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.

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.

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?"

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.

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.