Top 10 Questions for Museum Exhibit Technician Interview

1. Describe your experience in designing and fabricating museum exhibits.

I have over 5 years of experience in designing and fabricating museum exhibits. I have worked on a variety of projects, from small, temporary exhibits to large, permanent installations. I am proficient in a variety of fabrication techniques, including woodworking, metalworking, and plastics fabrication. I am also familiar with the principles of exhibit design, including lighting, color theory, and visitor flow.

2. What are the different types of materials that can be used in museum exhibits?

Natural materials

• Wood
• Stone
• Metal
• Glass
• Textiles

Synthetic materials

• Acrylic
• Polyester
• PVC
• Fiberglass
• Carbon fiber

3. What are the different types of lighting that can be used in museum exhibits?

• Ambient lighting
• Accent lighting
• Spot lighting
• Track lighting
• Recessed lighting

4. What are the different types of display cases that can be used in museum exhibits?

• Flat cases
• Upright cases
• Wall-mounted cases
• Suspended cases
• Dioramas

5. What are the different types of labels that can be used in museum exhibits?

• Object labels
• Section labels
• Topic labels
• Interactive labels
• Digital labels

6. What are the different types of interactives that can be used in museum exhibits?

• Physical interactives
• Digital interactives
• Sensory interactives
• Cognitive interactives
• Social interactives

7. What are the different types of conservation issues that can affect museum exhibits?

• Environmental factors
• Biological factors
• Chemical factors
• Physical factors
• Human factors

8. What are the different types of documentation that is required for museum exhibits?

• Object records
• Exhibition records
• Conservation records
• Educational materials
• Digital assets

9. What are the different types of museum exhibit evaluations that can be conducted?

• Formative evaluations
• Summative evaluations
• Longitudinal evaluations
• User studies
• Content analyses

10. What are the different types of jobs that are available in the museum exhibition field?

• Exhibit designer
• Exhibit fabricator
• Exhibit installer
• Exhibit conservator
• Exhibit educator

Museum Exhibit Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of museum exhibits. They work closely with curators and other museum staff to ensure that exhibits are accurate, engaging, and accessible to all visitors. Key job responsibilities include:

1. Exhibit Installation

Exhibit Technicians are responsible for installing new exhibits and dismantling old ones. They work with curators to determine the best way to display artifacts and objects, and they use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure that exhibits are safe and secure.

• Assemble and install exhibit components, such as display cases, lighting, and interactive elements.
• Use power tools and hand tools to construct and repair exhibits.
• Ensure that exhibits are properly lit and secured to prevent damage to artifacts.

2. Exhibit Maintenance

Exhibit Technicians are responsible for maintaining exhibits on a regular basis. They clean and inspect exhibits, and they make repairs as needed. They also work with curators to update exhibits with new information and artifacts.

• Clean and polish exhibit cases and display surfaces.
• Inspect exhibits for damage and make repairs as necessary.
• Update exhibits with new information and artifacts, as directed by curators.

3. Exhibit Repair

Exhibit Technicians are responsible for repairing exhibits that have been damaged. They work with curators to determine the best way to repair the damage, and they use a variety of tools and techniques to restore exhibits to their original condition.

• Assess damage to exhibits and determine the best repair method.
• Use specialized tools and techniques to repair artifacts and exhibit components.
• Document repairs and maintain a record of all work performed.

4. Safety and Security

Exhibit Technicians are responsible for ensuring that exhibits are safe and secure for visitors. They work with curators and other museum staff to develop safety plans and procedures, and they regularly inspect exhibits for potential hazards.

• Develop and implement safety plans and procedures for exhibits.
• Inspect exhibits regularly for potential hazards and make repairs as necessary.
• Work with curators and other museum staff to ensure that exhibits are accessible to all visitors.

To ace your interview for a Museum Exhibit Technician position, follow these tips:

1. Research the museum and the position

Before your interview, take some time to research the museum where you’re applying. Learn about the museum’s mission, history, and current exhibits. You should also research the specific position you’re applying for. This will help you understand the museum’s needs and how your skills and experience can benefit the organization.

• Visit the museum’s website to learn about its mission, history, and current exhibits.
• Read articles and reviews about the museum to get an understanding of its reputation and public perception.
• Research the specific position you’re applying for by reading the job description and talking to people in the field.

2. Highlight your skills and experience

In your interview, be sure to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the Museum Exhibit Technician position. For example, emphasize your experience with installing and maintaining exhibits, your knowledge of museum safety and security procedures, and your ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Quantify your experience whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I installed exhibits at my previous job,” say “I installed over 100 exhibits at my previous job, including a major traveling exhibition.”
• Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience. For example, instead of saying “I am a team player,” say “I worked on a team to install a complex exhibit that required the coordination of multiple departments.”

3. Be prepared to answer questions about your interest in the museum field

Interviewers will want to know why you are interested in working in the museum field. Be prepared to answer this question in a way that shows your passion for museums and your commitment to their mission. You might talk about your favorite museum experiences, your interest in a particular area of history or culture, or your desire to make a difference in the community through your work.

• Be specific about your interests and why they align with the museum’s mission.
• Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate your passion for museums.
• Explain how your skills and experience can contribute to the museum’s success.

4. Ask questions

At the end of the interview, be sure to ask questions of your own. This shows that you are interested in the position and the museum. You might ask about the museum’s plans for future exhibits, the challenges facing the museum field, or the opportunities for professional development within the organization.

• Prepare a list of questions in advance so that you don’t forget to ask them during the interview.
• Ask questions that are specific to the museum and the position you’re applying for.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s answers and ask follow-up questions to show that you’re engaged and interested.