Urban Institute Research Analyst Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 12 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Urban Institute.
Urban Institute
Research Analyst
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
The selection for the initial interview is known to be quite competitive. The entire interview process typically spans two to three weeks. It involves two interview rounds, both conducted by a panel. The first interview is headed by a senior research fellow, and the second one is managed by a director. Following these, there's an HR interview to discuss salary and other arrangements. Most questions focus on explaining your past research. You'll have a good amount of time for questions, so be ready for a back-and-forth discussion and show your curiosity.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- Can you elaborate on your current research?
- What's a recent issue that has caught your attention?
- Describe your programming experience.
Urban Institute
Research Analyst
Entry Difficult Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Take home Background check
Interview formats
Technical
Submitted my resume and cover letter and a little over a month later got an email saying they wanted me to do a data analytic task. The task takes 5 hours and is mostly data cleaning & descriptive and basic regression analysis. About 10 days after completing the assignment, I got an email that said they were still reviewing my submission and would let me know as soon as they had a decision. Like many of the other people on here, I was subsequently ghosted. I understand if they don't want to move forward, but it should be common courtesy to send a rejection after having people complete a time consuming and stressful assignment.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Can you create a chart that lists the numeric variables?
Urban Institute
Research Analyst
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Background check Offer
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
I was contacted for two interviews, both conducted via Zoom. The first interview focused on the substance of the role, while the second was more administrative. I was informed that I would receive feedback regardless of the outcome. After a week of no communication, I initiated contact. I was promptly informed that the process was delayed due to the holiday season and was again assured I would be updated on the decision. Another week passed, and I followed up via email regarding the status. I never received a response. My initial high regard for this organization has been diminished by this unprofessional treatment.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Could you describe your proficiency with quantitative statistical packages?
Urban Institute Research Analyst Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Urban Institute interview reports.
“Can you create a chart that lists the numeric variables?”
Read reports →“What are the policy implications stemming from the 'xyz' research project?”
Read reports →“What were the outcomes of the 'xyz' research project?”
Read reports →“What's a recent issue that has caught your attention?”
Read reports →“Could you perform some data analysis using the provided data file, demonstrating your understanding of correlational and experimental designs?”
Read report →“How would you balance doing research versus writing about it?”
Read report →“Describe a situation where you failed to communicate effectively with a supervisor.”
Read report →“What specific research areas pique your interest?”
Read report →“Can you elaborate on your current research?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 12 Urban Institute interview reports.