Preparing for your NIH interview?

The NIH interview process typically includes an initial recruiter screen, followed by one or more technical or behavioral rounds, and a final on site or virtual loop. Each stage evaluates different skills depending on the role you applied for.

Most NIH roles involve 3 to 5 interview rounds. This usually includes a recruiter call, a phone or video technical screen, and 2 to 3 on site or virtual loop interviews with the hiring team.

NIH interviews include a mix of behavioral questions (using the STAR method), technical or domain specific questions, and situational problem solving. The exact mix depends on the department and seniority level of the role.

Research NIH thoroughly, practice common interview questions for your role, prepare 3 to 5 stories using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Using a tool like Orbit can generate tailored questions specific to NIH and your role.

For NIH, business casual is generally a safe choice for most roles. Tech and creative roles tend to be more casual, while finance, consulting, and executive positions lean toward business professional. When in doubt, ask your recruiter.