Seven Tips for When you're Singing Those Job-Hunting Blues

Abstract

Each year there are more highly qualified music educators graduating who are unable to find employment in their areas of expertise. What kinds of alternatives can be offered to students who graduate each year and then become disillusioned with our profession because they cannot find employment? Here are a few suggestions that may offer some insight, or at least some hope.1. Be broadminded. Do not limit yourself to any one career choice. Prepare yourself so that you can find opportunities for employment in many areas. Consider career areas outside of music, if necessary.2. Become computer literate. Our society is operated by computers. Every month there seems to be another company attempting to sell a "teach yourself' computer package in every subject, including music. Take a course in programming; also, learn how to operate at least one kind of word processor. These skills will definitely enhance the quality of your resume and your opportunities for employment.3. Invest in qualit, resumes. This is a most tedious and time-consuming task. Each job is going to state specific requirements. It is best to tailor your resume for each job, highlighting your qualifications that are most important for that position. A prospective employer will have several resumes to consider, and will be inclined to favor those that are not cluttered with irrelevant information. This does not suggest that you should put only those items in the resume that are directly job specific, but be selective; an employer may7 not care that you were a junior high cheerleader.4. Accept part-time employment. This is a difficult decision to make. You want to think that the minute you are employed part-time a fulltime position will become available. Unfortunately, this often is not the case. In these economic times, more school systems are offering part-time positions in all subject areas, not just music and art. Nevertheless, all of these positions generate experience.Experience is the key word. The more you have, the better your chance of finding full-time employment in the area of your choice. It is generally not critical if the experience is part time or if it is in your area of expertise. For example, a music teacher who is a part-time secretary can include management and administrative skills acquired as part of his or her resume. These skills are important qualifications for a teacher of any subject matter. Additionally, three part-time jobs will pay the bills just as well as one full-time job.5. Be creative. After all, is this not the essence of music? Develop your own programs, teach privately, accompany students and professionals in the community, offer workshops, volunteer your services in your professional organizations and in public service efforts. The important thing is to continue to make yourself visible, helpful, and useful. This can involve anything from offering lectures at the local high school career day to presenting a mini-recital at a garden club's monthly meeting. A full-time career employer who is interested in the kinds of se...