You may be good at working with business data, but when it comes to facing an interview, you inadvertently create a few mistakes. Then, you keep pondering on what went wrong in the interview and why haven’t the interviewer selected you despite holding requisite skills and experience. What deprived you of your selection in the way you have presented yourself. Not only you, it happens and is happening with all experienced analysts as well as those just starting out. It will help you if you can contemplate on what the interviewers look for. If you are a fresher, your knowledge of the latest analytical tools, statistical concepts, algorithms, and business issues will be tested. For experienced analysts, the interviewer may put questions related to case study. Anyway, whether you are taking analytics interview as a fresher or for a mid-level position below mentioned tips will help you to successfully crack the interview.
Few tips to prepare for "Analytics Interview".
- Technical Knowledge :
Since an analyst’s job is to process and prepare business data, he or she has to work with analytical tool, which is possible only after being proficient with it. This tool will help you import, manipulate, and read data in multiple formats. It is also used for merging data and heavy-duty data processing. So, before going for an interview, study analytical tools thoroughly and let the interviewers know how proficient you are in it. The main idea for testing your technical knowledge is to confirm whether you can comfortably work with business data required for analysis.
- Business Process Knowledge :
This question is asked to both freshers and experienced candidates to check their knowledge of business process. The interviewers will also be eager to know the type of roles you had in it. Answer this question by explaining the type of business problem your present or previous employer was facing and how you solved it. It could be incomplete or inaccurate technique followed for data processing or the wrong use of algorithm for developing the models. So examine the issues you faced and recollect the steps that you used to resolve them. Showing you abilities of solving issues is a good way to impress the interviewer.
- Structured Thinking :
Your ability to get into the root cause of problem is tested through this question. Since every judgment that you form must have a concrete base, it is essential to know about the structured thinking process. With this process, you can put unstructured problems according to a set of principals and ideas. It also helps you to define a structure using which you can recognize the areas that require more attention. If the structured thinking is poor, your analysis would be incomplete or have multiple flaws. You may even have to re-work on analysis from the starting. So, try putting problems into a structure and ensure that you are covering all the aspects. Analyze essential factor, data requirements, and find out tentative and permanent solutions to problems.
- Statistical Concepts :
You must have a good understanding of statistical concepts since it form a strong base for algorithms. Be prepared to answer questions on statistical concepts. Only if you are clear with this fundamental concepts, then only you would be able to analyze problems related to business data. So go back to the basics and revise on everything related to this topic. It will help you if you read model validation measures, outcomes on hypothesis testing, rejection criteria, etc. that are essential for the implementation of various algorithms.
- Problem Solving :
Recruiters always look for candidates who are good in solving problems related to business. They always want to pick such candidates who are smart enough to get out of the way and solve the issues. In order to prepare for this, review business case studies. Try to frame the problem, list the assumptions, keep them handy so that you don't falter while speaking. Be confident in describing the problem faced and the steps you took for data processing. Speak on the models your created using algorithm and results generated. In short, be prepared with challenges you faced and overcome.
- Communication Skills :
You will not be able to present your findings in a precise manner if you are not good in communication. Not just verbal, but you must also hold mastery over written communication. So improve your conversation skills by asking friends and relatives to take mock interviews. Try to find out easy and clear way to answer questions through verbal communication. Sometimes, it happens that though the candidate knows an answer, he or she is not able to speak because of poor communication. This also shakes their confidence and they fail to make the mark.
- Observation Skills :
Your ability to observe minor and major things, which may or not be related to business, are keenly observed by the interviewers. There is a possibility that they may give you a problem that could have been created impromptu and ask you to solve. So, how you approach the problem, your confidence, and your attention to details are judged.
- Team Player :
You cannot solve every problem on your own. Without support of the team, there is no way you can finish the given task in time. To check whether you are a team player, the interviewer will ask you questions that are based on real problems faced in the business. Their intention is to check your team-playing potential. So, describe about any specific problem that you encountered and how you took care of it working with the other team members.
There are many grounds on which individual can be checked during the interviews. Be prepared mentally and have all your statistical concepts clear. The thought process must be tension-free and open-minded. I will recommend you to let your thoughts move freely and at ease, your answers must come out naturally and not as if read from the books. If preparation is done properly, you can easily crack any analytics interview.
