I applied for the role at the end of February. I heard back around two weeks later (early/mid-March). The recruiter wanted to schedule a screening call with me, which I scheduled for 3 days later. On the day of my screening, I did not get a call from my recruiter at the time scheduled so I emailed them. They said they did call me, but it never showed up on my call log. Anyway, we were able to resolve that matter minutes later, although the recruiter did sound a bit annoyed on call (I may have overthought it). I was asked typical screening questions (strengths/weaknesses/why us and this role). I did not hear back until almost 4 weeks later (did not move forward). And this was with me sending a weekly follow-up email after the screening. They might have still be doing screenings during the that time, but I also feel like... 4 weeks of silence? Come on...

Interviews were fairly consistent with other DC-based think tanks. However, I would highly recommend that HR be the intermediary between the candidate and the organization. The better half of the rejection letter I received was devoted to what was tantamount to a scolding over alleged missing materials (that were entirely optional and something that I offered on my own volition). The Director accused me of lacking motivation, commitment, and accused me of being unreliable. I promptly showed her that I had in fact submitted the materials she was referencing the morning after my interview. Regardless if I hadn't, being spoken to in such an appalling manner is nothing short of unacceptable. One wonders how she reacts when she misses an email from her subordinates. Very disappointing from such a lofty institution.