I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at AEI (Washington, DC) in Jun 2024
Interview
It was a 30-minute call interview for the first round. There were questions about company alignment, position-specific scenario questions, and personal questions. The 30-minute limit is strict so it was rushed towards the very end.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There are many public policy-based think tanks in DC. Why do you want to work here?
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at AEI
Interview
I submitted my application to be the Development Assistant, particularly as a grant writer for the writing team, and was asked for an interview a few days later. I had a first 20 minute phone interview with someone from HR. The next week I had a phone interview with a person from the development team who would be the direct supervisor for the Development Assistant. The following week I had an interview with the director of the writing team. I didn't make it to the last round, which would have been in person in DC with basically the entire Development team. All of the other interviews were over the phone because I was not local. The HR interview was pretty easy and straightforward, and the questions became more challenging and complex with each interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
With HR: "Walk me through your resume." "Why are you interested in working for AEI and in this position?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
With potential supervisor: "Tell me about yourself by walking me through your resume." "How did you hear about/become interested in AEI?" "Are there any particular AEI scholars that you follow closely?"
With director of the writing team:"Tell me about yourself by walking me through your resume." "Is there a particular kind of writing that you like to do?" "What do you think is the biggest public policy issue facing the US today?" "What would you say to a potential donor to convince them to contribute to AEI rather than a more action-based organization like an NGO?"
