NIH Interview Questions
Updated May 22, 2023
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Anonymous Employee
I applied through college or university. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at NIH
One online interview with the whole team. Very laid back. It was like talking to the team rather than an actual interview with prepared questions. Members explained their projects and asked if you are interested.
- What are you interested in? Tell me about your experiences.
Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at NIH
There was an initial call and then a scheduled phone interview with my would-be team that i would work with. There was also some emails and they asked for samples of my work.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
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Anonymous Interview Candidate in Washington, DC
I interviewed at NIH (Washington, DC)
Met with three different individuals, all part of R&D group; Personable individuals; Comfortable conversation; Abundance of insights; Maladies listed and priorities drafted and discussed; Potential solutions were advanced from my end
- How do you feel about having a younger female as your supervisor?
Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at NIH
The interview was typical, but the time to start post offer was long... very long...did I say long? I got an offer and it took nearly 4 months to get started.
- What makes you suited for this position?
Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at NIH
Post Baccaleurate IRTA at NIH in a research lab for one year. Further info online. Many different centers to apply to. IRTA position. Post Baccaleurate IRTA at NIH in a research lab for one year. Further info online. Many different centers to apply to. IRTA position.
- IRTA website has all info
Anonymous Interview Candidate in Rockville, MD
I applied online. I interviewed at NIH (Rockville, MD) in Mar 2023
Interview walked through several questions that were semi-technical in nature. They indicated they would only be sticking to 12 questions. One interviewer then said they were "going off script" and then proceeded to explain how I would not like the job. I replied that I was interested and he persisted in explaining why I wouldn't like the position. Very strange and possibly not a real competitive position.
- Describe your experience with presenting to various audiences?
Anonymous Employee in Bethesda, MD
I applied online. I interviewed at NIH (Bethesda, MD) in Feb 2023
Very simple. Over zoom, so it was relaxing. Just study some general interview questions, practice, rehearse, and all is well! But I would say it definitely varies on interviewers. However, make sure you do come prepared.
- Do you have and questions for us?
Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at NIH
Quick and easy interview process that took place over zoom as this was during the pandemic. Interviewers were extremely receptive and understanding, but of course wanted to know my qualifications and how I would be a good fit for the team.
- Why are you qualified for this job? Expand on previous experience? How did you hear about us?
Anonymous Employee
I applied through other source. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at NIH
there wasn't much of an interview just a good cold email explaining research interests and connecting your interest to your PI's work. after the general app its all about emailing PIs to find someone who will hire you for the summer only.
- What are your scientific interests and what do you hope to gain?
Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at NIH
Went into the lab and met with PI. Had 1:1 meetings with nearly all lab members to hear an overview of their research. Lab members were certainly looking out to see if I was paying close enough attention to ask thoughtful questions and understood the impact/direction of the project.
- What are your training goals here at the NIH? What type of project would you be interested in working on?
NIH Interviews FAQs
Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at NIH as 78.4% positive with a difficulty rating score of 2.62 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). Candidates interviewing for Janitor/Cleaner and Policy Analyst rated their interviews as the hardest, whereas interviews for Help Desk Technician and Senior Research Scientist roles were rated as the easiest.
The hiring process at NIH takes an average of 44.78 days when considering 237 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Staff Scientist had the quickest hiring process (on average 1 day), whereas Administrative Officer roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 360 days).
Common stages of the interview process at NIH according to 237 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on One Interview: 19.05%
Group Panel Interview: 18.59%
Phone Interview: 18.37%
Background Check: 14.97%
Presentation: 11.56%
Drug Test: 8.39%
Skills Test: 4.54%
IQ Intelligence Test: 2.49%
Personality Test: 1.36%
Other: 0.68%
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