How To Land Your Dream Job As an Archivist

I know what it’s like to have a dream. You want something so badly, and nothing else seems as important. 

That’s how I feel about being an archivist: it’s the only profession I’ve ever wanted to do. I love research and organization, and when I see a collection of documents from a certain period in history, my mind starts churning! 

But getting into this field can be tricky. There are lots of options for getting certified as an archivist (and even more if you’re already working in archives).

But they’re not all equal and there are other ways to land your dream job that doesn’t necessarily involve certification at all! Here are some tips on how to get started:

*Note: We will be using these blog posts as content-related blog posts later in this project. We will also be adding additional content to them over time as well**

Takeaways
1. Research educational requirements in the archival field.
2. Gain relevant academic qualifications such as a degree in history, library science, or archival studies.
3. Seek internships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience.
4. Develop strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills.
5. Stay updated on archival practices and technologies through continuous learning.
6. Network with professionals in the field and engage with archival communities.
7. Showcase your passion for preserving and organizing historical materials in interviews.
8. Highlight your communication and research abilities on your resume.
9. Tailor your job applications to demonstrate your fit for specific archivist roles.
10. Prepare for interviews by discussing your experience, skills, and passion for archival work.

1. Start By Researching What Archivists Do

As you begin to explore the world of archivists, it’s a good idea to understand what exactly an archivist does. 

If you want to become an archivist, then you need to know what skills and qualifications are required for this type of job. What careers can you expect as an archivist? How much do they earn?

Here’s what we can tell you:

An archivist helps maintain historical records and archives by keeping them safe and organized. They work in museums and libraries but also in government agencies such as courts or police departments. 

Archivists keep track of documents from important events so that future generations will be able to learn from them as well!

Because these records are so important, there are lots of rules about how long they should be kept before being disposed of and this is where most of your responsibilities come into play! 

You need excellent organizational skills when trying something like this because otherwise, things could get messy quickly (or worse). That said…

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3. Get Certified In A Relevant Field

Certification is not a requirement for all archivist jobs, but it can be helpful to know the right areas of knowledge and experience that are valued. 

For example, if you want to work at an art museum, certification in art history is highly valued. If you want to work at a large hospital or university library, certification in archives management could be what gets your foot in the door.

In addition to certifications offered by professional societies and associations (such as AIAA), there are also additional opportunities through independent organizations like the Archives Certification Institute (ACI) that offer professional credentials specifically tailored for archivists. 

If you’re unsure which type of certification might be best suited for your needs, contact ACI directly; they’ll be able to help determine which path is best for growing within this field!

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4. Don’t Try To Be Like Your Hero

You don’t want to be like your heroes. You want to be yourself.

You may have a hero in the archives world, and that is great! But you should not try to be like them or anyone else, including me. (I mean, I’m awesome and all but I’m also kind of weird.) 

You should not try to follow my path or any path at all because there is no one way of doing this job; 

There are many ways of doing this job! It will never look the same for two people working in archives because each person brings their own unique experiences and perspectives into what they do every day. 

Your task as an archivist is to use those experiences and perspectives to find your path through life as an archivist who does things a little differently from everyone else out there who does similar things as you do but different from everyone else too!

5. Stay Relevant

Stay relevant. Stay up to date with trends in your field, and keep learning from others.

Keep an eye on the latest news in archiving. This can help you stay current with what’s happening around the world, as well as give you a feel for what’s coming down the pipeline (so to speak).

Stay current. The best way for hiring managers to know that you’re up-to-date on everything is if they hear it from your mouth but how can you share this info without sounding like a know-it-all? 

By showing off some industry knowledge and sharing articles that interest you! You’ll have more credibility when speaking about the industry if it seems like this isn’t just something that happens outside of cubicle walls; instead, it affects everyone just by being part of daily life.

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6. Connect With People Who Can Hire You

Connect with people who can hire you. You will have a much better chance of getting an interview if someone knows you and has seen your work.

Network and get out there. Join professional associations, attend networking events, or just talk to people in person about what you do.

Use your alumni network to find out about opportunities that are relevant to your career goals.

Don’t be afraid to use social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn (or even Twitter) to connect with others who can help you achieve your goals!

7. Use Your Skills To Make Money While You Build Your Portfolio

The job market is competitive, and you’ll need to compete for every position. To get your foot in the door, use your skills to make money while you build your portfolio.

You can also use this time to get real work experience as well as apply your skills toward a career in archives. Whether it’s through internships or volunteering at an archive, being able to show off what you’ve learned can help land you that much-sought-after job offer!

9. Don’t Take Any Job That Pays Bad

As an archivist, you may not be able to afford to turn down a job. But that doesn’t mean you should accept any offer. Just because it’s your dream job doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. 

Be sure to know why and how much money they’re offering before starting the interview process. 

If they’re asking for free labor or low pay, then they don’t value your time or skills enough and won’t care about what happens once they’ve got those things from you (or worse: if they do get them, then what will happen after?).

Don’t Forget About Mission-Driven Organizations

In most cases, people join organizations because of their mission: something bigger than themselves that means something important in the world beyond just making money for themselves and their company shareholders/owners/investors/etc. 

It’s important in any job search (but especially as an archivist) not only because it helps ensure quality work gets done but also because it helps ensure longevity within an organization even if there are changes made by upper management over time (as there often will be).

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10. Get Involved In Active Archiving Now- Make Connections And Get Real Work Experience

Once you’ve got the basics down, there are a few ways you can make sure your job hunt is a success. One of the best ways is to get involved in active archiving now- make connections and get real work experience. 

You don’t need to be a certified archivist (although it will help), and you don’t need to have a degree to start making an impact on your field. If you love books and documents, libraries are always hiring! 

And if you’re looking for more of an academic setting, museums do as well, and let’s be honest: what could be better than working with other people’s stuff all day?

If none of these ideas sound appealing but still want to get started on this path of becoming an archivist? Here are some steps that will help ensure your success:

12. Network With Other Archivists, Museums And Librarians, Librarians And Historians, Etc

You need to build relationships with people in your field.

Get to know them. It’s easier said than done for some reason but try it anyway because it’s the only way you will get anywhere in this career.

Learn about what other people are doing in your field so that when you meet someone new who doesn’t know anything about what an archivist does or why anyone would want one (this happens a lot), then you can tell them!

Find out who is hiring within your field and make sure that they know how awesome of an employee/intern/student (whichever role applies) they could get if they just gave you a chance!

You Don’t Need To Be A Certified Archivist

You don’t need to be a certified archivist to work as one, but there are benefits to getting your certification and maintaining it. For example, some employers may prefer hiring someone with a professional credential. 

Additionally, many archival associations require members to have professional certification for them to receive their dues discounts and other benefits.

As an archivist, you might find that certifications are more useful than the skills you learned during your academic training (i.e., studying history or library science). 

For instance, if you’re interested in working at a certain museum or archive that specializes in medical records or military history (or whatever else).

Then it will be helpful if they recognize your specialized knowledge through having earned a certificate from another organization like the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or American Association of Museums (AAM).

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Conclusion

You’ve got to know your stuff, but that’s just the start. You also need to be careful with how you communicate it. 

In this post, we discussed why it’s important to write well and how writing can help you land a job in archives. Armed with these tips, now you can go out there and show off your skills!

Further Reading

Indeed Career Advice: How to Become an Archivist Learn the steps and skills needed to pursue a successful career as an archivist through this comprehensive guide.

Society of American Archivists: Be an Archivist Discover the educational requirements, responsibilities, and pathways to becoming a professional archivist from the Society of American Archivists.

Brainwonders Blog: How to Become an Archivist Gain insights into the role of an archivist and the necessary qualifications to embark on a rewarding archiving career.

And here’s the “FAQs” section with questions and answers in H3 format:

FAQs

How do I become an archivist?

To become an archivist, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as history, library science, or archival studies. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering can also be beneficial.

What does an archivist do?

Archivists are responsible for collecting, preserving, and organizing historical documents, records, and materials. They ensure the accessibility and authenticity of these resources for research and historical purposes.

Are there specific skills required for an archivist?

Yes, archivists should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of archival practices. Effective communication and research abilities are also crucial in this role.

What are the career prospects for archivists?

Career prospects for archivists can vary based on factors such as location and the specific field of interest. Archivists can find opportunities in museums, libraries, government agencies, and more.

How can I stay updated in the field of archival studies?

Staying updated in the field of archival studies involves participating in professional organizations, attending conferences, and engaging with scholarly literature. Continued learning is essential to adapt to evolving archival practices and technologies.