GiveWell Researcher Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 18 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at GiveWell.
GiveWell
Senior Researcher
Senior Difficult Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home
Interview formats
Technical
A recruiter from GiveWell reached out to me on LinkedIn to ask for my resume. Following that, I was invited to complete a 45-minute, unpaid, online skills exercise. This exercise has a strict 45-minute time limit. Two days later, I was informed via email that they were moving forward with other candidates whose qualifications were a better match. The email also stated that candidates not selected after the exercise wouldn't be considered for other senior positions. I didn't get to speak with anyone directly, nor did I receive any feedback on my performance in the exercise.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Considering the provided background details and a single chart of statistics, would you endorse funding this intervention?
GiveWell
Researcher
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Take home
Interview formats
Other
I got a take-home test with some hypothetical scenarios. They said they'd let me know in a few weeks if I passed. I guess an in-person interview would have been next, but I didn't get that far.
Confirmed questions1 question
- I was given a test with some hypothetical scenarios.
GiveWell
Researcher
Mid Average Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Take home
Interview formats
Technical
The GiveWell interview had a short, timed written research exercise. It was meant to check how well I can read statistical results, think clearly and logically under pressure, judge how good evidence is, and use empirical findings for real-world policy and funding decisions.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Given the results of a study (RCT or observational) on an intervention, what's your approach to interpreting the findings?
GiveWell Researcher Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from GiveWell interview reports.
“Could you interpret the provided figure from a meta-analysis?”
Read reports →“How would you interpret the figure in relation to cost-effectiveness analysis?”
Read reports →“How would you apply the statistical results from a hypothetical research paper to make a hypothetical funding recommendation?”
Read reports →“Can you analyze the forest plot that was given to you?”
Read reports →“Could you analyze a given paper and then predict the results if the scenario were changed?”
Read report →“Considering the provided background details and a single chart of statistics, would you endorse funding this intervention?”
Read report →“Given the results of a study (RCT or observational) on an intervention, what's your approach to interpreting the findings?”
Read report →“Can you write meeting notes or minutes for this audio conversation?”
Read report →“Can you answer a specific research question?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 18 GiveWell interview reports.