The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Institute for Defense Analyses
Interview
Incredibly comprehensive. All-day interview, composed of meetings with majority of staff members. Prior format of a research presentation is now only enforced for senior researchers. Staff members were friendly and answered questions candidly.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell me about a research project you've conducted, and the process you took to complete it.
I applied online. I interviewed at Institute for Defense Analyses (Alexandria, VA) in Apr 2026
Interview
First was an HR phone screening (30 mins), then the next week came a 2-person technical zoom screening (45 mins). After which point they contacted all of my references, and the final step was a full-day on-site with individual and group interviews with a lot of different people + an hour-long presentation panel (which you give) and lunch.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why are you interested in working at IDA? What draws you to the National Defense Space?
I applied online. I interviewed at Institute for Defense Analyses (Alexandria, VA) in Apr 2026
Interview
3 rounds. HR Screen, virtual interview with a division manager, and a full-day in-person round. Each round was very conversational and relatively stress-free, including the in-person day. In-person interview had multiple blocks meeting with other Associates, Analysts, and Directors. Hardest part was the technical review section of the writing sample you submitted, but they were still nice. Overall positive experience, though I wish I had been informed of their decision more promptly – I had to reach out to HR to find out my standing.
Odd. Only one panel interview, no discussion about what research projects I’d be on. At the end of the panel interview the HR person showed me all the benefits IDA offers - which I was not interested in before getting an offer.