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What is a good archivist's resume???



Six months huh? Well do keep in mind the not so great economy after 9-11,
add in the fact that academic positions are filled by committee so it may
be 3-4 months before you hear anything, so don't give up hope.
I'm going to tell you what I've been told regarding applying for archival
positions:
1. Have someone else proof read your resume, it is amazing how many typos
and grammatical mistakes you ignore after editing your resume for the
Xteenth time.
2.Don't use the passive voice
3. When describing skills, in the job description describe how those skills
were used. For example, I have listed knowledge of MS Access as a skill.
But that really doesn't say too much. So in addition to listing it I also
had put it in describing a former job, where I would routinely create,
edit, and design Access database files to track box and folder numbers,
create finding aids, etc.
4. I'd mainly stick to listing positions related to the positions for which
you are applying. In other words unless it is an SF-171 and Federal resume,
I wouldn't include the cashier job I had in High School.
5. If you can tailor the resume and the cover letter to the job. If it is
mainly cataloging, get more descriptive of cataloging work you have done.
You need to prove that you've done the kind of work they are looking for.
Teaching experience is good if the position requires you to train staff.
Also acknowledge the diversity of archives work and see that there is no
one size fits all. You may be malleable but the position is specific, sell
yourself for that specific position and its duties.
6. Unless it is a federal resume or if they've ask for it, don't include SS
#, birth dates or other really personal information. It takes up space.
7. Be specific, name names. Name the database (if it has a name) you worked
with, tell how many patrons you served a week, month, year. Describe the
kinds of materials you've worked with and under what conditions. Currently
I primarily work with paper, in a room that 80% of the time stays between
67-73 F and 40-50% Rh. Paint a picture for the reader of your resume, spell
it out.

Lastly, put more effort in the jobs that will pay more, leave the
cookie-cutter resume and cover letter for the jobs that pay just enough to
cover your student loans and rent.

Okay that's more than 2 cents, any more and I'll have to charge you.

Good luck

M Marie Maxwell
Archivist
John Q. Adams Center for the History of Otolaryngology-
Head and Neck Surgery Foundation
1 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-519-1596

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This information is provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head
and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. (AAO-HNSF) for educational purposes only.
Any information provided in this communication should not be considered
medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with an otolaryngologist-
head and neck surgeon or other physician. The AAO-HNS and AAO-HNSF will not
offer medical advice or recommend any physician for treatment of medical
disorders; such requests cannot be answered.

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