Beginning a Job Search
To begin a job search one must become very organized. First one needs to have an updated resume and unlike your artist's resume, the format is completely different (see example resumes section). To find work in the corporate sector is different from finding work in the nonprofit sector. And one should also decide if they want part time or full time employment. If you don't have access to a computer/word processor, the internet and or a fax machine- there is an area in this article that will tell you places where you can get this access!
We recommend getting a note book that you can paste all the ads you cut out from the newspapers. This way you can keep track of who you have applied to, when you did so and other notes you what to keep on them. One also needs an appointment book. Update your reference list- by calling folks to make sure they want to be a reference for you. Remember only ask those who will give you a great reference!
Remember the art of MISS MANNERS. Good form will get you remembered and hopefully a job or good contact. BUY a package of Thank You cards and use them!! Send thank you notes to everyone you meet with on your job search (ie the head hunters, those you interview with, etc.)!
| This section is divided up into several areas | |
 |
How to find the type of job you are looking for |
|
The Interview |
|
Twelve tips for the interview |
|
Free access to a computer, fax machine and the internet |
How to find the type of job you are looking for
If you are looking for temporary employment please see the area on the AF's Collaboration with Kennison Staffing (they are the best in this particular area) or call (617) 478-2222- Tell them you found out about them from the Artists Foundation.
If you are trying to find work in the corporate sector AKA the for profit world, one should try register to with as many permanent placement agencies as possible (only the ones that won't charge you a fee) as well as, looking in the news paper's help wanted sections. The placement agencies (the best ones are listed in their own section on this site) can help you update and make your resume look its best. Nor is there a cover letter needed when working with them. Plus they will negotiate your benefits package and salary for you! Usually these agencies work with businesses, occasionally they do job placements in the non profit world- usually at large non profits who can afford their fees- universities, hospitals etc. (usually these non profits also have great benefits)!
For part time work with benefits - one should check out the local Boston Universities - MIT and Harvard are best for part timers. MIT IS VERY ARTIST FRIENDLY (we are linked to them).
For full time work in the non profit sector - use the newspapers and industry specific publications (go to the library). Many of that large non profits- universities and hospitals- have their own employment agency that posts their jobs. So call each place of interest to find out more info (some may have a web site, newspaper, and/or specific bulletin board with job postings)
For work in the arts - we recommend: subscribing to the national publication Art Calendar, the Artists The bimonthly newsletter from the Artist Resource Center at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (617 369-3635), calling Stage Source (617 720-6066 -for actors and those in theater), and going to the Massachusetts Cultural Council to look through their book of job listings (617 727-3668) and they now have an on-line searchable database of cultural employment opportunities in Massachusetts called Hire Culture - see: www.massculturalcouncil.org
MANY of the art jobs for small non profits are not listed in the Globe or registered with Placement agencies. They are usually sent to other arts organizations for them to post on their bulletin boards. SO we recommend that if you are serious about wanting to work in these small organizations to FIRST volunteer for one- that way if a job comes up at the organization that you are volunteering for you will be one of the first to know about it AND you will know about other jobs as they get mailed to that organization!
Please see the following sections of our web site: Key publications every artists should know about & FYI selection of important numbers every one should have - both found in the More Resources section. Also check out our links page! You may also want to call area schools/universities and community organizations to see how they find their teachers.
For those job seekers over 55+- there are specific agencies that place folks in these age brackets. Many companies, who have a clue, realize that workers in these age brackets make some of the best employees. So why not try to find those companies that will appreciate you. Call the The Elder Care location line to find an area agency that can help you with job placement 1-800-677-1116.
The Interview
Chances are you are going to have to interview first with someone from Human Resources- ie the gate keeper. They are the folks who will decide if you get your second interview. Often times they tend to ask rather strange questions to see what "your personality is really like" (see the article : one artist's job search adventure). Some questions you may be asked: what are your strengths and weaknesses; how would you deal with a difficult situation/person; what kind of fruit would you choose to be (hint: if you get asked this one and you actually answer it - make sure you pick a fruit and not a vegetable!). If they ask if your art or your work comes first -LIE- say that your job comes first and that your art is done on weekends and after dinner. More than likely you will be smarter than the HR person- but don't let them know this- you may scare them and thus you won't get your second interview!
Also there maybe a tendency for people outside of the arts to have misconceptions or even prejudices about artists and/or folks who come from the nonprofit sector who wish to work in the for the profit sector. Some misconceptions to be prepared for: The arts /non profits are not fast paced work environments (they should try working in a small non profit for a day!); that all artists are able to be graphic designers or make web pages etc; that artists are unable to work in a structured work environment; that you would what to be creative at work (ie paint the walls a strange color) etc. Just stress that artists have great critical thinking and problem solving skills and that artists are multi-tasked individuals who can work well independently and in a team environment.
1. Research the company you are interviewing for before your interview (call the company's main number and ask if they have a web page etc.). That way if asked in the interview if you know anything about the company you can say yes and that you looked at their web site. If they don't have a web site and they ask you if you know anything about the company you can say you tried to look them up on the web but to no avail (This will also show the company that they should be on the web!). Both responses lets them know you are technology savvy and that you are resourceful.
2. As for dressing for interviews, the old stand "bys" are best. Wear a suit in a neutral color (navy, gray, black, beige, etc.) and the same goes for shoes and accessories (ties, jewelry, tights/nylons, nail polish- if you wear it). Shoes for women are always tricky since there are so many choices. Just remember no open toed shoes or sandals (always wear nylons with a skirt). One's shoes should not scare those folks in the corporate sector (not many are hip enough to know what flueghogs are or that platform shoes are back in style!). Men should wear nice dress shoes. You should have at least two to three different interview suits. Wear a different one for each interview (hopefully you won't have more than two interviews, but one never knows).
3. Always arrive around 10 minutes early for your interview - don't be late. If you don't know were the company is located, then go before hand on another day to see where you are going and how long it will take for you to get there. Bring a book to read just in case you have to wait.
4. Have a several copies of your resume and reference list with you.
5. Remember when you are being greeted in the lobby area, that if you are sitting, to stand up and give a firm hand shake to the person who is interviewing you.
6. Always make direct eye contact.
7. NEVER bad mouth your past/present employer. If they ask you why your are looking for another job- you could say that you need a new challenge, etc.
8. Usually in the first interview you shouldn't bring up salary. If salary does comes up, one should say that you are negotiable depending on the benefits package and maybe give a salary range that you are looking for (if you are working with a head hunter they will do this part for you).
9. Remember to "sell" your skills and your experience, but don't over state your past salary or brag too much about your self. Confidence and modesty go along way.
10. You should also have questions for the interviewer- ie why is the position open, how many candidates are being considered for the job, when is the ideal start date, what are the next steps in the process, when can you expect to hear from them. This is where your research on the company can be quite useful in preparing for your interview!!
11. Remember at the close of the interview to let them know that you are interested in the job (if you are) and to thank them for their time.
12. Send a thank you
note!
(even if you don't want the job- they might be another person to add to your
mailing list for your art endeavors)
Boston Public Libraries:
One can go to any branch of the Boston Public Library and have free access
to the internet. Use it! There is also a FREE career service non profit agency
located at the BPL's main library at Copley: It is called- The Higher Education
Information Center @ the BPL.
Phone:The Career and Learning
Line 1-800-442-1171 (toll-free in Massachusetts)- for answers to
your questions about: Colleges- Financial Aid - Training Programs- Careers
Hours: Mon-Thur 9-9pm and Sat 9-5pm and Sun 1-5pm
Free non profit Job search agencies:
One-Stop Career Centers are a number of organizations that are collaborating with the Massachusetts
Division of Employment and Training.
Please see their web site;
Web address:http://www.detma.org/WSCareerCenters.htm (yes we are linked to them as well- see our
link page)
They all have many free services, as well as some that one has to pay for. One should call the center they choose to visit BEFORE they go. Often times one has to take an orientation session before you can access/use what they have to offer.
Boston
JobNet is located at 210 South
St in Boston (2 blocks from South Station). Also in the same building on the
7th Floor is a walk in center for Unemployment Insurance.
Hours: Monday-Fridays 8:30- 5pm and Wednesdays open till 7pm.
Phone number: (617) 338-0809. The free services they have include:
Free Resource Room
13 computers for job search correspondence, resumes, and internet access.
Workshops
Individual Counseling
Job Bank
Telephone/Fax/Copier
Beginner Computer Skills Training
Job Net-Satellite
1010 Mass Ave.
Roxbury, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 427-4855
Fax: (617) 427-4956
Boston Career Link
281 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 536-1888
Fax: (617) 536-1987
TTY: (617) 867-4687
The Work Place
101 Federal St.
Boston, MA 02110
Toll Free (800) 436-WORK
Phone: (617) 737-0093
Fax: (617) 428-0380
TTY (617) 428-0390
Metro North
Career Source
185 Alewife Brook Parkway
Cambridge, MA 02138
Toll Free: (888) 454-WORK
Phone: (617) 661-STOP
Fax: (617) 661-7571
Career Source-Satellite
121 Webster Ave.
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 887-1222
Fax: (617) 887-0087
The Career Place
Trade Center Park
100 Sylvan Road Suite G100
Woburn, MA 01801-1871
Toll Free: (888) 273-WORK
Phone: (781) 932-5500
Fax: (781) 932-5566
Hampden County
CareerPoint
850 High St
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: (413) 532-4900
Fax: (413) 532-0737
TTY: (800) 439-2370
CareerPoint-Satellite
Holyoke Community Center
Career Resource Center
303 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040-1099
Phone: (413) 538-7000
FutureWorks
One Federal St.- Building 103-3
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (413) 858-2800
Fax: (413) 858-2810
TTY: (413) 858-2800
 |
Top l Home l About
Us l Programs l Public
Policy
Exhibits & Open Studios l Resources
for Artists l Collaborations l Contact U
