Interview practice

Data Analyst

2–5 years · Mid — SQL · Excel · Power BI / Tableau · Statistics · Python · Stakeholder reporting

0–2 years 2–5 years 5–8 years 8+ years
scenario Data Analysis Trade-offs 1 of 6
You are asked to provide insights from a large dataset, but the deadline is tight. You need to balance depth of analysis with the time available. How do you prioritise?
What a strong answer covers

Defines the key questions stakeholders want answered; selects the most relevant subset of data; employs summary statistics and visualisations for quick insights; communicates assumptions and limitations clearly; schedules a follow-up for deeper analysis post-deadline.

The follow-up you would get

After delivering the initial insights, stakeholders want more detailed analysis. How do you manage their expectations?

Could you have answered that?
technical Statistical Analysis 2 of 6
You are tasked with determining whether there is a statistically significant difference in conversion rates between two marketing campaigns. What steps do you take to conduct this analysis?
What a strong answer covers

Defines null and alternative hypotheses; selects the appropriate statistical test, such as a t-test or chi-square test; checks assumptions for normality and variance; calculates p-values; interprets results in the context of confidence intervals.

The follow-up you would get

What actions do you take if the sample size is too small to draw conclusions?

Could you have answered that?
technical Data Transformation 3 of 6
You need to transform a dataset in Python to format date fields correctly and handle timezone discrepancies. What steps do you take?
What a strong answer covers

Uses pandas to convert date strings to datetime objects; applies timezone-aware transformations; checks for consistency across date formats; handles missing or ambiguous dates; documents the transformation process for reproducibility.

The follow-up you would get

What if you encounter a date format that pandas does not recognise?

Could you have answered that?
scenario Stakeholder Communication 4 of 6
You uncover a finding that suggests a strategy your company has been following is ineffective. The stakeholders are heavily invested in it. How do you present this?
What a strong answer covers

Prepares the data clearly and concisely; uses visualisations to enhance understanding; anticipates questions and objections; frames the findings in terms of potential opportunities for improvement; offers actionable recommendations alongside the findings.

The follow-up you would get

One stakeholder insists the data is wrong because it contradicts their experience. How do you handle this situation?

Could you have answered that?
technical Database Access Patterns 5 of 6
An analysis requires retrieving data from multiple tables across a complex database schema. How do you ensure efficient access to the necessary data?
What a strong answer covers

Analyses the schema to identify relationships and dependencies; uses proper indexing strategies; limits the dataset with WHERE clauses to reduce the result set size; utilises subqueries or CTEs for complex joins; tests query performance before final execution.

The follow-up you would get

What if the query performance is still unsatisfactory after optimisation?

Could you have answered that?
technical Data Presentation 6 of 6
You have created a dashboard in Power BI that displays a key performance indicator (KPI) which stakeholders believe is not accurately representing the data. How do you approach verifying your findings?
What a strong answer covers

Revisits the data source to ensure accuracy; checks the DAX calculations for errors; validates the aggregation methods used in visuals; compares results with raw data; engages with the stakeholders to clarify their expectations and definitions.

The follow-up you would get

What if the stakeholders insist on their interpretation despite your findings?

Could you have answered that?
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