IBISWorld Interview Questions
& Process

First interview is a quick phone call with an analyst. They ask you about basic economics questions, mostly fairly easy for anyone with an Econ/Finance background. Second round is a technical assessment asking you to organize industry data in Excel and a writing sample discussing how the industry has and will perform. The final interview is a combination of technical questions (about things like economies of scale, tariffs, costs) and behavioral questions. This interview is typically a zoom meeting with two members of the team.

Had an initial 30 minute Teams call. The interviewer was really nice and easy to talk to, I didn't feel too pressured. She mentioned she'd be in touch within a week about the next steps if I was successful.

We had a phone screen interview where they asked general questions about my background and experience. They also asked specific questions like about my most proud experience, my strengths, and if I had previous international work experience.

The IBISWORLD interview process dove deep into economic concepts, as expected for the company. It started with a phone interview covering my background, interest in the role, and economic knowledge. I admit I didn't know much and used ChatGPT to pass. Then came a writing assessment (unpaid), which was pretty simple: fill in missing parts of a report and calculate CAGR using provided Word and Excel files. The next step involved talking with current and head analysts. This part mixed personal questions about my skills, interests, how I found the assessment, what I like about the job, and preferred tasks, with more economic questions. I was disappointed to learn about the job's downsides: only a 2% 401k match, a very male workplace with no DEI stuff, and no real chance for full remote work later on. They also didn't mention upfront that I'd need to be in the office for the first month. Despite the lack of diversity and remote options, the interview itself was professional, with quick replies and clear communication. Some job aspects made me feel like I dodged a bullet, like the tiny 401k, the lack of diversity, and no remote work as you advance. It was annoying to hear them say they "care about DEI" but have no actual initiatives. The undisclosed in-office requirement for the first month also contradicted the job post. Also, the salary is fixed at $61,500, no negotiation until you move up. In short, the interview tested economic skills well, but the job's limitations and company culture raise concerns for anyone looking for an inclusive, forward-thinking place. Even though they were responsive, the overall picture isn't great for those seeking an inclusive environment.