Business Analyst Interview Tips

 

 

These are a few real world business analyst interview questions from a senior recruiter. We have provided her answers as to how best to answer them.  During a business analyst interview it’s important to remember to keep calm. It is just as much about you finding out more about the organization as they are finding out about you. Keep these in mind when training for a business analyst interview. Practice makes perfect so try to think about the types of questions they “could” ask.

 

 

 

Question 1: What interests you about this position?

When asked about what interests you the best way to respond is to describe the qualifications listed in the job posting, then connect them to your skills and experience. This way, the employer will see that you know about the job you're interviewing for (not everyone does) and that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job.

An example would be if you were interviewing for a Programmer / Analyst position. In that case, you would mention your interest in learning and excelling at new technologies, your experience in programming both new applications, and your interest in and your ability to problem solve. Mention getting to work with specific programs or products you will get to use. You want to show enthusiasm and a desire to have the job.

 

Question 2: Why Do You Want To Work For Our Company?

In most every interview you will attend its rare not to be asked this question.
The good news is that it’s an easy one to prepare for.
Most organizations want to employ people who are enthusiastic about the company and its products. It’s a good place to tell them why working for the company would be important to you and why you would fit in. List possible things you feel like you could bring to the table is hired.

It is a question designed to screen out candidates who aren’t serious about the organization or may be using it as a stop-gap, while they look for something better.

It’s also a chance to show any company research you have done. You can use this opportunity to add comments that show you understand the company’s position or products in the market; the role of its competitors and any challenges it may be facing.
Example Answer: “I enjoy my work and am proud of my profession. Your company produces a superior product/provides a superior service. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team."

 

Question 3: What challenges are you looking for from this position?

A good way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your business analyst skills and experience if you were hired for the job.
You can also mention that you are motivated by new challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the skills necessary to handle a challenging job.
If you can, provide specific examples of things you have accomplished in the past.

 

Question 4: What do you know about our Company?

Taking the time to research will help you make a good impression with how much you know about the company. This interview question is to see if you have done any prior company research before interviewing. You can do research by visiting the company website or look for articles regarding any accomplishments or awards the company received. Visit social networking sites and read some posts and what others have said. Don’t try to “suck-up” by mentioning every little detail, but enough to show that you understand the organization.

 

Question 5: What have you been doing since your previous job?

Sometimes there can be an employment gap on your resume, so the interviewer will probably ask you what you have been doing since you have been out of work.
Have an answer prepared, but be honest. You will want to let the interviewer know that you have been busy and active, regardless of whether you were out of work by choice, or otherwise.
As I said, it doesn't really matter what you did, as long as you have an explanation.  Employers understand that people lose their jobs – it can happen to anyone – and it's not always easy to find a new job fast. Also, there are legitimate non-employment reasons for being out of the work.

 

Question 6: Why did you choose this particular career path?

Sometimes in interviews, you will be asked questions that lend themselves to be answered vaguely or with lengthy explanations. Direct your answer in a way that connects you with the position and company, be succinct and support your answer with appropriate specific examples.

Conclusion: Your answer needs to convince the interviewer that your experience and skills are exactly what they are looking for. They want to know if you have a realistic view of what it is like to work in their industry. Show them that the position and your career goals are in sync.

 

Question 7: Where do you see yourself beyond this job?

Don’t fall into the trap of specifying certain job titles.  Keep it natural and explain the job progression you see as plausible. How should this position grow for the good of the organization? Then turn your attention once again to the specific position at hand. If you seem too interested in what lies beyond this job, the interviewer could assume that you won't stick around for long.

 

Question 8: Why do you think this organization would keep your interest for the long haul?

Offer proof that you already or previously had interest in the business. What excites you about the company? Do you have projects in mind that you could see down the road? Mention specific reasons again why you would be a good fit for the position and are not in it for just the pay check.

 

Question 9: Tell us about yourself?

This is another standard interview question about getting to know you better. Don’t take it as an opportunity to ramble on. If you are not sure how to answer you could ask if there is a specific instance they would like you to speak on.  You can mention what you like to do outside of work or other hobbies you wish to divulge. Keep it short and sweet.

 

Question 10: Who was your best boss and who was the worst?

 

This is a tough one and can be answered in many different ways. It’s best to keep it simple and to the point. You can explain you learned from each boss you had. From the good ones I learned what to do, and be effective; from the challenging ones – I learned what not to do. You don’t have to go into specifics and its best to never bad mouth a former employer.