Topic ID #7695 - posted 5/24/2010 12:06 PM
bakedak
This is getting out of control, all of the archaeology jobs are drying up and companies are downsizing at an very fast rate. Are the jobs going to come back any time soon? It seems that for every job posted over 100 cv's are submitted. That is just nuts! How can this drop off be held in check?
WHERE ARE THE JOBS!!!!!!!!
bakedak
This is getting out of control, all of the archaeology jobs are drying up and companies are downsizing at an very fast rate. Are the jobs going to come back any time soon? It seems that for every job posted over 100 cv's are submitted. That is just nuts! How can this drop off be held in check?
Post ID#17712 - replied 5/24/2010 8:47 PM
countrybob1965
Am afraid that this may be the face of things to come. Am worried that the cultural and environmental work may be thrown under the bus as we have become more of a service driven economy.
Post ID#17714 - replied 5/25/2010 8:55 AM
KB
Many companies (including my own) are operating on a skeleton staff, waiting for big projects to clear. All of the hourly staff were let go awhile ago and when a project does crop up, we just put together a field crew with a mismatch of existing personnel. If things do improve, we'll probably just hire back previous employees.
Post ID#17715 - replied 5/25/2010 9:54 AM
bakedak
Another thing that drives me nuts is the lack of professionalism that many CRM firms have in regards to responding to inquiries and messages. I understand that these firms are getting tons of inquiries but it is still unprofessional not to respond, especially when multiple inquiries have been made. It is very apparent that the people in middle management positions in the CRM world are often stuck up cowards.
Post ID#17716 - replied 5/25/2010 10:45 AM
digthis
They could also just be very busy and don't have the time to respond to hundreds of e-mails. Usually in a job search it's a given that you don't necessarily receive a personal response unless you are picked for a follow-up phone call or interview.
Post ID#17730 - replied 5/27/2010 7:57 AM
scottyj432
Well here's my 2 cents worth on this topic: There are jobs to be had out there. Several of my friends who are field techs have been busily employed for the past few months. One observation I do have on the current job sitch is that if other companies are in my employers situation, we have been inundated for some time with apps. They started flowing in several months ago. We have several upcoming projects, but will probably not need to post for openings. Between several people we hired last field season who have already contacted us regarding employment, combined with the stack of apps that continue to stream in thru the door, we have more than enough people to choose from for upcoming projects. I guess my advise would be to not wait around for a job to be posted, send out your resume to several companies in your area and see what nibbles you get. Be proactive.
Post ID#17734 - replied 5/28/2010 3:10 AM
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
Great advice! I've worked for several companies that never advertise... not even on archaeologyfieldwork.com (sheesh). ;> When a project comes up, they will rely on in-house staff, perhaps make some phone calls or thumb through whatever resumes came through the door if they need to.
Jennifer
Jennifer
Post ID#17735 - replied 5/28/2010 9:41 AM
bakedak
I understand that companies are getting tons of CV's and can't respond to everyone, its just that I am getting really frustrated with the job market and not hearing back from anyone. I make sure to send out my CV to as many firms as possible around once a month as well as general inquiries, but so far I haven't had any luck. I hope that I can get a job soon, my wife is about to have our first baby and we aren't sure what we are going to do, there is only so far you can go with unemployment.
Post ID#17737 - replied 5/28/2010 10:21 AM
KB
Great advice! I've worked for several companies that never advertise...
not even on archaeologyfieldwork.com (sheesh). ;> When a project
comes up, they will rely on in-house staff, perhaps make some phone
calls or thumb through whatever resumes came through the door if they
need to.
We do the same thing. We always have go to people who we call (they already have W4s on file) and a stack of resumes.
I'd recommend sending your resume to absolutely every firm on the SHPO consultant's list for every state you'd be willing to work in. I'm still old school and would recommend emailing, as well as sending a formal cover letter and resume via USPS too. All the stamps can be expensive but it will make you stick out. As miserable as it is, cold calling can help too.
Outside of that, the best thing you can do is network and get an "in" with someone besides HR or whoever filters the resumes. Ask around to friends, coworkers, colleagues, and professors to find someone's name at the companies you'd like to work for and contact them directly. Go to (and present) at state and regional conferences and talk to as many people as possible.
We do the same thing. We always have go to people who we call (they already have W4s on file) and a stack of resumes.
I'd recommend sending your resume to absolutely every firm on the SHPO consultant's list for every state you'd be willing to work in. I'm still old school and would recommend emailing, as well as sending a formal cover letter and resume via USPS too. All the stamps can be expensive but it will make you stick out. As miserable as it is, cold calling can help too.
Outside of that, the best thing you can do is network and get an "in" with someone besides HR or whoever filters the resumes. Ask around to friends, coworkers, colleagues, and professors to find someone's name at the companies you'd like to work for and contact them directly. Go to (and present) at state and regional conferences and talk to as many people as possible.
Post ID#17749 - replied 6/4/2010 1:43 PM
diginit
I know how you feel bakedak, I am in the exact same situation. I had to turn down the one project I was offered to work on because it was out of state and in the middle of my wife's due date.
Besides what is more of a personal dilemma for me, what I have noticed is many CRM firms taking advantage of the current job environment and not offering hotel or per diem. At that they offer only $10-12 per hour.
It's frustrating that I graduated with honors and awards for my fieldwork, but my level of education commands less pay than an ex-con digging a ditch. It seems like things are drier here on the east coast though, because I see plenty of federal jobs available out west.
Besides what is more of a personal dilemma for me, what I have noticed is many CRM firms taking advantage of the current job environment and not offering hotel or per diem. At that they offer only $10-12 per hour.
It's frustrating that I graduated with honors and awards for my fieldwork, but my level of education commands less pay than an ex-con digging a ditch. It seems like things are drier here on the east coast though, because I see plenty of federal jobs available out west.
Post ID#17750 - replied 6/4/2010 3:05 PM
Archaeovagrant
The problem with all those federal jobs out west is that there is one opening per job listing, usually, and thousands of us out of work. Not to mention the fact that some of those openings are tailored to fit certain people that the hiring agency wants. I know that sounds paranoid, but look at some of the highly specific job requirements, and the short open period on some of them.
Post ID#17752 - replied 6/6/2010 1:55 AM
Jennifer Palmer
Webmaster
It may also help to try networking with as many folks in the archaeological community as possible on Facebook. Quite often I will see a posting by a friend whose company is looking for only one or two more people to fill a crew. I resisted going the Facebook route for a long time, but finally gave in and signed up for an account over a year ago. Now I'm stunned to see how many people are there. It seems just about every archaeologist I've ever worked with has a FB account!
Post ID#17963 - replied 8/5/2010 1:30 AM
nikkib
Hey all, I work for ****** *** and it's not a great company, not in the least. I'm happy to have a job though.
*** Note: edited by webmaster to remove name of company. Please refer to website policy on negative posts regarding CRM companies. Thanks for understanding, Jennifer
*** Note: edited by webmaster to remove name of company. Please refer to website policy on negative posts regarding CRM companies. Thanks for understanding, Jennifer
Post ID#17972 - replied 8/5/2010 4:50 PM
whatamIdoing
"but my level of education commands less pay than an ex-con digging a ditch"
So true, I remember a few years back and almost took a ditch digging job over the winter, instead I ended up on a project that lasted until the summer. The ditch digging job paid for travel and hotels just like the arch job, but it paid $8 more an hour, and 3X the per diem that the arch job did. Such is our fate...
"Not to mention the fact that some of those openings are tailored to fit certain people that the hiring agency wants. I know that sounds paranoid, but look at some of the highly specific job requirements, and the short open period on some of them. "
This is very true. You are not paranoid. They do this to lessen the chance of having to hire a random vet.
Post ID#17975 - replied 8/6/2010 9:53 AM
FireArch
Moderator
"paid $8 more an hour, and 3X the per diem that the arch job did"
Was that a federal job in any way? Per diem is determined by the location in which the work takes place, not the nature of the work itself. Someone getting paid three times the going rate for per diem is either gaming the system, or the arch was being paid one third the required rate.
Was that a federal job in any way? Per diem is determined by the location in which the work takes place, not the nature of the work itself. Someone getting paid three times the going rate for per diem is either gaming the system, or the arch was being paid one third the required rate.
Post ID#17977 - replied 8/6/2010 8:05 PM
StarRider
A private company can pay whatever per diem they like, but anything over the IRS accepted regional rates will basically be considered wages.
Post ID#17979 - replied 8/7/2010 9:43 AM
334Arch
Does anyone do what they do for any reason other than loving it? Archaeology a wealthy man does not make. However, I believe that few outside of our profession can answer the question: "do you love what you do" honestly and without qualification. Until Archaeology as a resource is fully realized and appreciated our struggle is uphill.
I once had a professor, who, in the field, would bark, "NO WHINING"! As I relate this anecdote, I am not without my share of personal and financial difficulties working in this field. Making no claims to a desire of a vagabond life, I nonetheless could not imagine anything (outside of a peter-pan record store/comic book shop gig) I'd rather be spending my life becoming successful at--->the job situation (or lack thereof) is, part of the natural ebb and flow.
I currently am holding down two jobs, alternatively, as a mover and a pizza delivery driver. Last week, I was called a "thinking man" for suggesting we use a hand truck for moving a wardrobe. Am I satisfied with my situation? No. I'd rather be doing ARCH. Though the going difficult, It is (or should be) our chosen profession's mission to educate and inspire others as we preserve our antiquity for future generations' benefit.
Have we been handed a raw deal? Perhaps. But when my trowel cleaves my unit the swiss clock of our deity clicks into place. I can live with that.
or...y'know, we can all learn GIS.
I once had a professor, who, in the field, would bark, "NO WHINING"! As I relate this anecdote, I am not without my share of personal and financial difficulties working in this field. Making no claims to a desire of a vagabond life, I nonetheless could not imagine anything (outside of a peter-pan record store/comic book shop gig) I'd rather be spending my life becoming successful at--->the job situation (or lack thereof) is, part of the natural ebb and flow.
I currently am holding down two jobs, alternatively, as a mover and a pizza delivery driver. Last week, I was called a "thinking man" for suggesting we use a hand truck for moving a wardrobe. Am I satisfied with my situation? No. I'd rather be doing ARCH. Though the going difficult, It is (or should be) our chosen profession's mission to educate and inspire others as we preserve our antiquity for future generations' benefit.
Have we been handed a raw deal? Perhaps. But when my trowel cleaves my unit the swiss clock of our deity clicks into place. I can live with that.
or...y'know, we can all learn GIS.
Post ID#17989 - replied 8/8/2010 3:41 PM
whatamIdoing
Firearch: Not a fed job. It was a private company. The job was digging ditches.
Post ID#18082 - replied 8/27/2010 2:11 PM
whatamIdoing
One more month and funding runs dry, don't have my next gig lined up (not good), I'm about to FREAK OUT!
Post ID#18084 - replied 8/28/2010 11:24 PM
groovy
At the risk of sounding cynical and jaded, it weems that companies are more interested in hiring kids straight out of field school than the folks who are genuinely talented, skilled and experienced. It is a whole lot easier to exploit someone who knows next to nothing about the industry, or general archaeological principles or methodologies. They can also be paid less, which increases the profit margin for some of these slimier companies, We all know who they are. This is, of course, a very myopic, unenlightened and short sighted strategy which often blows up in these companies faces, which is fun to sit back, watch and laugh inwardly at. This is the only industry that i am aware of that favors inexperience over experience, which helps to explain the sorry state of CRM these days.
I am so tired of hearing stories about CRM companies bullying young crews to turn a blind eye to sites while on survey, asking young people to do clearly dangerous tasks, and perpetuating the myth about clients demanding receipts instead of paying a real per diem. But I am not angry. Their day of reckoning will come in the very near future and like Santa, I have been keeping a naughty or nice list. Sorry, naughties, there is no room in the mansion for you.
In the meanitme, I encourage everyone to apply for jobs with the engineering firms. They pay way more and hopefully are pushing the lowballers out of the picture.
Post ID#18087 - replied 8/30/2010 6:12 PM
scottyj432
Many engineering firms require receipts-per diem....
Post ID#18090 - replied 8/31/2010 10:05 AM
whatamIdoing
Yeah, the most dismal pay and per diem situations I've been in have been working for engineering firms. But then again, they typically weren't as slimy as the last CRM firm I've worked for.. but they were still pretty slimy.
|
Next topic: "Care and Identification of Photographs Workshop - NYC, San Francisco and Savannah" |
|
Previous topic: "Parched English fields reveal ancient sites" |
|
Looking for something else? Show recent posts in Discussion |