What is the hiring process at NASA?

Administrative jobs with NASA are also very competitive and have a high volume of qualified candidates. All of these factors point to the hiring process being extensive and long.

You can apply for a job with NASA on its website or through a third-party career website. When you are called back by a recruiter, they set up an initial phone screening.

If you pass the phone screening, you enter the interview phase which consists of many different interviews with team members and department heads.

Many of the interviews conducted will be panel interviews, where you are asked questions by a group of interviewers. In some of these, you may be asked to give a presentation on your past work, achievements, innovations, and theories.

Here are some questions to expect in your interviews with NASA:

• Tell us about your special skills and/or qualifications.

• Please go through your degrees and certifications.

• Please take us through your Ph.D. dissertation.

• How many years have you been in your field?

• Describe any technical innovations you have been associated with in the fields of aerospace, mission support, rocket propulsion, or engineering.

• Tell us about the previous companies you've worked for. What did you contribute to those positions that were crucial?

• Do you have specific experience in the aerospace or engineering industries?

• Why should we hire you over another candidate?

NASA prefers candidates that have government contract experience.

After the interview phase, NASA performs a thorough background check. You are also requested to take a drug test.

The entire hiring process at NASA is months long, with the average time being between three and six months.