I applied online. I interviewed at FocusEconomics (Barcelona) in Nov 2025
Interview
The interview process is split into three phases.
During the technical test the staff was extremely unprofessional: during the entirety of it two employees were sitting next to me chatting about their personal life, where they wanted to go for lunch etc. they did not consider my presence nor cared that they were being loud.
At the end of the recruitment process I received the email saying that I was rejected at the last stage. I emailed them in response to this to receive some feedback and I was completely ignored.
I do not recommend going through their application process
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Interpretation of economic variables, understanding of economic trends
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at FocusEconomics (Barcelona) in Jan 2025
Interview
FocusEconomics regularly posts job openings, such as the Junior Economist role, without any real intention of hiring. The same position appears month after month, e.g. this year in January, February and April, yet no one is ever selected. Candidates go through 5+ interview rounds only for the vacancy to be cancelled in the end. This practice wastes applicants’ time and creates a false impression that the company is growing. If candidates are unsuitable, they should be informed earlier in the process. Stay away from FocusEconomics in Barcelona.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
HR interview
Two Excel tests involving real life macro data.
What do you think is the work our company do?
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
What can a central bank do to tackle high inflation?
Was contacted by two people in the HR department to schedule my interview and when I repplied with my availability, I heard no response from either. What's more is the second person contacted me two weeks after their colleague has first contacted me about the interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Q: Why Focus Economics?
Q: Why are you interested in this position?