Council on Foreign Relations Research Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 6 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Council on Foreign Relations.
Council on Foreign Relations
Research Assistant
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral
I heard back from the CFR HR team about 2 weeks after applying. The interviewer was friendly and receptive to my questions about the company. She said I would hear back later that evening if I was moving on to future rounds, and I never got a follow-up.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you tell me about your administrative experience?
Council on Foreign Relations
Research Assistant
Entry Difficult Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
first you have a quick 10 min chat with the recruiter, then a 40 min interview with someone from the department. They will ask you behavioral questions and important issues related to the department. You should know the current political issues and major concerns.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you describe the most significant geopolitical issue?
- What do you see as the biggest geopolitical issue facing us today?
- Tell me about the most pressing geopolitical issue you are aware of.
Council on Foreign Relations
Research Assistant
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
The process started with a 15-minute screening phone call that was unexpected. A few days later, I had a 15-minute webcam interview with the hiring manager, followed by a 45-minute webcam interview with the program manager. They mentioned I seemed overqualified, which was accurate as my potential boss was less experienced than me despite my mid-twenties age. I never heard back after these three interviews, which was disappointing given the unprofessional and rude treatment. The hiring manager also rescheduled my interview last minute and rushed through it for another meeting. It seems like they prefer bright, less experienced Ivy League undergrads or BA holders, and might view those with significant practical experience with suspicion.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What's your approach to dealing with challenging individuals?
- Could you explain your motivation for seeking this position?
- Can you answer highly specific questions about the program's subject matter?
Council on Foreign Relations Research Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Council on Foreign Relations interview reports.
“What do you see as the biggest geopolitical issue facing us today?”
Read reports →“Can you describe the most significant geopolitical issue?”
Read reports →“Can you tell me about your favorite scholar?”
Read reports →“Tell me about the most pressing geopolitical issue you are aware of.”
Read reports →“Regarding managing multiple tasks and deadlines, how do you approach this?”
Read report →“Can you answer highly specific questions about the program's subject matter?”
Read report →“What's your approach to dealing with challenging individuals?”
Read report →“Can you describe your strategy for handling numerous tasks and meeting various deadlines?”
Read report →“Can you tell me about your administrative experience?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 6 Council on Foreign Relations interview reports.