Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Provenance • Art Nouveau • Liquidation

Material Analysis

Term from Antique Dealing industry explained for recruiters

Material Analysis is a key process used in the antiques trade to determine what items are made of and how old they really are. It's like detective work for antiques, where specialists examine objects to verify their age, authenticity, and value. This can include looking at wood types in furniture, testing metals in jewelry, or checking the age of paintings through various methods. When hiring managers see this term, they're looking for someone who can tell genuine antiques from reproductions by understanding historical materials and manufacturing methods.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Material Analysis on Victorian furniture pieces to authenticate period-specific construction methods

Used Material Analysis and Material Testing techniques to verify authenticity of silver antiques

Led Materials Analysis training sessions for junior appraisers on identifying genuine vintage textiles

Typical job title: "Material Analysts"

Also try searching for:

Antique Authenticator Conservation Specialist Materials Expert Antiques Appraiser Authentication Specialist Conservation Analyst Material Authentication Specialist

Where to Find Material Analysts

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach authenticating a piece when traditional material analysis methods give conflicting results?

Expected Answer: A senior analyst should discuss using multiple verification methods, consulting with other experts, and explain how they would document and communicate findings to clients.

Q: Describe a challenging authentication case you've handled and how you resolved it.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, explain their methodology for complex cases, and show how they maintain professional standards while dealing with difficult situations.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to date wooden furniture?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain looking at construction techniques, wood aging signs, hardware types, and tool marks in simple terms.

Q: How do you explain your findings to clients who have no technical background?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate complex findings in simple terms and handle sensitive situations when items turn out to be reproductions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic tools do you use in material analysis?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic examination tools like magnifying glasses, UV lights, and basic testing kits, and explain their uses simply.

Q: How do you keep records of your material analysis findings?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic documentation methods, including photography, written reports, and maintaining organized records of examinations.