Jonathan Webb, a research fellow at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), gives insights into working at a think tank, the recruitment process and how to make your application stand out.
From intense research to mingling with politicians, working at a think tank is a varied job role that demands a vast array of skills. Jonathan tells us what attracted him to a career at a think tank and urges applicants not to be put off by the competitive application process.
The Art and Science of Powerful Questions | Recruitment Think Tank
Interviews for Top Jobs at The Think Tank
Copywriter Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at The Think Tank in Jan 2018
Interview
Dan was amazing. His knowledge and motivational way of speaking made me want this job! He’s had The Think Tank for many years and a lot of creatives want to work with him.
- 1. If you had one year to live, what would you do, say and want to achieve?
Focus on two goals.
You might think of this portion of the interview as your chance to assess the organization and whether you really want to work there, and that’s true. One of your goals is to use these questions to help you determine if this opportunity is right for you, says Markman.
However, the interview isn’t over yet, and you still want to demonstrate that you are the best person for the job, says Lees. So, your other goal is to continue to prove you’re a fit for the specific opportunity. Lees suggests saying something like, “I do have a few questions but before I ask, can I say one thing?” That will give you an opportunity to drive home any key messages about your suitability for the job. In fact, before the interview, you should “decide in advance on two or three messages that you want to get across,” says Lees, and if you haven’t been able to convey those points in response to the questions you’ve been asked so far, you should do so now. Then, you can move on to your questions.
Personalize your questions.
How you phrase your questions is important. Rather than using generic language, you want to ask the questions as if they pertain specifically to you. For example, instead of “What does a typical day look like?” you want to ask “What would a typical day for me in this role look like?” That will allow the hiring manager to begin seeing you in the role. According to Lees, this is a “great psychological trick” because “as soon as they visualize you doing the job, it’s hard to let go of that .”
You’ve been interviewing and interviewing… but no call-backs. You have the experience and knowledge — but something is stopping you from landing your dream job.
If it’s a phone interview, stand. The energy you exude while standing is so much greater than while sitting. Walk and get your blood pumping.
Oversharing. Keep it simple. Keep it tight. Stick to the messaging you prepared before going in. Don’t get too casual and overshare. I’ve done this. You may have too. It can easily happen when you know the hiring manager well. Treat it like an interview. Don’t get trapped into thinking it’s okay to loosen up too much.
“The myth is that you have 45-60 minutes to get to know each other. The reality is that first impression matters most. And it’s almost content free. It doesn’t have to do with skills and experience and knowledge; it’s about whether you look like a good colleague,” says John Lees, a UK-based career strategist in “Setting the Record Straight on Job Interviews” published in the Harvard Business Review.
Talk to someone who works there and find out what kinds of people they like to hire.
FAQ
Why should we hire you as research associate?
How do I prepare for a research assistant interview?
- How did you find out about this position?
- Why are you interested in working as a research assistant?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Why do you want to work for this organization?
- Describe a time you overcame a challenge at work.
What are the common interview questions and answers in research?
- What is innovative about your research?
- How is your work distinct from your supervisor’s/principal investigator’s? …
- What influences have you been exposed to? …
- Who has influenced you the most?
- What has been your role so far in developing research ideas and carrying them forward?
How do you talk about research experience in an interview?
