Job-Search Strategies

A fine arts degree makes you educationally qualified to succeed in just about anything. Serious study in the arts develops creativity, analytical and critical thinking skills, self-discipline, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills. If you are considering a career in the arts, be mindful of the realities of the field. There are relatively few lucrative visual and performing arts jobs at any given point in time and many interested (and talented) candidates. Few recent graduates start out as full-time artists or performers. Most recent grads initially find work in art-related fields such as arts administration or arts education.

Some Observations About the Job Search

It's not the most qualified people who get the best jobs; it's those who are the most skilled at job finding.
Getting a job is a job. It takes hard work, dedication, and action.
Barriers are to be expected. The biggest barrier for most people is their own resistance to doing what is necessary to get the results they want.
Action works. Few people get a job because someone comes to their home and knocks on the door. You are more likely to get a job if you are actively looking.

The Job-Search Process

Know what you want to do
Job seekers often believe that the first step in the job-search process is developing a résumé. However, it is impossible to develop an effective résumé when your direction is still hazy. It’s not enough to say, "I want to make art or perform." You need a specific job objective, at least for the short-term. A look inside at your goals, interests, values, and skills is really the first step in a job search. For help with this process, visit our Career Exploration Links
Find out who will hire you
Research the types of organizations that hire people in your field and with the skills you offer. Find out where those organizations list openings. Research the job-listing resources in your discipline or field of interest.
Market yourself to prospective employers
Send your résumé, job-search letters, portfolio, or audition materials. Prepare for interviews and auditions.

Where to Find Job Openings

Classified ads in newspapers
Online job-posting sites
Employer web sites
Professional association web sites
Fine Arts Career Services Job Search Links
Job fairs
Employment agencies

Many job leads are found through word of mouth. Let everyone know you are job hunting. Family, faculty, friends, alumni, parents of friends, social groups, and former employers can be great resources for uncovering job information. Contact employers of interest directly even if you don’t see an opening listed. Inquire about potential opportunities. According to a Department of Labor survey, 63.4% of jobs were obtained by networking and direct contact with an employer.

During your search you may find it necessary to take a part-time/temporary job or volunteer in your field of interest. A part-time/temporary job is an opportunity to continue to build your skills as well as obtain a possible reference for your next job. If you volunteer in your chosen field, you gain knowledge of and experience in the field, and establish yourself in a professional network.

Common Job-Search Mistakes

Not knowing what you really want and what you have to offer to employers
Failure to plan and organize your job search.
Not researching the job, organization, or field before applying for jobs.
Relying only on one strategy to find positions. For example, only using the Internet or reading the classifieds. Employ as many strategies as you can.
Using a generic résumé and cover letter for all jobs. The best approach is to tailor your cover letter and résumé for every lead. Zero in on what the employer really wants.
Failure to keep careful records of everyone you meet and everything you do.

For every person and each job, the search will be different. It’s important to recognize that the job search is not a highly predictable process. Many of its variables are not in your control. But good jobs await those who are willing to take the steps necessary to find them.

For assistance with your job search, contact Fine Arts Career Services at 232-7333


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