An hour long talk on getting ahead once you leave University and before! Comedy, Laughs and serious help provided in equal measure. Recorded at the Edinburgh University Archaeology Society -

1. Finding a Job in Archaeology
Graduate Opportunities
How, Where and Why.

11. HOW ?
• Playing to your strengths? Know what you want.
• Remember the real world? Have you been in it?
• Where will the jobs be? Where are the gaps?
• Do you really want to be an archaeologist?
BAJR Federation
www.bajr.org

14. BAJR Federation
CVs www.bajr.org
A Good CV
1. Education – once you have your degree, you don’t need to cite every
other exam result.
2. Archaeological Experience – Keep it up to date and relevant – listing
employer, dates, site/project and periods.
3. Non Archaeological Work – If it is relevant – and ONLY THEN.
4. Publications – Have you written reports? Or contributed to a site
publication? Any papers presented?
5. Other Information – For example, First Aid, Driving Licence etc.
6. Referees – A good reference is worth its weight in applications.
7. Tailor your CV – Think about the job you are applying for and make
your relevant experience stand out.

16. BAJR Federation
COVER
Letter www.bajr.org
1. Personalise – A cover letter should say more than “Hey I saw your job
ad, here's my CV.. Cheers mate”
2. Keep it short – It should quickly summarise your experience, why you
are perfect for the job, but not be more than 1 page.
3. Think of this as your first interview – Some employers may only look at
your cover letter – so think about what you say and check your
SPELiNg.
4. Sending by post – Use a quality paper, fold it neatly and sign it clearly.
5. Sending by email – remember to attach the CV! And watch your email
address - sexybullgod@gmail.com may count against you!

20. WHERE? (part one)
Depends on what you are looking for.
1. Education/Research – Jobs.ac.uk -
www.jobs.ac.uk/categories/archaeology
2. Archaeological – BAJR – www.bajr.org
3. Museum Work – Museum Jobs – www.museumjobs.com
4. Heritage, Museum and Education – Uni of Leicester Jobs Desk -
www.museumjobs.com
Archaeologyfieldwork.com (USA)
Vacaturebank Archeologie
BAJR Federation
(Nederlands)
Archaeology Forum
(Germany, France, UK)
Underwater Archaeology &
Maritime History (World)
eCulturalResources (USA)
www.bajr.org

21. WHERE? (part two)
Being active!
1. Contact Companies and Universities
Nobody is looking for you – so go out and make yourself known
2. Volunteer
This is controversial, but can be considered, in the right circumstance.
3. Keep you hand in
Not only will you enjoy yourself – but you will become better known.
4. Don’t stop there
Keep learning, and keep skills up to date.
BAJR Federation
www.bajr.org

22. BAJR Federation
Options ?
www.bajr.org
What jobs are there?
1. Contractors and Consultants
2. Local Government
3. National Organisations (National Trusts, Heritage Agencies, Forestry,
Natural England)
4. University Departments
5. Specialist Companies (Osteological, Forensic, Geophysical etc)
6. Museums
7. Independant
Where to find all these? ( www.bajr.org ) Directory of Organisations

23. WHY ?
Archaeology for the right reasons?
1. Get rich?
Nice idea, but it is not going to happen.
2. Travelling?
More options to see the world (check Past
Horizons www.pasthorizons.com )
3. Interest?
It is certainly not dull….
BAJR Federation
ww.bajr.org

25. What they don’t tell you…..
Have you got a CSCS card?
Joining the IfA – Who and Why?
Can you be a bus pass archaeologist?
I am an archaeologist with a degree!
I can’t afford training or even the time to go on digs.
I would prefer to go to Cyprus than work in Scotland!
BAJR – you do what exactly?

26. Ready…..
Get your CV ready - consider a Skill Passport or CPD log
Know your skills and join appropriate groups/societies
Keep in touch and communicate with colleagues
Look for opportunities - don’t wait for them to look for you
Enjoy your Work but keep a plan B up your sleeve

27. 'If you enjoy what you do, you will never work another
day in your life' - Confucius
BAJR Federation
www.bajr.org