20 Christie’s Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to art, Christie’s is a name that is synonymous with quality and excellence. So, if you’re hoping to land a job at this world-renowned auction house, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions during your interview.

While every company has their own unique interview process, there are some questions that are commonly asked by employers in the art world. Here are a few examples of Christie’s specific interview questions that you should be prepared to answer:

– What do you know about Christie’s? – Why are you interested in working for Christie’s? – What do you think sets Christie’s apart from other auction houses? – What do you think is the most important attribute for success in the art world? – Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client. – Tell me about a time when you had to negotiate a difficult deal. – What do you think is the most important thing to remember when handling valuable art objects?

By preparing answers to these questions ahead of time, you’ll be able to show your interviewer that you’re serious about working for Christie’s and that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the role.

Christie’s Interview Process

The interview process at Christie’s can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, like Gallery Assistant or Intern, you may have to go through a group interview. For others, like Graduate Trainee or Research Intern, you may have to do an online video interview. The length of the hiring process can also vary, but it is usually pretty quick. Overall, the experience is generally positive, with interviewers being friendly and open.

1. Why do you want to work at Christie’s?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its values. It also gives you an opportunity to talk about what attracted you to this specific job opening.

Example: “I want to work at Christie’s because I am passionate about art, and I believe that Christie’s is one of the best places to be if you are interested in working with art. You have a reputation for being a leader in the industry, and I would love to be part of a team that works hard to uphold that reputation.”

2. What interests you the most about auction houses?

Christie’s is a name that speaks of excellence in the art world. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have an interest in the arts and how your interests align with Christie’s values. Your answer should show that you are passionate about the arts, but also that you understand the importance of providing excellent service to clients.

Example: “I am very interested in the arts, especially paintings. I love seeing the different styles and techniques artists use to create their masterpieces. I think it’s important for auction houses like Christie’s to provide high-quality services to clients so they can enjoy these beautiful works of art.”

3. How would you handle a situation where there is an object that you are unfamiliar with and are unsure of how much it may sell for in an auction?

Christie’s is a place where you will be expected to know about the art and antiques that are being sold. This question helps interviewers understand how you would handle this situation if it were to arise. In your answer, try to show that you have an eagerness to learn more about these items and can ask for help when needed.

Example: “If I was unsure of what something may sell for in auction, I would do my best to research it as much as possible before bringing it up with my supervisor or other team members. If I still had questions after doing some research on my own, I would definitely reach out to someone who has experience selling similar objects.”

4. Tell me about your experience with art or antiques.

Christie’s is a place where you can sell your art or antiques, so it’s important that the interviewer knows if you have any experience in this area. If you do, explain what kind of items you sold and how much money you made for them.

Example: “I’ve been selling my grandmother’s antique jewelry at local craft fairs since I was a teenager. She passed away when I was 16, but she left me her collection of beautiful pieces. I started out with just one booth, but as word spread about my unique pieces, I expanded to two booths. Now I’m able to make enough money from these sales to pay for college.”

5. Can you share an example of when you had to deal with a difficult client, how did you handle it?

Christie’s is a place where clients come to buy and sell some of the most valuable art in the world. The company wants to make sure that you have experience dealing with high-end clientele, so they ask this question to see how you handle difficult situations.

Example: “I once had a client who was very particular about his collection of rare coins. He would often call me at all hours of the day to check on the status of his order. I learned early on that he just wanted reassurance that everything was going well. So, I started calling him before we shipped his orders to let him know when it would arrive. This helped him feel more comfortable and made our relationship much smoother.”

6. What type of research have you done on our company?

Christie’s is a name that speaks of excellence in the art world. The company has been around for over 200 years and is known as one of the most prestigious auction houses in the world. Your research on Christie’s should show your interest in working for such an esteemed institution.

Example: “I have done extensive research on Christie’s, from learning about its history to reading articles written by experts in the field. I am impressed with the company’s reputation and how it continues to innovate in the industry. I would love to be part of this team.”

7. Do you know anything about the history of Christie’s?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its history. If you have done any research on Christie’s, you should be able to answer this question with ease.

Example: “Christie’s was founded in 1766 by James Christie as an auction house for books. In 1813, it became the first auction house to sell artworks. The founder’s son, John Christie, took over the business in 1828 and expanded the auction house into selling antiques and jewelry. He also opened up new locations around London.

In 1976, Christie’s merged with Sotheby & Co., which had been established in 1744. This merger created one of the largest luxury goods companies in the world. Today, Christie’s has offices all over the globe.”

8. Describe a time when you worked well under pressure.

Christie’s is a place where you will be working with clients who are looking to buy or sell art, jewelry and other valuable items. The company wants to know that you can handle pressure situations well and keep your cool when things get hectic.

Example: “I once had a client who was selling an extremely rare piece of artwork. It was the only one in existence, so there was no way for me to compare it to another item. I had to use my knowledge of similar pieces and my expertise to determine its value. This took some time, but I eventually determined what the price should be. My client was very happy with the final sale.”

9. What skills from previous jobs will help you succeed in this position?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how it relates to this position. Use examples from previous jobs that show you have what it takes to succeed in this role, such as:

Communication skills
Art expertise
Customer service experience
Example: “In my last job, I was responsible for managing an entire team of art appraisers. This gave me valuable insight into Christie’s appraisal process and helped me develop my communication skills when working with other appraisers. It also taught me how to use my artistic eye to evaluate pieces of art and determine their value.”

10. Explain to us why a piece of art has value.

Christie’s is a global leader in the art industry, and your answer to this question will show that you understand how Christie’s contributes to the value of art. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain what makes art valuable beyond its monetary worth.

Example: “Art has value because it speaks to us on an emotional level. It allows us to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and it gives us insight into our own lives. Art also has financial value because it is something that people are willing to pay for. The more demand there is for a piece of art, the higher its value.”

11. Are you aware of any events going on at Christie’s soon?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its events. If you are interviewing for an event-based position, this question will be especially important.

Example: “I am aware that Christie’s has several upcoming auctions in New York City. The first auction is on September 15th, where they will be selling off pieces from the collection of a private collector. The second auction is on October 6th, where they will be selling off pieces from the estate of a prominent art dealer. I have attended both of these auctions before and can say that they are quite exciting.”

12. Would you be willing to travel if needed?

Christie’s is a global company that operates in over 30 countries. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are willing to travel for work and how much experience you have with it. If you have no prior experience traveling, consider sharing your willingness to learn.

Example: “I am happy to travel as needed. I understand the importance of being available to clients at all times. In my last position, I had to travel once or twice per month. It was challenging at first, but I got used to it after a while. Now, I enjoy seeing new places and meeting new people.”

13. What is your favorite genre of art?

Christie’s is a place where you can find art from all over the world, and your favorite genre of art may be something that isn’t represented in their inventory. This question helps them understand what types of pieces you are drawn to and how you might fit into the Christie’s culture.

Example: “I am particularly drawn to contemporary abstract paintings. I love the way they make me feel when I look at them, and I think it would be an honor to help sell some of these works for artists who have put so much time and effort into creating them.”

14. Have you ever been involved with working on an exhibition or event before?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with working in the art world. If you have, be sure to mention it and what you learned from that experience. If not, you can talk about how you would approach an exhibition or event if given the opportunity.

Example: “I’ve been involved with several exhibitions at my previous job. I worked on organizing the pieces for display, making sure they were ready for viewing by our clients. I also helped set up the space for each exhibit, ensuring that everything was aesthetically pleasing and well-organized.”

15. What kind of auctions are you interested in?

Christie’s offers a variety of auctions, including fine art, wine and jewelry. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience in any of these areas. If not, they want to see that you are willing to learn about the company’s offerings.

Example: “I am particularly interested in working with fine art. I love the idea of being able to help clients find pieces that will be meaningful additions to their collections or homes. I also enjoy working with wine and would like to expand my knowledge of this area. Christie”s has an impressive reputation for its wine auctions, so I hope to learn from your experts and contribute to the success of those sales.”

16. What do you think should go into creating a successful auction?

Christie’s is a name that represents the best in art and antiques. The company wants to hire people who understand what it takes to create an exceptional experience for their clients. Your answer should show you know how to make customers happy.

Example: “I think creating a successful auction starts with having a knowledgeable staff. Christie’s has some of the most experienced experts in the industry, so I would want to learn from them as much as possible. It also involves making sure the venue is set up properly. For example, if there are any special lighting requirements, we need to be sure they’re met. Finally, I think it comes down to providing excellent customer service. We have to treat our clients like royalty.”

17. What makes someone a good curator?

Curators are responsible for the care and display of art, which is why it’s important to know what makes a good curator. Your answer should show that you understand the role of a curator and how you would perform in this position.

Example: “Curating is an extremely important job because curators have to make sure that the art they exhibit is properly cared for and displayed. They also need to be able to identify pieces that will sell well at auction. I think someone who wants to become a curator needs to have a passion for art and a desire to help people find beautiful things that they can enjoy for years to come.”

18. How would you learn more about a specific artist?

Christie’s is known for its expertise in the art world, and your interviewer may ask this question to see if you have a similar passion. Use your answer to show that you are willing to do research on an artist or piece of artwork before selling it at Christie’s.

Example: “I would start by looking up biographical information about the artist online. I would also look into any exhibitions they had recently attended or were scheduled to attend. If there was a specific style or medium they preferred, I would read more about those as well. I would want to know everything I could about the artist so that I could accurately describe their work when speaking with potential buyers.”

19. When was the last time you went to an art gallery?

Christie’s is a global leader in the art industry, and your interviewer may want to know if you have any experience with this type of work. If you do not have direct experience working at an auction house or gallery, consider describing a time when you visited one.

Example: “I went to an art gallery last year for my friend’s birthday party. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The paintings were beautiful, and I loved hearing about the artist’s inspiration behind each piece. It made me realize that I would love to work in an environment like that.”

20. How do you keep up with what’s happening in the art industry?

Christie’s is a global company that works with clients from all over the world. The interviewer wants to know how you will keep up with international news and events, as well as what your knowledge of art history is like.

Example: “I have always been passionate about art, so I read several art blogs and publications regularly. I also subscribe to Christie’s newsletter, which keeps me informed on new artists and trends in the industry. I am currently taking an online course on modern art, which has expanded my knowledge of contemporary art.”