Starting the Search For a Role You Love
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking for your first professional arts role, or a seasoned professional transitioning to a new role within the art industry searching for a new role can be an intimidating process, it’s completely normal to be nervous. If you’re just starting your job search this post will help you find the right approach and strategies to help you navigate your search successfully.
Understand your unique selling points
Before you start thinking about the roles you want to apply for, ensure that you know what you can bring to a role. Think about the areas in which you have excelled throughout your career or academic journey so far. You may have a talent for interpersonal communication that could be applied to sales and negotiation, maybe you have experience in graphic design which can be valuable in marketing and content creation, or perhaps you have leadership skills which you want to develop, and work towards a career in management. Recognise your expertise, insights and experiences and consider how these assets can be leveraged to pursue opportunities in the art industry.
Identify your career goals and aspirations
Once you know what you can bring to a team, you need to identify your areas of interest in the art world. If you’re just starting to think about your long-term career, it can be useful to write these down, or even create a mind map to help you visualise your goals. Ask yourself some of these questions and write down the answers: What motivates or excites you? What impact do you want to have on your new career path? Where do you want to live? What is your ideal working pattern?
By clarifying your personal objectives and aligning them with your USPs you will have a clear understanding of what parts of the art world you want to work in.
Explore learning and development opportunities
Acquiring new skills in your chosen industry should not end with the culmination of your studies. If there is a skill or experience you need for your dream role that you don’t have, look into how you can achieve this, consider taking a short course, workshop, training programme or professional certification in areas such as arts management, museum studies, art education, conservation, marketing or curatorial practise to enhance your professional capabilities and credibility.
Network and connect with industry professionals
Arts professionals will often learn about new job opportunities via their connections with recruiters, other industry professionals and alumni networks. Networking events, conferences, exhibitions, and online communities are useful in expanding your professional network and visibility. Remember to use the tools at your disposal and be active in maintaining contact with people you connect with!
Update your CV and portfolio
Having an up to date CV and if relevant to the roles you are interested in, a portfolio, that highlights your relevant arts experience and skills is invaluable in your job search. Make sure that your CV/portfolio covers these essential factors: professional experience (chronologically starting with most recent), relevant projects and achievements, education (only give details if required), transferable skills and abilities. Most importantly, make sure that it is a concise document, there is no need to include information about your bar job during university, for example.
Embrace Flexibility and adaptability
Be open to exploring different roles and career paths that you didn’t initially envision. You might just find a role that better suits your experiences that you enjoy more! Be receptive to feedback, learning and growth opportunities throughout your application process, learn from feedback given and apply suggestions to your work.
Stay persistent and be resilient
Rejection is a normal part of any job search, you are likely to face setbacks, challenges and moments of self-doubt. It can be hard to stay resilient and committed to your goals in the face of this, so make sure that you celebrate all achievements and progress along the way, use rejection as a learning opportunity. For example, if you are invited to interview but end up not getting the position, celebrate that you got an interview, and work on your interview techniques to improve for the next time.
Overall, finding a career you love in the art industry is an opportunity to both pursue your passions and embrace new challenges. By following the advice in this post you can navigate this transitional period comfortably, with confidence, purpose and success. Remember that you have a unique perspective, experience and creativity to bring to your chosen career path, capitalise on your skill set to achieve a career you love.