Sotheby's Graduate Program Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 10 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Sotheby's.
Sotheby's
Graduate Trainee
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
After submitting an online application, candidates will undergo two interview rounds. The first interview will be with a Sotheby's employee, such as a paralegal, and the second interview will be with two specialists from the department you're interested in.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What is your motivation for joining Sotheby's?
- Could you elaborate on a specific research experience you've had?
Sotheby's
Graduate Trainee
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Group Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Group Technical
It was a tough process but ultimately fulfilling and demanded a lot. There were quite a few steps to get through. Having some art knowledge could be useful, but what they really wanted to see was how you collaborate with others in a team and manage under pressure.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you tell us about your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you perform when working in a team setting?
- Describe how you handle situations involving pressure.
Sotheby's
Graduate Trainee
Entry Average No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral
I applied online for the London Graduate Training Programme. After two months, they called me on the phone and invited me to interview at the London office. I met with one interviewer, and the interview was pretty relaxed and not scary. Later, my interviewer gave me feedback. My general feeling about the company is that it can be hard to get into, but it's a pretty friendly place and helpful to grads wanting to start a career in the art industry.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you tell me about our main competitor and explain your preference for working here?
- What do you know about our biggest competitor and why do you want to work for us instead?
Sotheby's Graduate Program Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Sotheby's interview reports.
“Given that we might not know the artwork, artist, or origin, the crucial aspect is to articulate a description and convey a sense of the artwork.”
Read reports →“Can you describe the artworks presented, including their year and artist (if known), a general overview, their contextual background concerning their region and art historical discourse, and their primary themes?”
Read reports →“Could you tell me why you're interested in Sotheby's?”
Read reports →“What is your motivation for joining Sotheby's?”
Read reports →“Why are you interested in working for Sotheby's?”
Read report →“What is your unique selling point?”
Read report →“What's your unique selling proposition?”
Read report →“What do you know about our biggest competitor and why do you want to work for us instead?”
Read report →“Regarding your long-term career aspirations, what are they?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 10 Sotheby's interview reports.