Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Manager Interview Questions
& Process

This was a four month process that included 3 one-on-one interviews and a 3-hour panel followed by reference checks. Due to the pandemic, the interviews were done via teleconferencing. The first interview was with the recruiter followed by the hiring manager, a panel of six people, and finally a one-on-one with the head of the department. Despite the new reality of tele-working, the interviews went well. During this process, I was more than accommodating, moving schedules as some were last minute requests. After all the interviews, my references were requested and were provided promptly. They sent my references an emailing noting that they were going to offer me a position (something I found surprising as this type of language should not be included as it could be misleading). They scheduled 30-minute windows to talk to each of my references and I was told that everything was good. Two weeks came by and no word came until the recruiter vaguely emails on Friday evening noting that there has been a change in the department’s structure. After going back and forth, trying to schedule a call with the recruiter, we finally touch based, and the person noted that unfortunately management went a different route due to the pandemic and no further details were provided—this was after four months of going through the process. This was overall an extremely disappointing process rife with unprofessionalism, disorganization and lack of empathy. They seem to not speak or practice their values. I expected more from an institution founded by Mark and Priscilla.

The interview process was transparent and positive from start to finish. All interviews were conducted virtually due to COVID. Everyone was friendly and great to talk to, making a potentially nerve-wracking experience the opposite. Recruiters were communicative and kept me informed, so I never felt ghosted. I always got responses to last-minute questions. All questions asked were intelligent and well-thought-out, with no gotchas. I was very impressed.

This was one of the worst interview experiences ever. Communication and timeline expectations were poor. I followed up with the recruiter twice and didn't hear back until 1.5 months later, when they asked if I was still interested.