Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 7 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Research Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Phone screen
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
The hiring process started with a screening interview with current RAs to gauge technical skills. This was followed by a second interview with two economists, one of whom supervises the RAs, focusing on broader interests and career goals. Unlike similar roles, I didn't have to complete a data task or submit code samples. The entire process, from the first contact to the job offer, was completed in just two weeks.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Could you discuss some of your past projects that involved data processing and analysis?
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Research Associate
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied online in early September and got an interview invite by the end of the month. We scheduled a 30-minute phone interview with two current RAs. It wasn't too tough; they did most of the talking. I talked for about 5 minutes about why I want to work at the SF Fed, 10 minutes on my research background, and then 10 minutes getting grilled on my math grades. I felt like I really messed up the math grades part because I didn't know what to say, and honestly, I'm not sure what anyone could say in that situation, but I think most people would handle it fine. I didn't get an official rejection for a few months, which seems pretty normal for the Fed, but after two weeks with no news, I figured I was out.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Can you tell us about your research experience?
- What is your motivation for wanting to work at the SF Fed?
- Could you elaborate on your math grades?
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Research Associate
Entry Average Neutral experience Decline offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
Applied online in early August, and got an email back in mid-September to set up a phone interview. Near the end of the interview, I was told I'd hear back by the end of that week or early the next, but it took two-and-a-half weeks to get an email saying I wasn't moving forward.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Can you describe your background and qualifications for this role?
- What does your previous manager think your strengths are?
- What areas does your previous manager think you need to work on?
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Research Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco interview reports.
“How would you address selection bias using a particular method?”
Read reports →“Given your math grades, what makes you want to pursue a career in economic research?”
Read reports →“Could you elaborate on your math grades?”
Read reports →“What is your motivation for wanting to work at the SF Fed?”
Read reports →“Tell me about your future career aspirations in research.”
Read report →“What is your experience with mathematical computation or computer science?”
Read report →“Could you elaborate on your research project?”
Read report →“What areas does your previous manager think you need to work on?”
Read report →“Can you tell us about your research experience?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 7 Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco interview reports.