Research Assistant/Programmer applicants have rated the interview process at Mathematica with 2.7 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 86% positive. To compare, the company-average is 70.3% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Research Assistant/Programmer roles take an average of 60 days to get hired, when considering 9 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at Mathematica overall takes an average of 52 days.
Common stages of the interview process at Mathematica as a Research Assistant/Programmer according to 9 Glassdoor interviews include:
Phone interview: 46%
One on one interview: 31%
Background check: 15%
Group panel interview: 8%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Mathematica (Ann Arbor, MI) in Jul 2014
Interview
Applied for the position in early May, was contacted via email and asked for a code sample in late May to early June. After that, I had a phone screen with an HR rep with very typical interview questions. 24 hours after the phone screen, I was set up for an in person technical interview the following week. The interview was with one supervisor and another person who was at the same level job I was applying for. During this hour interview, I was required to talk about my technical experience and go over the code sample I submitted, explaining how the code worked and what it did. 3 Days later, I was offered a second interview for the following week, this one would be all day. The all day interview consisted of many interviews (8 if I remember correctly) , approx. 30-60mins each with various people who worked in the office, as well as lunch with other programmers I would be working with. All the interviewers asked similar questions, some asking more typical interview questions, others focusing on technical/background questions. None of the questions were too difficult as long as you understand your own background. It was just very stressful meeting and interviewing with so many people. Some interviews were very informal and more about getting to know my personality and see if I'd fit in with everyone. After the all day interview, it took about 3 weeks to receive the job offer.
The process was probably the most extensive process I've ever gone through, but they really want to make sure the person they hire is the one they really want.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
No questions were difficult. Just make sure you have the typical interview questions (strengths, weaknesses, team work) ready to answer.
I applied online. I interviewed at Mathematica (Chicago, IL)
Interview
The interview was in-person and lasted the entire day (pre-COVID). Each interview with various staff was tailored to a assess specific skills. HR met with you before and after the process.
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Mathematica in May 2017
Interview
About a month after applying, they emailed me to set up a phone interview. The phone interview consisted of normal interview questions and they gave some more information about the position and the company. They said I would hear back within two weeks and to contact them if I didn't. I did not hear back in two weeks, so I reached out to them and they said it'd be another week. Then I contacted them after that week and they said it would be a few more days. After nearly a month, I finally heard back just to be rejected.
The interview itself was a good experience and I enjoyed speaking with the interviewer, but the wait time was ridiculously long and in the end it seemed like they were stringing me along.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Do you prefer qualitative or quantitative research?
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Mathematica
Interview
Received an email about a month after applying online to set up a short interview. Had a phone call with a staff person and HR person that lasted around half an hour. Got a pretty good idea of the work that they do and the qualifications/skills they were looking for, and felt pretty apparent that I did not quite fit the role. That being said, it was nice to hear more about the company, and both people were very friendly and professional.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Pretty general questions about previous data and research experience.