Vettika
Start free
Vettika

Data analyst first-round interview questions

A good analyst works out what a question really means, trusts data only after checking it, and tells people what to do with the answer. These questions test all three without a live coding exercise.

The questions

  1. 1Tell me about a time someone asked you for a number and you found they really needed something else. How did you work that out?Scores: Framing the question
  2. 2Walk me through an analysis you're proud of. What decision was it meant to help with?Scores: Framing the question
  3. 3Tell me about a time the data you were given turned out to be wrong or incomplete. How did you notice, and what did you do?Scores: Working with data
  4. 4Describe a result that surprised you. How did you check whether it was real?Scores: Working with data
  5. 5Tell me about a time you presented a finding people didn't want to hear. How did you explain it, and what happened?Scores: Explaining findings

The rubric

Framing the question
Works out what the business really needs before starting the analysis.
Listen for: They asked why the request existed, and they connected the work to a decision someone had to make.
Working with data
Checks data quality, picks a sound method, and spots results that look wrong.
Listen for: Concrete checks on the data, a healthy doubt about surprises, and honesty about limits.
Explaining findings
Turns analysis into a clear message that people can act on.
Listen for: A plain main message, tailored to the audience, that led to an action or a clear choice.
Run this interview free