Top Data Analyst Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Data Analyst interview by going through these most asked Data Analyst interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

Search Data Analyst Questions:


  • Question: Can you tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that gives you insight into how candidates present themselves. You want to hire someone who can sell themselves and who can be a good representative of your company.

    Sample Answer: I'm a data analyst with a background in mathematics and computer science. I'm a quick learner and have a knack for spotting patterns. I'm also very organized and detail-oriented.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to speak about strengths
    • - Ability to speak about weaknesses
    • - Ability to speak about accomplishments

  • Question: What do you think you need to improve?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that is often asked at the end of an interview. It gives you a chance to see how well candidates think on their feet and how they handle criticism.

    Sample Answer: I'm not as good at communicating with people as I'd like to be. I'm more comfortable with numbers and analysis. I know that's an important part of this job, so I'm working on it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to take criticism
    • - Ability to self-evaluate
    • - Ability to think on feet

  • Question: What is your opinion on current economic policy?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates react to a controversial topic. It can also be used to see how well they understand the economy.

    Sample Answer: I think the current economic policy is good because it has helped the economy grow and has created jobs. I think it could be improved by lowering taxes on small businesses and individuals.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Candidates' opinions
    • - Candidates' ability to defend opinions
    • - Candidates' ability to explain why they have those opinions

  • Question: What do you know about SQL?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to gauge a candidate's technical skills.

    Sample Answer: I know how to create tables and how to use them in queries. I also know how to create indexes and how to use them in queries.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Basic knowledge of SQL
    • - Knowledge of how to use SQL
    • - Knowledge of how to use SQL to solve problems

  • Question: Why do you think you are suitable for this job?
  • Question Overview: This question is a classic. It lets you see how well candidates sell themselves and how well they know the job.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in data analysis and I'm very familiar with the software you use. I've worked on projects similar to this one, and I know how to work with people. I'm also very good at finding patterns in data and communicating my results.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to sell self
    • - Knowledge of job
    • - Ability to speak with confidence

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a classic. It's a good way to see if candidates are familiar with the company and if they have done any research on the company.

    Sample Answer: I've been impressed with your company's commitment to the environment and sustainability. I think it's important for companies to be socially responsible. I'm also impressed with your commitment to employee training and development. I want to work for a company that values its employees.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company
    • - Ability to communicate why they want to work for you
    • - Knowledge of company's products/services

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic question that lets you assess how well candidates communicate. It also gives you insight into their self-awareness.

    Sample Answer: I'm a good communicator. I can explain complex topics in a way that people can understand. I'm also very organized and detail-oriented. I'm good at spotting patterns and trends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to speak about strengths
    • - Ability to speak about weaknesses
    • - Mention of soft skills

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
  • Question Overview: This question is a classic and is asked of every candidate. It is a way to see if candidates are realistic about their career goals and if they have a plan to get there.

    Sample Answer: I see myself as a data analyst in a growing company. I'd like to be able to work on more complex projects and have more opportunities for advancement.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - Plans to achieve those goals
    • - How the job fits into those plans

  • Question: How will you define an array?
  • Question Overview: This question tests how well candidates understand basic data structures. It also gives you insight into how they think.

    Sample Answer: An array is a collection of data elements that have the same data type and are stored contiguously in memory.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Correct definition
    • - Ability to explain why it is correct
    • - Ability to explain why other definitions are incorrect

  • Question: If a online shop is deciding to purchase or not purchase the BloomReach site search service, how would you help them to decide?
  • Question Overview: This question is similar to the previous one, but it is more specific. It also tests your ability to think on your feet.

    Sample Answer: I would look at the data on how many people use the site search and what they are searching for. I'd also look at the data on how many people use BloomReach and how much they are paying for it. I'd also look at the data on how many people use other site search services and how much they are paying for them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to identify variables/data segments
    • - Ability to communicate thought process
    • - Creativit

  • Question: Are you willing to relocate?
  • Question Overview: This question lets you know if the candidate is willing to relocate. It also gives you insight into how flexible the candidate is.

    Sample Answer: I am willing to relocate. I have moved several times in the past and have no problem with it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to relocate
    • - Flexibility
    • - Explanation of why relocating is not a problem

  • Question: How would you handle a heavy workload and conflicting priorities?
  • Question Overview: This is a question about prioritization and time management. You want to see how well candidates can juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

    Sample Answer: I would prioritize the tasks by importance and urgency. I'd also make sure that I was communicating with my manager and coworkers about the deadlines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to prioritize
    • - Ability to communicate
    • - Ability to work under pressure

  • Question: What is a good manager like in your opinion?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how candidates interact with others. It also reveals their values and what they think makes a good manager.

    Sample Answer: A good manager is someone who is able to communicate well and who is able to work with others. A good manager is also someone who can be a leader and who can motivate others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to communicate
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to be a leader

  • Question: How good are you at writing SQL queries?
  • Question Overview: This question is a way to assess basic SQL skills. It is also a way to see if candidates are familiar with the language of data analysis.

    Sample Answer: I'm very good at writing SQL queries. I use them all the time in my current job. I can also create databases in Access and make tables in Excel.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain SQL
    • - Ability to explain how SQL is used
    • - Ability to explain how SQL is used in the job ad

  • Question: What is your greatest strength?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic interview question that gives you insight into the candidate's self-awareness. It also lets you know what the candidate considers important.

    Sample Answer: My greatest strength is my ability to see the big picture. I can look at a problem and see how all the pieces fit together. I can also communicate my findings to others in a way that they can understand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Self-awareness
    • - Communication skills
    • - Creativity

  • Question: How will you write a code in C++ which receives a string and shifts all the vowels present in it, to the beginning.
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to test the candidate's knowledge of data structures and algorithms. It is also a good way to see how well candidates can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would create an array of characters and then loop through the string. I would check each character and if it was a vowel, I'd move it to the front of the array.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on feet
    • - Ability to explain code
    • - Ability to use logic

  • Question: How do you deal with boring tasks?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates handle monotonous work. It is also a way to see if they can prioritize and manage their time.

    Sample Answer: I try to find ways to make the work more interesting. For example, if I have to do a lot of data entry, I try to look for patterns in the data. I also try to find ways to automate the process.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to prioritize
    • - Ability to think of creative solutions
    • - Ability to communicate

  • Question: How did you hear about this position?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how well candidates network. It also gives you insight into how interested they are in the job.

    Sample Answer: I found out about this position through a friend who works at your company. I've been looking for a job for about three months. I'm really excited about the opportunity to work here.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Mention of a mutual contact
    • - How long they have been looking for a job
    • - How they found out about the company

  • Question: How have you made changes and productively in your previous positions?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how candidates have grown in their previous positions. It also gives you insight into how they handle change.

    Sample Answer: At my last job, I was hired to do data analysis for a new product. I was able to see the big picture and make recommendations on how to improve the product. I communicated my findings well and was proactive in suggesting ways to improve the product.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to see the big picture
    • - Ability to communicate
    • - Ability to be proactive

  • Question: When are you available for a phone screen?
  • Question Overview: This question is a formality. It lets the interviewer know that the candidate is still interested in the job.

    Sample Answer: I'm available for a phone screen on Thursday at 2 p.m. or anytime on Friday. My contact information is 555-555-5555 and my email address is [email protected]

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Time frame
    • - Availability
    • - Contact information