- Do you have a hobby you want to show us?
- What you have learned about yourself?
- When do you feel like your most authentic self?
- Where do you spend your free time?
- Why do you want to attend WashU?
- Anything else would you like us to know about YOU!
Interview with Professor Tim Bono from WashU!
Interviews for Top Jobs at Washington University in St. Louis
Research Technician II Interview
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Washington University in St. Louis in Jul 2022
Interview
1st interview was a zoom interview. Felt more like a discussion. 2nd interview was a meeting with the whole team. Scheduled as one-on-ones. Overall the process was very smooth and comfortable.
- Why do I want to work for this lab?
Graduate Research Assistant Interview
I interviewed at Washington University in St. Louis
Interview
Questions about past experience, knowledge of software, background knowledge on certain topics. Also behavioral portion where questions about work ethic and how I’ve handled past situations. Not very long or challenging.
- Questions about past academic experience and knowledge
What candidates say about the interview process at Washington University in St. Louis
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Usually two or more to interviewShared on February 25, 2020 – Supervisor Self Pay Collections – Clayton, MO
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You receive a review on your job qualityShared on August 7, 2018 – IBC-II Insurance Billing/Collection Assistant II – St. Louis, MO
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Interviews are comprehensive and honest.Shared on April 26, 2018 – Philosophy -Financial & Administrative Coordinator – St. Louis, MO
How candidates received their first interview at Washington University in St. Louis
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I applied while on an externship at Barnes Hospital, they called for an interview a couple days later.Shared on October 23, 2021 – Medical Assistant – St. Louis, MO
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Contract to hireShared on September 3, 2020 – Physician Billing, Account Follow Up Representative – St. Louis, MO
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Indeed websiteShared on October 17, 2019 – Accounting Assistant – St. Louis, MO
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Washington University in St. Louis
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Be yourself show them your best abilities most of all be honestShared on August 14, 2022 – Cook/Prep
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Know your fieldShared on November 18, 2019
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Do your homework about the position you applied for and the person you will be working under. Know what they do, what they want, and things like that.Shared on November 5, 2017 – Research Technician II – St. Louis, MO
Organizations often use web tools for internship and first round job interviews. This was true before COVID-19 and it’s more true today.
Notes: Write notes on post-its and place them on the wall behind the camera so that you can glance at them without looking down. Write them large enough for you to see them without squinting. A white board is particularly helpful if you have one.
Note: If you are new to interviewing, please check out the Interviewing handout to learn the basics.
Camera angle: Place your laptop on a stable surface so that the camera catches you straight-on at eye level. (Even a stack of books will do!) You don’t want the interviewer to focus on your nose hair.
While interviewing in person has advantages, time and cost often prevent candidates from interviewing in person. Here are some tips to help your remote interview go smoothly!
I had an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview, so I would maybe have a few questions in mind to ask. Other than that, I don’t think you need to really prepare. I had already had several interviews for other colleges that asked much more specific and difficult questions (what is your spirit animal?, what is your Harry Potter patronus?, what is the greatest challenge you have overcome?, etc.) before I had mine at WashU, so I was super nervous as well and prepared answers to weird questions, but the WashU one was nothing like that! The questions were straightforward questions about yourself that do not require creativity or quick thinking- it should literally just be telling them about yourself if it is like mine was.
You want to come off as enthusiastic about what you’ve accomplished, but not a braggart. Essentially be someone that they would want to have on campus, not only as a person who contributes academically, but socially and intellectually. Try to come off as the best version of yourself, someone that they would enjoy hanging out with.
I did an interview back in the fall, and out of all the interviews I did for colleges, it was by far the most laid-back. A very friendly sophomore at WashU interviewed me outside on the steps in front of the admissions office. She asked me very simple questions about what I liked about WashU, what I was hoping to study, my hobbies and interests, my favorite subjects in school, my volunteer work, etc. She also wasn’t taking notes on what I was saying, so I think they are just getting a general impression of you, not judging your specific answers. It felt more like a conversation than an interview, and it only lasted about 15 minutes.
You will most likely be interviewed by an upperclassmen student. Overall, it’s a pretty chill interview, but come prepared to answer the typical questions (why washu, what do you like to do, etc.). If you’re passionate about something, let it show in the most genuine way. I think part of the reason why WashU has its students interview is that students can really smell prospective students’ BS when it’s there.
Who was the tour given by?
“Not much. Everything is very impressive.”
“Have one standardized one for update letters, LOI, etc. There is an upload option in the portal, but on my interview day, one of the committee chairs also said to send it to the admissions email. Then people on this forum have also said email to the dean is the most effective way. What is truth lol”
“The information in the packet we were given is very useful, but would be less cumbersome if given digitally.”
“Snail-mailed informational brochures arent necessary.”
“Nothing really. Everything was awesome.”
“They were a little disorganized in the morning when we were checking in.”
“Just keep being as welcoming as you were when I was there!”
“retake photo ID if it looks horrible! (single interview did not impress me because the entire s”
“I actually dont remember the admissions office people, just the interviewers. Be more memorable.”
“None. Overall a very pleasant day. I was able to see a mix of everything.”
FAQ
What does WashU look for in applicants?
Does University of Washington do interviews?
Is WashU hard to get into?
Is WashU 100% need met?
WashU will no longer consider an applicant’s ability to pay when making admissions decisions. Additionally, WashU continues to guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students admitted to the university.
