It might sound a little different to interview for a job in a museum than in a store or service area, but the process is usually the same.
Let’s look at some real interviews that people who wanted to work at a museum had to see how to do well in your own.
So you’ve got an interview coming up for a museum technician role. Congratulations! Working behind-the-scenes in a museum, caring for priceless artifacts and exhibits, sounds like an incredible career for any history buff.
But before you can dive into the world of preservation, conservation, and presentation, you need to impress the interview panel with your technical expertise, attention to detail, and passion for the job.
Even seasoned professionals can find it hard to do well in interviews for museum technician jobs. The purpose of the questions is to find out what you really know, believe, and are driven to do.
To help you tackle this crucial interview and land your dream museum job I’ve put together the 30 most common and tricky museum technician interview questions along with examples of strong responses.
Let’s get started!
Why Do You Want This Job?
Interviewers ask this to find out how passionate and driven you are about this career path.
Strong response: “I’ve always had a love for history, art and culture, so a museum technician role is a natural fit for me. The chance to work hands-on with important cultural artifacts and help preserve them for future generations is incredibly rewarding. I’m drawn to the technical nature of the work as well as the opportunity to learn and collaborate in a museum setting.”
What Does a Museum Technician Do?
Interviewers ask this to see how well you understand the main duties and responsibilities of the job.
Strong response: “A museum technician handles a wide range of duties related to the care, preservation and presentation of a museum’s collection. Key responsibilities include properly handling, moving and storing artifacts, assisting with exhibit preparation and installations, conducting inventory, maintaining records, performing basic conservation tasks, and ensuring artifacts are protected and maintained in optimal conditions.”
How Do You Handle Artifacts Safely?
Interviewers ask this to: Evaluate your understanding of safe artifact handling and your experience with these delicate tasks.
Strong response: “When handling artifacts, I take great care by using gloves, avoiding direct handling, and moving items very slowly and steadily. I understand how factors like lighting, temperature and humidity can damage items, so I’m diligent about monitoring conditions. My goal is to handle objects as little as needed to prevent wear. I also consult with curators frequently to ensure I’m using the proper techniques for each item.”
Tell Us About Your Experience With Museum Databases
Interviewers ask this to: Assess your experience using museum-specific collections management systems and databases.
Strong response: “I have extensive experience using collections management databases like PastPerfect. In previous roles, I utilized these systems on a daily basis to catalog new acquisitions, update records, track locations, generate reports, and maintain inventory. Accuracy is crucial, so I double-check all entries. These databases are invaluable for collections care, research, exhibitions, and accessibility.”
How Would You Handle an Artifact Getting Damaged?
Interviewers ask this to: Gauge your problem-solving skills and knowledge of protocols for handling accidents or damage.
Strong response: “My first priority would be to secure the artifact and area to prevent any further damage. I would thoroughly document the incident through photographs and detailed reports. Next, I would consult our conservation team to determine the best restoration approach. It’s critical we learn from such incidents, so I would review protocols, recommend any additional staff training needed, and implement measures to prevent similar issues in the future.”
How Do You Prioritize Tasks When Juggling Multiple Projects?
Interviewers ask this to: Assess your time management, organizational skills and ability to multitask.
Strong response: “When juggling multiple projects, I use tools like schedules, kanban boards and reminder systems to stay organized. I identify key deadlines and milestones to prioritize the most time-sensitive tasks. Regular check-ins with my team ensure we are aligned so bottlenecks can be identified early. Clear communication and frequent status updates are key to keeping all projects moving forward efficiently.”
How Do You Ensure Accurate Artifact Cataloging?
Interviewers ask this to: Evaluate your attention to detail and knowledge of best practices for precise, consistent cataloging.
Strong response: “Meticulous cataloging is critical, so I follow standardized procedures for assessing, photographing, and entering data into our collections database for each artifact. I include as many identifying details as possible, like materials used and measurements. Once entered, I double-check records to ensure total accuracy. I also conduct periodic audits comparing digital records to actual objects to catch any discrepancies.”
Tell Us About Your Design Experience for Museum Exhibits
Interviewers ask this to: Understand your skills, experience and creative vision related to exhibit design.
Strong response: “In past roles, I’ve contributed to exhibit design by focusing on engaging, informative layouts and displays. For example, I incorporated interactive elements and multi-sensory components that brought the artifacts to life for visitors. I also provided creative input on lighting, color palettes, and display cases while collaborating closely with curators and designers to ensure exhibits effectively conveyed key themes.”
How Do You Stay Updated on Museum Technology and Best Practices?
Interviewers ask this to: Gauge your commitment to continuous learning and professional development in this constantly evolving field.
Strong response: “I make a point to continuously educate myself on emerging museum technologies and evolving best practices. I read industry publications, attend webinars and conferences, and maintain active membership in several professional associations and online communities to stay informed. I also pursue targeted training for new skills I want to develop, such as a recent course I took on digital curation techniques.”
How Have You Handled Museum Security in Past Roles?
Interviewers ask this to: Assess your understanding of security protocols and your reliability in following proper procedures.
Strong response: “In previous roles, I implemented rigorous inventory management, access control measures and surveillance system monitoring to maintain security. I ensured protocols were followed for facility lock up, artifact handling and sensitive storage areas. I also coordinated staff security training and liaised with local law enforcement and security specialists. Protecting the integrity of the museum’s collections is a responsibility I take very seriously.”
What Are the Biggest Challenges With Artifact Conservation?
Interviewers ask this to: Evaluate your knowledge of common challenges and intricacies involved with preservation.
Strong response: “A major challenge with conservation is that every material has unique preservation needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. For example, the right temperature and humidity for preserving metals may damage delicate textiles. Treatment of damaged or deteriorated artifacts is also incredibly complex. Staying current on the latest techniques and collaborating closely with conservators is key to tackling these multifaceted challenges.”
Tell Us About Your Experience Developing Museum Education Programs
Interviewers ask this to: Assess your skills and experience with educational programming and community outreach.
Strong response: “In past roles, I’ve researched, developed and implemented education programs aligned to curriculum standards that engaged students and the community. For example, I created accessible, interactive walking tours using multisensory elements, hands-on activities, and multimedia to bring exhibits to life. Evaluating feedback and visitor metrics allowed me to continuously enhance these offerings. Making learning fun while sharing the museum’s treasures is incredibly rewarding.”
How Do You Handle Difficult Visitors or Patrons?
Interviewers ask this to: Gauge your customer service approach, communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
Strong response: “When visitors are upset or act inappropriately, I stay calm and focus on de-escalating through active listening, empathy and finding compromises. For example, when a patron was agitated over our photo policy, I explained the preservation rationale while suggesting alternatives like visiting our photo sharing site. My goal is to defuse issues while upholding museum policies and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment.”
How Do You Make the Museum Accessible to All?
Interviewers ask this to: Understand your approach to accessibility and commitment to inclusion.
Strong response: “Making museums welcoming and accessible to visitors with disabilities is very important to me. Some strategies I’ve used include installing ramps, providing wheelchairs and magnifiers, incorporating sensory elements into exhibits, offering ASL tours, and training staff on disability awareness. With some creativity and passion for inclusion, museums can make their treasures accessible in ways that enrich experiences for all.”
Tell Us About a Time You Resolved an Unexpected Issue With an Artifact Display.
Interviewers ask this to: Evaluate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills under pressure.
Strong response: “During an exhibit installation, we realized a large sculpture wasn’t fitting through our display room door. I remained calm and began brainstorming solutions with my team. We decided to call in an art handler who helped us carefully remove the door temporarily to safely maneuver the sculpture into position. While not ideal, this allowed us to open the exhibition on schedule while protecting the invaluable artifact.”
How Do You Stay Within Budget on Exhibits?
Interviewers ask this to: Assess your ability to work efficiently within financial constraints
Question: Who is your favorite artist?
Remember that since the job is at a museum, you might be asked a question or two about the art or history that is on display there. Again, connecting your answer to that place is a good way to make your application and interview stand out.
A helpful tipâarrive early at the museum and take a look at some of the exhibitions. You can see what the museum and its curators think is important even in the free ones in the lobby or on the ground floor. Also, it’s helpful to know how your workplace will look and feel before you start.
Interviewing for a Museum Job
Just like any job interview, it pays to be prepared. Here are some real questions that people just like you have been asked in job interviews at museums in the past year:
- Why do you want to work here?
- Who is your favorite artist?
- What is one thing youâd change about the museum?
- How would you handle a difficult visitor?
- If you were an animal, what would you be? â
Letâs break each of these questions down. From there, we can explore what a good response might sound like.
Museum Technician interview questions
FAQ
Why do you want to work for the museum interview?
What kind of questions are asked in tech interview?
What questions do museum technicians ask during an interview?
During the interview, the museum hiring manager will ask you questions to assess your skills and qualifications. They will also want to know if you’re a good fit for the museum’s culture. To help you prepare for your museum technician interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample interview questions and answers.
How do I become a museum technician?
Museum technicians also prepare exhibits for display and provide support to curators and other museum staff. If you’re interested in working as a museum technician, you will need to go through a job interview. During the interview, the museum hiring manager will ask you questions to assess your skills and qualifications.
What skills do museum technicians have?
We calculated that 11 % of Museum Technicians are proficient in Collections Database, Museum Collection, and Artifact. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Computer skills, and Customer-service skills. We break down the percentage of Museum Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
What does a museum technician do?
They work in museums and galleries, where they are responsible for the preservation and restoration of artifacts. Museum technicians also prepare exhibits for display and provide support to curators and other museum staff. If you’re interested in working as a museum technician, you will need to go through a job interview.
