Center for American Progress Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 90 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
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22 roles · 90 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Center for American Progress.
Center for American Progress
Associate Director
Director Easy Negative experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Take home Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
I applied online and got a phone screen about six weeks later. It was basic canned questions. Then, two weeks later, I got invited for an in-person interview, which the hiring manager did. They asked canned questions again. After that, I was asked to do a writing sample. I followed up two weeks later and was told I'd hear about next steps by the end of the week, but then got ghosted even after two more follow-ups. Very unprofessional.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you share an instance where you had to deliver unfavorable news to a client?
- Describe a situation where you had to work with someone difficult.
Center for American Progress
Intern
Intern Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Offer
Interview formats
Other Technical
I submitted an application for a role that was unfortunately named "Ethnic Media Internship" for non-English Media. I had a quick, standard phone interview to gauge my commitment and interest. The interviewer mentioned he'd send a task and expected it back within two days of that same week. It was inconvenient because it happened during the holidays, but that's how it goes. I saw the assignment involved translating several articles in a pretty short time. I told them I wouldn't be comfortable with them using my work if they decided to hire someone else. I didn't get a formal rejection or a reply to my assignment, and never heard back. Super unprofessional, but I kinda expected it.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Would you be comfortable translating from Spanish to English?
Center for American Progress
Research Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The interview process included several phone calls and a 4-hour written assignment. While the interactions were pleasant and the process was fast, the written task was quite demanding, requiring significant time and effort. It might be more effective to offer candidates a choice between submitting a writing sample or completing a timed written prompt, accommodating different needs. The HR team was approachable and open to negotiation, even though the available room for discussion was limited. This willingness to negotiate, along with the upfront disclosure of salary expectations and unionization, distinguishes CAP from many other DC think tanks.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you describe your preferred working and feedback styles?
- What draws you to this particular research area?
- How do your previous experiences and qualifications align with the requirements of this role?
Center for American Progress
Policy Director
Director Average Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Technical screen
Interview formats
Technical Presentation
The interview process began with a 30-minute phone screen with an analyst. Afterward, I was given a two-part assignment on a Friday morning, due the following Monday. I then moved on to a second interview, which had to be rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts. This interview was with two other analysts and an associate director. The associate director was 20 minutes late to the 45-minute interview and missed some context for the questions asked. The questions were scripted. I followed up a week later and was informed they selected another candidate. The position is still advertised. If weekend assignments are required, interviewers should be on time or offer to reschedule.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you walk me through how you approached the assignment?
Center for American Progress Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Center for American Progress interview reports.
“Which two foundations and grant proposals should CAP pursue, and which two should be ruled out?”
Read reports →“Write talking points for CAP’s CEO and President, Neera Tanden, for a televised news program discussing the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the industry. Keep the points under 250 words and focus on the key messages for a national audience.”
Read reports →“When are you most productive for writing, and what makes that time best for you?”
Read reports →“Have you looked at the salary range, and are you okay with the union negotiating the final salary?”
Read reports →“How would you use a given list of objects together?”
Read report →“Could you share who a role model of yours is?”
Read report →“In terms of your campaign strategy, how would you go about engaging people and groups who are not located in the DC area?”
Read report →“Regarding the Center for American Progress, what are your three main policy interests, and what are your ideas on how to tackle them?”
Read report →“Can you talk about a recent book you read and how it affected you?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 90 Center for American Progress interview reports.