After submitting my application online, I received an invitation to the Ford Foundation's selection process a few weeks later, which unfolded in five distinct stages. Initially, I had an interview with a headhunter, followed by a written exercise. Subsequently, there was an interview with the program officers, followed by sessions with directors from various teams. The culmination was a final meeting with the program director. The entire process was notably thorough and rigorous, adhering to a formal structure. The interview questions were a thoughtful mix of technical assessments and inquiries aimed at assessing my interpersonal skills and cultural fit.

Easy. Good conversation with a recruiter, followed up by my potential manager. HR was communicative every step of the way. There was some lag in response time towards the end, but otherwise a positive experience.