20 Lincoln Center Interview Questions and Answers

Lincoln Center is the world’s leading performing arts center, located in New York City. Lincoln Center is home to 11 resident organizations, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet.

With such a prestigious reputation, it’s no surprise that the interview process for Lincoln Center is highly competitive. If you’re hoping to land a job at Lincoln Center, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, qualifications, and knowledge of the performing arts.

In this guide, we’ve provided a list of sample Lincoln Center interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Lincoln Center Interview Process

The interview process at Lincoln Center can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For internships, the process is generally fairly straightforward and consists of an initial phone interview followed by an in-person interview. For management positions, the process is usually a bit more involved and may include multiple rounds of interviews as well as a writing test. Overall, the interview process is generally positive and efficient, although some candidates have reported feeling stressed or anxious during the process.

1. Tell me about a time where you had to work with someone who was difficult, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have any experience working with a difficult personality. When answering, it can be helpful to mention that you were able to work through the situation successfully and highlight your communication skills or ability to compromise.

Example: “In my last position as an event planner, I worked with someone who was very detail-oriented. While this is usually a positive quality in a coworker, sometimes they would nitpick small things that didn’t need fixing. In these situations, I tried to remain calm and explain why something wasn’t necessary to fix. This helped them understand that while details are important, there’s also a time when we should focus on getting tasks done rather than worrying about every little thing.”

2. What do you think the biggest challenge will be in this role and how would you overcome it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you would approach challenges in the role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you know about the position and what you’ve learned from the interview process so far.

Example: “I think one of the biggest challenges will be working with different departments across Lincoln Center. I have experience collaborating with other departments on projects before, and I find that communication is key. I plan to make sure everyone knows who I am and what my job responsibilities are. This should help me build relationships with others and ensure we’re all on the same page.”

3. How would you describe your leadership style?

Leadership is an important skill for any manager. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and experience needed to lead a team of employees. When answering, think about what leadership traits you possess. Try to focus on your strengths rather than areas where you need improvement.

Example: “I believe my leadership style is collaborative. I like to work with others to make decisions that benefit everyone. I also feel that I am empathetic when it comes to making tough decisions. For example, at my last job, we had to let some people go because of budget cuts. While it was difficult, I tried to put myself in their shoes and understand why we were letting them go.”

4. Describe a time when you worked on a team project, what were your responsibilities?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the workplace. Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others and how you contribute to a team. When answering, try to focus on your ability to collaborate with others and share ideas.

Example: “In my last position as a marketing manager, I worked on a team of five people. My main responsibility was creating social media content for our company’s accounts. However, we all contributed ideas to each other about what types of content would be most effective. We also shared feedback on each other’s posts to make sure they were reaching our target audience.”

5. What is one thing that you are really passionate about?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential colleagues. It also helps employers see if you are passionate about the same things as their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that relates to the job or the Lincoln Center.

Example: “I am really passionate about music and theater. I have been singing since I was a child, and I love performing in front of an audience. I would love to work at Lincoln Center because there are so many talented people here. I think we could all benefit from each other’s skills and experiences.”

6. Do you have any experience working in development or marketing?

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience working in an office environment and collaborating with others. If you don’t have any previous experience, you can talk about how you’ve worked on projects or campaigns outside of work.

Example: “I actually started my career as a marketing intern at a local company. I learned so much from my supervisor and coworkers, and it helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a career in marketing. Since then, I’ve been involved in several social media campaigns for brands and businesses.”

7. Why do you want to work at Lincoln Center?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in working for their organization. It also helps them understand what you know about Lincoln Center and its mission. When preparing to answer this question, make sure to research the organization thoroughly. You should be able to explain why you’re interested in working at Lincoln Center based on what you’ve learned from your research.

Example: “I’m very passionate about music and theater, so I was excited to learn that Lincoln Center is a major hub for both. I love how much they support local artists as well as national ones. I would love to work here because I think it’s important to give back to my community through art.”

8. What is your favorite performing arts event and why?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new colleagues. It also helps you show the interviewer that you are passionate about performing arts and excited to attend events at Lincoln Center. When answering this question, try to pick an event that you have attended in the past or one that you would like to attend in the future.

Example: “My favorite performing arts event is Cirque du Soleil. I love how unique their performances are and how they incorporate acrobatics into everything they do. The last time I saw them was when they performed at Madison Square Garden. I’ve always wanted to see them perform again, so if I got this position, it would be my first opportunity.”

9. What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is an important part of working in the hospitality industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand what customer service means and how it relates to their organization. In your answer, explain what customer service means to you and give examples of times when you’ve provided excellent customer service.

Example: “Customer service means making sure every guest has a positive experience at our venue. I believe that providing great customer service starts with having a friendly attitude and being helpful. For example, if someone needs help finding something or wants recommendations for food or drinks, I am always willing to assist them. I also think it’s important to be honest with customers. If they have questions about menu items or event details, I will provide them with accurate information.”

10. Are you comfortable working with people from different cultures and backgrounds?

The Lincoln Center is a diverse community, and the interviewer wants to make sure you can work with people from different backgrounds. Show that you are open-minded by sharing an experience where you worked with someone who was different than you.

Example: “I have always been fascinated by other cultures and how they influence our own. I had a friend in high school whose family immigrated from China. She would tell me about her culture, and I found it so interesting. One day, she invited me over for dinner at her house. It was such a unique experience, and I learned so much about Chinese food and customs. Ever since then, I’ve tried to learn more about other cultures.”

11. Have you ever had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle stressful situations and whether or not you have experience working with a diverse group of people. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had to deal with an angry customer and how you helped them feel better about their experience.

Example: “In my previous role as a receptionist at a law firm, I often fielded calls from clients who were upset about something that happened in their case. One time, a client called me because they felt like our lawyers weren’t doing enough work on their case. I listened to what they had to say and assured them that we would do everything we could to win their case. The client was happy with my response and said they understood why things were taking so long.”

12. If hired, how long do you see yourself staying with us?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re committed to the position and that it’s a good fit for you. They want someone who will stay with them for at least a few years, so they can get their money’s worth out of training you. When answering this question, be honest about your intentions but also show how excited you are to work there.

Example: “I see myself staying here for quite some time. I’ve always wanted to work in the arts, and I feel like Lincoln Center is the perfect place for me. I’m very passionate about what I do, and I think I would thrive in this environment.”

13. What do you feel is the most important quality for a manager to have?

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you would apply them in this role. A good answer will include a specific quality, an example of when you’ve used it and the impact it had on a situation.

Example: “I believe that empathy is one of the most important qualities for a manager to have. I once worked with a team member who was having a hard time at home. She didn’t want to take any time off work, but she looked very stressed out. I asked her if everything was okay, and she told me about what was going on. I gave her some time off so she could get back to work refreshed. It’s important to be able to relate to others and understand their situations.”

14. What types of programs do you use to keep track of projects and tasks?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your organizational skills. They want to know how you keep track of important information and whether or not you have the tools needed to complete tasks on time. In your answer, explain which programs you use for scheduling and note any experience you have with other types of project management software.

Example: “I use a calendar app on my phone and computer to schedule appointments and events. I also use it to create reminders so that I don’t forget anything. For tracking projects and tasks, I prefer using Microsoft Project because it allows me to assign different tasks to team members and see what everyone is working on at any given time. It’s especially helpful when managing multiple projects.”

15. What do you know about our organization?

This question is a great way to test your research skills and show the interviewer that you are serious about this role. Before your interview, read up on Lincoln Center’s website or any other sources of information you can find online. Make sure you know what their mission statement is, who they serve and how many people they employ.

Example: “I am very familiar with Lincoln Center because I have been going there for years as a patron. I also did some research into the organization and found out that it was founded in 1966 by Lincoln Savings Bank. The center has grown since then and now offers over 1,000 performances each year. It employs over 2,500 people, including artists, musicians, technicians and more.”

16. What skills can you bring to the table that would help us grow as an organization?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the organization and are eager to learn more about it. It also allows you to highlight skills or experiences that may not be listed in the job description but could help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve noticed that Lincoln Center has an extensive education program, which I think is fantastic. In my last position, I helped develop our company’s training program for new hires, so I would love to bring those skills to Lincoln Center and help grow its educational offerings. I’m also excited to work with such talented people, as I feel like we can all learn from each other.”

17. When was the last time that you attended a performing arts event?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your interest in performing arts and how often you attend events. You can answer this question by mentioning a specific event that you attended recently or one that you remember attending as a child.

Example: “The last time I attended a performance was at my friend’s wedding, where they had a jazz band play during their cocktail hour. It was really fun to dance along with everyone else while enjoying some drinks before dinner. As a kid, I went to see ‘The Lion King’ on Broadway with my family when it came to our city. My parents still talk about how much we all enjoyed it.”

18. What is your availability?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the job. They want someone who can work a full-time schedule and be on time. When answering, list your availability in terms of days, times and hours. If you have any flexibility, mention that as well.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I also have some flexibility with my schedule. For example, I could start at 7 a.m. if needed or stay until 6 p.m. if there is an event going on. My weekends are free unless something comes up.”

19. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in the performing arts industry?

The performing arts industry is constantly changing, and the interviewer wants to make sure you’re aware of these changes. They want to know that you can adapt to new trends in your field and stay motivated as a performer or artist.

Example: “I have several friends who are performers at other theaters around the country, so I often talk with them about what’s going on in their theater. I also subscribe to several online newsletters that provide me with information about upcoming performances and events. I find this information very helpful when planning my own shows.”

20. How would you respond if a donor wanted to cancel their donation?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills and ability to handle conflict. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to resolve a situation with a donor or client who wanted to cancel their donation or payment.

Example: “In my last role, I had a patron who was unhappy with our library’s services. They threatened to cancel their annual donation unless we hired a new librarian. I explained that hiring a new librarian wasn’t within our budget but offered to speak with them about other ways we could improve their experience at the library. After speaking with them for 20 minutes, they decided to keep their donation.”