What is a Research Analyst at AARP?

At AARP, the role of a Research Analyst is pivotal to the organization's mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. This is not merely a back-office data role; it is a strategic position that directly influences policy advocacy, member value, and product development for the 50-plus demographic. You will be working within a robust research ecosystem—often aligned with the Policy, Research and International Affairs (PRI) group or the Market Research team—to generate insights that drive decision-making across the enterprise.

In this position, you are expected to execute rigorous research projects that help AARP understand the needs, behaviors, and attitudes of older adults. Whether you are analyzing healthcare trends, financial security data, or consumer behavior, your work provides the evidentiary foundation for AARP’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and its service offerings to millions of members. You will translate complex datasets into compelling narratives that stakeholders—from internal executives to external policymakers—can easily understand and act upon.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparing for an interview at AARP requires a shift in mindset. While technical skills are non-negotiable, the hiring team places equal weight on your ability to contextualize data within the broader mission of social impact and advocacy. You should approach your preparation with the goal of demonstrating how your research skills can solve real-world problems for the aging population.

Key Evaluation Criteria

Research Methodology & Technical Proficiency – You must demonstrate a solid command of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Interviewers will assess your ability to design surveys, manage data collection, and utilize statistical software (typically SPSS, SAS, or R) to extract meaningful insights.

Written Communication & Storytelling – AARP places a massive emphasis on the quality of your writing. You will likely be asked to submit a writing sample. Evaluators are looking for clarity, conciseness, and the ability to synthesize complex research findings into accessible reports for non-technical audiences.

Mission Alignment & Domain Interest – You need to show a genuine interest in the issues affecting the 50+ population. Whether it is healthcare policy, retirement security, or livable communities, demonstrating that you understand the "why" behind the research is critical for cultural fit.

Collaborative Problem Solving – Research at AARP is rarely a solo endeavor. You will be evaluated on your ability to work with cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and navigate a large, matrixed organization to get projects across the finish line.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Research Analyst position at AARP is thorough and designed to assess both your technical acumen and your fit within a collaborative, mission-driven culture. Based on candidate experiences, the process generally spans 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the urgency of the hire and the availability of the research panel.

You should expect the process to begin with an initial screening, often with a recruiter or HR Director. This conversation is straightforward and focuses on your background, interest in AARP, and salary expectations. Following this, successful candidates are typically asked to submit writing samples or a portfolio of past research work. This step is a critical gatekeeper; the quality of your sample often determines whether you advance to the final rounds.

The core of the evaluation takes place during the interview rounds with the hiring manager and the research team. In recent years, this has evolved from phone screens to video conference panels (or onsite interviews when applicable). You will likely face a panel interview with 3–4 researchers or senior experts. These sessions are friendly but rigorous, diving deep into your past research projects, your specific role in them, and the methodologies you chose.

The timeline above illustrates the typical flow from application to offer. Note the emphasis on the Writing Sample Review stage; use this time to curate your best work before you are asked for it. The final panel is the most intensive portion, requiring you to sustain high energy and detailed technical recall over multiple conversations.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Your interviews will focus heavily on your practical experience. AARP interviewers—often fellow researchers—want to know that you can hit the ground running. They will probe the specifics of your past projects to verify your skills.

Research Design & Methodology

This is the technical core of the interview. You must be able to articulate how you conduct research, not just what you found. Interviewers want to see that you can select the appropriate methodology for a given problem and defend those choices.

Be ready to go over:

• Survey Design – Constructing unbiased questions, sampling strategies, and fielding instruments.
• Data Cleaning & Management – Handling missing data, weighting datasets, and ensuring data integrity.
• Statistical Analysis – Proficiency with tools like SPSS or SAS is frequently tested via discussion.
• Qualitative Methods – Experience with focus groups, in-depth interviews (IDIs), or coding open-ended responses.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a research project you led from start to finish. What methodologies did you use and why?"
• "How do you handle incomplete or 'messy' data sets when you are on a tight deadline?"
• "Walk us through a time you had to adjust your research plan due to unforeseen challenges."

Communication & Reporting

AARP produces a high volume of public-facing reports. Your ability to write clearly is paramount. You will be evaluated on how well you can translate statistical jargon into plain English that a policy expert or marketing manager can use.

Be ready to go over:

• Synthesis – Taking a large dataset and boiling it down to 3–5 key actionable insights.
• Audience Adaptation – Tailoring your message for different stakeholders (e.g., technical peers vs. executive leadership).
• Visualizing Data – Describing how you present data visually to make it impactful.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex statistical finding to a non-technical stakeholder."
• "How do you ensure your written reports are accessible to a broad audience?"
• "Can you provide an example of a research finding you generated that led to a specific business or policy decision?"

Behavioral & Cultural Fit

The team at AARP values collegiality and patience. The organization is large, and processes can sometimes be slow. They look for candidates who are resilient, diplomatic, and genuinely nice to work with.

Be ready to go over:

• Collaboration – Working with difficult stakeholders or navigating conflicting priorities.
• Adaptability – Handling feedback on your research or writing.
• Passion for the Mission – Why you want to work for the 50+ demographic.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a conflict you had with a team member or supervisor. How did you resolve it?"
• "Why AARP? What specifically interests you about our research agenda?"
• "Tell me about a time you received critical feedback on a report. How did you handle it?"

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Analyst at AARP, your day-to-day work will revolve around the lifecycle of research projects. You will be responsible for designing and executing studies that support the organization's strategic priorities. This involves collaborating with internal clients to define research objectives, developing survey instruments, and managing relationships with external vendors who may assist with data collection.

Once data is collected, you will spend a significant portion of your time analyzing results. You will use statistical software to uncover trends, correlations, and insights relevant to the aging population. Beyond the analysis, you are responsible for authoring reports, issue papers, and presentations. You will frequently present your findings to internal teams, helping them understand the implications of the data for their specific programs or advocacy goals. You may also contribute to the creation of public-facing content, ensuring that AARP’s research authority is maintained in the public sphere.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be a strong contender for this role, you must meet specific educational and technical benchmarks. AARP typically looks for candidates who combine academic rigor with practical business or policy application.

• Education – A Bachelor’s degree is required, but a Master’s degree (in Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Policy, Market Research, or a related field) is strongly preferred and common among the team.
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in statistical software is a must-have. SPSS and SAS are the standard tools used internally; knowledge of R or Python is a strong plus but often secondary to the legacy systems. High proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) and PowerPoint is expected.
• Experience Level – Candidates typically have 3–5 years of relevant experience in research, data analysis, or policy analysis.
• Writing Ability – Exceptional written communication skills are a "must-have." You must be able to produce publication-ready drafts.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau.
• Prior experience working in a non-profit, association, or government setting.
• Specific domain knowledge regarding healthcare, social security, or financial planning.

Common Interview Questions

The following questions are representative of what you can expect during the interview process. They are drawn from candidate reports and reflect AARP’s focus on methodology, communication, and behavioral fit. Do not memorize answers; instead, use these to practice structuring your thoughts using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Research & Technical Proficiency

• "Walk me through your experience with SPSS/SAS. What types of analyses are you most comfortable running?"
• "How do you ensure quality control when working with a new dataset?"
• "Describe a time you used quantitative data to solve a specific problem."
• "What is your experience with survey design? How do you avoid bias in your questions?"
• "Have you ever encountered a situation where the data contradicted your initial hypothesis? How did you handle it?"

Behavioral & Situational

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple research projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize?"
• "Describe a time you had to work with a difficult colleague or stakeholder. What was the outcome?"
• "How do you handle tight deadlines when you are waiting on data from others?"
• "What motivates you to work in research for the 50+ demographic?"

Communication & Synthesis

• "If you had to summarize your most complex research project in two minutes to a CEO, what would you say?"
• "Give an example of a time you persuaded a stakeholder to change their mind based on your data."
• "How do you approach writing a report for an audience that has no background in statistics?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? The process can vary significantly. While some candidates report a streamlined 2-week process, others have experienced timelines extending up to 2 months. AARP is a large organization, and scheduling panels with senior researchers can sometimes cause delays.

Q: Is the Research Analyst role remote? Historically, these roles are based at the AARP headquarters in Washington, DC. However, AARP has adopted hybrid working models for many teams. You should be prepared to discuss your ability to commute to the DC office, but clarify the specific hybrid expectations with your recruiter.

Q: Will I need to provide a writing sample? Yes, this is highly likely. Almost all successful candidates for research roles at AARP report being asked for a writing sample. Have a clean, professional sample (e.g., a research brief, white paper, or executive summary) ready to send immediately upon request.

Q: What is the culture like for the research team? The culture is described as professional, academic, and friendly. The team is comprised of experts who are passionate about their field. While the organization can be bureaucratic, the immediate team environment is often supportive and collaborative.

Q: How technical is the interview? It is "functionally technical." You won't likely be asked to write code on a whiteboard, but you will be grilled on statistical concepts, your familiarity with specific software (SPSS/SAS), and your rationale for choosing specific research methods.

Other General Tips

Polish your writing sample immediately. Do not wait until the request comes in. Select a piece of work that demonstrates your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions. If your best work is proprietary, redact sensitive information or write a fresh mock-executive summary based on public data.

Know the AARP mission. You are not just applying to a data firm; you are applying to a social mission. Be familiar with AARP’s "Real Possibilities" motto and their key advocacy pillars (Health Security, Financial Resilience, Personal Fulfillment). Frame your answers to show how your research supports these pillars.

Prepare for the "Why AARP?" question. This is a standard opener. Avoid generic answers. Connect your personal or professional history to the aging demographic. Whether it’s a passion for healthcare equity or a desire to impact policy, make it personal and authentic.

Be ready for a panel. The final round is often a panel interview. Practice making eye contact (or looking at the camera) and addressing all members of the panel, not just the person who asked the question.

Summary & Next Steps

Securing a Research Analyst position at AARP is a significant career achievement that places you at the intersection of data, policy, and social impact. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on high-visibility projects that improve lives on a massive scale. By focusing your preparation on research methodology, clear communication, and mission alignment, you can differentiate yourself as a candidate who is ready to contribute immediately.

The salary data above provides a baseline for expectations. Compensation at AARP is generally competitive for the non-profit sector, often including strong benefits packages. Use this data to inform your negotiations, keeping in mind that total compensation (including benefits and work-life balance) is a key part of the value proposition.

Approach the process with patience and professionalism. Review your statistical concepts, ensure your writing portfolio is pristine, and enter your interviews ready to discuss how your research skills can advance AARP's advocacy for the 50+ population. Good luck!