Navigating the hiring process in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) can be a challenge. Archaeologists beginning their careers generally receive little formal training or guidance about what potential private sector companies seek in a candidate. We have our education, understanding of how archaeology works, but sometimes miss tools to successfully engage an opportunity. Please find below thoughts about what employers can look for in an archaeologist to help build their business. 

Ideas on Résumé or Curriculum Vitae Building (Top 10)

CRM companies receive batches of quality applications when a new job is regionally posted. As challenging as it is to create résumé or curriculum vitae, it can be equally difficult to make measured decisions about hiring without having met an individual. Here are 10 important items on a curriculum vitae or résumé that can help you stand out when seeking a job in CRM.

1. Experience in Tribal Collaboration. Respectfully learning to work with Native American groups is essential in the modern practice of archaeology. If you have the opportunity on a field school, seek out ones where there may be an element of collaborating with tribal members. Many federal and state agencies have agreements with Native Americans requiring CRM consultants to hire tribal surveyors or monitors for projects. Demonstrated experience working with tribes shows employers your capacity for cultural sensitivity and potential to facilitate state/federal contracts.
2. Length of Time at Permanent Jobs. It is understood in CRM an archaeologist will move frequently starting out; please never see this as a red flag. It becomes concerning if an applicant has had several permanent jobs in archaeology over the course over two to five years. It is in an employer’s interest to retain long-term happy employees. A lot of time and resources are used to invest in a new employee. If a prospective employee has moved frequently between jobs, it can be concerning because it may signal a lack of commitment.
3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is prevalent throughout the CRM industry ranging in use from standard report maps to complex predictive models. Archaeologists are often asked to manipulate GIS data and review files. If you can gain training in GIS, that stands out on an application in CRM. It directly adds capacity increasing the billability of a cultural resource group by removing the need to reach out to external or internal resources for GIS support.  
4. Range of Experience. One of the challenges in the private sector is finding archaeologists who have the capacity to be permitted in the state(s) where a CRM company operates. In listing previous projects, I have found it is universally beneficial for an applicant to include the following information: a) the county and state where work was performed; b) the duration of the project including dates; c) your role on the project (e.g., PI, staff archaeologists, field technicians, etc.); and, d) the specific state or federal agency associated with the project. This baseline information provides a snapshot about whether an applicant can be permitted quickly, or it highlights areas of potential growth. If known, one can list the states where they are permitted at the beginning of a résumé or curriculum vitae.
5. Identify a Good Writing Sample. CRM documentation is an essential skill. I would recommend saving old reports and site form narratives (with permission) to share as a writing example to potential employers. Specifically, try to send examples where you are the lead author or ideally single author.
6. Grammar. It is important to make sure that your résumé or curriculum vitae are free of any major grammatical errors. These should be polished and reviewed by the time they are sent to a prospective employer. Good grammar equals commitment to a quality product. I recommend having another person review your work details in advance.
7. Safety Skills. Various forms of safety training (e.g., CPR) are seen as a plus on applications. It shows you have the capacity to make sure a crew can prevent or navigate an emergency. Take advantage of safety training opportunities when they are presented throughout your career.
8. Email Etiquette. Politeness goes a long way in presenting a résumé or curriculum vitae to an employer.
9. New Client Potential. A selling point for some CRM firms is the potential an archaeologist has to bring in new clients or help manage existing ones. I would recommend demonstrating this in your experience.
10. Scoping and Budget Experience. A daily task in CRM is the development of accurate scopes and budgets for obtaining work. If you have experience, I feel it is also important to mention the potential size of contracts in relation to your role on the project.   

    

Rigden Glaab MA RPA 989226

RPA Registrant Services and Outreach Committee