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Business Analyst Interview Questions

Business analyst duties vary from company to company, but there are many questions you'll inevitably hear when interviewing for this position. Overall, a business analyst is someone who helps organizations improve their processes and make the most profitable business decisions through data analysis and insights. An interviewer is looking for evidence of problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, negotiating, technical, and analytical skills.

Top Business Analyst Questions & How to Answer

Question 1

Question #1: What do you think are the core competencies of a business analyst?

How to answer
How to answer: Interviewers ask this to determine whether or not an applicant understands the skills and qualities necessary for success in the role. Your answer should include examples of both hard and soft skills (strong aptitude for numbers, analytical skills, clear communication, problem-solving, etc.) and mirror the requirements listed in the job description.
Question 2

Question #2: How do you stay current with general business trends?

How to answer
How to answer: Your response to this question is intended to show the interviewer how self-motivated and driven you are. An applicant who takes initiative outside of the workplace to improve their skills will leave a lasting impression. Include everything from reading the news each morning to attending conferences.
Question 3

Question #3: What's your typical project approach?

How to answer
How to answer: The hiring manager asks this to get a feel for your overall understanding of the analysis planning process. When answering, don't just list projects and processes. Instead, discuss the types of opportunities you might create, and let the interviewer know you're able to customize your approach to suit individual projects.

68,909 business analyst interview questions shared by candidates

The second case was much more complex: (1) Qualitatively analyze two different online application methods--their potential strengths and weaknesses. (2) You're given values and asked to determine which method is more profitable. (3) You're asked to determine if the relationship between the two methods and their respective profit rates are contingent on volume.' (4) Different values are given to you in which case it becomes evident that the profitability of each method varies with volume. (5) You're asked to explain the situation qualitatively--why profitability is changing with volume for the two methods. (6) You're asked to quantitatively determine the volume at which there's a shift in profitability between the two measures. (7) If you're unable to immediately set up the system of equations, the interviewer will ask you to draw out the relationships on a graph. (8) You're asked to determine whether the relationships are linear or nonlinear. If you draw the relationships correctly, you're supposed to be able to determine how to set up the system of equations. (9) Once you figure out the value for Q where the profitability of the two options shift, you're asked to determine a strategy over a specific period of time where you know, before the fact, what the volume will be.
avatar

Business Analyst

Interviewed at Capital One

3.6★
Apr 23, 2014

The second case was much more complex: (1) Qualitatively analyze two different online application methods--their potential strengths and weaknesses. (2) You're given values and asked to determine which method is more profitable. (3) You're asked to determine if the relationship between the two methods and their respective profit rates are contingent on volume.' (4) Different values are given to you in which case it becomes evident that the profitability of each method varies with volume. (5) You're asked to explain the situation qualitatively--why profitability is changing with volume for the two methods. (6) You're asked to quantitatively determine the volume at which there's a shift in profitability between the two measures. (7) If you're unable to immediately set up the system of equations, the interviewer will ask you to draw out the relationships on a graph. (8) You're asked to determine whether the relationships are linear or nonlinear. If you draw the relationships correctly, you're supposed to be able to determine how to set up the system of equations. (9) Once you figure out the value for Q where the profitability of the two options shift, you're asked to determine a strategy over a specific period of time where you know, before the fact, what the volume will be.

EnergyOne is going to consider investing in renewables, and they're testing out solar energy. The cost to setup a solar generator is $12.5M, and there are no variable costs. It is expected that 75% of the year is consists of sunny days, at which the solar generator can produce 150,000 MWh. The other 25% of the year is not sunny, and the solar generator can produce 50,000 MWh. How long would it take EnergyOne to be profitable?
avatar

Senior Business Analyst

Interviewed at Capital One

3.6★
May 10, 2021

EnergyOne is going to consider investing in renewables, and they're testing out solar energy. The cost to setup a solar generator is $12.5M, and there are no variable costs. It is expected that 75% of the year is consists of sunny days, at which the solar generator can produce 150,000 MWh. The other 25% of the year is not sunny, and the solar generator can produce 50,000 MWh. How long would it take EnergyOne to be profitable?

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