It’s all still a little fresh and raw, so please forgive the emtional undertone.

I had a very important interview lined up yesterday for a full-time researcher position for a set museum project. I was referred to this position by my then internship supervisor, who is an external partner for this project and who believed this position was in line with my education and skillset.

I applied and got through the first screening round, which was very extensive (they asked for diplomas, certificats, publications etc.). I was invited to the second (and last) round with positive feedback on my application by the selection committee.To prepare for the interview, I read the project plan and familiarized myself with the tasks. I also read multiple sources from the project to be sure I knew what I was talking about.

I arrived to the interview, which consisted of four people, yet only two really talked. They asked about certain specific skills (which is fine) and then moved on to my education (Art history and curational studies - its a museum project). I have two master degrees with high grades and have multiple publications under my belt. Yet the interviewer doubted I had what it takes to be an “art historian”. He even said “Well, I AM an art historian, I’ll see based on your answers if you are one” this completely derailed me. They asked if I knew certain basic skills, and I was so baffled I didnt really know what to say anymore. This was a complete 180 from the first feedback on my profile. Lastly, when they asked if I had any questions, I decided to turn things around a bit and ask ‘based on this interview and my replies, are there any skills you seem to be missing in my profile for this position?’, the same guy scoffed, almost laughed.

I left this interview completely broken. I have 7 years of education, and I even interned at this same museum before which went very well. Now I feel like an infant who interviewed for the position of CEO. Is this simply a tactic to test people’s resilience or was this plain rude? I don’t know anymore but I feel like a complete loser. I am not a confident person, but maybe I overestimeted my skills. I don’t know anymore.