Everything we know about interviewing at University of Pennsylvania: the process stage by stage, what each round tests, compensation by level, and reports from candidates who interviewed.
What the process looks like, and what University of Pennsylvania is really testing for.
You should expect research-forward interviewing with heavy emphasis on role-specific technical areas plus project and stakeholder collaboration. Across reported steps, you may do an initial recorded one-way video interview, then progress through Zoom or phone conversations, and in some cases a half-day onsite that includes a research presentation.
What gets tested is consistent across the topic data: you will be assessed on project management and stakeholder management, and you will also be evaluated on core technical skills that match the role, especially SQL, SAS and PROC SQL in SAS, financial analysis concepts, and UX/UI design. Communication shows up repeatedly, including research presentation, PhD research communication, and visual design, plus leadership and behavioral fit.
The reported loops vary by role, but they generally include screening, one or more technical and communication rounds, and final evaluations or decision steps. Candidate reports describe timelines ranging from about three weeks end-to-end to about two months, and some people report hearing back in the next week.
You should prepare to present your work. The topic data shows research presentation and PhD research communication are among the most prominent areas, and multiple process steps explicitly include presentations and structured video responses.
5 stages, based on 468 candidate reports.
You are screened for basic qualifications and fit. This step may be a phone or video call and, for some candidates, may include a one-way video interview where you present your motivations and experiences.
You may have a phone screen focused on your resume, background, and fit. Some processes also include an HR recruiter call to discuss your background, basic qualifications, and interest in the role.
You can be evaluated through Zoom or panel formats involving directors, PIs, and future peers, with an emphasis on how your skills integrate with departmental needs. Communication appears strongly through research presentation and research communication expectations, and some candidates complete structured or asynchronous responses and technical discussions.
Some candidates report case studies to demonstrate problem-solving. Behavioral and leadership-focused questions are also reported, including assessments of leadership and interpersonal dynamics in collaborative environments, plus communication abilities such as articulating financial concepts clearly for finance-related roles.
In roles that include an onsite, candidates may meet broader teams including senior staff and stakeholders, and the onsite can include a research presentation and technical discussions. The process concludes with final evaluations and a final decision after interviews are completed.
How often each skill shows up across reported interview loops.
Each guide has the questions University of Pennsylvania interviewers actually ask, the loop structure, and total compensation by level.
Estimated total compensation: base salary plus stock and annual cash bonus.
Patterns from candidates who got offers, and the mistakes that most often sink a loop.
Read what candidates said about interviewing at University of Pennsylvania: the loop, difficulty, and outcomes, straight from recent reports for each role.
Answered from real candidate and workplace data, marked up for rich results.
Verbatim snippets pulled from employee and candidate reviews.
Overall, it's a good place to work.
The University of Pennsylvania offers a flexible and accommodating work environment with reliable employee benefits.
Advancement opportunities can be challenging, making it difficult to achieve promotions.
Consider the potential for limited upward mobility when evaluating your long-term career plans here.
Companies that hire for the same data roles, with the same depth of prep.
