In the Applying for a Technology Full-Time Job blog post, I wrote about how I landed my analytics full-time role. While landing a job was the highlight, getting to that point was difficult. In this blog post, I will share what an analytical interview is, the type of questions to expect in analytics interviews, how I prepared for interviews, and some interview tips. So, what is an analytical interview? It is an interview where the interviewee is evaluated on being able to analyze problems, come up with potential solutions, and communicate effectively. The interviewee is assessed on how well they think through the problem they are solving.
Getting an interview was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I imagined getting the job but also considered that I could fail the interviews. I even told my friend that I would likely fail to ace my interviews. I concluded that the first interview experience was to get familiar with the process and then leverage learnings for future interviews. I convinced myself that it was too hard to get the job as a way to protect myself just in case things didn’t work out. I couldn’t be more wrong since I landed the job on the first try. My advice when interviewing is to believe in yourself and be confident.
After emailing the recruiter and getting scheduled for the first interview i.e. recruiter phone screen I got to work. Below are the ways I prepared for different types of interviews:
- Recruiter phone screen: I made sure that I could speak to everything on my resume i.e. education, internships, volunteer experiences, etc. I practiced answering questions using the STAR approach i.e. Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Additionally, I brushed up on databases, statistics, probability, and practiced interview questions on Glassdoor. I practiced writing SQL using w3schools and leetcode.
- Analytical screen and Analytical onsite: I practiced framing problems, flexibility, and adaptability when answering questions in response to new information. I focussed on the important aspects of the questions I was answering and ensured I communicated effectively. I used Glassdoor to practice problems.
- Technical screen and Technical onsite: Firstly, I brushed up on data manipulation, database fundamentals, and SQL concepts. I practiced SQL questions using w3schools and leetcode. Additional resources include SQLZOO, HackerRank, and Glassdoor (great for seeing past interview questions).
- Execution/Behavioral onsite: I focussed on having stories to share on how I work cross-functionally influencing different people while partnering to deliver outcomes. I had examples of how I build and maintain relationships, manage conflicting priorities, prioritize and solve complex problems. I also practiced sharing situations where I navigated challenges, for example pushing back.
- Applied Data: My preparation involved brushing up on statistics and probability as well as practicing interview questions on Glassdoor. I ensured that given a situation I was able to understand the product, figure out what’s important, come up with metrics to measure, test hypotheses, analyze data, set metrics/goals, and influence people to adopt my recommendations.
Fortunately, I managed to pass my analytics interview and land a full-time analytics role. Throughout the interview process, I learned that doing well in an analytics interview means being able to think through problems, frame, evaluate options, propose solutions, and give recommendations while communicating effectively. One of the most important things I did about preparing for interviews was doing mock interviews with friends who were working in the industry. Mock interviews were great because they mimicked the interview conditions.
Pro-tip : Get the Ace The Data Science Interview and use it to prepare.
- Carefully review the job description to understand the specific skills and qualifications that your potential company is seeking. Use this information to tailor your interview preparations to what your potential employer is looking for.
- Always ask clarifying questions: Never answer a question before first ensuring you understand what’s being asked.
- Ensure you have examples to back your claims.
- Ensure your resume is updated and that you can speak to anything on your resume when called upon.
- Be able to tell a story to both technical and non-technical speakers or someone hearing about your analysis for the first time.
- Communicate effectively.
- Perform research on your potential employer and be able to speak to why that employer, products owned by the employer, things you could do to make the company better, what you like about the company, etc. Leverage the company’s website, social media, publications, and company reviews.
- Be personable
- Always be prepared to ask questions to your interviewer. This will show your interest and curiosity about the role and/or company.
- Thank your interviewers and recruiters.
If you are interviewing, I wish you good luck. If you are interested in learning how to ace your case study interview please refer to this blog by Persie!
