Common business analyst interview questions

Common business analyst interview questions

You never know what you will be asked on a job interview. The following sample of interview questions for business analyst will help you prepare. You need to be able to answer all questions truthfully and professionally. Here are the business analyst interview questions:

Q. Can you tell me why are you considering leaving your present job?
A. Regardless of the reason, do not bad mouth your current employer. Negativism will always hurt you. Good answers include: “There is no room for growth at my current employer. I am looking for a company with long term growth opportunities”. “Due to a company restructuring, my entire department is relocating to Florida. I was give the option of moving, but do not wish to relocate”. “My current company is not doing well, and has been laying off employees. There is no job security there, and more layoffs are expected”.

Q. How do you handle stress and pressure?
A. “I find that I work better under pressure, and I enjoy working in an environment that is challenging.” “I am the type of person that diffuses stress. I am used to working in a demanding environment with deadlines, and enjoy the challenges.”

Q. We have met several business analyst’s. Why are you the one we should hire?
A. Give definite examples of your skills and accomplishments. Be positive, and emphasize how your background matches the job description. Mention any software packages and spreadsheet software you are familiar with. Also let them know if you have advanced knowledge of any of the software.

Q. What do you know about our company?
A. This question is used to see if you have prepared for the interview. Candidates that have researched the company are more appealing. Companies like prepared, organized candidates.

Q. What are your greatest strengths?
A. Be positive and honest. “My greatest strength is maximizing the efficiency of my staff. I have successfully lead numerous teams on difficult projects. I have an excellent ability to identify and maximize each of my staffs strengths.” Give examples.

Q. Tell me about your greatest weakness?
A. It is very important to give a strength that compensates for your weakness. Make your weakness into a positive. “I consider myself a 'big picture' person. I sometimes skip the small details. For this reason, I always have someone on my team that is very detail oriented.” Another good answer: “Sometimes, I get so excited and caught up in my work that I forget that my family life should be my number one priority.”

Q. What are your goals for the future?
A. “My long term goals are to find a company where I can grow, continue to learn, take on increasing responsibilities, and be a positive contributor”.

Hopefully these typical business analyst interview questions will help you. It is important to customize the answers for your specific background and experience.

Now that we have gone over the interview questions for business analyst, you need to be aware of important resources that can make your job search easier and more thorough.

Today there is a demand for data analysts in the market, even more than that of programmers and software developers. The demand for data analysts is very high all across the United States.

Qualifications

To be an ideal candidate for the job of data analyst, you need to have knowledge and experience in analyzing the market environment, and should be a graduate in any field related to statistics. You also need to be well versed in Excel, SAS, SPSS, Swindon or Gloucester.

Skills

Data analysis requires intensive research work. A data analyst should also have strong problem solving skills. The main skill required by a data analyst is to extract information related to a topic from raw data. Therefore, you should possess abilities with reference to data mining, data mapping and data warehousing. Data tracking and identifying the trends and patterns in the marketplace are very important tools in the hands of a data analyst.

Statistical and mathematical knowledge is also required. You also need to have knowledge in specialized data management software, and should be able to analyze data statistically, and have the ability to generate reports, and audit and validate them. This will help to analyze the data accurately, which in turn will produce the report according to client requirements.

Other skills required are verbal and writing skills, along with data interpretation and presentation skills.

What Does A Data Analyst Do?

A data analyst is a person who has to search for information related to the particular requirements of a client. Therefore, you must have the ability to question yourself in relation to the content of a topic. You then have to keep researching until an appropriate solution is found. You have to discover the source of the original data and be able to evaluate it.

You should be able to compare data statistically and provide appropriate solutions. Therefore, as a data analyst you have to refer to a large number of data sources and work on your reporting skills, so that you can present it in a simple and effective manner. You also have to audit the report, and the report has to be presentable and appealing to the client.

Job Titles

Junior Data Analyst: A junior analyst searches for the appropriate data and provide sufficient material to be analyzed. They have to prepare statistical diagrams and flowcharts.

Senior Data Analyst: A senior analyst has to consult and communicate with the client. He/she has to prepare the final report and present it.

Data Analysis Project Manager: Duties include project organization and methodology. The project manager has to audit the reports and make sure that they fulfill the needs of the client

Since all these are specialized skills, which are in great demand in today's technological world, data analysts have high growth prospects. If you have the required qualifications and skills, and are keenly interested in pursuing a career in this field, then being a data analyst is a good option for you.