Atmospheric Scientists & Meteorologist Interview Questions & Answers

Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Math skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Analytical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Atmospheric Scientist & Meteorologist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Atmospheric scientists must be able to focus for many hours, working with computer models and massive amounts of data to prepare analyses on their findings.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Atmospheric scientists need to be able to write and speak clearly so that their knowledge about the weather can be used effectively by communities and individuals.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Atmospheric scientists need to be able to analyze the results of their computer models and forecasts to determine the most likely outcome.

Math skills

Why interviewers are interested in your math skills:

Atmospheric scientists use calculus, statistics, and other advanced topics in mathematics to develop models used to forecast the weather. They also use mathematical calculations to study the relationship between properties of the atmosphere, such as how changes in air pressure may affect air temperature.

(source: bls.gov)

Atmospheric Scientists & Meteorologist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Atmospheric Scientists & Meteorologist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Atmospheric Scientists & Meteorologist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Tell me how you manage large amounts of data and information. Can you give me an example?
2. Describe a time you faced an obstacle while working on an industrial engineering project. How did you solve this challenge?
3. What is your experience working with computer models? What do you consider your specialty?
4. Tell me how you stay up to date on the latest scientific developments.
5. Describe your experience with creating and editing weather models or graphics.
6. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you rectify it? What did you learn from the situation?
7. What do you consider the most challenging part of developing and using weather forecasting tools and models?
8. Describe a time you disagreed with the approach of a coworker. What actions did you take?
9. Give me an example of a work situation that demonstrates that you possess flexibility and adaptability skills.
10. What do you consider your proudest achievement in your career? Why was it so meaningful to you?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview