perhaps i'm taking a risk by posting this here, one never knows who reads what, but this is a generally friendly community so i'll take the risk
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My last interview (for which I was offered the job) asked me what the last museum I visited was, and what I liked about it (Hardwick Hall, and I was able to talk about how liked the way they'd displayed a piece of textiles).
Emphasise that 'bit of everything' is what you like about (if that's the case - in my case, that was true - I liked the mix of roles).
My local professional organization (NEMA) just had a young and emerging museum professional (YEP) workshop where we did mini-interviews speed-dating style. I could re-write all of the questions, but the one that we enjoyed the most was "What is your vision for making museums relevant in the 21st century?"
There were many questions about difficult challenges, ethical dilemmas, projects you are proud of, how would you/boss/coworker describe you/your faults, how would you be best managed effectively, life experience that is non-museum related that prepares you for a museum job, how would you deal with an unhappy visitor, working in groups/partnerships, handling multiple projects, thinking on your feet.
I just joined YEP on Linked In and on Facebook; I found my summer internship in a New England museum through NEMA. Currently I live in Colorado - I work both in a science school, and for a heritage alliance (a collection of historic houses), as a paid collections management intern - but grew up in VT, so a big Red Sox fan... if you are, too. :-)
Anyway, we should talk more if you'd like! I would love to know more about YEPs, the speed-dating activities, and other activities, as I'll be close by Portland and I can take the train into Boston. :-)
YAY for returns to New England and full-time employment in a museum. The winter has been brutal in the mountains of Colorado and I miss the field very much. :-)
thanks this was what i was looking for. i actually saw that meet up on the nema list serve (or maybe the emp list serve?) but i'm in nyc so it too far to travel. it seemed like one of the better such events i've seen postings for.
have questions for them also. They are interviewing you, but you are also trying to see if it is the right fit. Many places look good on paper but in an interview there may be some giant red flags that show up and make it clear you would not fit in with that job.
bring extra copies of our resume including a copy for you to refer to should you need (i use a nice leather folder with a notepad also so i can jot ideas for questions or other notes as the interview goes.)
likely questions will involve conflict resolution, museum standards, professional habits, etc.
so brining/referring to notes is okay? i've heard different things. also what do you mean by questions about professional habits? the first thing that popped into my mind was them asking if i smoke and like to prop my feet on my desk. but i assume you mean questions about how i run meetings and manage interns?
no, more like, how organized you are, what are your best/worst qualities, are you outgoing, good at networking, customer service, etc. It all depends on the priorities of the job.
I always have my folder with me, rarely use it, but for long complicated sitting at table interviews it helps, even just for jotting names of interviewers, and I have never heard bad things (and have been hired, more than once). You just have to be making eye contact, paying attention to the interviewers, not constantly scribbling. And what you carry has to be very very professional looking, clean, neat, with a nice pen.
okay good to know. given that the interview is being skyped whatever i have by way of copy of my resume will be on my desk in front of me. though i will make sure to turn off all the phones. thankfully my desk is near an interior wall and behind it is a bookshelf so i don't have to worry about outside noise or what my backdrop is. i figure the worst thing that could happen on that front is the cat deciding to sit in front of the computer but she's easily moved.
Ditto on having some questions ready for them, because they often ask that at the end. ("Do you have any questions for us?") So just make up some - like, how many people would you be working with and who would they be? What is the work space like? (Since you're not there in person to have a little tour.)
Heehee, personally I wouldn't mind if someone's cat jumped on the desk. I'd probably say afterwards "Let's hire that one who had the cat!" I've never been the decider in a panel of interviewers, but I have been the one to tell my boss "Pick this one! She seemed friendly and smart!" And show them your enthusiasm, and tell them how and why you think you and the job would be a great match for each other. And be friendly and let them see your personality. If someone there decides you'd be a big personality clash with the existing employees, it's better to know before than to get hired and see fireworks later.
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Emphasise that 'bit of everything' is what you like about (if that's the case - in my case, that was true - I liked the mix of roles).
Good luck!
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There were many questions about difficult challenges, ethical dilemmas, projects you are proud of, how would you/boss/coworker describe you/your faults, how would you be best managed effectively, life experience that is non-museum related that prepares you for a museum job, how would you deal with an unhappy visitor, working in groups/partnerships, handling multiple projects, thinking on your feet.
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I just joined YEP on Linked In and on Facebook; I found my summer internship in a New England museum through NEMA. Currently I live in Colorado - I work both in a science school, and for a heritage alliance (a collection of historic houses), as a paid collections management intern - but grew up in VT, so a big Red Sox fan... if you are, too. :-)
Anyway, we should talk more if you'd like! I would love to know more about YEPs, the speed-dating activities, and other activities, as I'll be close by Portland and I can take the train into Boston. :-)
YAY for returns to New England and full-time employment in a museum. The winter has been brutal in the mountains of Colorado and I miss the field very much. :-)
Reply
Reply
bring extra copies of our resume including a copy for you to refer to should you need (i use a nice leather folder with a notepad also so i can jot ideas for questions or other notes as the interview goes.)
likely questions will involve conflict resolution, museum standards, professional habits, etc.
Reply
Reply
I always have my folder with me, rarely use it, but for long complicated sitting at table interviews it helps, even just for jotting names of interviewers, and I have never heard bad things (and have been hired, more than once). You just have to be making eye contact, paying attention to the interviewers, not constantly scribbling. And what you carry has to be very very professional looking, clean, neat, with a nice pen.
and leave your cell phone in the car.
Reply
Reply
Heehee, personally I wouldn't mind if someone's cat jumped on the desk. I'd probably say afterwards "Let's hire that one who had the cat!" I've never been the decider in a panel of interviewers, but I have been the one to tell my boss "Pick this one! She seemed friendly and smart!" And show them your enthusiasm, and tell them how and why you think you and the job would be a great match for each other. And be friendly and let them see your personality. If someone there decides you'd be a big personality clash with the existing employees, it's better to know before than to get hired and see fireworks later.
Skype interviews are such an awesome idea.
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