New England Aquarium Interview Questions
& Process

There were two interviews. The first one was with the hiring manager, and it was very basic, cookie-cutter interview questions. The second interview was with my direct supervisor. The questions were more technical and tailored to the role. It also seemed like personality fit was being more assessed in the second interview.

I sent in my application online. Then I had my first interview with the department director. After that, I had a second interview with the department director and 2-3 other NEAQ staff members. The third interview was with the department director and two HR people. I didn't make it to the fourth stage because I never heard back after May 2022.

The interview was conducted by two individuals who would have been my supervisors. They asked several questions about my management experience and style. The questions were pretty standard, and the interviewers were professional and polite, giving me a sense of what working at the aquarium would be like if I had gotten the job. I wore business attire, which might have been overkill since the usual uniform is khakis and a polo. I think I answered most questions well, but I was probably too nervous and maybe overqualified with my degree for a role typically held by non-graduates, which likely hurt my chances.

The interview process was straightforward and conducted remotely via phone/Zoom. It began with the interviewer providing an overview of the NEAq's mission. Following that, I was asked to introduce myself and then answer some common questions. The session concluded with a brief Q&A where I had to choose between two options, intended to help determine the best team or supervisor fit for me. I interviewed just before a month-long winter break, and although the interviewer suggested I follow up if I didn't hear back, I ultimately decided I was no longer interested.