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15 Historian Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various historian interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Historian Interview Questions

How do you define history?

An interviewer would ask "How do you define history?" to a/an Historian to better understand the historian's perspective and how they approach the study of history. This is important because it can give insight into how the historian interprets and uses historical evidence, which can impact the accuracy of their work.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question as historians can have different definitions of history depending on their personal beliefs and opinions. However, one common definition of history is the study of past events in order to better understand the present and future. This definition emphasizes the importance of learning from the past in order to make better decisions in the present and future. Other historians may define history as a story that tells us about the past, or as a way of understanding human behavior.”

Have there been any steps, moments, or professional changes in your field that you’ve found concerning?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a historian. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the historian's level of knowledge and expertise. Second, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the historian's opinion on recent changes in their field. Finally, it helps the interviewer to understand how the historian views the current state of their field.

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to get a better sense of the historian's views on their field and how they view recent changes. It also helps the interviewer to understand how the historian plans to stay up-to-date on changes in their field.

Example: “There have been a few steps, moments, or professional changes in my field that I’ve found concerning. One of the most recent and concerning changes has been the increasing commercialization of history. This has led to a situation where history is being increasingly presented as a commodity, something to be bought and sold, rather than as a critical tool for understanding the past and present. This commercialization has also led to a situation where historical research is often driven by the need to find new and exciting stories that will sell, rather than by a commitment to uncovering the truth about the past. This trend is concerning because it risks distorting our understanding of history and making it harder for people to access accurate information about the past.”

For people who care about history, what are the kind of questions they tend to ask about history?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the historian's depth of knowledge about history. It is important to know how much the historian knows about history in order to determine whether or not they are qualified to do the job.

Example: “People who care about history tend to ask questions about the past in order to better understand the present. They might ask about specific events that took place, or about larger trends and developments over time. They might also ask about the motivations of historical figures, or about how different groups of people experienced history. Ultimately, people who care about history want to know why things happened the way they did, and what lessons can be learned from the past.”

How do you communicate with people who view history in different ways than you do?

It is important for an historian to be able to communicate with people who view history in different ways than the historian does because it allows the historian to understand the different perspectives and to learn from them. It also allows the historian to share his or her own perspective with others and to explain why he or she views history the way they do.

Example: “There are a few ways to communicate with people who view history in different ways than you do. The first way is to try and find common ground. This can be done by finding points of agreement and starting from there. Another way is to try and understand where the other person is coming from. This means listening to their perspective and trying to see things from their point of view. Finally, it is important to respect the other person’s opinion even if you don’t agree with it.”

Whom do you have as your main sources for your personal practice of historical research?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of the historian's research methods and sources. It is important to know how historians conduct research in order to understand the reliability and accuracy of their work.

Example: “There are a few main sources that I use for my personal practice of historical research. The first is primary sources, which are firsthand accounts of events or periods in history. These can include things like letters, diaries, journals, newspapers, government documents, and oral histories. Secondary sources are interpretations of primary sources, and can include things like history books, articles, and documentaries. I also use tertiary sources occasionally, which are compilations of primary and secondary sources.”

How do you use your work as a historian in your personal life?

An interviewer might ask "How do you use your work as a historian in your personal life?" to get a sense of how the historian views history and its importance. It is important to know how the historian uses his or her work in order to understand how he or she might approach teaching or writing about history.

Example: “I find that my work as a historian helps me to better understand the world around me and to see things from different perspectives. It also helps me to communicate better with others, as I am able to share my knowledge and understanding of history with them. Additionally, my work as a historian has helped me to develop critical thinking skills that I can use in my personal life to make more informed decisions.”

What people, events, books, etc. inspired your love of history?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of what has inspired the historian's love of history. This is important because it can help the interviewer understand the historian's motivations and passions. Additionally, it can give the interviewer some insight into the historian's thought process and how they approach the study of history.

Example: “I have always been fascinated by the past and the idea of learning from history. Some of the people who have inspired my love of history include my grandparents, who would always tell me stories about their childhoods and what life was like when they were growing up. I also loved reading historical fiction as a child, which transported me to different eras and allowed me to learn about different cultures and peoples. Additionally, my high school history teacher was very passionate about his subject and he instilled in me a love of learning about the past. Finally, I have always been interested in travel and exploring different parts of the world, which has led me to visit many historical sites and learn more about the people and events that shaped them.”

What should I do if I am interested in becoming a historian?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to an historian. First, the interviewer may be interested in becoming a historian themselves and want to know what steps they should take. Second, the interviewer may want to know what skills and qualities are necessary to be a successful historian. Finally, the interviewer may want to know what the historian's opinion is on the importance of history.

The answer to this question can help the interviewer understand what it takes to be a successful historian. In addition, the answer can also provide insight into the historian's own personal views on the importance of history.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a historian may vary depending on your individual circumstances and interests. However, some general advice that may be useful for those interested in becoming a historian includes studying history at the college level, working on research projects related to history, and interning or volunteering at historical organizations. Additionally, joining professional organizations such as the American Historical Association can also be beneficial.”

In what ways has your personal definition of history changed over time?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of how the historian's views have changed over time and how they have been influenced by their personal experiences. This is important because it allows the interviewer to understand how the historian's views on history have evolved and how they might continue to change in the future. It also helps to gauge the historian's level of open-mindedness and willingness to consider new perspectives.

Example: “My personal definition of history has changed significantly over time. When I was younger, I saw history as a series of dates and events that were to be memorized. I was more interested in the stories behind the events and the people who lived through them. As I have grown older, my definition of history has become much broader. I now see history as the study of the human experience – past, present, and future. It is an attempt to understand who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. It is a story that is always unfolding, and one that we can all contribute to.”

What are your thoughts on historical revisionism?

There can be a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to an historian. One reason could be to gauge the historian's opinion on historical revisionism and how it might impact their field of work. It is also possible that the interviewer is looking to start a discussion on a controversial topic in history. Historical revisionism is important because it allows for new perspectives and interpretations of history to be presented. This can lead to a greater understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question as it is a complex and nuanced topic. In general, historical revisionism refers to the re-examination of accepted historical narratives or the introduction of new perspectives on history. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to challenge dominant interpretations, to fill in gaps in the historical record, or to correct errors.

There are a number of different approaches to historical revisionism, and not all historians agree on its merits. Some argue that it is an essential part of the historical process, allowing us to constantly refine our understanding of the past. Others contend that it can be used to distort history for political gain. Ultimately, each historian must decide for themselves what value they believe revisionism has in the study of history.”

Do you believe that history repeats itself? If so, why? If not, why not?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the historian's sense of historical patterns and cycles. It is important to understand whether or not the historian believes that history repeats itself in order to better understand their approach to historical analysis and interpretation.

Example: “There is a popular saying that "history repeats itself." While there are certainly many examples of patterns and cycles in history, it's important to remember that every situation is unique and that the future is never guaranteed to follow the same path as the past. There are a number of reasons why history might appear to repeat itself, including:

-The human condition is constant. We face similar challenges and make similar mistakes throughout history because we are essentially the same people living in different times.
-There are only so many ways to solve problems. As we face new challenges, we often look to past solutions for inspiration. This can lead to repeating some of the same mistakes if those solutions were not effective.
-We learn from history. As we study and understand the past, we can avoid making the same mistakes again. However, this doesn't mean that we will never make any mistakes – just that we might be less likely to repeat ones that have been made before.

In conclusion, while there are definitely some patterns and similarities in history, it's important to remember that every situation is unique and that the future is never guaranteed to follow the exact same path as the past.”

Do you have any advice for people who are interested in studying history?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the historian's passion for the subject and their ability to communicate its importance to others. It is important to be able to articulate the value of history in order to encourage others to study it.

Example: “There are a few pieces of advice that I would give to people who are interested in studying history. First, it is important to remember that history is not just about dates and events, but also about the people and cultures involved. Second, try to find a balance between primary and secondary sources, and between different interpretations of events. And third, don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge assumptions - historical research is an ongoing process, and there are always new discoveries to be made.”

What are your thoughts on the study of history in relation to other disciplines?

One reason an interviewer might ask a historian about the study of history in relation to other disciplines is to gauge the historian's views on the importance of history. The interviewer may be interested in how the historian views history in relation to other disciplines such as science or literature. This question may also be asked to prompt the historian to discuss the interdisciplinary nature of history and how it can be used to understand other disciplines.

Example: “I think that the study of history is extremely important in relation to other disciplines because it helps us to understand the present. It also helps us to understand how our world has evolved and how different cultures have interacted with each other.”

How has your work as a historian affected the way you view the world?

There are a few potential reasons an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge the historian's ability to think critically about the past and present, and how history can inform our understanding of the world around us. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in the historian's personal views on the world and how they have been shaped by their work. This question can be used to gauge a historian's passion for their work and to get a sense of their personal investment in understanding the past. Ultimately, it is important for historians to be able to reflect on their work and its impact on their view of the world in order to continue to produce critical and insightful historical research.

Example: “My work as a historian has definitely affected the way I view the world. I see the world through a historical lens, and I'm always looking for patterns and connections between events. I'm also constantly aware of the role that chance and contingency play in history. Nothing is ever guaranteed, and even the most seemingly insignificant event can have major consequences. This awareness makes me more humble and less certain about everything, but it also makes me more curious and open-minded.”

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a historian?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a historian. One reason is to gauge the historian's level of experience and expertise. Another reason is to get a sense of the historian's teaching style or methods. Additionally, this question allows the interviewer to get a glimpse into the historian's personal philosophy about the study of history. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to ask this question because it helps to create a well-rounded picture of the historian as a professional and as a person.

Example: “There are a few pieces of advice that I would give to someone who is interested in becoming a historian. First, it is important to read widely and deeply in order to develop a broad understanding of the past. Second, it is essential to be able to write clearly and persuasively in order to communicate your ideas to others. Third, you need to be able to think critically and analytically in order to make sense of the past. Finally, it is important to have patience and perseverance, as historical research can be slow and painstaking work.”