RTI International Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

RTI International is a global research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through applied research and technical assistance across a range of sectors, including public health, education, and international development.

As a Data Analyst at RTI, you will play a crucial role in supporting public health initiatives, particularly in the area of tobacco use prevention and cessation. Your key responsibilities will include managing and analyzing large datasets, conducting quality assurance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate public health policies and programs. You should possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in statistical software such as Stata or R, and the ability to communicate complex findings effectively through reports and presentations. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, self-motivated, and capable of thriving in a collaborative environment that values innovation and scientific rigor in addressing public health challenges.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by highlighting essential skills, responsibilities, and the core values that RTI International expects from its Data Analysts. By understanding the context of the role, you will be better equipped to demonstrate your fit for the position and articulate your relevant experiences.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at RTI International is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and analytical nature of the role.

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process typically begins with a 30-minute phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your background, qualifications, and motivation for applying to RTI. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Data Analyst role, allowing you to gauge your fit within the organization.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment, which often includes a 30-minute evaluation of your proficiency in Excel or other relevant software. This assessment is designed to test your analytical skills and familiarity with data management tools, which are crucial for the role.

3. Multiple Interview Rounds

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically participate in multiple interview rounds, often totaling four 30-minute interviews with various team members across different levels of seniority. These interviews may include discussions with current analysts, project managers, and senior staff, allowing you to interact with potential colleagues and understand the team dynamics. Expect a mix of behavioral questions and inquiries about your research and analytical experiences.

4. Behavioral Interviews

During the interview rounds, you will encounter behavioral questions aimed at understanding how you handle challenges, work in teams, and communicate effectively. Be prepared to discuss specific instances from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and collaboration skills.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a more in-depth discussion with management or senior analysts. This round often focuses on your technical expertise, project experiences, and how you can contribute to RTI's mission. You may also be asked to elaborate on your research skills and provide examples of how you have applied them in previous roles.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences of previous candidates.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Interview Process

Expect a structured interview process that may include multiple rounds with various team members. Familiarize yourself with the different roles of the interviewers, as you may be speaking with both peers and management. This will help you tailor your responses to address the interests and concerns of each group. Be ready to discuss your research skills and experiences in detail, as well as your proficiency with relevant software.

Highlight Your Research and Analytical Skills

Given the emphasis on data management and analysis in the role, be prepared to elaborate on your research background. Discuss specific projects where you utilized statistical software like Stata or R, and be ready to provide examples of how you managed complex datasets. Highlight your experience with data cleaning, quality assurance, and any relevant statistical analyses you have conducted.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Prepare to discuss instances where you made mistakes and how you corrected them, as well as examples of managing multiple deadlines. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in this role, as you will need to convey complex data findings to various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to discuss how you would present your analysis results through reports and visualizations. Consider bringing a writing sample or a portfolio of your data visualizations to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

Understand the Company Culture

RTI International values collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork. Show your enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented environment and be prepared to discuss how you have successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Familiarize yourself with RTI's mission and recent projects, particularly in public health and tobacco control, to demonstrate your alignment with their goals.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

You may encounter technical assessments, such as an Excel test or coding challenges. Brush up on your technical skills, particularly in data analysis and visualization tools. Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency in statistical software and your ability to write and understand code. Practice common data manipulation tasks and statistical analyses that are relevant to the role.

Follow Up with Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interviews, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how success is measured in the position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role at RTI International. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at RTI International. The interview process will likely assess your analytical skills, software proficiency, and ability to communicate effectively within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Experience and Background

1. Can you elaborate on your research skills and experiences?

This question aims to gauge your familiarity with research methodologies and your practical experience in applying them.

How to Answer

Discuss specific research projects you've worked on, highlighting your role, the methodologies used, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize any relevant public health or policy analysis experience.

Example

“I worked on a project evaluating the effectiveness of a community health initiative. My role involved designing the study, collecting data through surveys, and analyzing the results using statistical software. The findings helped inform local health policy decisions.”

Software Proficiency

2. What statistical software are you proficient in, and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question assesses your technical skills and familiarity with tools relevant to the position.

How to Answer

Mention specific software you have used, such as Stata or R, and provide examples of how you applied these tools in your work, particularly in data analysis or visualization.

Example

“I am proficient in Stata, which I used extensively for data cleaning and analysis in my previous role. I conducted regression analyses to evaluate the impact of public health interventions, and I also created visualizations to present the findings to stakeholders.”

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

3. Describe a time when you made a mistake in your analysis. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your ability to learn from errors and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Be honest about a mistake you made, but focus on how you identified it, the steps you took to correct it, and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“During a data analysis project, I miscalculated a key metric due to a coding error. Once I realized the mistake, I immediately corrected the code, re-ran the analysis, and communicated the updated results to my team. This experience taught me the importance of thorough quality checks.”

Time Management

4. Can you describe a situation where you had to manage multiple deadlines? How did you prioritize your tasks?

This question assesses your time management skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a time when you had to juggle multiple projects, explaining how you prioritized tasks and ensured timely completion.

Example

“I was once tasked with completing two reports with overlapping deadlines. I created a detailed timeline, breaking down each report into manageable tasks. By prioritizing the most critical components and setting interim deadlines, I was able to submit both reports on time without compromising quality.”

Communication Skills

5. How do you ensure effective communication with team members and clients?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to communication, including how you keep stakeholders informed and how you handle feedback.

Example

“I prioritize clear and timely communication by setting regular check-ins with my team and clients. I also make it a point to document discussions and decisions, ensuring everyone is on the same page. When receiving feedback, I actively listen and incorporate suggestions to improve our work.”

Data Management

6. What experience do you have with data cleaning and quality assurance?

This question focuses on your technical skills in managing data integrity.

How to Answer

Describe your experience with data cleaning processes, the tools you used, and the importance of quality assurance in your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I was responsible for cleaning large datasets before analysis. I used Stata to identify and correct inconsistencies, such as missing values and outliers. Implementing quality assurance measures ensured that our analyses were based on reliable data, which was crucial for our research outcomes.”