Business Intelligence Analyst Interview Questions

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What coursework did you complete in your degree program that qualifies you as a business intelligence analyst? See answer
Did you complete an internship with a firm that does business intelligence analysis? See answer
How many years of experience do you have as a business intelligence analyst, and how many of those years were you in a managerial role? See answer
If hired as a business intelligence analyst, would you agree to participate in industry seminars? See answer
What would you do if you made a recommendation to company stakeholders and they rejected your ideas outright? See answer
What aspects of your certification as a business intelligence analyst makes you an invaluable asset to our company?
As a business intelligence analyst, you’ll need to use complex data mining and modeling processes to interpret various metrics. What kinds of data modeling software are you familiar with?
What are some of the common areas of revenue loss in our industry and what recommendations would you make to limit financial losses in those areas?
What is your process for validating the accuracy and integrity of the data you collect from customers?
Which type of systems development life cycle do you think would work best with our company and why?
What is the role of user acceptance testing in data analysis? What would you do if you received negative feedback from users during this phase of data collection?
As a business intelligence analyst, you’ll be responsible for presenting complex technical concepts to board members who may not understand the meaning of different data sets. What kinds of charts and graphs do you find most helpful when explaining data trends?
How would you avoid selection bias, exposure bias and sampling bias when mining data?
How do you use data to identify business risks and prevent them from actualizing?
How would you encourage cross-departmental collaboration when collecting data for an Agile software development project?

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6 Business Intelligence Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What coursework did you complete in your degree program that qualifies you as a business intelligence analyst?

A:

Business intelligence analysts complete at least an undergraduate degree in business administration, economics, IT, data science or engineering. The candidate isn’t required to have an advanced degree to qualify for the position. However, courses that develop a keen eye for details and risk mitigation and strategies for improving sales volumes are an asset in an applicant.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience with data collection and analysis
Familiarity with accounting software used most often
Completion of courses such as data mining, visualization and data architecture

Example:

“I completed data mining strategies, database design and data visualization courses, which are paramount for analyzing business data and improving the company’s profitability.”

Q:

Did you complete an internship with a firm that does business intelligence analysis?

A:

You need someone who understands the importance of the fundamentals of becoming a business intelligence analyst. Candidates that complete internships learn the industry from the ground floor and work with teams during their program. They gain experience while still completing their college degree programs. Those who completed internships learned, under the supervision of a seasoned professional, how to collect data through information systems and use it to improve business practices and increase profits.

What to look for in an answer:

A working knowledge of business intelligence analysis
Ability to work well with teams
Understanding of the basics of analytical processes

Example:

“I completed an internship with a firm that analyzed data for business improvement to gain experience in the field, and I completed team-based projects.”

Q:

Do you feel that certification as a business intelligence analyst makes you an invaluable asset to our company?

A:

Someone who believes continuing their education is a vital part of preparing for their career is an invaluable asset. The candidate continues to look for new ways to learn how to work in the industry and wants you to know that they are well-versed in analytical practices. They’ve completed three complex tests to achieve certification. By passing, they show you that they have mastered skills in IT, data warehousing, data analysis and design.

What to look for in an answer:

Higher proficiency level with information and data systems
Experience with data warehousing and mining
Skills in data analysis and design

Example:

“Certification provides evidence that I have a higher than average proficiency for key attributes of a business intelligence analyst and that I have mastered the necessary skills set.”

Q:

How many years of experience do you have as a business intelligence analyst, and how many of those years were you in a managerial role?

A:

Someone who meets the minimum qualifications for a business intelligence analyst and has at least two years working in a managerial role is someone to consider. This question helps you ensure that the candidate is well-versed in business intelligence analysis practices and has the skills required to lead a team to complete complex analytical projects. They will be an asset to your company and familiar with the procedures and technology used to complete the job duties.

What to look for in an answer:

At least eight years working in the industry
Managerial practice as a business intelligence analyst
Exhibition of project management skills

Example:

“As a business intelligent analyst, I have 10 years of experience, and I have four years of experience managing analytical projects.”

Q:

If hired as a business intelligence analyst, would you agree to participate in industry seminars?

A:

Seasoned professional business intelligence analysts have a history of leading seminars pertaining to their work in the industry. You want a candidate who will be an asset to your company and who will help you educate new talent with an interest in the field. They will have a strong worth ethic and value education. They should be able to assist your company when training new hires and acquisitions in new practices used in the industry, including the use of new technological tools.

What to look for in an answer:

Confidence in oneself
Experience presenting analytical practices to future leaders
Public speaking skills

Example:

“Yes, I have experience leading business intelligence analysis seminars and educating the future leaders of the industry. I believe in continuing my education to provide more updated information to attendees.”

Q:

What would you do if you made a recommendation to company stakeholders and they rejected your ideas outright?

A:

Business intelligence analysts are responsible for consulting on technical business decisions, providing company leaders with their assessment of a company's data management strategies. Executives may not always agree with the business intelligence analyst's perspective on a situation, so candidates should be able to find different ways to approach problems. This question can show interviewers how candidates adapt to the needs of leaders and stakeholders and advocate for their ideas.

A good answer may feature:

Requesting feedback
Considering multiple perspectives
Offering alternatives

Here is one response to this interview question:

Example:

"I'd start by asking questions about their concern with my approach so I could understand the obstacles that they were anticipating. Whether I'm able to convince them to consider my ideas or not, I want to be able to recommend solutions that work for them, so feedback on my ideas is essential."

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