Smithsonian Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 100 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Which role are you interviewing for?
24 roles · 100 reportsCandidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Smithsonian.
Smithsonian
Stewardship Officer
Mid Easy Negative experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral
I spoke with the hiring manager and we talked about the job, co-workers, physical location, work atmosphere and more. We were scheduled for 45 minutes but we spoke for nearly an hour. I'm giving the interview a thumbs down because I never heard back from them. I appreciate that this was going to be a competitive process and I'd be up against some stellar applicants, but to speak to someone for nearly an hour and not hear back -- not even a generic "sorry we're not moving forward with your application" email -- is unacceptable. Do better, Smithsonian.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What makes you want to apply for this role?
Smithsonian
Community Liaison
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Panel Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation
This was a first round interview with a 6-7 person panel. They asked about 8 questions, taking turns. The whole thing took 40 minutes, and we had about 10 minutes at the end for my questions. Nothing seemed unusual. I'm not sure about a second round yet.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Describe your communication style.
Smithsonian
Marketing Project Manager
Mid Average Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral
The interview went pretty well. The job was all about marketing and branding for the Smithsonian, covering its 21 museums, research centers, National Zoo, and all the internal sub-brands. It was a two-year contract, but the interviewer was clear that government uncertainty might end it sooner. After that, I heard nothing back, which was a bummer.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you introduce yourself?
- What interests you about this position?
Smithsonian
Human Resources Liaison
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Take home Recruiter call
Interview formats
Other
I applied through Indeed and about a week and a half later, I got an email asking me to complete a detailed 4-part writing assignment. They said this would be used to decide who moves on to the next stage, which involved video interviews on Zoom or MS Teams. I sent back my answers to the questionnaire within 2 days. A week after that, I followed up by email but got no response. This whole process felt really discouraging. It would be nice if they would at least let candidates know, even with a simple rejection, after making them go through something so lengthy. Communication is key!
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Provide written responses to a four-part evaluation.
- Submit answers to a questionnaire as part of a writing evaluation.
- Attend video interviews on Zoom or MS Teams.
Smithsonian Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Smithsonian interview reports.
“Can you explain the initial process of how an airplane takes off?”
Read reports →“Can you explain the principles of flight for airplanes?”
Read reports →“How would you handle guests taking photos with a selfie stick in a restricted museum area?”
Read reports →“How do you approach negotiations considering rising inflation and decreasing consumer spending?”
Read reports →“How would you handle a situation if you suspected a customer of shoplifting?”
Read report →“Will you get a certification for certain experience level?”
Read report →“Can you choose a scientific subject you're familiar with and explain it as if you were talking to a 5-year-old?”
Read report →“In terms of efficiency, what one aspect of our website do you believe could be enhanced?”
Read report →“Can you describe the security outlooks for our facility?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 100 Smithsonian interview reports.