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NSF Project Manager Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 6 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.8 Rounds average
Easy Typical difficulty
80% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at NSF.

Showing 3 of 6
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Project Manager

Operations · more than a year ago

Mid Easy Positive experience Decline offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Presentation Group Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation Group Other

Applied via USAJOBS. Had some trouble scheduling the first interview because of their workload. Had a phone interview where they outlined the next steps. This was followed by an arranged onsite interview, which was a full day of one-on-one meetings, a presentation, and a group meeting with the support team. Then there was an HR meeting. The salary offer process was a bit strange, as they wanted to base it on previous years' 1040 or W-2, which didn't account for consulting or variable work, and they didn't recognize my experience or allow for negotiation beyond a "signing bonus" option. The atmosphere seemed very collegial, with dedicated professionals. They seem to have a lot of grant money but not enough people to do the work.

Confirmed questions0 questions

No confirmed questions were included in this interview report.

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Program Assistant

Operations

Entry Difficult Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral

I got a call for a phone interview that was scheduled for the next day. They gave me a code to use to contact them via an 800 number. I was on a conference call with three women, but I couldn't hear them very well because I was on speakerphone. I wish they would have just called my phone to ask questions.

Confirmed questions2 questions
  • Can you describe your current role and its scope?
  • What information about yourself didn't make it onto your resume?
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NSF

Program Assistant

Operations

Entry Difficult Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

We did a thorough interview. They briefed me on the background. It is a must to have knowledge of the agency and responsibilities. Should have experience in the science setting and knowledge of current events. Need to be familiar with the grant process. Must know the duties of the department that you are applying to enter.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What is your 5 year plan?

NSF Project Manager Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from NSF interview reports.

What information about yourself didn't make it onto your resume?

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Can you share an instance where you successfully navigated a challenge?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 6 NSF interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 54.5%
Group 18.2%
Technical 9.1%
Presentation 9.1%
Other 9.1%

Interview difficulty

Easy 33.3%
Average 33.3%
Difficult 33.3%

Candidate experience

Neutral 20%
Positive 80%