Harvard Business School Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 31 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Harvard Business School.
Harvard Business School
Research Associate
Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Take home
Interview formats
Other Presentation
The interview process included a timed writing exercise which can be quite stressful and challenging. Essentially they provide you with background information, articles and the like, on a case study target and you are expected to begin drafting a case study. It’s an overwhelming amount of information to sift through in the time allotted. So you must begin writing before you feel ready. Prior to that final exercise, you interview with original screener, then the professor you’d be working with, followed by the writing exercise.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Do you have experience with timed writing exercises where you had to process diverse notes and information to start writing a case study?
Harvard Business School
Research Associate
Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Onsite Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
We first emailed to set up an initial phone interview. The hiring manager gave me some general info about the job and the timeline during the call, and then scheduled a Skype interview for the next week. The Skype interview was with the hiring manager and the current research associate. We talked about my relevant experiences, covering both skills and personality questions, and then I got to ask some questions. We kept emailing after the Skype interview about a potential in-person interview, but in the end, I got a standard rejection after about four to six weeks of on-and-off contact with the hiring manager.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an experience where you had to handle an unexpected conflict?
Harvard Business School
Research Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Take home Technical screen Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
The entire process, from applying to getting the offer, lasted about six weeks. There was a 4-step interview process. First, a 15-minute phone chat which was your typical introductory call asking about your interest in the role, your current activities, and your future aspirations. It was all behavioral. Second, a 1-hour in-person meeting that was like an extended version of the phone call but slightly more technical, covering your thesis, ideal work relationships, and how you handle tough situations. Third, a 2-hour writing test involving two documents on the same case and two questions to tackle, which was actually quite engaging. Lastly, a 45-minute interview with a professor who delved into technical questions about his research, your research background, your preferred methods, and your future goals. He also sent a follow-up email with additional thoughts.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an instance where you made an error in a research project and how you corrected it?
Harvard Business School Research Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Harvard Business School interview reports.
“Are you planning on pursuing a PhD program?”
Read reports →“Are you considering a one or two-year timeframe?”
Read reports →“Why did you apply to this undergraduate college/master college?”
Read reports →“What are your academic interests and why did you choose your undergraduate or master's college?”
Read reports →“What are your research interests for the future?”
Read report →“Can you share an instance where you made an error in a research project and how you corrected it?”
Read report →“Are you more inclined to concentrate on fine details or adopt a broader, big-picture perspective?”
Read report →“What makes you want to be a Research Associate?”
Read report →“What motivates your interest in becoming a Research Associate?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 31 Harvard Business School interview reports.