20 RTI International Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a job at RTI International, you can expect to be asked questions that are specific to the company and its work. This is your chance to show that you’ve done your research and are truly interested in the opportunity.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample RTI International interview questions and answers. These questions will give you an idea of what to expect, and how to craft your own responses.

RTI International Interview Process

The interview process at RTI International can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two rounds of interviews, often including a phone screening and an in-person interview. For some positions, you may also be asked to complete a written assignment or take a test.

Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with interviewers being friendly and engaging. However, some candidates have found the process to be excessively long, with multiple rounds of interviews that can last for several hours. Additionally, some applicants have reported feeling like they were not given a fair chance due to the changing requirements of the job during the process.

1. Why are you interested in working at RTI International?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for RTI International. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the job that interest you or how your skills and experience align with the position’s requirements.

Example: “I am interested in working at RTI International because I have always been passionate about research and development. In my last role as an IT specialist, I was responsible for maintaining company servers and ensuring employees had access to all necessary programs and files. This made me realize that I would enjoy working in a research environment where I could use my technical skills to support important projects.”

2. What do you know about RTI International’s work?

This question helps the interviewer get a sense of your knowledge about RTI International and how you might fit into their organization. To answer this question, it can be helpful to do some research on the company before your interview. You can also use this time to show that you are passionate about the work they do.

Example: “I know that RTI International is an independent nonprofit institute that provides technical services for government agencies and commercial clients. I am excited to learn more about what projects you have worked on in the past and what types of projects you are working on now.”

3. Tell us more about your experience with data collection and analysis.

RTI International is a research institute that focuses on data collection and analysis. Your interviewer will want to know how you’ve used data in your previous roles, as well as what types of data you’re familiar with.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for collecting and analyzing data from surveys we conducted with parents who had children with autism. This information helped us determine the best ways to help these families cope with their child’s diagnosis. In another role, I analyzed data from our annual survey to see which programs were most effective at helping clients meet their goals.”

4. Describe a time when you had to complete a task by a tight deadline, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your time management skills and how you handle stressful situations. Use examples from previous work experiences or describe a situation in which you had to complete a task by a deadline, but it wasn’t work-related.

Example: “In my last position as an RTI researcher, I was tasked with creating a presentation for the company’s annual conference. The CEO wanted me to present on the company’s new product line, so I had two weeks to create the presentation. I started working on the project immediately after receiving the assignment and completed it one week before the conference.”

5. How important is the ethics of an organization to you?

RTI International is a nonprofit organization that works with government agencies and private companies to provide research, development and technical services. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ethical standards and how they align with RTI’s values. Use examples from your past experience to show the interviewer you value honesty and integrity in your work.

Example: “In my last position as an IT specialist for a small business, I was tasked with creating a new website for the company. When I presented the design to the client, they were unhappy with it and asked me to change several elements of the site. Instead of doing what the client wanted, I told them I would create a new website at no additional cost if they could wait two weeks for me to complete the project. They agreed, and I delivered the new website on time.”

6. What do you think of our company culture?

RTI International is a large company with many departments. The interviewer wants to know if you have researched the company and understand what they value as an organization. They also want to see that you are excited about working for RTI.

Example: “I think your company culture is very open and collaborative. I read in your employee handbook that you encourage employees to ask questions, even if it’s something they should already know. I think this shows that you value education and learning. I am excited to be part of such a forward-thinking organization.”

7. Do you have any experience with conducting interviews?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience conducting interviews for other companies. If you do, they may want to know how your previous experiences compare to the one you’re currently applying for. If you don’t have any interview experience, you can talk about what you would expect from an interview and how you would prepare for it.

Example: “I’ve never conducted an interview before, but I think that my communication skills are strong enough to help me conduct a successful interview. I also believe that I could learn how to conduct an interview by researching different types of questions and techniques.”

8. Can you describe your experience in public health?

RTI International is a public health research institute, so it’s likely they’ll ask this question to see if you have experience in the field. If you do, share your experiences and how they’ve helped you develop as a professional. If you don’t have any experience in public health, talk about your interest in the field and what you hope to achieve at RTI.

Example: “My first job out of college was working for a local government agency that focused on public health initiatives. I worked with a team of professionals who were passionate about their work, which inspired me to pursue my career in public health. Since then, I’ve volunteered at a community clinic where I learned more about the importance of public health initiatives.”

9. Give me an example of a time when you had to be very careful in communicating sensitive information.

This question is a great way to assess your communication skills and how you handle confidential information. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of when you were able to successfully communicate sensitive information without compromising the client or organization’s security.

Example: “In my current role as a research analyst, I am often in contact with clients who are interested in our findings. In one instance, I was working on a project for a pharmaceutical company that was developing a new drug. During a phone call with a client, they asked me what percentage of people we had tested the drug on. I explained that due to privacy laws, I could not disclose any specific numbers but assured them that all test subjects were healthy adults.”

10. Tell us about a project that you worked on that was particularly successful.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are proud of the work you do and how it impacts others. When answering this question, try to pick a project that was particularly challenging or unique in some way.

Example: “I recently worked on a project for a local school district where we were tasked with creating an online system that would allow parents to track their child’s progress throughout the school year. The client wanted something that could be used by both parents and teachers so they could all stay up-to-date on student performance. I led a team of developers who created a web application that allowed parents to see their child’s grades, assignments and test scores. It also gave teachers the ability to send out email notifications when students had upcoming assignments due.”

11. Is there anything about this job or position that makes you nervous?

Employers ask this question to see if you are nervous about something that they can help with. They want to make sure that you feel comfortable in the position and understand what is expected of you. When answering, be honest but also focus on how you plan to overcome any nerves or concerns.

Example: “I am a little nervous about working for an organization that has such high expectations. I know that RTI is known for its quality work, so I plan to do everything I can to meet those standards. I have read through your employee handbook and understand the company’s policies. I will continue to learn more about the company as I get settled into my new role.”

12. Do you prefer to work independently or as part of a team?

RTI International is a collaborative environment, and the interviewer wants to know if you’re comfortable working with others. Showcase your interpersonal skills by explaining how you enjoy collaborating with others on projects.

Example: “I have always enjoyed teamwork because it allows me to learn from my colleagues. I find that when we work together, we can accomplish more than we could as individuals. In my current position, I am part of a team that works on research projects for clients. We all contribute our ideas and opinions to ensure we are providing quality services.”

13. Why should we hire you for this position?

This question is a great opportunity to highlight your relevant experience and skills. It’s also an opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done some research on RTI International, so be sure to mention any specific projects or initiatives you know about.

Example: “As someone who has worked in education for over 10 years, I am passionate about helping children with special needs succeed. In my current role as a special education teacher, I have seen firsthand how important it is to provide students with the resources they need to learn. I believe that this position would allow me to use my skills and knowledge to help RTI develop new programs and services that can benefit schools across the country.”

14. Describe a situation where you were able to provide assistance to another team member.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills. This is because RTI International values collaboration and teamwork in its employees. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you helped another team member solve a problem or complete a task.

Example: “At my previous job, I worked with a colleague who was new to the company. One day, she asked me for help on a project that required us to use a specific software program. I showed her how to use the program and answered any questions she had. She thanked me for helping her and said that without my assistance, she would have been lost.”

15. What would you say has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on so far?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenges and what your thought process is when faced with a problem. It’s important to highlight the skills you developed during this time that helped you overcome the challenge, as well as the positive outcome of the project.

Example: “The most challenging project I’ve worked on so far was my first solo project at my current job. My manager gave me a very short deadline for an extensive research project, which made it difficult to complete everything in time. However, I used my previous experience working on group projects to delegate tasks among my team members and prioritize the most important aspects of the project. In the end, we were able to submit our work before the deadline.”

16. If hired, what would your approach be towards collecting data from respondents who are reluctant to answer survey questions?

RTI International is looking for candidates who can work with a variety of people and understand the importance of data collection. Your answer should show that you are aware of how important it is to collect accurate information from respondents.

Example: “In my experience, there are many reasons why survey participants may be reluctant to answer questions. I would first try to establish rapport by being friendly and approachable. If they still refuse to answer, I would ask them if there was anything I could do to make the process more comfortable for them. For example, I might offer to change the wording of a question or provide additional privacy.”

17. Are you willing to travel occasionally for assignments?

RTI International may ask this question to determine if you are willing to travel for work. If you have a family, it’s important to consider how often you would be able to travel and whether or not your spouse or partner can accompany you on assignments.

Example: “Yes, I am willing to travel occasionally for assignments. However, my husband is also an educator, so we both have the same summer break. We plan to start a family soon, so I’m hoping that I won’t need to travel too much during those years.”

18. Do you have any experience in management?

RTI International is a large organization that employs many professionals with experience in management. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would fit into the company’s culture. To answer, describe any previous managerial roles you’ve had or explain what makes you a good leader.

Example: “In my current role as an elementary school teacher, I have been responsible for managing a classroom of students. This includes assigning work, monitoring behavior and communicating with parents. I find it easy to communicate effectively with others and solve problems when they arise. I also enjoy helping other people succeed, which makes me a natural leader.”

19. Tell us about a time when you faced a conflict while working on a project. How did you resolve the problem?

RTI International is looking for candidates who can work well with others and resolve conflicts. This question helps them understand your conflict resolution skills, as well as how you handle disagreements in the workplace.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project that required me to collaborate with several other employees. One day, one of the employees I worked with submitted their part of the project late. When I asked why they were submitting it late, they said they didn’t have enough time to complete it because they had another project due at the same time.

I explained to them that we all agreed to submit our parts by a certain date, and if they couldn’t do that, then they would need to find someone else to help them. They apologized and promised to get it done by the next day. The next morning, they sent me an email saying they wouldn’t be able to finish the project after all. I talked to my manager about the situation, and together, we decided to reassign the employee to a different project so they could meet their deadlines.”

20. Do you have experience in leading research projects?

RTI International is a research institute that requires its employees to have experience in leading projects. This question allows the interviewer to assess your leadership skills and determine if you are qualified for the position. Use examples from previous work experiences where you led a team of researchers or managed a project.

Example: “In my last role, I was responsible for managing a large-scale research project on childhood obesity. The project required me to lead a team of five researchers who were tasked with collecting data through surveys and interviews. We had a tight deadline, so I had to delegate tasks among my team members and ensure they met their deadlines. My ability to manage this project successfully helped us win an award at our company’s annual conference.”