Obama Foundation Interview Questions
& Process

Over a few weeks, I went through 3 interviews. First up was a standard 1-hour HR screening. After that, I had a 1-hour video call via Google Meet with the hiring manager where they asked some specific and pretty tough questions. Before the third interview, I had to do a take-home exercise which took me about 2.5 hours. Then, in the third interview, I had to present the exercise I completed. This third interview was also a 1-hour Google Meet panel with 3 interviewers, and it felt kind of disjointed and unorganized. It took them 10 days to get back to me, even though I sent follow-up emails, and then they told me they hired someone else. It was pretty disappointing given I put in over 5.5 hours just for the exercises and interviews, plus all the prep time. Honestly, not a great experience overall.

I had a really great time interviewing with this company! Everyone I spoke with was ready and asked questions that related to the foundation’s values. They were upfront about the steps involved and the current team challenges. The interview process took a bit longer than I’m used to, but it makes sense given the projects and roles this position supports.

The process was disappointing and disorganized. It included multiple rounds with a multi-part work assignment very early on (round 2). Applicants were asked to provide access to their ideas and networks, which felt like data-mining. Communication for next steps was also challenging, with interview invites only offering 1-2 available times within the next 2-3 business days.

I had a great experience interviewing with people who were really nice and easy to talk to. They explained the mission really well and why they liked working there, which made me really excited about the organization. The interview process involved an initial chat with HR, then an interview with the hiring manager, followed by a four-part assignment, a panel interview, and a final chat with a team member. It all took about a month and a half. I was told I'd hear back in a week after the final interview, but then I was ghosted. I tried following up a few times with no response. I only found out I didn't get the job when The Obama Foundation contacted me three months later about a different role I applied for. This happened after the second interview for this role. I really want to work there, but I'm hesitant to apply again after being ghosted so late in the process.