University of Pennsylvania Interview Questions
Updated Feb 6, 2023
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Interviews at University of Pennsylvania
Interviews for Top Jobs at University of Pennsylvania
- Research Assistant (41)
- Administrative Assistant (14)
- Research Specialist A (14)
- Clinical Research Coordinator (12)
- Research Associate (10)
- Administrative Coordinator (10)
- Postdoctoral Fellow (8)
- Data Analyst (7)
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow (7)
- Postdoctoral Researcher (7)
- Graduate Research Assistant (7)
- Teaching Assistant (7)
- Associate Director (7)
- Research Specialist (6)
- Research Specialist B (6)
- Director (6)
- PhD Student (6)
- Graduate Student (5)
- Engineering (5)
- Project Manager (5)
- Biostatistician (4)
- Coordinator (4)
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (4)
- Lab Assistant (4)
- Research Technician (4)
- Program Coordinator (3)
- Intern (3)
- Clinical Research Assistant (3)
- Assistant Director (3)
- Human Resources (3)

Anonymous Interview Candidate
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
Relatively straight forward- 75% of the interview was listening to this PI explain her research. I barely got to speak about my own skills. I didn't particularly like how this interview went as I didn't get to show my skillset.
- What types of lab skills have you used in the past?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
Excellent overall and a really stellar experience across the board. Interviews with different professors across UPenn and even CHOP/Wistar. Many chances to talk with current graduate students and also see housing.
- Explain Research Experience and why you like UPenn
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Anonymous Interview Candidate
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
One round of interview. Meet with the professor. She asked me about my resume, my career plan, etc etc. I ask her many questions too. I believe that this collaborative approach is similar to how research team operates.
- Why are you interested in joining us?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
Nice working environment with friendly staff and professors. The interview process is mainly asking technical question regarding the Research background. Not much on behavior questions. People with strong publications should be easy to deal with the interview.
- What is your PhD thesis on?

Anonymous Interview Candidate
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
One-sided video interview where you record your responses to the interview questions online. You were given unlimited time to come up wth your responses and unlimited rerecords for your answer.
- How has your experience prepared you to work in a place that promotes diversity and inclusion?

Anonymous Interview Candidate
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
A first round fifteen minute phone interview followed by a second round zoom interview which took approximately two hours. I interviewed with PI and two coworkers. They mostly asked general questions.
- Why do you want this job?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
You have to complete MEAM 201, where you build a stirling engine from scratch. If you are succesful in that class and a good time, you should be fine. No interview process, the staff gets to know you throughout MEAM 201. Joe is the best!
- Did you like MEAM 201?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
Within a week from application, casual interview with graduate student in their office who explained the goal of the project and what the tasks required of me would be and the skills that they seek
- What relevant experiences and skills do you have?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
I had a thorough interview via zoom as I was out of state. The employers were very personable and asked questions very applicable to the position. The whole process was transparent, timely and easy to navigate.
- What are your career goals?

Anonymous Employee
I interviewed at University of Pennsylvania
After having taken a course, the professor may ask if you would like to become a TA. If so, it is followed by a short interview regarding your goals in becoming a TA.
- What is your goal in becoming a TA?
University of Pennsylvania Interviews FAQs
Glassdoor users rated their interview experience at University of Pennsylvania as 73.0% positive with a difficulty rating score of 2.64 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty). Candidates interviewing for Research Specialist A and Clinical Research Coordinator rated their interviews as the hardest, whereas interviews for Administrative Assistant and Research Assistant roles were rated as the easiest.
The hiring process at University of Pennsylvania takes an average of 26 days when considering 442 user submitted interviews across all job titles. Candidates applying for Research Assistant had the quickest hiring process (on average 9 days), whereas Research Specialist A roles had the slowest hiring process (on average 34 days).
Common stages of the interview process at University of Pennsylvania according to 442 Glassdoor interviews include:
One on One Interview: 26.52%
Phone Interview: 19.08%
Group Panel Interview: 14.88%
Presentation: 9.34%
Background Check: 8.53%
Drug Test: 7.85%
Skills Test: 5.68%
IQ Intelligence Test: 3.11%
Personality Test: 2.57%
Other: 2.44%
Popular Careers with University of Pennsylvania Job Seekers
Work at University of Pennsylvania? Share Your Experiences
