Hello everyone! A few weeks ago, in response to a request from a reader, we asked you to submit your #museuminteview questions. While museum interview usually contain the standard interview questions, we wanted to hear more about the industry specific questions that new entrants to the field should look out for. The responses we got were - well- a bit ridiculous! Sounds like you need to be prepared for anything and everything in a museum interview. We'll do our best to break it down for you here...
First of all, as we mentioned, in a museum interview you should always expect the standard interview questions - tell us about a time you worked as part of a team, a time you overcame a challenge, why you think you are the best for this job etc.
But you all now that bit so on to some museum-specific stuff.
Standards and Documentation:
- Can you give an example of a documentation practice you improved?
- Talk about a time you made a mistake and how you solved it.
- What procedures are necessary for returning an object to its owner?
- What research sources do you use in documentation work?
- Can you name a time you applied SPECTRUM standards in the work place?
Of course things are a little different for conservators who need specialist knowledge.
Practical Examination:
Something that comes up over and over again is of course- a practical involving object handling, or sometimes an object ID-
Talking around an object you don't recognise or don't understand is a key skill for a museum interview. Ask yourself- what is it made of? How big is it? Does it have any inscriptions on it that might suggest it's use or age? Is it damaged? Is it hazardous? What could it have been used for? Often even if you don't know what something is, you can still describe how you would document or store it safely.
And for the love of god, if they give you a teapot - don't pick it up by the handle. ALWAYS HANDLE OBJECTS FROM THE BASE!
Sheer Ridiculous:
Sounds like the museum industry maybe needs to get a hold on itself - because these examples from our readers are just plain bizarre-
Never Forget:
Or your favourite museum for that matter!
Other resources:
Some great tips from Rupert Shepherd : http://rupertshepherd.info/documentation/tips-for-effective-museum-job-application
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