By Rebecca Parker

Making friends is hard to do. Nothing will bring this into focus more than moving somewhere new. For me, moving has always been full of excitement and possibility, accompanied, however, by sheer anxiety at the thought of leaving the community and networks that I have worked to build. As an artist and arts administrator, with a spouse whose career has necessitated several relocations, I’ve developed mechanisms to sustain cherished relationships—both personal and professional--while building new ones.  Although this path hasn’t always been easy, it has taught me to dive headfirst into my new-found homes, currently Chicago, to build new communities of peers whose support and perspective is critical to me. It has also helped me to understand and accept the vulnerability inherent in “putting yourself out there” in order to engage new people. With each move, I’ve become better at creating opportunities to do so. These interactions might take the form of informational interviews, attending events and lectures, or simply having dinner out with a new acquaintance. Like many other fields, the art market is highly competitive and connected; networking is essential to access opportunity and engage in peer dialogue. My approach to networking is informed by the specific nature of the place I find myself, but I would like to share the constants along my journey....Click here to read more.

By Phyllis Brust

A favorable first impression is essential in any job interview. Experts say that employers judge candidates within the first minute.  Appearance represents the attention to detail and pride that you will take in your work. 

For me, this made getting splashed by a taxi on the way to an interview one summer day all the more unfortunate.  I was one step from the curb, when a cab rounded a corner behind me.  I went from stylishly ready to big drippy mess in no time flat and had no time to dry off.

Mascara running, feet swishing, I walked in.  I would have preferred to be memorable for my sharp answers and knowledge of the field, but I think it will be for the stain I left on the chair.  I prepared answers for questions about strengths and weaknesses but not for this. Should I have ignored the wetness? Maybe they wouldn’t notice.  Judging by the puddles, squishing sounds and drippy hair, that was unlikely.  It was a lost cause and I knew it....Click here to read more.

By Mary Everley

I'm part of a dual-career couple. I've heard mixed advice about when to reveal my partner's career needs during the job search process. Can you give me some direction?

You've heard mixed advice because people have mixed opinions.  Throughout the process, keep in mind that bias runs both ways.  Some members of the search committee will view your commitment to your partner's career as admirable and appropriate; others will view it as irrelevant to the job and a distraction.  Whether you want future colleagues that fall in the latter camp is up to you.

Before mentioning your partner's career needs, firmly establish your qualifications for the job in the minds of the committee members.  You'll want to first create their impression of you as a scholar and colleague. They are, appropriately, most concerned about what role you can play in the department and how you can advance its reputation....Click here to read more.

  By Mary Everley                                                                                                                                                         

  Should I customize my cover letter and CV for each job application?

Absolutely!  While tailoring your cover letter and CV for each job is time consuming, it's necessary.  Reviewers report they can immediately spot (and sometimes toss) form letters. Each college or university is unique so the same letter and CV can't possibly work for every institution.

Personalize each letter by including statements that show you've done your homework on the institution and department.  For example, if College Y emphasizes service learning, note how you structure courses to give students real-world experiences.  If the department is known for preparing students for international work, cite how you use international examples in your case studies.  If the institution serves a large population of non-native English speakers, mention how you adapt your pedagogy to better reach these learners....Click here to read more.