Open Forum

Dear All

I am thinking about how to prepare for interviews, and I want to make sure I have things in good shape. So far, I have written down some of the skills I have that apply to the job, questions to ask, and some basic information about the place and job title. Also to hum I will be speaking with. I did look the person up online. Anything else would be helpful. I want us all to benefit from each other's knowledge. 

Thanks,

Rachel 

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Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
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Hi Rachel,

It sounds like you're off to a good start so far! Something else I liked to do when interviewing was to go through my experience/history and pinpoint exactly how my experience matches the job. I do this to an extent when writing a cover letter as well, but I did it in more detail for myself when interviewing. That way all my examples and things to talk about are fresh in my mind and I don't look like I'm fumbling or searching for an answer. It also helps to boost myself up as I see all of what I've done written out, because sometimes not everything gets on our resume. 

You already said this in your post but make sure to have questions ready to ask the interviewers at the end. You're interviewing them just as much as they are you, and this is the time to really make sure the place is a right fit for you. 

Looking the company and person up is good. If they have a strategic plan or something similar, get a little familiar with it. Get familiar with their programming too, especially the programming you might be a part of if you get the job. You can even prepare some ideas of what new things you would bring to the company. 

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Devra Hock-Reid PhD
Assistant Curator, Science Education
New Jersey State Museum
Trenton NJ
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Dear All

Thanks for the advice I will keep it in mind.

Thanks,

Rachel

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Rachel Alschuler
Museum Education/ Visitor Experience
San Francisco CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-13-2024 09:27 AM
From: Paul Thistle
Subject: Advice

Ms. Alschuler:

Assuming the jobs you want will be in the museum education field--especially if you apply for leadership (& even if you want entry-level) positions--I would suggest you do some prior thinking about answering a question like: 

How would you want to innovate in the current programme offerings and/or direction?

Even if entry-level is your goal, the idea of 'leading from below' is a 'thing'.  :-)

Best of luck.

Respectfully yours

Paul C. Thistle

Solving Task Saturation for Museum Workers ~ Help for fully loaded camels working in a rain of straws blog https://solvetasksaturation.wordpress.com/

 

Critical Museology Miscellanea ~ blog for critical, self-reflexive, & radical re-examination of museum practice https://miscellaneousmuseology.wordpress.com/ 

Hi Rachel,

I agree with Devra regarding getting to know as much as possible about the organization. What is their history? What programs do they have? Why would you want to work for them? How do your skills and interests mesh with the job being offered? What ideas do you have for improving or implementing a new project?

Good luck,

Pete

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Peter Hames MBA
Volunteer
Houston Maritime Museum
Houston TX
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