Top Analyst Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

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

Interview Practice

Search Analyst Questions:


  • Question: How do you work in a team?
  • Question Overview: Analysts are often part of a team, and they need to be able to work with others. The best candidates are ones who are able to listen to others and who can work together to find solutions. They also need to show that they're able to lead without being bossy.

    Sample Answer: I like to listen to everyone's ideas and then synthesize them into a solution that we can all agree on. I also like to help others by sharing my own ideas and knowledge.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of ability to work in a team
    • - Ability to listen and take direction
    • - Ability to lead without being bossy

  • Question: What is our company's business?
  • Question Overview: This is a very simple question that can reveal a lot about a candidate. It's important to make sure that they understand the company's business and how it fits into the industry.

    Sample Answer: Our company is a provider of software and services for the healthcare industry.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Thorough understanding of company's business
    • - Understanding of industry
    • - Demonstration of knowledge of company's history

  • Question: What do you know about us?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how much research the candidate has done on your company. It's a good idea to ask this question early on in the interview process. Candidates who have done their homework will be able to give you a better idea of how they can help your company.

    Sample Answer: I know that you're a leading provider of widgets and that you've recently started to expand into the widget market. I also know that you've been expanding your operations into China and that you're looking to hire an analyst to help with that expansion.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Thorough knowledge of company
    • - Evidence of research
    • - Evidence of research into industry

  • Question: What makes you the best candidate for this position?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that can be difficult to answer. Candidates need to show that they're not just the best candidate, but the only candidate. They should also back up their claims with specific examples of their skills and experience.

    Sample Answer: I'm the best candidate because I have the most relevant experience and I understand your company's goals. I've worked in a similar environment and have a proven track record of success.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific examples of skills and experience
    • - Evidence of understanding of company's philosophy
    • - Confidence in ability to take on challenge

  • Question: What are you looking for in a job?
  • Question Overview: This is a simple question that's meant to gauge how well you understand the position you're interviewing for. Candidates should be able to explain what they're looking for in a job and how it fits with the position. They should also show that they've done their research on the company and understand what it has to offer.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a position that will allow me to use my skills and experience to help a company grow. I know that this position will allow me to do just that.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific details about the position
    • - Understanding of company's goals
    • - Evidence of research

  • Question: What are your career aspirations?
  • Question Overview: Analysts are usually very goal-oriented. They want to make sure that they're always moving forward and that they're always learning. Candidates should be able to show that they have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish and how they plan to get there.

    Sample Answer: I'm looking for a position where I can use my skills to help a company grow. I want to be able to take on more responsibilities and eventually become a manager.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific goals
    • - Explanation of how goals are related to job
    • - Evidence of understanding of company's goals

  • Question: How would you handle a task that required working with a large data set?
  • Question Overview: Analysts are often required to work with large data sets. This question is meant to see how candidates handle this type of situation. It's important that they show that they're able to work with the data and that they're able to communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner.

    Sample Answer: I would first create a database to store the data. Then, I would create a spreadsheet to organize the data into categories. Finally, I would use the spreadsheet to create charts and graphs that would help me better understand the data.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Thorough understanding of how to work with large data sets
    • - Ability to communicate findings in a clear and concise manner
    • - Ability to work independently

  • Question: What drives you?
  • Question Overview: This is a very open-ended question that can lead to a variety of responses. It's meant to show what motivates you and what you're passionate about. Candidates should be able to show that they're driven by more than just money.

    Sample Answer: I'm driven by the desire to help my company succeed and to be a part of something bigger than myself.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of passion for work
    • - Acknowledgement of other motivators
    • - Evidence of a desire to succeed

  • Question: How will you launch a product?
  • Question Overview: Launching a product is a big deal. It's not just about getting it out there, but also about how it's presented and how it's received. The best candidates will be able to show that they understand the importance of a product launch and that they know how to make it successful.

    Sample Answer: I would first assess the current market. Then, I would develop a plan to get the product out there. I would then create a marketing plan that would help to get the word out. Finally, I would create a plan for how to address any issues that may arise.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A detailed explanation of their process
    • - A demonstration of their understanding of the importance of a product launch
    • - Evidence of their ability to meet deadlines

  • Question: How did you deal with choosing yourself over your friends during your study abroad?
  • Question Overview: Study abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a new perspective on the world. However, it can also be a difficult time for those who have to leave their friends behind. Candidates should show that they were able to make the most of their experience and that they were able to make friends in their new environment.

    Sample Answer: I made sure to stay in touch with my friends back home and made sure to go out with them when I was back in town. I also made sure to make friends with my classmates and explore the city with them.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of adaptability
    • - Evidence of making new friends
    • - Evidence of being able to balance multiple priorities

  • Question: What is the most important thing in your resume?
  • Question Overview: Candidates should show that they understand the importance of their resume. They should also show that they know what makes a good resume. The best answers will be ones that show that they've made an effort to make sure that their resume is as professional as possible.

    Sample Answer: I think the most important thing in my resume is my attention to detail. I'm always sure to proofread and make sure that everything is spelled correctly and in the right order.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of understanding of what makes a good resume
    • - Evidence of understanding of how to make a good resume
    • - Evidence of understanding of how to make a good resume

  • Question: What does being a software engineer mean to you?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's meant to see if candidates are familiar with the company's culture. The best answers are ones that show that they're familiar with the company's products and services as well as the company's ideals.

    Sample Answer: Software engineering is about creating a product that meets the needs of the customer. It's about taking a concept and turning it into something tangible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of knowledge of company's products and services
    • - Demonstration of knowledge of company's culture
    • - Demonstration of knowledge of company's history

  • Question: How many blades of grass are on a football field?
  • Question Overview: This is a classic brainteaser. The best answers will show that the candidate knows how to think outside the box and can apply their knowledge in a creative way. They should also show that they're able to take a seemingly simple question and turn it into something more complex.

    Sample Answer: There are 11,520 blades of grass on a football field.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A creative and unique response
    • - Ability to apply knowledge in a novel way
    • - Demonstration of ability to think outside the box

  • Question: What do you know about Northern Trust?
  • Question Overview: This is a great opportunity to show off your research skills. Candidates should be able to speak to the company's history, its current standing, and its future goals. The best answers will also show that you've done your homework on the company's products and services.

    Sample Answer: Northern Trust was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Chicago. It is a private company with over $10 billion in assets and over 2,500 employees. It provides wealth management, asset servicing, and investment management to high-net-worth clients.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of research
    • - Knowledge of company's history
    • - Knowledge of company's products and services

  • Question: What documents would you need to solve this problem?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's meant to show how well you can think on your feet. The best analysts are able to quickly assess a situation and come up with the appropriate documents they need. They don't just go off of memory or guess what might be needed. They know what they need and can get it.

    Sample Answer: I would need a copy of the current employee manual, a copy of the new employee manual, and a copy of the employee handbook. I would use the current manual as a basis for the new one, and I would use the handbook to make sure that all policies are in compliance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - A list of documents needed
    • - Explanation of why each document is necessary
    • - Ability to explain how each document will be used

  • Question: What will you do if you have conflict with client while onsite?
  • Question Overview: Analysts are often onsite with clients. This means that they're working directly with them. This can sometimes lead to conflict. The best candidates are ones who can handle this professionally and who can also show that they're able to work through it.

    Sample Answer: I would take a step back and try to understand why the client is upset. I would then try to find a solution that works for both of us.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of conflict resolution skills
    • - Confidence in ability to handle conflict
    • - Demonstration of ability to work through conflict

  • Question: What is your experience in dealing with a difficult team?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that shows how candidates handle conflict. They should be able to demonstrate that they're able to work with others, even when they don't agree. They should also show that they're able to identify the root of the conflict and work to resolve it.

    Sample Answer: I've had to deal with a difficult team before, and I was able to resolve the conflict by identifying the root of the problem and working together to find a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of conflict resolution skills
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Confidence in ability to work with others

  • Question: How would you communicate bad news to your boss?
  • Question Overview: Analysts are often the bearer of bad news. They have to be able to tell their bosses that something isn't working or that they need more resources. The best candidates are ones who can do this in a way that doesn't make them seem like they're trying to get out of doing their job. They should also be able to show that they're willing to take responsibility for their actions and that they're not just blaming others.

    Sample Answer: I would make sure to get all the facts straight and then go over them with my boss. I would also make sure that I was clear about what I was saying and why.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstration of ability to communicate bad news
    • - Explanation of how they would deliver bad news
    • - Explanation of how they would handle any backlash

  • Question: How much experience do you have with Excel?
  • Question Overview: Excel is the most common tool for analysis, and it's important to find out how much experience a candidate has with it. The best answers will show that they're familiar with the program and have used it in the past. They should also be able to explain how they've used it in their previous positions.

    Sample Answer: I've used Excel to create spreadsheets for all sorts of projects. I've also created macros to help me with my work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Specific examples of Excel use
    • - Explanation of how Excel is used in their role
    • - Explanation of how Excel is used in their role

  • Question: How do you decide when to buy and sell a stock?
  • Question Overview: Analysts need to be able to make sound decisions. They can't just rely on gut feelings. They need to be able to back up their decisions with facts and figures. The best answers will show that candidates are able to take a number of factors into account and use them to make the best possible decision.

    Sample Answer: I look at a number of different factors including the company's financials, its competitors, and its industry. I also look at the company's management and their track record.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Thorough knowledge of the stock market
    • - Ability to explain how they use different factors
    • - Ability to explain how they use different factors