Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Research Analyst at University of Chicago, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
After a recruiter-style kickoff, about a week later I ended up with a mix of interviews and a take-home-style coding component. I first spoke with the hiring manager—someone who would’ve been my direct supervisor—for roughly an hour, and the conversation blended behavioral questions with technical ones. I then had a second interview with a teammate for about another hour, again mixing experience questions with more technical detail.
My interview process felt very aligned with the actual day-to-day work. After the project manager and the direct manager interviewed me separately, I was asked to complete a test focused specifically on transcription skills—the kind of task I’d be doing on the job. It was the clearest signal of what they cared about most, and it didn’t feel like a generic assessment.
The interview process typically starts with a recruiter call, followed by a mix of phone and in-person interviews, often taking about three weeks from application to offer. Candidates can expect a blend of interviews with managers, team members, and HR, with some processes including take-home assessments or coding exercises.
Candidates should prepare for technical assessments that may include coding exercises or data-focused tasks, which are often time-intensive and require clear communication of thought processes. These assessments are designed to reflect the actual work involved in the role.
Many interviews emphasize behavioral questions and fit assessments, focusing on candidates' backgrounds, motivations, and how their interests align with the team's work. The tone is generally conversational, aiming for a mutual fit rather than a high-pressure evaluation.
Expect role-specific tasks during the interview process, such as transcription skills or data visualization exercises, which help gauge candidates' practical abilities related to the job. These tasks provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities expected in the role.
Candidates will often meet with various team members during the interview process, which allows for discussions about current projects and collaboration opportunities. This interaction helps candidates understand the team dynamics and the work environment.
The overall difficulty of the interview process is generally perceived as average to low-stress, with candidates reporting a positive experience despite not always receiving offers. The process tends to be well-organized, with clear communication throughout.
