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CNBC General Intern Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 21 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

2.1 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
71.4% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at CNBC.

Showing 3 of 21
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Intern

Other · a year ago

Intern Easy Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Group Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral Group

It was a 2 step interview process. The first step was more of a vibe check in a group setting. The second was a one on one. The environment was easy, friendly, and warm during the interview. I didn't feel that nervous, but I was curious about what they look for in the first steps.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Can you tell me more about yourself and your experience?
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CNBC

Intern

Marketing · more than a year ago

Intern Easy Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral Presentation

I applied and then got this invite for a video interview where you go online and record yourself answering questions they put on screen. You have about 30-90 seconds to answer each one. They let you do a practice round, and then you get one shot to actually record it, mostly same questions but maybe in a different order. If they liked the video, they invite you to a hiring event, either in person or by phone. I did mine by phone because I couldn't get into the city. It was pretty chill, they talked about the job and what it entails, and asked me about my goals and what I've done before. One interview got a bit more into my grasp of current political stuff and economic policy, but it wasn't too bad if you stay updated on the news. After all that, I sent in some writing samples and then got a call a few days later saying I got the job.

Confirmed questions5 questions
  • What recent news would you write about and how do you consume news? Also, what shows do you watch on CNBC/NBC/MSNBC?
  • Can you tell me about your previous work experience?
  • How would you explain [insert lengthy economic concept] in simple terms for a regular person?
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CNBC

Intern

Other · more than a year ago

Intern Average Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

I sent in my CV and cover letter and was considered for an open day. During the open day, there were back-to-back interviews for the internship. There was also a tour and a Q&A session. The organization could have been better. The HR person was polite and professional, but I didn't feel very welcome. I felt there was an underlying unfriendliness, but I was still interested in the job. It says a lot when you go through stressful interviews with multiple employees, ask for contact information, and no one replies to your thank you email. After I found out I wasn't hired, I only heard from someone when I asked for feedback, which I think they had to give. Otherwise, I'm sure my follow-up would have been ignored. My request to be considered for future opportunities was dismissed unfairly. I wasn't hired, but I got another job quickly. Good candidates have options, and they remember how they were treated.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Tell me about your CV and why you're interested in this role.

CNBC General Intern Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from CNBC interview reports.

How would you explain [insert lengthy economic concept] in simple terms for a regular person?

Read reports

What recent news would you write about and how do you consume news? Also, what shows do you watch on CNBC/NBC/MSNBC?

Read report

Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 21 CNBC interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 57.1%
Technical 28.6%
Presentation 8.6%
Group 2.9%
Coding 2.9%

Interview difficulty

Easy 19%
Average 76.2%
Difficult 4.8%

Candidate experience

Positive 71.4%
Neutral 14.3%
Negative 14.3%