Political Scientist Interview Questions & Answers

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Analytical skills
• Creative skills

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

Political scientists often use qualitative and quantitative research methods. They require analytical skills to collect, evaluate, and interpret data.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Political scientists often collaborate with other researchers when writing reports or giving presentations. They must communicate their findings to a wide variety of audiences.

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

Creativity

Why interviewers are interested in your creative skills:

Political scientists must continually explore new ideas and information to produce original papers and research. They must stay current on political subjects and come up with new ways to think about and address issues.

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Political scientists must be able to examine and process available information and draw logical conclusions from their findings.

Related: What Does a Lobbyist Do?

(source: bls.gov)

Political Scientist 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 Political Scientist 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 Political Scientist Behavioral Interview Questions

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

1. Walk me through your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods. What kind of research do you prefer?
2. What is your strategy to track current events and quantifying them?
3. How would you rate your research skills? Give me some examples of you performing excellent research.
4. Describe a time your ethics were challenged. How did you deal with this situation? What did you learn from it?
5. Tell me about a time you performed well under pressure.
6. Give me a recent example of a time you used your creative skills to get something done.
7. What kind of decisions are most difficult for you? Can you give me an example?
8. Give me an example of a time you had to present complex data or information. How did you ensure your listeners understood?
9. Describe a time when you influenced a project’s result by taking on a leadership role.
10. How do you deal with stressful work situations? Can you give me an example?

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