In conclusion

So that's it.  That's what our survey respondents (and me) had to tell you about job searching.  Giant round of applause for those who took the survey please?  Let me tell you, this was not easy for them to do.  The survey was a marathon and since my design skills stink, it was an obstacle course, too.  But many persevered, and the most of what they said has been presented in the preceding 49 posts.

One last bit, though.  At the very end of the survey I asked if any of the respondents might be interested in doing some one-on-one reviewing of application materials with potential candidates. This was when I was still hoping to make this some sort of a workshop with a practical component.  Anyway, those that answered? Most said no.  Some said they were doing it already with interns working at their institutions.  I've had a few requests myself as a result of doing this blog and my answer has been no.  I realize that sounds kind of cold, but in my case, this whole project has taken a large amount of my personal time. If I ever do that level of review again? It will be under one of two circumstances: a) as a mentor in one of the professional organizations or b) as a volunteer at the SAA conference Career Center.

SAA has an active mentoring program and a lot of this type of work happens within it.  I've done this with several mentees myself over the past 6 years.  I've also volunteered at the Career Center at the conferences for the past two or three years: if you can take advantage of the opportunity, it's a phenomenal chance to have an unbiased strangers with hiring expertise take a look at your application materials in a no-stress environment. If you can't afford SAA and you're in the northwest states, NWA has an active mentoring program. Other regionals may as well, I haven't researched this.  Call up one of your profs and ask if s/he knows anybody you can tap for work like this. Call up your internship supervisor. Call up the president of your regional (after you pay your dues) and ask him/her to figure out how to help with this.

Thanks everybody, for hanging with me.  I appreciate your trust, your candor, and your responsiveness.