Museum guides are the public face of museums. They are responsible for giving tours, answering questions, and providing information about the museum’s exhibits to visitors. They also may be responsible for giving talks, writing articles, and doing other public relations work.
If you want to work as a museum guide, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about the museum’s exhibits, as well as the history and art behind them. You’ll also need to be able to talk about the museum’s collection and the work that goes into maintaining it.
You will be asked ‘why do you want the job?’, so make sure you have an answer ready!
Yet again, an easy one. We are all human – so there is no need to be brutally honest (e.g wine). Equally, the oft’ flaunted response to dress up a strength as a weakness ala ‘I’m a perfectionist’ will just make you seem something of a cocky shit.
When deciding whether or not to loan an object to external borrower, what factors should you consider?
What specifically about the Museum and its collections would you be most excited to work with?
So after months (if not years) of waiting – and countless job applications – you’ve finally been called to your first museum job interview. Feels good right, kind of exhilarating? Are those butterflies flapping around inside your stomach? Enjoy it. But buckle up – we’ve got work to do.
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3. Yes, especially when they are genuinely interested in the arts. Otherwise, I feel that I am obligated to convince them on why the arts are so important. I feel that the more I interact with people the thicker my social shell gets because it allows to be more receptive yet experienced in interacting with them even though they may not be up for it.
Interviewers often ask this question to see if you have any questions about the position or their museum. They want to know that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the job. When preparing for an interview, make a list of questions you might have. Try to pick ones that show you’re passionate about the role and curious about the company.
Interviewers ask this question to see how you would handle a situation that is out of the ordinary. They want to know if you can think on your feet and use your training to guide visitors through an exhibit they haven’t seen before. In your answer, explain that you will do research on the exhibit as quickly as possible so you can provide accurate information to guests.
Example: “I love learning about history and culture, so I would be happy to do some research for my role as a museum guide. In fact, I already have an interest in this particular institution, which is why I applied here. I’d like to learn more about the artifacts that are currently on display and any upcoming exhibits.”
Interviewers may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. They want to know that you can keep a visitor’s attention and diffuse a situation without causing harm or embarrassment. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation while still keeping the visitor safe and maintaining their dignity.
Example: “I am passionate about art and history, which is why I chose to major in art history in college. Throughout my studies, I learned how to communicate complex ideas in simple ways so others could understand them. This skill has helped me become a better public speaker and communicator overall. In addition, I have experience working with large groups of people, which makes me well-suited for this position.”