Finding a Job in ArchaeologyGraduate OpportunitiesHow, Where and Why.

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?

BAJR Federation

www.bajr.org

BAJR Federation

www.bajr.org

A Good CV 1. Education – once you have your degree, you don’t need to cite every

other exam result.

2. Archaeological Experience – Keep it up to date and relevant – listing employer, dates, site/project and periods.

3. Non Archaeological Work – If it is relevant – and ONLY THEN.

4. Publications – Have you written reports? Or contributed to a site publication? Any papers presented?

5. Other Information – For example, First Aid, Driving Licence etc.

6. Referees – A good reference is worth its weight in applications.

7. Tailor your CV – Think about the job you are applying for and make your relevant experience stand out.

CVs

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1. Personalise – A cover letter should say more than “Hey I saw your job ad, here's my CV.. Cheers mate”

2. Keep it short – It should quickly summarise your experience, why you are perfect for the job, but not be more than 1 page.

3. 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.

4. Sending by post – Use a quality paper, fold it neatly and sign it clearly.

5. Sending by email – remember to attach the CV! And watch your email address - sexybullgod@gmail.com may count against you!

COVER Letter

BAJR Federation

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WHERE? (part one)

Depends on what you are looking for.1. Education/Research – Jobs.ac.uk -

www.jobs.ac.uk/categories/archaeology

2. Archaeological – BAJR – www.bajr.org

3. Museum Work – Museum Jobs – www.museumjobs.com

4. 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)

BAJR Federation

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WHERE? (part two)

Being active!1. Contact Companies and Universities

Nobody is looking for you – so go out and make yourself known

2. Volunteer This is controversial, but can be considered, in the right circumstance.

3. Keep you hand in Not only will you enjoy yourself – but you will become better known.

4. Don’t stop there Keep learning, and keep skills up to date.

BAJR Federation

www.bajr.orgOptions ?

What jobs are there?1. Contractors and Consultants

2. Local Government

3. National Organisations (National Trusts, Heritage Agencies, Forestry, Natural England)

4. University Departments

5. Specialist Companies (Osteological, Forensic, Geophysical etc)

6. Museums

7. Independant

Where to find all these? ( www.bajr.org ) Directory of Organisations

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WHY ?Archaeology for the right reasons? 1. Get rich?

Nice idea, but it is not going to happen.

2. Travelling? More options to see the world (check Past Horizons www.pasthorizons.com )

3. Interest? It is certainly not dull….

What they don’t tell you…..

Have you got a CSCS card?

Joining the IfA – Who and Why?

Can you be a bus pass archaeologist?

I am an archaeologist with a degree!

I can’t afford training or even the time to go on digs.

I would prefer to go to Cyprus than work in Scotland!

BAJR – you do what exactly?

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 - don’t wait for them to look for you

Enjoy your Work but keep a plan B up your sleeve

BAJR Federation

www.bajr.org

'If you enjoy what you do, you will never work another day in your life' - Confucius