Brookings Institution Executive Assistant Interview Questions
& Process

I applied for the job and about two months after that I was hired. This is not typical for Brookings. Most people wait around 6 months from when they apply to when they get hired.

I applied online with my resume and cover letter. About a week later, I got a call to set up a phone screen, which happened the next day. An HR coordinator asked me basic questions about my background, career aspirations, and interest in Brookings. A week after that, I was invited for an in-person interview the following week. I met with the previous person in the role and a senior team member I'd work closely with. They asked very general questions like "Tell us about your experience" and "Why Brookings?". I took the lead and asked specific questions about current objectives and hurdles, offering solutions. After the first in-person interview, I was given a 24-hour deadline for an MS Word assessment and a writing assignment, which I negotiated for more time. Around the same time, I was also scheduled for a second interview a few days later. I met with my direct supervisor and the program head. These conversations were also very open-ended and collaborative. I felt respected as an administrative professional. Following this, I had to complete an application and provide references by 5 PM the same day, which I also negotiated. After submitting everything, I waited two weeks before asking for an update. A few days later, I was invited for a third interview in a social setting with the rest of the team. After meeting the team, I received a job offer within 24 hours and instructions for a background check. The background check took a week. My HR contact then confirmed the completion of the check and we set my start date two weeks out so I could give notice at my current job. If you've had multiple in-person interviews and haven't heard back in a while, decision-makers might be traveling and it can be hard to get everyone together. Don't hesitate to ask for an update; it shows continued interest.

The hiring process usually involves a few steps: we post the job, look at applications, do interviews, give skill tests, check references, and then pick someone. We try to communicate clearly and fairly, giving feedback on time to make sure candidates have a good experience.