Common Interview Questions for Data Analysts

Below are common interview questions specifically for data analyst roles. These are a combination of questions I've been asked and questions I've seen from others in my network. These are in no particular order.

1. Can you tell us about your experience with data analysis?

2. How do you approach a data analysis problem?

3. How did you learn [tool]?

4. What's your experience with statistical analysis?

5. How familiar are you with SQL?

6. Can you walk us through your project?

7. What tools are you familiar with for data analysis?

8. Can you explain a business problem you solved using data analysis?/Can you give an example of how you have used data to make a business decision?

9. What's your experience with data visualization and creating dashboards?

10. Can you explain a data analysis project you led from start to finish?

11. Can you describe a situation where you had to analyze large amounts of data?

12. Tell us about a time when you had to identify a problem with data and how you solved it.

13. Can you describe a project where you had to work with others to complete a data analysis task?

14. How do you approach a data visualization? (talking about principles, design, choice of charts, etc.)

15. Can you tell us about a situation where you had to present data findings to a group of stakeholders?

16. How do you approach data cleaning and preparation?

17. Can you explain a technical challenge you faced while working with data and how you overcame it?

18. Can you give an example of how you have used SQL to retrieve data for analysis?

19. How would you investigate/approach [specific question about companies database]? E.g. How would you investigate the sales performance at our company?

20. Can you tell us about a time when you had to use data visualization tools to present results?

21. Tell me about a time when you had to use multiple data sources to answer a question.

22. Can you describe a situation where you had to gather data from multiple sources for analysis?

23. How do you ensure the accuracy and quality of the data you use for analysis?

24. Can you give an example of how you have used data to solve a complex problem?

25. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work with large datasets and how you managed it?

26. Can you give an example of a data analysis project where you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams?

27. Can you tell us about a time when you had to explain technical data analysis results to non-technical stakeholders?

28. What kind of documentation do you create?

29. When was the last skill/tool you learned for data analytics? Why did you pick it?

30. How would you a handle a situation where you deliver a dashboard and the user feels like you missed something with the visuals?

Thanks Ian Klosowicz and Abigail Hengeveld for their posts about interview questions. View Ian Klosowicz's post here and Abigail Hengeveld's post here.