So you finally landed
the Business Analyst interview you’ve worked so hard for? Lucky you. This post
contains some tips to help you prepare for the big day. I've also included some
tips you can apply if you find yourself in an assessment Centre-like setting.
1. Think through all the Business Analyst competencies, as specified by IIBA, and prepare
scenarios where you have exhibited these competencies. In answering
competency-based questions, don't forget to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action
and Result) technique to compose your response.
o Analytical thinking & Problem-solving - Interviewers may look for scenarios
where you have demonstrated creative thinking, decision-making,
learning, problem solving and systems thinking. In particular,
prepare to answer competency-based questions such as: Tell me about a time when
you had to make a difficult decision, Tell me about a time when you
suggested something innovative, Describe a time you solved a difficult
problem or describe a time you faced a difficult challenge and
what you learnt from it.
o Behavioral Characteristics - You may be assessed based on your ethics, trustworthiness and
personal organization. Be able to define what ethics means to you and
identify a scenario from your experience when you did something ethical or made
a decision based on your ethics.
o Business Knowledge - The interviewer may assess your knowledge of business
principles and practices, industry knowledge, organization knowledge and
solution knowledge. Take the time to do some initial research on the
industry you've applied to as well as the organization itself. Doing this
research will help you understand some of the business problems they face, and
help you think of possible solutions and a business strategy that could apply
to them (especially when you're presented with a case study). Also, learn about
the typical technological solutions/software that may help the organization in
performing its day-to-day operations.
o Software Knowledge - The interviewer may assess your
understanding of general purpose software applications and
specialized software applications (modeling/diagramming tools). Business
analysts should be able to draw UML diagrams and business process models with
relative ease. Get some practice in this area for when you're presented with a
case study that requires modeling.
o Interaction - The interviewer may examine your facilitation,
negotiation, leadership and teamwork skills. If you find yourself in an assessment center, these
are some of the skills that are typically assessed.
o Communication - You may also be assessed based on your
proficiency in oral communication, teaching and written
communication. Some organizations require that you deliver a presentation.
This is your chance to show how good your communication skills are.
In addition to thinking up scenarios from your background, think
of relevant BA techniques you can use to prove one or more of these
competencies, where applicable. These techniques will help you demonstrate some
of the above competencies if you're presented with a case study.
2. Prepare to answer case study questions and present your
findings - Case studies
are usually designed to examine your problem-solving and analytical skills. So,
prepare to draw diagrams or mockups (if the case study is based on analysis
tasks), and use relevant techniques to show the interviewer how proficient you
are in the art of analysis.
While presenting your case study results, the interviewer may press for
more information. He may do this to challenge you, alter your thinking or test
your position. You'll need to decipher which one is happening and respond
accordingly.
In some cases, you might be presented with a case study that
requires you to come up with strategy recommendations or solutions to business
problems. Case study analysis in this case, can become a breeze if you have a
framework to draw on. Popular analysis frameworks like SWOT, BCG Matrix and the
like can come in handy.
3. If you don’t remember anything else,
remember to be confident –
I know it’s easier said than done, given the overwhelming anxiety you may
experience on the day. Confidence is, however, one of the guaranteed ways to
get your interviewer's attention and respect. However, remember there’s a thin
line between confidence and arrogance so don't cross that line.
4. Know when not to
speak - Sometimes you
see candidates trying to fill up every silent moment with words or
overemphasize a point they've already made. There’s nothing wrong with having
some comfortable silence during an interview while your interviewer scribbles
away.
5. Tell a good story – this means you need to pick your words and engage your
audience. Find an opportunity to state something that will resonate with your
interviewer. If you tell a good story, you’re more than likely to leave a
lasting impression. So, be interesting.
6. Understand the question - You’ll be surprised at just how many candidates
answer the question they think the interviewer asked instead of what the
interviewer actually asked. If there’s the slightest doubt in your
mind you heard the interviewer right, ask for clarification. There’s no crime
in asking the interviewer to repeat the question. Most times, they'll be more
than happy to. You may start by rephrasing the initial question and then
asking, “Is that what you meant?” or start by stating, “If I understand the
question correctly…” Statements like this can be extremely useful when you're
in danger of appearing ridiculous.
7. Always look for opportunities during the interview to highlight your business analysis work
experience. It’s ok to throw out carefully selected terminologies but don’t
overdo the professional jargon.
8. If you do not know the answer to the question, say you do not
know, but that you’d very
much like the opportunity to find out. There’s no shame in admitting this
because no one is expected to know everything. If you end up not getting the
job, it may not be because you didn’t answer every question correctly.
