Westat Research Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 28 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Westat.
Westat
Research Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience No offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Panel Background check
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
After applying online, I got a call the next day to schedule a phone interview for the day after that. It was mainly a preliminary screening where they asked about my research experience and talked about Westat. They then scheduled an on-site interview for the following week. I met with HR first to discuss benefits, and then I was taken to a conference room for a panel interview with five team members I'd be working with. They mostly asked about my research again and some behavioral questions, which weren't too challenging. I'm still waiting to hear back.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Why do you think you're the best candidate for this role?
- What areas do you need to improve on, and what is the reasoning behind that?
Westat
Research Assistant
Entry Easy Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Take home Background check Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I started as SPS (Hourly/temp) and wasn't interviewed. A project needed temps ASAP so I was quickly recruited. They have you take some skills tests and training specific to the work you will be doing, and a typing test. They also require a background check. When you move to a new project once you are a Westat employee, you may be interviewed by that Project Director and other managers. I've been interviewed twice for new projects. It was with two or more managers and they ask what your interests are and if you would like to do the work they are asking you to do on that project. They ask about previous project work. Once they are done interviewing all candidates they email or call you to let you know if you were chosen and when they want you to start.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Are you willing to do this type of work?
Westat
Research Assistant
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Other
The interview process felt pretty standard, like what you'd expect from most companies. It involved travelling to different buildings on campus to interview with various staff members. I found the HR interview to be the most helpful part. A downside was that I had applied online ages ago, and when they finally got back to me for an interview, it wasn't even for the job I originally applied for.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What were the standard questions asked?
- Were there any unusual, difficult, or unexpected questions during the interview?
Westat Research Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Westat interview reports.
“Do you live in the Rockville area?”
Read reports →“Given the current economy, why did you decide to stop working and pursue a graduate degree?”
Read reports →“What is your weakness, and why do you think you have more weaknesses than you're letting on?”
Read reports →“Can you tell me three words that describe you best?”
Read reports →“In five years, where do you envision yourself professionally?”
Read report →“Do you think transitioning from academia to a work setting will be challenging, especially regarding things like being on time daily and calling in if you need to be absent?”
Read report →“Were the questions asked very standard and nothing out of the ordinary?”
Read report →“What areas do you need to improve on, and what is the reasoning behind that?”
Read report →“Can you tell me about the findings from your research in the research lab?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 28 Westat interview reports.