California Academy of Sciences Interview Questions
& Process

We started with a group interview. First, the interviewers introduced themselves, then all the applicants introduced themselves by saying their name, a fun fact, and why they think they'd be a good fit for Cal Academy. Then, we were paired up with another applicant. We had to tell them about a tough experience we had at work, how we handled it, and ask if they would have reacted the same way. After that, we shared our partner's story with the whole group. Next, we put on vests and went to either the front entrance or the swamp area to help and interact with visitors for about 15 minutes, all while being watched by a manager. After this, management split the group. Some of us moved on to one-on-one interviews, and the rest were thanked and dismissed. The one-on-one interview was only 25 minutes long, with two managers asking questions and taking notes. I was told I'd hear back within a week about the job, but it took longer because of background checks.

It started with a 30 minute phone screening where they went over the job duties and asked about 5 behavioral questions. Then, if selected, you go in for an hour-long panel interview with five people from the accounting team. This part involves mostly behavioral questions (about ten total), discussing answers to four pre-emailed accounting questions about accrual/deferral, and answering three accounting questions on the spot from a paper they give you. The very last step is a 30 minute chat with a recruiter right after the panel, with more behavioral questions. They are friendly and professional, many with CPAs and Big 4 experience, so come prepared to impress.

The interview process with the C-level recruiting assistant was really unprofessional and disorganized. Communication was poor, with long delays between messages and they even called me on the wrong day for my initial screening. The email link in their signature led to someone else entirely. When they set up my panel interview, they emailed me with the wrong candidate's name. The hiring manager was late for the interview and complained about having another meeting. During the interview, the hiring manager turned off their camera and walked around their house multiple times. I found out later that another panel member didn't know who they were interviewing, didn't get my resume until 45 minutes before, and that the questions were made up on the spot. The offered salary was low for a role that required building an entire program and vision, with the potential for someone else to take over and get credit later. I decided to withdraw my application because of the unprofessionalism and disorganization, which I felt would only get worse after joining.

I had a phone interview and then video interviews. The person I talked to was super positive and said things like “aren’t you so excited to work here!”. It was really misleading because they ended up ghosting me. I followed up a bunch of times and heard nothing back. It was a good experience up until that point. If they decided not to hire me, they should have at least let me know they went with someone else.