15 History Interview Questions and Answers

Whether you’re a high school student considering a career in history or a professional historian looking for a new job, you may be asked to participate in a history interview. The questions you’ll be asked will depend on the level of the position you’re applying for, but there are some common themes that come up again and again.

In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of what to expect from a history interview and provide sample questions and answers to help you prepare.

1. What is history?

This question is a basic one that an interviewer might ask to see if you have the necessary knowledge of what history is. They may also be looking for your definition and how it compares to their own. In your answer, define history as something that records events in chronological order. Explain that this is why historians use primary sources like documents, letters, speeches or other artifacts from the time period they are studying.

Example: “History is the recording of past events in chronological order. This is why historians rely on primary sources because they can provide information about a specific event at a particular time. Secondary sources, such as biographies, memoirs and essays, often discuss historical figures but don’t include any first-hand accounts.”

2. What are the main branches of history?

This question tests your knowledge of the different types of history. It also shows how you categorize information and organize data. Your answer should include a list of the main branches of history, along with an explanation of each branch.

Example: “The three main branches of history are political history, economic history and social history. Political history is the study of the actions of governments and leaders. Economic history focuses on the production and distribution of goods and services. Social history looks at the lives of people in a certain time period or place. It includes cultural history, which studies the arts, literature, music and other aspects of society. And it also includes demographic history, which examines population trends.”

3. What do you understand by ancient, medieval, and modern history?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different time periods in history. It also allows you to show that you understand how these eras are connected and what they mean for historical events. When answering this question, it can be helpful to define each term and give an example of when you’ve used them in your work or studies.

Example: “Ancient history refers to the period before written records were kept. Medieval history covers the years between 500 and 1500 AD. Modern history begins with the Renaissance and ends at the present day. I use all three terms regularly in my research because understanding the connections between these time periods helps me better understand current events.”

4. Can you explain what a historical narrative is?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the history field. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you can explain complex concepts in simple terms. When answering this question, try to keep your answer as straightforward and concise as possible.

Example: “A historical narrative is a story about the past. It’s usually told through a series of events or occurrences. In my experience, I’ve found that it’s important to look at multiple sources when creating a historical narrative because each source has its own perspective on what happened.”

5. What’s the difference between primary and secondary sources in history?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your ability to apply critical thinking skills and analyze information. When answering, it can be helpful to define primary and secondary sources in history and explain how they’re different from one another. You might also consider giving an example of a time you used these types of sources in your work.

Example: “Primary sources are documents or artifacts that were created during the event being studied. For instance, if I was studying World War II, letters written by soldiers would be considered primary sources because they were written while the war was happening. Secondary sources are documents or artifacts that were created after the event being studied. For example, books about World War II would be considered secondary sources because they were written after the war ended.”

6. How does historiography relate to history?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the history field. It also shows that you understand how historians study and interpret historical events. When answering this question, it can be helpful to define historiography and explain its importance in the field of history.

Example: “Historiography refers to the methods used by historians when studying and interpreting past events. Historians use these methods to analyze primary sources, conduct research and develop theories about what happened in the past. These theories are called historical interpretations. I find that understanding historiography helps me better understand how historians study and interpret historical events.”

7. What is the difference between history and art history?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the two subjects and how they differ. You can answer this question by defining each subject, explaining what makes them different and giving examples of when you’ve used both skills in your work or studies.

Example: “History is the study of past events that happened on Earth. It’s important to understand history because it helps us learn from our mistakes and see how we’ve evolved as a species. Art history is the study of artworks and their creators. Studying art history allows me to appreciate the beauty of the world around me.”

8. What can we learn from studying historical events?

This question can help interviewers determine your understanding of the purpose of studying history. They may want to know that you understand how historical events have shaped our world and what we can learn from them. You can answer this question by explaining why you think it’s important to study history, such as its ability to teach us lessons about human nature or provide a better understanding of current events.

Example: “Studying history helps us gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It allows us to see patterns in human behavior and gives us insight into how people reacted to certain situations throughout time. Studying history also shows us that there are no new problems—only old ones with new solutions.”

9. What are some key areas of focus for historians?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have a basic understanding of the field. They want to know that you can apply your skills and knowledge to their organization, so they might ask questions like this one to make sure you’re qualified for the job. In your answer, try to highlight some of the most important aspects of history research.

Example: “I think historians should focus on accuracy when researching. It’s important to be thorough in your work because it can impact how people understand the past. Another key area is context. You need to consider who wrote the documents you’re using as well as what time period they were written in. Finally, I think historians should always strive to find new sources of information. There are many untapped resources out there, so we should always be looking for more.”

10. What sort of methods do historians use to study historical events?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the historical process. They may ask you about specific methods or techniques that historians use to study events and how they apply these skills in their own work. You can answer this question by describing a few common approaches that historians take when studying history, such as primary sources, secondary sources and oral histories.

Example: “Historians use many different methods to study historical events. One method is using primary sources, which are documents or objects that were present during an event. For example, if I was researching the Civil War, I would look at letters written between generals, diaries from soldiers and other accounts of the war that were written while it was happening. Another method is using secondary sources, which are books, articles and other resources that analyze primary sources. These resources can provide valuable information on historical events.”

11. What is your opinion on revisionist history?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of historical events and how they are presented in the media. It also allows you to show that you can think critically about current events and their impact on history.

Example: “I believe revisionist history is dangerous because it’s often used as propaganda by those who want to rewrite history for political gain. For example, I remember when President Trump said that the Civil War was not caused by slavery but rather states’ rights. This statement completely ignores the fact that the Civil War was fought over slavery and that many people died so that African Americans could be free.”

12. What do you think about how history is taught in schools? Is it effective or not? If yes/no, why?

This question is a great way to see how you feel about the current state of history education in schools. It also gives you an opportunity to show your critical thinking skills and ability to analyze information.

Example: “I think that history is taught very well in most public school systems, but I do believe there are some things that could be improved. For example, I would like to see more emphasis on teaching students about world events as they happen rather than waiting until later in life when it’s too late for them to learn from it. Another thing I’d like to see is more opportunities for students to get involved with historical research projects.”

13. Why is it important to study history?

This question is a great way to show your passion for history and how it can be applied in the real world. When answering this question, try to focus on why you enjoy studying history and what skills you’ve developed from doing so.

Example: “Studying history is important because it helps us learn from our past mistakes and understand where we came from. I love learning about different cultures and time periods, which has helped me develop my communication and research skills. Studying history also gives me an appreciation for the present and makes me more aware of current events.”

14. What do you think about teaching children local history as part of their school curriculum? Do you think it’s better than teaching them world history?

This question is a great way to assess your opinions on the importance of local history and how it relates to world history. Your answer should show that you understand the value of both types of history, as well as their relationship with each other.

Example: “I think teaching children about their own communities is an important part of developing their identity and understanding where they fit in the world. However, I also believe that learning about the rest of the world is equally important because it helps us see our place in the global community. For example, when we learn about ancient civilizations like Egypt or Rome, we can better understand why those places are so significant today.”

15. What aspects of history do you find interesting? Can you give me some examples?

This question is a great way to show your passion for history and the ways you can apply it in your future career. When answering this question, try to focus on specific events or people that have inspired you throughout your academic career.

Example: “I find the Civil War era fascinating because of how much change happened during that time period. The war itself was so long and complex, but there were also many social changes happening at the same time. I’ve always been interested in learning more about the abolitionist movement and how it changed our country’s views on slavery.”