Economist Interview Questions & Answers

Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Critical-thinking skills
• Writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Speaking skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Economist 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:

Economists must be able to review data in detail, observe patterns, perform advanced calculations, and draw logical conclusions. For example, labor economists analyze the effects of labor policies on employment.

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Economists must be able to use logic and reasoning to solve complex problems. For instance, they might identify how economic trends may affect an organization.

Speaking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your speaking skills:

Economists must be able to explain their work to others. They often give presentations and explain reports to clients who may not have a background in economics.

Writing skills

Why interviewers are interested in your writing skills:

Economists must be able to present their findings clearly. Many economists prepare reports for colleagues or clients; others write for publication in journals or news media.

(source: bls.gov)

Economist 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 Economist 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 Economist Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me an example that demonstrates how you have used this skill to your advantage?
2. Which global trends do you think will shape the work in the next five to ten years? How do you think we should deal with them?
3. What do you do to ensure error-free work? Have you developed a system to minimize the risk of errors in your work? If so, walk me through it.
4. Give me a recent example of a situation in which you used data to support your perspective.
5. What is the most challenging project you have worked on? What did you learn from it?
6. Tell me about your general approach when analyzing data, research trends, and evaluating economic issues. Can you give me an example?
7. Describe a time you thought outside of the box to deal with a challenge.
8. Do you consider yourself a strong team player? Can you give me an example of a recent successful teamwork experience? What was your contribution?
9. Give me an example of a time you made a mistake. How did you rectify it? What did you learn from that situation?
10. Describe a time you used logic and reasoning to solve a complex problem you encountered.
11. How do you stay up to date on new market and industry developments? Can you give me an example?

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