set of skills – what are they looking for, and do you have these skills? For example, if you’ve done object research with a curator or in methods, that’s a specific job skill that can be applied to other fields.
- There are three kinds of categories for skills:
- work content: A set of skills particular to a specific class of jobs. This is especially relevant in the museum environment.
- functional: broader range of application for skills; this could include computer skills
- adaptive: a wide range of application in different fields: i.e. leadership roles such as those learned as a co-chair in GAHA. These skill sets are important and can be applied in many museum and academic related jobs.
- The speakers suggested you start a word document and use these three categories as a guide to answer the following question - what are the skills I have? This can help to jump start the creative process resulting in a good cover letter and CV/resume. Holly suggested you read through this document before going into an interview.
- It’s important to let people know about your leadership skills, ability to work in team projects, and your willingness to take the initiative.
- Dr. Helmreich gave the example of a story from a man who had to read through 650+ letters for a job. Here are some of the things he got sick of: 7 page cover letters; redundant description of the position your applying for (they already know it, they wrote it); 3 or 4 complementary sentences in the first paragraph (if you’re reciting info you can find on the webpage, that just shows you know how to use google)
- In your cover letter, make sure you describe yourself and what you can bring to the company or organization you’re applying for.
- Writing as an important vehicle – make sure your writing is concise. You can form a support network of people who can look at your materials and give you their opinions and advise.
- Don’t make cover letter like detective novel. If you’ve done something, don’t hint at it – say you’ve got that experience. In the same token, don’t say you’re qualified for something you aren’t qualified for. Don’t just say you’re committed – you can be committed to a lot of things and not be experienced in them.
References
- Dr. Helmreich next brought up the issue of when it is most appropriate to list references – always. Just make sure you’ve told the person before sending out the application.
- Holly said to make sure it’s a blanket permission (you can use it later without having to ask again). Although it’s always a good idea to send a note to the person beforehand, attaching the resume and a description of the job you’re applying for.
- Dr. Helmreich likes to provide more articulate information for people calling in. She keeps a folder for everyone who asks her to be their reference – this file includes such things as performance reports from internship supervisors. Otherwise, she’s kind of working in the dark. She may give generic statements like “we’re proud of our students that come through our program,” but that’s not very impressive.
Dr. Scallen added on some other useful information.
- Many initial application are done through email these days. Make sure if you apply for a job this way that you take out any cutie signatures and make sure to mail in the application from a professional-looking email address. Also, even though it’s an email, you need to treat the correspondence as professionally as you would a cover letter.
- A CV and resume are more blended at the outset of someone’s career.
- CVs are usually more descriptive than resumes.
- When creating a CV or resume, you want to make sure you have clear categories.
- Also, don’t switch chronology between sections. The most recent dates should go first in each category in a ‘place,’ ‘date’ format (easier to read).
- separate out experience not directly related to the job you’re applying for
- can add on a category for such achievements as full tuition scholarship. This category might be called something like: awards, honors, fellowships
- don’t make stuff up!
- noting your leadership roles in professional organizations is important (even if it’s a volunteer organization)
- It is also important to list the languages you know, but be sure you don’t pad (particularly in museums), you can say you have reading and not speaking knowledge
Dr. Helmreich, Dr. Scallen and Holly made some helpful general comments:
- When you list that you were a TA, clarify what your roles were, since they may vary depending on where you go to school, what course you TA for, and what teacher you TA for
- Any lecture experience you have might be helpful to list, especially if you’re interested in curatorial assistantships (you might give a lot of tours in this role)
- Use the active voice, not passive, in both the cover letter and resume. A cover letter should be short and sweet (again, using active cuts down on verbiage).
- Look at yourself critically: what do you do well, enjoy doing well, and have experience doing well?
- Mention such transferable skills as an ability to research.
- Know your and your own strengths. Sometimes its an issue of not giving yourself enough credit – be objective, but be postive too.
- Say I am willing to work hard, and I enjoy working hard by myself and in groups.
Theresa: How do you best approach someone for a written letter of recommendation?
- Do it in person. Make sure you tell the person what you need and when you need it by (give them enough time – take their priorities into consideration). For example, Dr. H has a very busy schedule, and needs at least a month’s notice in advance. Whatever the timeline, make sure you honor it.
- Have a follow-up conversation
- Writing recommendations for students is part of the professors’ jobs, so don’t feel as though asking them is an imposition. It’s more annoying when you ask at the last minute.
- Take an honest rejection, accept it, and move on. Don’t take rejection personally, it may also be circumstances (i.e. you didn’t work with the person long enough).
- Be direct – ask if the person will be able to not only give you a letter, but a positive one.
- When thinking of who to ask, consider who will remember you, who have you developed a good relationship with. will you write me a positive letter? – bluntness is appreciated
- Holly says she usually sends the student a copy of the letter.
- There’s no problem with asking a person whose received a recommendation from someone you want to write you one, whether or not the person writes a good recommendation.
- By picking someone who knows you best, you get a much more detailed and personal letter, emphasizing your strengths.
- Make sure to follow up, because the person may be very busy. Some people don’t mind an email a week, but make sure they initiate that kind of frequent reminder.
Rebecca: What about applying?
- Holly says think “here’s what I’m looking for.” She also reminded us that your mentors, advisors, etc. are also there if you need advice.
- Every Sunday evening the AAM posts new jobs – most jobs up for two months, so there rarely is a need to scramble.
- Do you know anyone at the institution, and can you have call them contact someone for you
- Pay attention to Debby’s forwards, some of which come from the organizations your teachers are affiliated with.
Bethany: What about generic recommendations?
- Every recommendation needs to be dated and addressed to someone specific
- Personalized letters are more effective. For example, Holly says if she knows someone at the institution you’re applying to, she will cc: her recommendation to that person.
- Ask for the letter right away, when you are still fresh in their mind
- If you go through the process of writing a qualifying paper, and want the teacher to comment on that, make sure to save different versions of the paper, so they can refresh themselves on your progress
- When you contact someone you haven’t seen for awhile, make sure to let them know what you’re doing now, and where you’re applying to
Concluding comments:
- Part of your education is being exposed to other art historians with other points of view. Even if you’re pressed for time, you need to try and go to as many lectures as you can. You can go to that person later on and say ‘I heard your lecture, and...’ Good networking. You can also learn more of where the field is going.
- Dr. Scallen and Dr. Helmreich are willing to look at CVs and resumes – as long as you give them enough time
- The first and second year students are considered ‘MA candidates,’ and should include their expected year of graduation
- Getting many internships, as well as at least one solid language is a good idea – it’s a lot to handle, but this extra stuff is what gives you a leg up when you’re trying to find a job.
- When jobs are looking for 1-2 years of experience, they realize it’s going to be a hodge podge of smaller internships
- Think about what some of your peers will have, and what can give you that special edge
- Dr. Scallen gave a good example of the different skills you need when you come into the filed as opposed to what you are expected to learn once you enter it. When looking at possible PhD candidates to take on, Dr. Scallen expects these students to at least know German well enough to use it to find sources, etc. But she doesn’t expect the student to really know Dutch until you get into the program.
- Pay attention to your subfield, and what the requirements usually are to get into it
PhD programs – certain ways to train, certain to hit ground running
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November Meeting
The next GAHA meeting will be Thursday, November 13, 11:15am, in Mather 100.
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Internship Roundtable
Wednesday, November 12, 6:15pm, Mather 100
As a first year master's student, do you have questions about what
internships you might pick for next semester? Do you, as a second-year
master's student or Ph.D. candidate, feel you have some wisdom you may
be able to impart about internships? Then come to our informal round
table discussion about internships. Everyone is welcome, museum studies
or not, to come and discuss questions and comments on the wonderful world of
internships.
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GAHA Meeting Notes October 9, 2008
Attending: Rachael, Lourdes, Ally, Megan, Jen, Theresa, Erin, Maryam, Bailey, Christina
Welcome
GSS and faculty representative updates
Upcoming Events:
• Tremont Art Walk – tomorrow
o Who is coming to the Art Walk? The gallery schedule has been posted – we will just walk around from gallery to gallery
• Next ABD Anonymous – October 19
• Slideshow @ MOCA – October 22
o 10 applicants out of 42 selected
o Two students from CIA, 3 from Oberlin, 3 from Kent, 1 from Akron, 1 from Wooster
o Good variety of colleges
o Unfortunately, it starts a 6:00 – it will be hard for methods students to get there on time
o Same night as MOCA College Night, starts immediately after slide show
o Jen- don’t worry about coming late
o This event allows for interactions between emerging artists
• Resume/CV Workshop – October 28
o Holly Witchey from the CMA (resume and CVs with museums) will speak
o Dr. Helmreich will talk on museum and academic CVs and resumes
o Dr. Scallen will talk about academic CVs
o More information about what resume/cv look like, how to look for a job
• GAHA Mixer – November 8
o If you are interested in going anywhere specifically, please let Maryam know
o Cedar Lee, places close to campus
o Parnell’s
o Fairmount martini bar
o Pub on Cedar Lee
• Artistic Luxury tour – November 14
o Christina described the event
o Curator Steven Harrison will give an overview and introduction and Christina will take us through galleries
o Christina was an intern for the exhibition and helped with the catalog
o The exhibition opens the 19th of this month
o Even if the exhibition is ticketed, our Case IDs should get us in for free. This was the case for the Barcelona and Monet exhibitions
o GAHA will confirm that we can get in for free
Christina emailed information about Warhol exhibition and symposium at the Wexner Center in Columbus the 14th and 15th of November
o This is the only U.S. stop of a traveling exhibition
o 7 PM lecture on November 14
o Contact Christina if anyone wants to carpool
Cancelled Events:
• Tour of MOCA
o Possibly next semester
o Some student were assigned to see the exhibition for class
o Students can see the show if they come to the Student Slideshow @ MOCA
Possible Upcoming Events:
• Internship roundtable
• End-of-semester paper meetings
o GAHA organized one last year – students meet up and read each others’ papers and offer advice and constructive criticism
o If anyone is interested, let us know
• Clothing exchange
o Jen suggests holding one on a Saturday afternoon
o Maryam asks if it will include shoes
o Weekends might work better
o Maybe we should have food
Possible events for next semester:
• Tour of the Cleveland Clinic
o Jen mentions that this would cover just the two new buildings – over 800 pieces and 5 major commissions
o Jen Finkel is giving the Friends of Art a tour in November
o We could have a tour in January
o The collection is contemporary art, it’s a cool collection in a hospital, unique experience
o Artists are from all over the world
• Artists Archives of the Western Reserve tour
• PhD roundtable
o informal gather of PhDs to give advice
Art Talk Update
o Dr. Olszewski is speaking next Friday at 12:30 about the Madonna of the Long Neck
o It is still possible to sign up to present this semester or next semester – Maryam can start scheduling for next semester now
Symposium Update
o Jen and Megan spoke about the Symposium
o Jerold Guest may be the keynote speaker
o The call for papers has been sent out
o Jen is working on building a website
o While writing papers this semester think of submitting your abstract, one case representative will speak at the symposium (open symposium)
o 4 or 5 submissions have arrived so far, most will probably come closer to the due date, not due until December
o Case students don’t need to submit their abstracts until January
Thanks for coming – email us if you have any questions or concerns
Christina will be having a wine and cheese party– Nov. 7
• It’s the 4th annual party
• Each person brings bottle or cheese and crackers – more on that later
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October 22, 2008
Resume/CV workshop next week
Tuesday, October 28 at 11:30 am in Mather 100
Resume/CV Workshop
What information should I include on a resume? How long should my CV be?
Get answers to all your resume and CV-related questions at GAHA's
Resume/CV Workshop. Dr. Scallen, Dr. Helmreich and Holly Witchey of the
Cleveland Museum of Art will be on hand to discuss the do's and don'ts
of presenting yourself to possible employers on paper.
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GAHA on Heights Arts Radio
GAHA members Maryam Ohadi-Hamadani, Jen Friess and Theresa Bembnister were interviewed about the Student Slideshow @ MOCA for Heights Arts Radio this past week. Click here to listen.
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October 08, 2008
Next A.B.D. Anonymous Scheduled
The next meeting of A.B.D. Anonymous will be Sunday, October 19 at noon at the University Circle Arabica. All Ph.D. students who have completed coursework are welcome to attend.
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October 01, 2008
Next Meeting
Our next GAHA meeting is officially Thursday, October 9 at 11:15am in
Mather 100. Snacks will be served.
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Tremont Art Walk
Please join GAHA for Tremont’s Art Walk and dinner at Grumpy’s Café on Friday, October 10.
For those who wish to carpool, please meet in Kelvin Smith Library’s lobby at 6 pm. We will drive down to Tremont for dinner at Grumpy’s at 6:30, and then take a look at what local artists are doing! For those who wish to join us for dinner, please RSVP to Maryam at mco7@case.edu by Monday, October 6.
If you have any questions, let us know!
Link to Tremont’s Art Walk website
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