SMA Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 23 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
7 roles · 23 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at SMA.
SMA
Proposal Lead
Lead Average Positive experience Decline offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Technical screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I got an email from a recruiter and then was given access to their personnel board to set up an internal profile. After that, I had a basic MS Word test that was delivered online. Then, I had 2 interviews with some of the people who currently work there. In the end, I was accepted for "future" contract positions that they think will match my profile when they open up.
Confirmed questions6 questions
- Could you share details about your past experiences and projects?
- In what ways do you envision yourself integrating into our project-centric environment?
- How do you perceive your fit within our project-based culture?
SMA
Associate
Entry Average Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
A recruiter reached out after finding me online and wanted me to speak with the hiring managers. After a conversation, they invited me for an interview at their corporate office in Irvine, CA. They covered the travel expenses, provided accommodation for one night, and then flew me back the next day. The interview was somewhat challenging, including some technical questions about scheduling. It lasted about an hour and was a one-on-one with the VP of PP&C.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you explain the connection between IMS and IMP?
SMA
Proposal Writer Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral
I was contacted by an SMA recruiter who was very helpful in guiding me through their 'Talent on Demand' model, which uses a unique 'LinkedIn'-like platform for associates to find open positions. Despite my busy current job, the recruiter was patient and assisted me as I completed my profile incrementally. I appreciated her support throughout the process. I also had interviews with a current associate and a Vice President, both of which were positive experiences.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you tell me about your experience with proposals?
- What makes you want to change your current job?
SMA
Associate Consultant
Senior Average Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Phone screen Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
I applied about 2 months ago. Once I connected with the recruiter, things moved fast and I got an offer within two weeks. I had a recruiter call first, then an online skills test, followed by a skills phone interview with a senior associate, and finally a Skype chat with a senior executive. The recruiter was super helpful the whole time, making me feel supported. It really helps to build a good relationship with the recruiter.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you provide some examples of Earned Value Management tripwire metrics?
- Using efficiency ratios and performance index, can you analyze performance-to-date and EAC?
SMA Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from SMA interview reports.
“Describe how to protect a document in a way that allows others to make changes but prevents them from altering the established style settings.”
Read reports →“How can you alter a document's properties to obscure its origin?”
Read reports →“Explain how to universally modify the styles within a document.”
Read reports →“Using efficiency ratios and performance index, can you analyze performance-to-date and EAC?”
Read reports →“On a scale of discomfort, how would you rate the act of yelling to get the attention of someone who is far away?”
Read report →“Can you explain the connection between IMS and IMP?”
Read report →“How do you effectively use the 'Track Changes' feature?”
Read report →“If you had a choice between attending a party after work or going directly home, which would you prefer?”
Read report →“What are the common reasons why proposals are not successful?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 23 SMA interview reports.