Research For Action Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 8 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
4 roles · 8 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Research For Action.
Research For Action
Research Director
Director Difficult Positive experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Group Panel
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
There were 3 rounds of interviews, and the whole thing took about 2 months from when I applied until after the 3rd round. Started with a screener interview, then I met with some other directors, then with the research staff, and finally with the executive staff. I didn't get an offer in the end, but the recruiter was nice enough to give me some constructive feedback about my application package.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What initial support might you anticipate needing upon starting the role?
Research For Action
Research Position
Mid Average Neutral experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
The interview was professional and went smoothly. However, it was evident the organization is currently facing significant challenges, indicated by high staff turnover and a lack of clear strategic direction. The team seemed a bit overwhelmed. The organization holds strong far-left political views, which might make it unsuitable for those who don't align with them.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Could you share details about your professional background and explain how it aligns with your interest in this position?
- Please discuss your positionality and how it influences your work.
Research For Action
Research Associate
Senior Average Negative experience Decline offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Presentation Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation Other
The interview process was vague and long. I was switched between different job searches without notice and got conflicting info about why. The Executive Director (ED) didn't make eye contact during our interview, but the staff was nicer. HR accidentally canceled an interview and didn't explain. The ED talked a lot about firing people and calling them out in meetings if they weren't performing. The job title was listed as 'Sr/Research Associate,' and I was told I was likely being considered for the senior role, but I was offered the Associate position without explanation. The ED made the offer via email. When I asked to discuss salary and title, she tried to act like I'd already accepted and brought my supervisor in to discuss my start date and work. When I brought up the title again, she seemed surprised, like we hadn't discussed it before. When I asked about salary, she told me to 'name a number,' which I did. She said it was too high and then said she'd check what range was realistic and get back to me the same day. The next morning, she emailed to revoke the offer, saying it was based on market research and was less than I expected. This felt like a misrepresentation since she asked me to name my number first. The whole process felt like a trap or a test, reflecting the ED's style. I don't think I would have worked well with her.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- I was asked multiple times in each interview why I wanted to leave my current job in academia.
- The question of why I wanted to leave academia was increasingly accompanied by negative references to other academics who had worked there and skepticism about whether anyone who enjoyed academia could really be successful at RFA.
- What is your desired salary?
Research For Action
Quantitative Researcher
Intern Average Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
I had a Microsoft Teams interview for a researcher position. It was with two people who were leading the projects I might be working on. The questions weren't too difficult, and they were really nice. Someone else ended up getting the job, but one of the interviewers gave me feedback on my strengths and weaknesses afterward when I asked, which was super helpful.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you talk about your research background and any experience you have working with messy data?
Research For Action Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Research For Action interview reports.
“How do you handle your personal beliefs about education when doing research?”
Read reports →“What is your desired salary?”
Read reports →“Can you share your experience using STATA for problem-solving?”
Read reports →“What initial support might you anticipate needing upon starting the role?”
Read reports →“What research skills have you used before?”
Read report →“Can you talk about your research background and any experience you have working with messy data?”
Read report →“What makes you want this job?”
Read report →“Could you share details about your professional background and explain how it aligns with your interest in this position?”
Read report →“Can you tell me more about how your experience with X, as listed on your resume, will contribute to your success in this position?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 8 Research For Action interview reports.