0 RESULTS FOUND: TIPS AND TRICKS TO OVERCOME JOB SEARCH STRESS

 GLAM Gets Mindful | Melissa Mertsis

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As I'm sure many of us know, even in normal times the job search process is stressful. Factor in COVID-19, the fact that graduation is a few months away, and the generalized anxiety and stress about the state of the world... it seems basically impossible. But, I have some good news — it is possible, and you can do it! Although job applications are a ton of work, you can take some stress off of your plate by following some of the tips and tricks I've come across in my own job search journey. This list is by no means exhaustive, and I encourage you to capitalize on the tips and tricks that work best for you — anything you can do to make this stressful process easier is a success in my books! Let's get started.

This article, where the image is from, also has some helpful tips about job search stress!

My first tip is to make a LinkedIn account, if you haven't already, and to frequently update it. It is way easier to monitor and update your account regularly than to scramble and try to remember everything you did the past few months at that one time when you need it during the job search. LinkedIn isn't just about job experience — you can also highlight volunteer experiences, internships, and notable projects which are all interesting to potential employers. There's also a section at the bottom where you can describe some of your best skills, similar to a "qualifications" section on a resume, so make sure you are taking advantage of selling your skills in as many ways as possible on LinkedIn — employers will look at your profile, and the more well-rounded you are, the better!


Another function on LinkedIn I think is especially helpful is the "recommendations" section. Essentially, this area on LinkedIn allows people that you have worked with in the past to write you mini reference letters, detailing what they enjoyed about working with you, endorsing important skills that you have, and sharing any other information they think people should know about you. Something I did last year was a "recommendation exchange" with some of my friends and peers where we all wrote each other recommendations based on experiences we've had with each other, and it was really successful! This is also a great way to source people to write you a reference letter in the future (it also doesn't hurt to know what people think you do really well).

The image above is from this article on the importance of networking.

Something you hear a lot in the program is that networking is important in the job search. When I first heard this I was extremely intimidated — I had no idea how to network with someone in person, let alone online during a pandemic. However, I have found that networking is actually not as scary as you think! "Networking" can look like a lot of things. Most recently I have gotten into the habit of connecting with guest speakers from class on LinkedIn to thank them for their time and referencing something I really enjoyed about their presentation. Many speakers also share their personal emails — so use it to your advantage! Your professors are also great opportunities for networking, so don't be afraid to reach out to them on LinkedIn or through their e-mails to start conversations that expand beyond your courses. Professors are usually happy to connect and help out, and it doesn't hurt that they usually know a ton of people in the field!

Another tip I have is keeping a baseline CV and/or resume and cover letter prepped to go at all times. A successful job application is a specially tailored job application, but that doesn't mean you can't make it a little easier for yourself. I have a "template" resume that has a lot of my experience on it that I adjust as I apply to different jobs. Although you still have to put the work in to tailor the resume and cover letter, it's a lot easier if the resume is already formatted how you like it. I also find it helpful to look back at how past-Melissa described some of my jobs; sometimes I really like how I worded something, or sometimes the time passed has made me realize I'd like to change something. Either way, having baseline documents from which to work frees up a lot of your time to spend on advertising your skills, instead. If you need help writing a strong CV, resume, or cover letter, check out some of the great resources that the Faculty of Information offers.

This image by Toby Mac is important to keep in mind when job hunting!

Finally, my last tip for this article is to give yourself time and try to keep morale up —"if it doesn't open, it probably isn't your door." If a job doesn't work out, try to frame it as a positive experience; it just simply was not meant to be. Jobs that you don't get can be just as valuable as the ones that you do get, and rejections, although sometimes tough to handle, are a great way to reflect on your practices and experiences and figure out how to improve. Don't hesitate to ask for feedback from the employer you were not successful with, most times they are happy to share and they might have extremely valuable feedback! There's another saying that "good things fall apart so better things can come together" — maybe you have something great just around the corner, so keep your LinkedIn updated, your mind open, and your resume ready to go!

THE STUDENT-SUNDIAL CONNECTION

THE GRAD SCHOOL GUIDE

BY: AURORA CACIOPPO

Greetings! I am so pleased to be the contributing editor for The Grad School Guide this summer. As I contemplated what valuable tips should be shared with incoming and/or current grad students, I got seriously sidetracked by S-Town. This podcast, as some of you may already know, is hosted by Brian Reed and was released in March 2017 by the producers of Serial. It’s about John B McLemore, a man who hates his hometown of Woodstock, Alabama. He reaches out to Brian and asks him to investigate a local crime, but once the research begins, an entirely new story is unearthed. Suddenly, Reed (and every listener) gets caught up in the life of John B. Fear not, I won’t reveal any spoilers.

John B often quotes passages found on sundials, an interesting tradition I became fascinated with. As a human who is enrolled in post-graduate education and is also desperately trying to manage every other aspect of my life, I am dedicating my first column of The Grad School Guide to sundial philosophy. I hope that from this time-measuring wisdom, graduate students will be inspired to become true masters of Museum Studies.

Source.

“Vita in motu” - Life is in motion
Accept that everyone is coming from a different stage of their life, and most importantly, different areas of expertise. Do not doubt your abilities. Instead, be confident in what you do know, and try approaching your insecurities with being open to learning about what you don’t know. Show up to as many events as you can. There are countless educational and professional development opportunities, and time moves quickly! Take advantage!

“Be as true to each other as this dial is to the sun”
Get to know your peers! These are the people you will work with during and after your degree. This will be your first network of museum professionals! Recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, offer your help when appropriate, and don’t be afraid to ask for help in return. I have learned so much simply by listening to what my classmates have contributed in lecture, group projects, or while editing their papers. Be open, be interested, and be yourself. 

“Take the gifts of this hour”
The gift of this hour is this: the bathrooms in the Bissell building basement are the best. There are a lot of them, and no one is ever there. You’re welcome.

Source.

“Altera pars otio, pars ista labori” - Devote this hour to work, another to leisure
Explore! Visit museums with your classmates. Discuss what you liked about your visit and what you didn’t. Go over what you failed to understand and share what you did. You’ll quickly learn that each person notices different things. This practice will allow you to get to know your friends better, it will open your eyes to different methods of interpretation, and this process will better prepare you for class discussions and assignments.

“Vivere memento” - Remember to live
Get out of your home, the museum, work, etc., and do something completely unrelated. Try a new restaurant (there are SO MANY in the area – contact me, I will hook you up); go to SkyZone trampoline park; go to a regular park; visit an escape room etc. etc. etc. Live that life of yours!

Source.

“Dum tempus habemus operemur bonum” - While we have time, let us do good
Don’t be too serious. Life as a student is stressful, but it is also a special time where we have the freedom to take chances. Research what you’re passionate about. Find what works best for you. As museum professionals, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the way people understand art, history, and objects. Do good with it.

“Tedious and Brief”
This is one phrase that isn’t found on a sundial; rather, it’s something John B repeats in S Town. Nevertheless, I think it’s something that’s worth reminding ourselves of. Yes, at times, things can seem tedious. But in the grand scheme of things, it is incredibly brief. Take time to remind yourself that it is most definitely worthwhile.