|
|
Post by caroline on May 28, 2007 17:13:37 GMT 1
OK- so there's probably a thread about this somewhere already. There certainly are on BAJR (which I am currently trawling through) but I figured it can't hurt to get advice from multiple places...
Come September I am looking to start on the dig circuit. My exams are over so now I can concentrate on looking for some jobs. Only I've found that jobs listed on BAJR are vague about when you start (and where you'll be working). I don't want to be applying for posts I can't take up (in the unlikelihood that they offer me a job)
A list of questions for you friendly professionals to answer:
Is it too early to apply for September jobs?
Where else can you get jobs listings?
What is the best way of getting a job in archaeology?
Oh, and any other advice you feel like dispensing will be most welcome. And a warning those of you digging this summer- i will be there armed with my trowel and a barrage of questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by Pam on May 28, 2007 18:02:05 GMT 1
Hi Caroline BAJR is a good place to start for jobs that are actually advertised. However, not all units advertise on BAJR and they don't always advertise jobs at all - they choose from a fat pile of CVs or from a pool of staff they already know. There are contractor lists on BAJR, the IFA website and Current Archaeology website, and probably elsewhere. Google always comes in handy too! Toby gave me some good advice when I started applying for work and so I'll pass that on... Write to all the commercial archaeology contractors/units you can find addresses for. You need to send a covering letter giving a brief intro of yourself, and enclose an up to date CV. Make sure you make your CV as relevant as possible to the work you are applying for. For digging work the emphasis should be on your archaeological experience - training, other work experience, what skills (planning, context records, levelling etc). Say when you are available and if you are willing/able to commute / re-locate to areas they are working in. Also include as stamped self addressed envelope as it may encourage them to send an acknowledgment or reply, either positive or negative ! But don't be surprised if you don't get replies. Many units put your CV on file and don't do anything else. This is OK, as the next stage is to leave it a month or so, then either call them ("Did you receive my CV, I'm still interested in work" etc) or send a follow-up letter. Don't get too disheartened if nothing comes up straight away. I was ready to give up trying after 6 months when i got a call out of the blue and was offered a contract for 6 weeks which was then extended to semi-permanent. I left there after 4 months as the commute was too expensive (amongst other things!). Also, after I started working at Hungate in November last year I got a call from a unit that I had written to 18 months before, my CV had been looked at after all that time and they were offering me work ! Just keep trying, do some voluntary work (local societies, training digs etc) as well if you have free time as these will add to your CV and can improve your contact network !!  Good luck ! Pam |
|
|
|
Post by Toby on May 28, 2007 20:00:36 GMT 1
well that saved me writing it all out again...
|
|
|
|
Post by Toby on May 28, 2007 20:04:19 GMT 1
Also...
For your contact details please have a sensible e-mail address, even if it is just carolinearchaeologyjobs@hotmail etc.
For mobile phones/landlines make sure it is not a stupid message on the answerphone.
Put the amopunt of experience you have in clear text somewhere at the front of your cv. For example... I have 12 weeks excavation experience and 4 weeks finds processing experience. When we look through CV's we get sick of people 'hiding' a lack of experience behind lots of waffle.
|
|
|
|
Post by caroline on May 28, 2007 23:20:30 GMT 1
Thank you. Sensible email duly created. (the other stuff will happen not at this time of night)
Is IFA membership useful/necessary? I would be going for affiliate level at the moment as I haven't enough experience for any of the corporate grades, but is that something worth pursuing later on?
|
|
|
|
Post by Toby on May 29, 2007 17:15:44 GMT 1
IFA membership is always good, but makes little difference to your employment prospects when just starting out.
|
|
|
|
Post by caroline on Jun 9, 2007 12:42:52 GMT 1
When addressing letters/envelopes who should it be addressed to to make sure it ends up on the right person's desk? The principal/director of the company or something more along the lines of 'head of personnel'?
|
|
|
|
Post by Pam on Jun 9, 2007 16:26:07 GMT 1
If possible address to a person's name. If you have gone to the effort of finding out who is responsible for the recruitment in a company then it can look better than if you haven't ! You can also phone the company and ask ! Shows initiative !
For units that have web sites staff names and positions are often listed to that can be a bonus.
Many units are fairly small organisations so they may not have a separate department for recruitment matters. You want to be sending your letters to the head or director of fieldwork, by name if you have it, or title if not, unless it says something else on a particular unit's website.
Personnel is a pretty much outdated term these days - it is now usually Human Resources....
Hope this helps.
|
|
Ged
Junior Member
Posts: 61
|
Post by Ged on Jun 10, 2007 13:37:54 GMT 1
Caroline give our place a try-we are recruiting at the moment for some big works in summer.
Write to Alan Lupton, Oxford archaeology North,The Storey Institute,Meeting House lane,Lancaster L1.
.Good luck with your application,Ged
|
|
