US Bureau of Economic Analysis Financial Analyst Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process involved standard questions. The interviewers were friendly, but a bit distracted. They apologized for being under-prepared due to a publication deadline, which was understandable. I felt there could have been more communication after the first interview. Three weeks passed, and I had already accepted another job offer with a different federal agency when I unexpectedly got a call from HR saying the BEA would offer me a position. Although the offer was generous, I had to decline it. The hiring process could have been more organized, and the hiring managers could have improved communication with candidates regarding their application status.

I got a call from HR and had to pay for my own travel to interview with three different divisions: Regional Economics, Balance of Payments, and International Investments. I first met with a lady in Regional Economics and her boss, the section chief. It was a standard skills interview, and I felt I did pretty well, honestly thinking I was a top candidate. Then, I interviewed at Balance of Payments, where they are really top-notch folks. They asked me a lot about current accounts, GDP, and similar topics, and they also explained a lot to me. I was interviewed by the branch chief and two economists, and then later by the section chief. Finally, I interviewed at International Investment, but it only took about five minutes because I didn't like what they do. I told them straight up I wasn't interested in working for them, and they understood.

after applying online, I got an email to schedule and then did a panel interview with 7 people. The interview was all behavioral questions. I noticed 3 red flags during the process. First, they didn't tell me who I'd be interviewing with beforehand, which is unusual. Second, when they gave me a verbal offer, they expected a decision that same day or on Tuesday, and wouldn't give me more than 3 days to decide. They also wouldn't send a formal offer letter until I accepted, which is not standard. Usually, you get an offer letter before a call and have 2 weeks to decide. I felt rushed to decide without any documentation. Third, when I tried to negotiate salary, my email was forwarded to management, and the director asked for references and my current salary, neither of which were on my resume. They claimed reference checks are done last, before the offer, and asking for current salary is illegal in Maryland, as it prohibits employers from using wage history for employment decisions. I've never been asked my current salary before.