Những câu hỏi phỏng vấn "Open-Ended (Cảm tính)" dành cho Business Analyst

Question 1: “What motivated you to pursue a career as a business analyst?”

Comment: This is a common business analyst interview question that interviewers use to get an understanding of your interests and career goals. This is a great opportunity for you to speak to your academic pursuits and any related jobs that you’ve held.

Suggested Answer: “One of the main reasons I want to be a business analyst is because I like to be able to see a direct relationship between my efforts and the company’s success. In my summer work term, I was able to improve the company’s operational efficiencies resulting in a cost savings of 2%.”

Question 2: “Why are you interested in this company?”

Comment: Your interviewer knows you’re probably interviewing with other companies, but she wants to know, “Why us?” This is your chance to demonstrate a genuine interest in the company and opportunity by showing off what you know. This is a common business analyst interview question that you can prepare for ahead of time by doing your research. Recent company news and the company website are a great place to start to prepare an answer like the following:

Suggested Answer: “I want to work for this company because I associate with your commitment to sustainability. Working for a company that has a genuine commitment to sustainable practices has always been a goal for me, and I know I would conduct my work with the same approach.”

Question 3: “What do you think are the key strengths of a business analyst?”

Comment: Your answer to this question should show your interviewer that you understand what skills and abilities are necessary for success. A good answer to strength and weakness interview questions should include some examples of the hard and soft skills necessary in your profession:

Suggested Answer: “Technical skills like a strong aptitude for numbers and an ability to quickly pick up new systems and technology are key, but so are people skills like communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills.”

Question 4: “What is your biggest achievement?”

Comment: You might consider winning an eating competition to be your greatest achievement, but keep your answer to this question work-related. Tell a story about a recent work success that shows the interviewer what benefits you’ll bring to the company. A good answer contains a problem and your solution such as the following.

Suggested Answer: “In my previous position, I identified a major issue with inventory control. The system wasn’t keeping close enough track, and the company was short on product each month. By investigating 12 months of previous data, I was able to identify the problem and implement a new control measure which allowed us to track products more closely. From that point forward, inventory was no longer an issue.”

 

Question 5: “Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline?”

Comment: This is one of the more difficult business analyst interview questions to answer. No one likes to talk about their failures. The good news is that the interviewer knows you’re not perfect—no one is. Use the STAR method to highlight what you learned from your failure. Note that a good answer to this question has a few essential elements: tell a story, acknowledge your responsibility, don’t blame others, and don’t select too large a failure.

 

Suggested Answer: “In my final year of college, I had two papers due the same week. I accidentally confused the due dates, and one paper ended up being submitted early, and the other late. It was an easy mistake to make, but I should have been more on top of my deadline. I was otherwise a great student, so I spoke to my instructor about the missed deadline, and he was kind enough to only deduct 10% from my grade instead of 20%. From that point forward, I made a point to note all deadlines in my calendar, and I still do that with projects to this day.”

 

 

Question 6: “Can you tell me about your experience working directly with clients?”

Comment: One of the main functions of a business analyst is to work with clients to help them achieve process improvements—whether that’s product design, operational functionality, or team efficiency. When answering this question, keep in mind that clients can be internal or external.

 

You might answer something like this: “My previous role was focused on finding production efficiencies. My internal client was the head of manufacturing. I really enjoy working with clients to understand their pain points and creating solutions to solve those issues. Seeing those solutions implemented, and the resulting business improvements are very rewarding”.

 

Question 7: “What is your greatest weakness?”

Comment: This question is similar to the business analyst interview question on failure in the sense that the interviewer knows you have a weakness and wants to see you confront it. In answering this question, it’s best to focus on a non-essential skill, highlight skills you have improved, and turn a negative into a positive like the following sample answer:

 

Answer: “I used to like to work very linearly and focus on one project at a time. This sometimes presented difficulties with taking on new work. I recently developed some organizational practices that allow me to work on multiple projects at once. I have found that this allows me to share learnings across projects and be more creative in my work.”

 

Question 8: “Can you tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone to accept your decision?”

Comment: In answering this question, you want to highlight your ability to influence others. Choose an example where your decision was clearly correct based on data, not opinion. 

 

Here’s how: “In my current position, a vendor contract was up for renewal, and we had to decide whether to continue with them or evaluate other vendors. While most people wanted to stay with the current vendor, I knew they hadn’t been providing particularly good service. To support my argument, I provided a brief summary of the vendor’s cost and service record compared with other providers. With this evidence, I was able to convince others to select a new vendor, improving the service we received and saving the company money.”

 

Question 9: “How do you stay up-to-date on general business knowledge and trends?”

Comment: In asking this question, the interviewer is trying to assess whether you’re self-motivated and driven enough to take actions to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date outside of your regular day-to-day activities. Your answer could include reference to industry publications, news, and conferences or events.

 

Suggested answer: “I start my day by checking my news app over my morning coffee. I also set Google Alerts for things that I’m specifically interested in such as financial news. I also try to attend at least a couple networking events or conferences each year to keep connected with the business community.”

 

Question 10: “What sets you apart from other business analysts that we’re interviewing for this position?”

Comment: This is your time to shine! Don’t hold back. Tell the interviewer about any skills or experience that make you special.

 

Try something along these lines: “As a business analyst, I would be able to contribute to your company immediately with my deep understanding of how to deliver business insights from raw data. I have experience working with SQL, data models, and in Agile product development. I am also very comfortable working with clients to assess and analyze their business needs.”

 

 

Question 11: “How would you work with a difficult stakeholder?”

Comment: As a business analyst, you will likely deal with many different personalities occupying a variety of positions. Situational questions like this one measure your problem-solving skills, communication skills, and ability to resolve difficult situations. This question assesses whether you can successfully navigate interactions with many different stakeholders. You should provide a direct answer and explain a related challenge you faced in past work. You can use the STAR interview response framework to structure your answer by addressing the following:

• Situation: Briefly explain the issue you were dealing with in a positive, constructive way.
• Task: Explain your role in the situation.
• Action: Explain what you did to resolve or address the situation.
• Result: Explain your learnings and how your actions resulted in a positive impact on the business.

During your discussion with the interviewer, you also gain insight into the challenges you might face in the new role, which can be a helpful context to understand before accepting an offer.

 

Suggested answer: “I have found that nearly any issue is solvable with empathy, communication, and action. For example, I once had an angry client that felt she had received the wrong data that was useless and unhelpful. My role was to acquire and interpret said data. I decided to schedule a phone call with her and the other project stakeholders immediately to discuss the issue. After taking the time to hear her concerns, we found that she simply did not feel equipped to apply the findings of the data. We established a workshop with our team business consultant to help her feel more prepared and sent weekly updates by email to ensure she felt supported during the remainder of the project. She doubled her spend with us over the next two quarters.”

 

Question 12: “Describe a time when you had to advise a client toward a different course of action.”

Comment: As a business analyst, it is your job to make recommendations both in the interest of the client and the organization. Your perspective should be based on the collected data as you interpret it. Should a client pursue a certain course of action you do not feel is in their best interest, you may be required to present the data in new and interesting ways to convince them otherwise. In your answer, you should explain the ways you can apply your problem-solving skills to navigate potentially difficult situations with clients and other important stakeholders.

 

Suggested answer: “Once, I had a client who was looking to expand a product line for their store. At the same time, they were already struggling to sell many of the products they already carried. I used a detailed sales analysis to show them why they should focus on selling their current products instead of investing in new ones, and offered both suggestions about how they might increase sales along with areas in which they are already succeeding.”

 

Question 13: “What is the most important aspect of analytical reporting?”

Comment: Analytical reporting is a type of business reporting that offers information, data analysis and recommendations. The recommendations are what set this type of reporting apart from informational reporting. Analytical reporting allows people to use data to make decisions. As a business analyst, you should understand the importance and limitations of analytical reporting. In your answer, explain the measurable impact you have made with analytical reporting in previous roles. This helps employers understand the value you have to offer at their organization. Formulate your response to demonstrate your critical thinking and analytical skills, showing how you can create recommendations from data sources.

 

Example: “While data itself cannot solve problems, it can equip you to make the right business decisions when analyzed in context. Even if a certain decision does not produce the results you expected, data allows you to learn from those results to continue improving. The most important aspect of analytical reporting is the ability to solve problems and make decisions based on facts. Attempting to make decisions based on uninformed guesses or assumptions can be problematic—analytical reporting provides tangible information with which to create strategy and direction.”

 

Question 14: “Describe your familiarity with SQL queries.”

Comment: SQL is the standard language for relational database management systems. Since SQL allows you to work with structured data where there are relations between different variables, SQL queries are commonly used in the business analyst role. Though it is not necessary for a business analyst to demonstrate advanced technical skills, certain skills are incredibly valuable. You may be asked to explain the elements of a SQL Statement during an interview so employers can assess your related technical skills and advanced analysis skills. In addition to providing definitions that demonstrate your knowledge, you might also consider providing an example of how you have used SQL to make an impact in your previous BA work.

 

Example: “There are four parts to an SQL statement. The DDL, or the Data Definition Language, is used for defining data structure. The DML, or Data Manipulation Language, is used for inserting, deleting, and modifying data. The DCL, or Data Control Language, is used to control access to data stored in the database. Finally, the TCL, or Transactional Control Language, is used to organize data adjusted by the DML. I have used SQL statements to determine which of my client’s customers are purchasing which products, which has helped them make important decisions about future product lines. This work has made them a repeat customer three years running.”

 

Question 15: “What tools do you consider the most important for a business analyst to do their job well?”

Comment: This question allows an interviewer to test your basic technical skills and familiarity with standard business analytics applications as well as those they may use at the company. BAs commonly use tools like the Microsoft Office Suite, though you may have used other tools or programs in your work. Tailor your answer to highlight your own unique experience and skills.

 

Example: “I commonly use tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Visio and Rational tools. I also have advanced SQL skills—using SQL is helpful when I need to analyze items like customer purchases that would overwhelm Excel.”

 

 

Question 16: “Describe how you typically approach a project.”

Comment: Understanding a candidate’s workflow can help employers gauge their teamwork, project management and organizational skills. To answer, explain general phases you work through with standard deliverables you typically produce instead of listing specific processes or tasks the interviewer may not be familiar with. Focus on your actual experience to describe your skills and how you use them. For example, if you worked on the planning stages of a project, you could mention deliverables such as a communication plan, a work breakdown structure (WBS), a requirements management plan and a business analysis approach, including whether it is plan-driven or change-driven. Speak about how you have customized specific approaches to the needs of a given project. You can follow up by asking about the organization’s projects and processes to give yourself a better sense of how you would fit in and to show the interviewer that you are invested in the way they work.

 

Example: “I first listen to what a client needs, paying attention to what they articulate as their goals for the project. I then take a deeper look into our data to figure out how to guide them toward success or how to change the way they are looking at their goals to move forward in a more productive way. Of course, every project and every client requires something new, so I always make sure to consider the specific situation instead of automatically imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.”

 

Question 17: “Name two diagrams you use as a business analyst, and describe how they impact your work.”

Comment: The interviewer may ask this question to ensure that you are familiar with standard BA documents and how to apply them to a client’s case. Even if they do not directly ask about your past experience here, providing examples can validate your ability to bring value to the employer.

 

Example: “Two diagrams I prefer using are Activity Diagrams and Use Case Diagrams. Activity Diagrams show the diverse activities that take place across various departments. I use Activity Diagrams to show who interacts with a system as well as the primary goals they achieve with it. I find Use Case Diagrams to be very useful when I need to visualize the functional requirements of a given system so I can make smart choices when it comes to design and figuring out development priorities.”

 

Question 18: “What questions do you have?”

Comment: Asking intelligent questions at the conclusion of your interview shows that you know how to ask the right questions to get the right information—a necessary skill for business analysts. This is your chance to have a thoughtful conversation with your prospective employer or colleague. Make sure to use active listening skills during your interview to inform your questions. The person interviewing you should feel that you are invested and engaged throughout the interview.

 

Example: “I often work with clients who are looking to expand their business, and I am good at guiding them to make intelligent decisions that prioritize their strengths. What does a typical client look like for you?”

 

Trên là một số câu hỏi bạn có thể gặp khi phỏng vấn vị trí Business Analyst mà bạn có thể tham khảo, giúp cho phần chuẩn bị của bạn tốt hơn, từ đó tạo sự ấn tượng với các nhà tuyển dụng. Hãy nhớ thể hiện kinh nghiệm và kiến thức nổi bật, phù hợp với công việc của mình trong quá trình phỏng vấn nhé. Một mẹo mà bạn có thể tham khảo đó là hãy liệt kê những kinh nghiệm, kiến thức dựa trên mô tả công việc (Job Descriptions). Bạn đừng cho rằng việc chuẩn bị trước và luyện tập trả lời những câu hỏi phỏng vấn là một việc làm “ngớ ngẩn” nhé. Sự chuẩn bị tốt sẽ tiếp thêm cho các bạn 100% sức mạnh và 200% tự tin đó!

 

Cuối lời, BAC chúc các bạn sẽ thành công và hẹn gặp lại ở các bài viết khác trên BAC’s Blog!

Ngoài ra, bạn có thể tham khảo các bài viết khác, liên quan đến kỹ năng phỏng vấn BA như:

• Cách làm CV chuẩn cho Business Analyst

• Những câu hỏi phỏng vấn hay & phổ biến nhất dành cho Senior & Technical Business Analyst

• Những câu hỏi phỏng vấn hay & phổ biến nhất dành cho Junior & Behavioral Business Analyst

• Những câu hỏi phỏng vấn hay & phổ biến nhất dành cho Business Analyst (Tiếng Việt)

• Những câu hỏi phỏng vấn kiến thức chuyên môn dành cho Business Analyst (Tiếng Anh)

Nguồn tham khảo:

Careermatch.com

Indeed.com

Nhu cầu đào tạo doanh nghiệp

BAC là đơn vị đào tạo BA đầu tiên tại Việt Nam. Đối tác chính thức của IIBA quốc tế. Ngoài các khóa học public, BAC còn có các khóa học in house dành riêng cho từng doanh nghiệp. Chương trình được thiết kế riêng theo yêu cầu của doanh nghiệp, giúp doanh nghiệp giải quyết những khó khăn và tư vấn phát triển.

 

 

CÁC KHOÁ HỌC BUSINESS ANALYST BACs.VN DÀNH CHO BẠN

Khoá học Online:

• Chìa khoá thành công dành cho Business Analyst.
• Công cụ & Kỹ năng dành cho Business Analyst.

Khoá học Offline:

Tại Tp.HCM:

• Phân tích nghiệp vụ cơ bản 3.0.
• Phân tích nghiệp vụ nâng cao 3.0.
• Luyện thi chứng chỉ IIBA 3.0.

Tại Hà Nội:

• Hà Nội – Phân tích nghiệp vụ 3.0.
• Hà Nội – Phân tích nghiệp vụ nâng cao 3.0.

Tham khảo lịch khai giảng TẤT CẢ các khóa học mới nhất

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