I applied online. The process took 6 months. I interviewed at World Bank Group
No offer
Negative experience
Easy interview
Application
I applied through an employee referral. The process took 12 months. I interviewed at World Bank Group (Washington, DC) in Sep 2015
Interview
Applying at The World Bank was the worst job-seeking experience I have ever had. The process was extremely slow and poorly managed. I was kept on a string for 12 months (on-going), from WB contacting me, to now where The World Bank has most likely hired someone else, but still has me “short-listed” for the position.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Strangely specific questions about what theoretical frameworks I used on projects 7 or 8 years ago.
Terrible and broken process. Serious flaws exist in IFC's recruitment policy and implementation.
Interviews:
For senior roles it's a massively flawed process.
I was shortlisted for 2 roles. I did 4-5 rounds of panel interviews with about 10 people. Most panelist were bored to death and didn't want to be there as they announced in the beginning that they would leave in 10 mins. Panelist were themselves unclear about the role and each gave different perspective. Seemed to be that hey were randomly assigned to participate in interviews just like jury duty. There was a lack of ownership or commitment to the process typical of large bureaucracies.
A 30 minute video interview with 4-6 people is like speed dating. It barely allowed the panel to evaluate my skills or vice versa. Most questions were get to know questions even after 3 rounds.
Seems that IFC randomly throws bodies at interview panels. Also, there is no sense of progression over rounds which is frustrating for senior roles. Even in the 3rd round I was answering basic questions. No Hiring manager was introduced or identified.
Process:
The job title changed during the process for 2 roles! Seems like this is typical of IFC. Role started as Upstream and changed to Operations after 3 months and ended up as Investment.
Additionally, after 3 rounds of interviews and speaking to 10 people, I got an email saying :
" Following an initial screening of your qualifications, we regret to inform you that you have not been selected for an interview."
I am still awaiting a response on the 2nd role.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The questions are essentially about my past experience and investment or thematic recommendations to IFC in the proposed role.