5 Research Archaeologist Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question assesses your project management skills, archaeological techniques, and your ability to lead teams in research-oriented environments, which are crucial for a Principal Research Archaeologist.

How to answer

• Outline the project's objectives and significance in the archaeological community
• Discuss the methodologies you used, including any innovative techniques or technologies
• Explain your role in leading the team and ensuring collaboration
• Highlight any challenges faced and how you addressed them
• Conclude with the project's outcomes and contributions to the field

What not to say

• Focusing solely on the technical aspects without mentioning team leadership
• Neglecting to describe the project's relevance or impact
• Using jargon without explaining its significance to the audience
• Omitting discussion of challenges and your response to them

Example answer

“In my project at Pompeii, I led a team of archaeologists and students to investigate a newly discovered villa. We employed a combination of ground-penetrating radar and traditional excavation methods, which allowed us to map structures without disturbing the site. Despite encountering significant weather challenges, we adjusted our timelines and maintained clear communication with our stakeholders. Ultimately, we uncovered artifacts that provided new insights into Roman domestic life, published our findings in 'Journal of Archaeological Science,' and enhanced our understanding of the site’s history.”

Introduction

This question assesses your leadership in archaeological research and your ability to communicate the significance of your work in a broader historical context.

How to answer

• Briefly outline the project's objectives and scope
• Discuss your leadership role and the team dynamics
• Describe the methodologies used and any innovative approaches taken
• Share the findings and their implications for historical understanding
• Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them

What not to say

• Focusing solely on technical details without discussing the broader impact
• Not mentioning team contributions or collaborative efforts
• Failing to articulate the significance of the findings
• Ignoring any difficulties encountered during the project

Example answer

“In a project at the Roman site of Empúries, I led a team of 12 archaeologists. We aimed to uncover residential patterns from the 1st century AD. Using a combination of stratigraphic excavation and geophysical surveys, we discovered a previously unknown villa that provided insights into Roman domestic life. The findings significantly enhanced our understanding of suburban development in the region and were published in prominent journals, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Introduction

This question is crucial for assessing your hands-on experience and leadership in archaeological research, as well as your ability to apply various methodologies in real-world projects.

How to answer

• Begin with a brief overview of the project, including its objectives and context.
• Detail the methodologies you employed, such as excavation techniques, dating methods, or analytical tools.
• Discuss your role in leading the team and coordinating efforts with stakeholders.
• Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Conclude with the project's outcomes and its significance to the field of archaeology.

What not to say

• Focusing solely on personal achievements without acknowledging team contributions.
• Neglecting to mention specific methodologies or techniques used.
• Providing vague descriptions of the project without measurable impacts.
• Failing to address any challenges or how they were managed.

Example answer

“At the University of Cape Town, I led an excavation project at a San rock art site. We employed stratigraphic excavation and radiocarbon dating to uncover layers dating back over 10,000 years. Coordinating with local communities was crucial for our success. Despite facing weather-related delays, we adapted by implementing a more efficient work schedule. Our findings contributed significantly to understanding the region's prehistoric cultures and were published in the South African Archaeological Bulletin.”

Introduction

This question helps assess your practical experience in archaeological research and your specific contributions to projects, which are crucial for a Research Archaeologist.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response
• Clearly outline the project's objectives and significance
• Detail your specific responsibilities and contributions
• Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them
• Quantify results or findings where possible, such as artifacts discovered or publications produced

What not to say

• Focusing only on the project without detailing your role
• Providing vague descriptions without specific outcomes
• Neglecting to mention teamwork or collaboration aspects
• Overlooking challenges or conflicts encountered

Example answer

“During my time at the University of Barcelona, I worked on a project excavating a Roman villa in Tarragona. My role involved leading the excavation team and coordinating with local historians. We uncovered over 200 artifacts, which were critical in understanding Roman domestic life. I faced challenges with weather conditions but adapted our schedule and techniques to ensure we met our timeline. The findings contributed to a publication that increased awareness of local heritage sites.”

Introduction

This question assesses your practical experience and understanding of archaeological research methods, which are crucial for a Junior Research Archaeologist role.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Clearly describe the archaeological methods you employed
• Explain your role in the project and any specific contributions
• Discuss the outcomes of the project and what you learned from it
• Relate the experience to how it prepares you for the role at the organization

What not to say

• Providing vague descriptions without specific methods or outcomes
• Failing to mention your specific contributions to the project
• Overlooking the importance of teamwork in archaeological research
• Focusing too much on theoretical knowledge without practical application

Example answer

“During my senior thesis at the University of Arizona, I worked on a project excavating a prehistoric site in southern Arizona. My task was to document the stratigraphy and collect artifacts using standard excavation techniques. I collaborated closely with my peers to analyze the findings, which revealed insights into the dietary habits of the inhabitants. This project not only honed my technical skills in excavation but also emphasized the importance of teamwork in archaeological research.”