Finding a Job in Archaeology How, Where and Why'

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Finding a Job in ArchaeologyHow, Where and Why.
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HOW ?

• Playing to your strengths? Know what you
  want.
• Remember the real world? Have you been in it?
• Where will the jobs be? Where are the
  gaps?
• Do you really want to be an archaeologist?

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CVs

• A Good CV
• Education once you have your degree, you dont
  need to cite every other exam result.
• Archaeological Experience Keep it up to date
  and relevant listing employer, dates,
  site/project and periods.
• Non Archaeological Work If it is relevant and
  ONLY THEN.
• Publications Have you written reports? Or
  contributed to a site publication? Any papers
  presented?
• Other Information For example, First Aid,
  Driving Licence etc.
• Referees A good reference is worth its weight
  in applications.
• Tailor your CV Think about the job you are
  applying for and make your relevant experience
  stand out.

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COVER Letter

• Personalise A cover letter should say more than
  Hey I saw your job ad, here's my CV.. Cheers
  mate
• Keep it short It should quickly summarise your
  experience, why you are perfect for the job, but
  not be more than 1 page.
• Think of this as your first interview Some
  employers may only look at your cover letter so
  think about what you say and check your SPELiNg.
• Sending by post Use a quality paper, fold it
  neatly and sign it clearly.
• Sending by email remember to attach the CV!
  And watch your email address -
  sexybullgod_at_gmail.com may count against you!

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WHERE? (part one)

• Depends on what you are looking for.
• Education/Research Jobs.ac.uk -
  www.jobs.ac.uk/categories/archaeology
• Archaeological BAJR www.bajr.org
• Museum Work Museum Jobs www.museumjobs.com
• Heritage, Museum and Education Uni of
  Leicester Jobs Desk - www.museumjobs.com

Archaeologyfieldwork.com (USA) Vacaturebank
Archeologie (Nederlands) Archaeology Forum
(Germany, France, UK) Underwater Archaeology
Maritime History (World) eCulturalResources
(USA)
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WHERE? (part two)

• Being active!
• Contact Companies and Universities
  Nobody is looking
  for you so go out and make yourself known
• Volunteer
  
  This is controversial, but can be considered, in
  the right circumstance.
• Keep your hand in
  
  Not only will you enjoy yourself but you will
  become better known.
• Dont stop there
  
  Keep learning, and keep skills up to date.

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Options ?

• What jobs are there?
• Contractors and Consultants
  
• Local Government
• National Organisations (National Trusts, Heritage
  Agencies, Forestry, Natural England)
• University Departments
• Specialist Companies (Osteological, Forensic,
  Geophysical etc)
• Museums
• Independant
• Where to find all these? ( www.bajr.org )
  Directory of Organisations

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More ?

• Be aware of
• Your Rights
  
  Knowing your rights in this industry is a hot
  topic, as the size is such that you will soon
  become known however, help is there.
• Being disabled so what?
  
  This is controversial, but may
  prejudice your employment opportunities, with
  even colour blindness, RSI and less visible
  disabilities being areas of concern. ( see
  http//www.britarch.ac.uk/accessible/ )
• Joining the Union?
  
  Is it for you does it help are there other
  options.
• Self Employed Route
  
  A talk in itself be aware of your obligations.
  And make sure you have a contract!

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Useful?

• So what are useful Skills
• Think of transferable skills (know when to hold
  them)
  There
  are a host of skills that can be taken out of
  archaeology, like Survey, GIS, Databases,
  Forensics, Research, Editing, Photography,
  Environmental studies.. etc.
• Plan your future (know when to fold them)
  
  Knowing what you
  want to do, how you will achieve these goals, and
  what they mean to you.
• Know when to call it quits (know when to walk
  away)
  Many
  archaeologists dont remain in archaeology full
  time, this is not a failure, as you can support
  archaeology from a number of positions, and still
  get involved.
• Know your limitations. (know when to run)
  
  You need to keep contacts so
  you can get help when you are out of your comfort
  zone.

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WHY ?

• Archaeology for the right reasons?
• Get rich?
  
  Nice idea, but it is not going to happen.
• Travelling?
  
  More options to see the world (check Past
  Horizons www.pasthorizons.com )
• Interest?
  
  It is certainly not dull.

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Ready..
Get your CV ready - consider a Skill Passport or
CPD log Know your skills and join appropriate
groups/societies Keep in touch and communicate
with colleagues Look for opportunities - dont
wait for them to look for you Enjoy your Work
but keep a plan B up your sleave
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'If you enjoy what you do, you will never work
another day in your life' Confucius

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