17 Art Handler Interview Questions and Answers

An art handler is responsible for the installation, transportation, and storage of artworks. The job requires a great deal of physical strength, as well as a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the delicate nature of the works they handle.

If you’re interested in becoming an art handler, you will likely need to go through a job interview. This is your chance to show the interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to practice for your interview.

Are you comfortable moving heavy objects?

Art handlers often need to move heavy objects, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re physically capable of doing the job. If you haven’t done much moving in your previous roles, consider taking a course or practicing on your own before your interview.

Example: “I have moved many large pieces of furniture in my life, so I’m definitely comfortable with lifting and carrying heavy objects. In fact, I find it quite enjoyable. However, if there are any specific techniques that art handlers use when moving artwork, I would love to learn them.”

What are some of the most important skills for an art handler to have?

This question can help interviewers understand what you value in an art handler. They may ask this question to see if you have the same skills as other successful art handlers. When preparing for your interview, think about which skills are most important to you and how they relate to the job description. Consider highlighting a few of these skills that you possess.

Example: “I believe some of the most important skills for an art handler include organization, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. These skills allow me to ensure that I am storing artwork properly and safely. Attention to detail is also important because it helps me make sure that I’m handling each piece of art correctly. Finally, problem-solving skills are essential because they allow me to find solutions when something goes wrong.”

How do you keep track of where you’ve moved an item and how many times you’ve moved it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you organize your work and keep track of important information. Your answer should show that you have a system for organizing your tasks, whether it’s through technology or another method.

Example: “I use an app on my phone to record where I move items and how many times I move them. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I don’t move an item more than necessary. It also allows me to refer back to previous moves if needed.”

What is the most challenging aspect of being an art handler?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you can handle a challenging work environment. They want to know that you are willing to take on challenges and learn from them. In your answer, try to identify the most challenging aspect of being an art handler while also explaining how you overcame it or learned from it.

Example: “The most challenging part of being an art handler is when I have to transport large pieces of artwork. It’s important to me that we treat each piece with care, so sometimes I feel like there isn’t enough room for all of us to safely move these pieces around. However, I’ve found that by communicating with my team members about what needs to happen during transportation, we can figure out the best way to get the job done.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with an irate customer and how you handled the situation.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and if you have any experience doing so in the past. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

Example: “In my previous role as an art handler, I had many clients who were very particular about their pieces of art. One time, I was moving a piece of art from one location to another when it fell off the wall and broke. The client was upset because they thought I did it on purpose. I explained that it happened while I was transporting it and offered to replace it for free. She accepted my offer and we moved forward.”

If you saw another employee mishandling an artwork, what would you do?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a conflict with another employee. Use your answer to show that you value teamwork and are willing to work through any issues with other employees.

Example: “If I saw an art handler mishandling artwork, I would first ask them if they needed help. If they said no, I would continue working on my own tasks until the end of the day. At the end of the day, I would approach the employee again and offer to help them move or transport the piece of art. This way, I am showing that I care about their well-being but also want to ensure the safety of the artwork.”

What would you do if you noticed an artwork had been damaged while in your care?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle mistakes and challenges. Use your answer to show that you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, learn from your mistakes and develop strategies to prevent similar situations in the future.

Example: “If I noticed an artwork had been damaged while it was in my care, I would first apologize to the client and explain what happened. Then, I would document the damage and report it to my supervisor so they could work with our insurance company to file a claim. Next, I would make sure the artist or owner of the piece is aware of the situation and offer to help them find a replacement if needed.”

How well do you follow written and verbal instructions?

Art handlers often work with a variety of people, including artists and other art handlers. Employers ask this question to make sure you can follow their instructions when they give them. Use your answer to show that you are organized and detail-oriented. Explain how you keep track of important information.

Example: “I am very good at following written and verbal instructions. I have worked in many different environments where I had to do so. For example, I worked as an intern for a large auction house. There were many experienced art handlers there who gave me instructions on what to do. I also used my note-taking skills to remember the details of each piece of artwork.”

Do you have experience moving delicate artworks?

This question can help interviewers understand your experience moving delicate objects and how you handled them. Use examples from past experiences to show the interviewer that you know how to move fragile items without damaging them.

Example: “Yes, I have moved many delicate artworks in my career as an art handler. In my last position, I was responsible for moving a large collection of paintings from one location to another. The paintings were quite old, so we had to be very careful when transporting them. We used special equipment like cradles and straps to ensure the paintings didn’t get damaged during transport.”

When moving an artwork from one location to another, what is the appropriate amount of padding to use?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of handling art and other valuable items. Your answer should include the appropriate amount of padding for each type of item, as well as how you would determine that information.

Example: “For paintings, I would use at least two inches of bubble wrap or foam board on all sides. For sculptures, I would use at least three inches of bubble wrap or foam board on all sides. For large-scale installations, I would use at least four inches of bubble wrap or foam board on all sides.”

We want to become known for our high customer service standards. How would you go about ensuring that our art handlers are meeting those standards?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you would implement their company’s values into your work. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you’ve helped customers in the past and what actions you took to ensure they had an excellent experience.

Example: “I believe that customer service is one of the most important aspects of any job. I always make sure to greet my customers with a smile and offer them assistance as soon as they arrive. If they have questions about our products or services, I try to answer them as thoroughly as possible so they feel confident in their purchase. In my previous role, I once had a customer who was looking for a very unique piece of art. I spent some time researching similar pieces online and found a few options that might fit her needs. She ended up purchasing two pieces from us because she felt like we really cared about her satisfaction.”

Describe your experience moving large-scale art installations.

Art handlers often need to move large-scale art installations from one location to another. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience and skills necessary to complete this task. In your answer, share a time when you moved a large-scale piece of art. Explain what steps you took to ensure it arrived safely at its destination.

Example: “In my last role as an art handler, I was responsible for moving several large-scale pieces of art. One installation in particular required me to use a forklift to transport it from one building to another. To prepare for this job, I made sure all of the equipment was charged and ready to go. Then, I worked with two other art handlers to lift the installation onto the forklift. We transported it across town to its new home.”

What makes you stand out from other art handlers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering this question, think of a skill or quality that sets you apart from others. You can also mention any certifications you have in the art handling industry.

Example: “I am an artist myself, so I understand how important it is for artists to handle their work with care. In my previous role as an art handler, I was able to create a system where I could keep track of every piece of artwork. This allowed me to ensure all pieces were accounted for at the end of each day. It also helped me find missing pieces quickly when they went missing.”

Which moving tools are best for moving delicate artworks?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of moving tools and how you use them to protect valuable artworks. Use examples from your experience that show you know which tools are best for delicate items and why they’re important.

Example: “I always recommend using a crate or box with bubble wrap, blankets or foam when moving any fragile artwork. I’ve found that these materials provide the most protection against bumps and drops during transit. For larger pieces, I also suggest hiring professional movers who have experience handling large objects. These professionals can ensure the piece is moved safely without damaging it.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of inventory management?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of inventory management and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand what’s important in this role, such as accuracy, timeliness and customer service.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of inventory management is accuracy. If I don’t accurately record all incoming and outgoing items, it can be difficult to know if we have enough stock on hand for customers. Another important aspect is timeliness. It’s essential to keep accurate records so we can track when shipments arrive and leave our facility. This helps us meet customer orders quickly.”

How often should an artwork be cleaned?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of art preservation. It’s important to know how often an artwork should be cleaned and the proper methods for cleaning it. You can answer this question by explaining what you would do in a specific situation, such as when you notice dust on an artwork or if you’re asked to clean all the pieces in a collection.

Example: “I believe that artwork should be cleaned every six months to a year depending on the type of material used. For example, oil paintings should be cleaned more frequently than watercolors because they are more likely to attract dust. I also think it’s important to use the right materials when cleaning an artwork so that it doesn’t lose its original color or texture.”

There is a limited amount of space in an exhibition hall. How would you organize the artwork to maximize the amount of pieces that can be displayed?

This question can help the interviewer understand your organizational skills and how you plan out projects. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your attention to detail, problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my last position as an art handler, I had to organize a large exhibition that featured over 100 pieces of artwork. The first thing I did was create a list of all the artists who were participating in the show. Then, I grouped them by their medium or style so I could display similar pieces together. This helped me maximize the amount of space we had available for the exhibit.”