Find out common Archivist questions, how to answer, and tips for your next job interview
Find out common Archivist questions, how to answer, and tips for your next job interview
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Archivist mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What they are looking for is to understand your systematic approach, attention to detail, and adaptability. You need to say that you use a consistent method for cataloging, double-check entries for accuracy, and quickly learn new software if needed.
This question is designed to gauge your hands-on experience and familiarity with archival practices. You need to describe specific tasks and responsibilities, such as managing archival collections, and highlight relevant skills and tools used, like utilizing archival software.
Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your problem-solving skills, technical proficiency, and ability to work with others. You should explain that you first identify the problem, then use diagnostic tools to determine the cause, and finally collaborate with IT to resolve the issue efficiently.
What they want to understand with this question is your method for maintaining the integrity and organization of the archive. You need to explain how you prepare for an audit by gathering necessary tools, ensure accuracy by double-checking entries, and document your findings by creating detailed reports.
Interviewers ask this question to understand how you optimize the physical space to ensure easy access and organization of archival materials. You need to explain that you organize the archive layout logically by categorizing items by type and implement efficient retrieval systems like digital cataloging.
Employers ask this question to understand your methods for ensuring the reliability and accessibility of archived materials. You need to explain that you implement a systematic approach using cataloging software, regularly update records through scheduled periodic reviews, and ensure accuracy by cross-checking entries.
Hiring managers ask this question to assess your organizational skills, ability to prioritize based on deadlines and importance, and your flexibility in adjusting priorities as needed. You should mention creating a task list to stay organized, assessing project deadlines to prioritize effectively, and being adaptable to changes when necessary.
Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and project management abilities. You need to describe a specific project where you overcame challenges such as a lack of resources, ensured accurate metadata, and possibly managed a team of archivists.
Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to adapt, solve problems, and communicate effectively under changing circumstances. You should mention how you adjusted the project timeline, identified alternative solutions, and kept your team updated on any changes.
This question aims to assess your ability to maintain motivation and productivity during repetitive tasks, which are common in archival work. You need to highlight your positive attitude by emphasizing the importance of the task and showcase your effective time management by explaining how you break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
Hiring managers ask this question to assess your technical skills and experience with essential tools in the field. You need to mention specific archival management software you have used, such as ArchivesSpace, and briefly describe the tasks you performed with it, like cataloging and organizing collections.
Interviewers ask this question to gauge your ability to manage time effectively, stay calm under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. You need to explain how you prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, maintain a positive attitude, and adjust plans as needed to meet deadlines.
Questions like this aim to assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle complex situations in archival work. You need to clearly identify the problem, describe the strategy you used to address it, and evaluate the outcome.
This question aims to assess your ability to work well with others and your experience in collaborative projects. You need to highlight specific examples where you effectively communicated and built relationships, such as coordinating with the IT department to digitize archives or partnering with local museums for joint exhibitions.
Questions like this aim to assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to enhance efficiency within an archive. You need to describe the specific process or system you improved, such as digitizing paper records, explain the steps you took to implement the improvement, like conducting a needs assessment, and highlight the impact or results, such as increasing retrieval speed by 30%.
Interviewers ask this question to understand your methodology and ensure you follow best practices in preserving and digitizing records. You need to describe how you first evaluate the condition of physical documents, then explain the use of high-resolution scanners for digitization, and finally detail the quality control measures you take to verify the accuracy of digital copies.
Interviewers ask this question to assess your communication, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain professional under pressure. You need to describe a specific situation where you explained the issue clearly, identified the root cause, and maintained patience and professionalism throughout the interaction.
Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your understanding of maintaining the trustworthiness of digital records. You need to mention implementing robust digital preservation strategies like using checksums, conducting regular audits and integrity checks through scheduled reviews, and ensuring secure access and storage protocols such as encryption.
Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your experience with various types of collections and your ability to handle large-scale projects. You need to highlight your work with diverse collections, such as historical documents, and mention any significant projects, like multi-year digitization efforts.
Questions like this aim to assess your organizational skills and familiarity with archival best practices. You need to explain that you implement a standardized cataloging system using metadata and utilize digital tools like database software for efficient indexing and retrieval.
What they are looking for is your experience with handling and preserving damaged records, which is crucial for an archivist. You need to describe a specific project you worked on, the methods and techniques you used, and the positive outcome it had on the accessibility or preservation of the records.
This question assesses your familiarity with key metadata standards and your hands-on experience with them. You need to mention specific standards like Dublin Core and describe practical experiences, such as implementing EAD in a digital archive.
This question assesses your knowledge and strategies for preserving digital records over time. You should mention implementing robust backup strategies like using cloud storage, utilizing appropriate metadata standards such as Dublin Core, and regularly updating and migrating digital formats to prevent obsolescence.
Employers ask this question to gauge your ability to work collaboratively and solve problems within a team setting. You should mention how you worked with colleagues to organize a large collection and highlight a specific instance where you identified and resolved cataloging issues.
What they want to understand is your grasp of preservation techniques and your ability to assess the condition of various media. You need to mention methods like using acid-free materials for paper and conducting visual inspections to evaluate the state of different media types.
Ace your next Archivist interview with even more questions and answers
The interviewer is looking for you to highlight your key skills, abilities, and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the archivist position. Be sure to provide specific examples to support your strengths.
Example: I would say my biggest strengths are my attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently. For example, in my previous role, I was responsible for cataloging and preserving historical documents, requiring a high level of accuracy and precision. I also excel at managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring everything is completed on time and to a high standard.
Candidates can answer by stating a specific salary range, mentioning their flexibility, or asking about the salary range for the position. Interviewers are looking for candidates who are realistic, confident, and have done their research on industry standards.
Example: I've done some research and I understand that the average salary for an archivist in the UK is around £25,000 to £30,000 per year. I am flexible and open to negotiation based on the responsibilities and benefits of the position. Can you provide me with the salary range for this specific role?
The interviewer is looking for how you handle criticism, your ability to reflect on feedback, and how you have used criticism to improve your work. Be honest and show a willingness to learn and grow from feedback.
Example: Sure! One time, a colleague pointed out that my organization system for archival documents was a bit confusing. I took their feedback on board and reorganized the documents in a more logical way. It actually ended up making my work more efficient in the long run.
The interviewer is looking for your commitment to staying current in your field. You can answer by mentioning attending conferences, workshops, further education, or joining professional organizations.
Example: I plan on attending conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in archiving. I also want to pursue further education to enhance my skills and knowledge in the field. Additionally, I am considering joining professional organizations to network with other archivists and learn from their experiences.
The interviewer is looking for insight into your personal motivations, values, and work ethic. Answers should demonstrate passion for the field and commitment to the job.
Example: I am motivated by my love for preserving history and ensuring that valuable information is accessible to future generations. I am dedicated to the meticulous organization and preservation of documents and artifacts. My passion for archiving drives me to excel in my role as an archivist.
The company's official website is a goldmine of information. Look for details about the company's history, mission, and values. Pay special attention to any sections related to their archival work, as this will give you insight into the specific practices and priorities of the company. Also, check out their news or blog section to get a sense of their recent activities and projects.
Tip: Look for any specific language or phrases that the company uses to describe their work or values. Using similar language in your interview can show that you're a good cultural fit.
Social media platforms can provide a more informal look at a company's culture and values. Look at their posts on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to see how they present themselves to the public. This can also give you a sense of their current projects and priorities. Additionally, look at the comments on their posts to see how they interact with their audience.
Tip: Pay attention to the tone and style of the company's social media posts. This can give you a sense of their company culture, which can help you present yourself as a good fit during your interview.
Keeping up with industry news and trends can give you a broader context for understanding the company. Look for news articles or industry reports related to archival work in the UK. This can help you understand the challenges and opportunities that the company may be facing, which can inform your interview responses.
Tip: Try to find a few recent news articles or reports that you can mention in your interview. This shows that you're proactive and informed about the industry.
Networking can be a valuable source of insider information about a company. If you know anyone who works in the company or the same industry, reach out to them for information. They may be able to give you insights into the company culture, the role of an archivist, and what the company might be looking for in a candidate.
Tip: Don't be afraid to reach out to people. Most people are happy to help, and they may even be able to give you advice that you wouldn't find anywhere else.
How to respond to the silly questions where there's no right answer.
This question assesses your interest in history and your ability to think creatively. Common answers include figures like Abraham Lincoln, Marie Curie, or Leonardo da Vinci. An answer that shows a deep understanding of the figure's contributions or a unique perspective on their impact would stand out.
Example: If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would choose Cleopatra. I am fascinated by her political savvy and ability to maintain power in a male-dominated society. I would love to learn more about her strategies and leadership style.
This question evaluates your self-awareness and ability to relate your personality to the role. Common answers include a diary (reflective), a map (organized), or a contract (detail-oriented). An answer that connects the chosen document type to specific skills or qualities relevant to the role would stand out.
Example: If I were a document, I would be a catalog. Like a catalog, I enjoy organizing information and making it accessible to others. I believe in the importance of preserving knowledge and ensuring it is easily retrievable.
This question tests your knowledge of historical periods and your ability to articulate your interests. Common answers include the Renaissance, Ancient Egypt, or the Roaring Twenties. An answer that demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen period or a unique perspective on its significance would stand out.
Example: If I could time travel to any period in history, I would choose the Enlightenment. I am drawn to the intellectual and cultural advancements of that era, and I would love to witness the exchange of ideas among philosophers and scientists.
This question assesses your understanding of the importance of preservation and your ability to prioritize valuable items. Common answers include a famous work of art, a historical artifact, or a significant document. An answer that explains the significance of the chosen item in a compelling way or considers its long-term impact would stand out.
Example: If I were tasked with preserving one item for future generations, I would choose the Gutenberg Bible. As the first major book printed using movable type, it revolutionized the spread of knowledge and played a crucial role in the development of printing technology.
This question evaluates your knowledge of archival collections and your interest in specific areas of history. Common answers include the Library of Congress, the Vatican Secret Archives, or the British Library. An answer that demonstrates a clear passion for a particular archive or explains how access to it would further your research interests would stand out.
Example: If I could have access to any archive in the world, I would choose the National Archives of Japan. I am fascinated by Japanese history and culture, and I believe that exploring their archival materials would provide valuable insights into the country's past.