RAND Research Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 20 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at RAND.
RAND
Research Assistant
Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I applied online and it took about two months to hear back. I was contacted for an interview and they scheduled a 4-6 hour block on a single day. The interview was postponed by RAND for two weeks. I got the interview schedule the night before. It consisted of 1.5 hours of info sessions and 3 interviews. Two interviews were with more senior researchers (30 min each) and one was with a current RA (45 min). There were 15min-1 hour breaks between interviews. Everyone was very nice and friendly. It seemed more like a vibe check.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- What research methods do you know?
- What are your 5-year career goals?
- Describe a situation where you disagreed with someone more senior.
RAND
Research Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Group Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I got contacted about 2 months after applying online. When I got to RAND, I met with several research scientists. We talked about my thesis, the writing sample I sent, and my research experience. It was really friendly, not like a typical behavioral interview. I had lots of nice chats about what I'm interested in and my experience. I also had lunch with people doing the job I applied for. It was a good experience overall; I was bummed when I didn't get the offer a month later.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you elaborate on the specific statistical analyses chosen for the data analysis section of your thesis?
- Could you provide more details on the specific analyses you mentioned in your thesis?
RAND
Research Assistant
Entry Average Neutral experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
There were two rounds to the interview process. The first was a phone call where they mainly asked 'getting to know you' type questions. The second round was in person at their office. The first part of the in-person interview focused on scenario-based questions. The second part involved more challenging questions related to my research background and experience.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you share an instance where teamwork didn't yield the desired results?
RAND Research Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from RAND interview reports.
“Regarding national security, what do you believe is the most urgent issue over the next five years?”
Read reports →“What makes you want to move to this city?”
Read reports →“What are your thoughts on the research presented in RAND's projects and reports?”
Read reports →“Can you elaborate on the specific statistical analyses chosen for the data analysis section of your thesis?”
Read reports →“Can you outline the various phases involved in a research project?”
Read report →“Can you name some specific projects or reports from RAND, analyze them, and give your opinion on the research?”
Read report →“Are you pursuing a PhD?”
Read report →“Describe your approach to preparing a report on an unfamiliar topic.”
Read report →“What research methods do you know?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 20 RAND interview reports.