Citylitics Research Analyst interview questions & guide 2026

The salary data provided represents a baseline for the Research Analyst position. Candidates should interpret these figures as a starting point for negotiation, keeping in mind that compensation packages often vary based on years of relevant experience, specific technical proficiencies, and the geographic location of the office.

Preparation should focus on understanding the underlying logic of your research methods and your ability to thrive in a startup environment. While questions can vary, they generally fall into the following categories:

Research Methodology & Technical Proficiency

These questions test your ability to source, verify, and organize data effectively. You should be prepared to walk an interviewer through your "detective" process.

• How do you approach finding obscure information on public municipal websites?
• What is your process for verifying the accuracy of data when sources are conflicting?

Success at Citylitics requires a balance of analytical rigor and adaptability. You are being evaluated on your ability to produce high-quality work independently while maintaining strong communication with cross-functional teams.

Research Accuracy and Depth – This is the most critical evaluation area. Interviewers look for evidence that you can dig deep into public records, navigate municipal bureaucracies, and extract high-value information that is not immediately obvious to a casual observer.

Methodical Problem-Solving – You must demonstrate a clear, repeatable process for your research. When asked about a past project, focus on the "how" and "why" of your methodology rather than just the final result.

Startup Agility – Citylitics is a fast-paced environment. You will be evaluated on your ability to handle shifting priorities, work with minimal supervision, and maintain a high level of output without sacrificing attention to detail.

Communication and Collaboration – You will likely work with Product and Client Success teams. Show that you can translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights for colleagues who may not be as familiar with the granular details as you are.

The interview process at Citylitics is designed to mirror the actual work you will perform. It typically begins with an online application, followed by a series of assessments that evaluate your research capabilities. You should expect a mix of technical testing and behavioral interviews that involve various stakeholders, including Research leads, Product managers, and potentially the founders.

The process is high-rigor and emphasizes practical application. Because the role is data-heavy, the company uses these assessments to ensure candidates have the necessary persistence and analytical skills to succeed. The pace can be rapid, and you should be prepared to discuss your assessment results in detail during subsequent rounds.

The visual timeline above illustrates the standard progression from initial assessment to final culture-fit interviews. Candidates should use this as a roadmap to manage their energy, ensuring they are fully prepared for the intensive assessment phase, which is often the most significant hurdle in the hiring process.

Research Execution

The core of your evaluation will be your performance on the research assessments. Interviewers are looking for precision, speed, and the ability to find "needles in haystacks."

Be ready to go over:

• Your use of Boolean search operators and advanced web-scraping techniques.
• How you categorize and tag information for database entry.

As a Research Analyst, you are the primary intelligence gatherer for the Citylitics platform. Your day-to-day involves deep-diving into municipal records, identifying capital improvement plans, and tracking procurement opportunities. You will spend a significant portion of your time navigating government websites, reading public bid documents, and identifying the key players involved in infrastructure projects.

You will collaborate closely with the Product team to ensure that the data you collect is being surfaced effectively to users. You will also work with Client Success to answer specific research requests that arise from client needs. The role requires a high degree of autonomy; you are expected to manage your own queue of research tasks while ensuring that all data is updated, verified, and ready for ingestion into the company's proprietary systems.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a unique blend of investigative curiosity and technical discipline. You do not necessarily need a background in engineering, but you must be comfortable reading technical documents and understanding the basics of municipal infrastructure.

• Must-have skills: Exceptional web research skills, proficiency in Excel or database management, high attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear summaries.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience working with CRM software, knowledge of government procurement processes, or prior experience in market intelligence and data analysis.
• Experience level: While mid-level experience is often preferred, the most important factor is a demonstrated ability to perform high-volume, high-accuracy research.

Q: How long should I expect the interview process to take? The process typically spans 2–4 weeks. It includes an assessment phase, followed by 2–3 rounds of interviews with team members and leadership.

Q: Is the research test really indicative of the daily work? Yes. Successful candidates report that the test is a direct preview of the day-to-day tasks. If you enjoy the test, you will likely enjoy the role.

Q: What is the company culture like? Citylitics operates as a high-growth startup. The culture is fast-paced and results-oriented, with a heavy emphasis on collaborative problem-solving and intellectual curiosity.

Q: Can I work remotely? Expectations regarding location vary by specific role and current office policies. Be sure to clarify the hybrid or remote expectations with your recruiter during the initial screen.

• Show your work: When presenting your test results, explain your thought process. Even if your data is perfect, interviewers want to know how you arrived at your conclusions.
• Be prepared for follow-ups: Expect interviewers to challenge your findings or ask why you chose one source over another. Defend your methodology with logic and evidence.
• Ask meaningful questions: Since you will likely meet with team members who have held this role, ask them about the specific tools they use to stay organized and how they handle information overload.
• Communicate clearly: Citylitics values transparency. If you are struggling with a part of the assessment or have a question about the process, reach out early rather than waiting.

The Research Analyst role at Citylitics is an excellent opportunity to impact the infrastructure sector by providing the intelligence that drives major market decisions. By focusing on your research methodology, demonstrating your ability to handle ambiguous tasks, and showing a proactive attitude toward problem-solving, you can significantly improve your chances of success.

Candidates can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. Remember that thorough preparation is the best way to move forward with confidence; you have the skills to succeed if you approach the process with rigor and clarity. Good luck with your application.