Navigating the art world job market has never been more challenging—or more dynamic. As hiring trends shift and new opportunities emerge, staying informed and adaptable is key for both job seekers and employers. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a brand-new collaboration with Sophie Macpherson Ltd (SML), the leading global art world recruitment agency. SML will complement our Career Hub, offering even more exclusive insights via cross-shared editorial and curated job opportunities via a monthly co-joined newsletter. And there might even be more formats emerging while we rub our shoulders…
To kick things off, we sat down with Rosie Allan, the Managing Partner at SML, to discuss the current state of hiring in the art world, red flags in the application process, and the digital skills that are shaping the industry’s future.
In a time when many commercial art world players are cutting back on hiring, how important is creativity and adaptability in securing a role? Do you also need to be more creative in bringing new vacancies on the table?
While many art world employers are implementing hiring freezes, there are still plenty of businesses that are thriving and hiring. Staying informed about hiring trends will be crucial for job seekers to identify where opportunities exist and how best to position themselves.
Creativity and adaptability have always been essential in this industry. Two positions with the same job title and salary at similar organisations can have vastly different responsibilities and growth potential. Understanding these nuances can make a significant difference in securing the right role. You may need to be flexible to achieve your long-term objectives. Starting in a role that isn’t your ultimate goal could be necessary to gain the right skills to get there.
Employers are also adapting in order to achieve their hiring goals, we at SML act as advisors to our clients, helping them determine and shape the role before running the search for the perfect candidate. There’s a layer of creativity at every stage of the hiring process.
What are the biggest ‘red flags’ for recruiters in the art world during the application and interview process?
It’s always evident when an applicant has not reviewed the job description thoroughly or researched the business they are interviewing for. Preparation plays such an important part in standing out from the crowd. I always recommend that candidates reference key details from the job listing, company website, or social media channels during their interview in order to demonstrate a genuine interest and proactive approach.
Another concern might be a candidate lacking in enthusiasm and engagement during the interview. Passion for the role and industry is crucial, and failing to ask thoughtful follow-up questions or build a natural rapport with the interviewer can signal disinterest. Showing curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of the company’s vision helps make a lasting impression.
With hiring freezes becoming more common, how can candidates strategically position themselves to be considered for future opportunities?
Networking is important, of course, but it’s not just about who you know, it’s what you know, staying informed of what is going on in the industry is essential. Subscribing to leading arts media platforms helps candidates stay up to date on market trends, new opportunities, and key industry developments.
Attending gallery openings, art fairs, or open studios is a great place to experience new work while organically expanding your professional network. Making connections or finding a mentor can be invaluable for career growth as learning from seasoned professionals can provide insight into navigating career challenges and identifying new opportunities. Whether it’s a more senior colleague or a peer, don’t hesitate to reach out and invite them for a coffee/chat outside of the office—most people appreciate a proactive and thoughtful approach!
I always recommend following up, if you have had any sort of engagement with a contact who is relevant to your job search, application or interview process, it’s always worth following up so that you are top of mind. As recruiters we value follow up post interview and always pass this along to the hiring manager.
Do you think the traditional routes to art world careers—like unpaid internships or personal connections—are still relevant, or are there emerging pathways that millennial applicants should focus on?
I don’t believe anybody should have to do an unpaid internship to have an art world career and I think these entry points are no longer relevant. It’s much more important to conduct thorough research and demonstrate your dedication, passion, and drive to succeed in this industry. Candidates are also increasingly bolstering their CVs through additional side projects, such as freelance writing, creating their own blog/social media page, or academic tutoring.
What role does digital and social media fluency play in today’s art world careers, particularly for younger professionals? Could this change with evolving policies on platforms like Meta and TikTok?
Social media platforms can be incredibly valuable in identifying new opportunities and supporting a job search. LinkedIn, for example, is useful not only for discovering job openings but also for researching team structures, key staff members, and even the career histories of the interviewers. At SML, we leverage our social media and Insights page to provide candidates with useful resources that will help their job search—whether it’s outlining essential skills for specific roles or highlighting diverse career trajectories in the art world.
Digital and social media fluency is increasingly essential in the art world and leveraging these skills can be key to making yourself stand out. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn have become key tools for marketing, networking, and audience engagement and knowing how to craft compelling digital content can significantly boost visibility and career opportunities. However, with uncertainties about shifting policies, it’s vital that professionals stay adaptable and keep on top of the latest digital trends.
What specific skills or experiences should candidates ideally bring to the table to stand out positively during the application process for art world roles?
Proving that you possess the required skills for a role can be different in the art world compared to other industries. Standing out in the art world requires more than just meeting the listed qualifications—it’s about demonstrating a combination of skills, passion, and industry awareness. While formal education and experience are valuable, employers place a strong emphasis on excellent communication skills, a genuine interest in the art market and its key players, and a proactive drive to succeed.
Given the diversity of roles within the industry, the skills required can vary significantly. This is why thorough research into your desired career path is essential. Understanding the expectations of specific roles and the steps needed to get there will help you tailor your application effectively and position yourself as a strong candidate.
About the collaboration: With a mutual focus on fostering opportunity, broadening engagement, and supporting professional growth, this partnership will strengthen our combined expertise and resources, helping more individuals navigate the industry, expand their networks, and advance their careers.
Be sure to sign up for TheArtGorgeous Newsletter to stay up to date with exclusive insights and curated job opportunities from this new alliance.
