Data Analyst Interview - Help Required

Lizling

I did a test for a similar job a couple of days ago. I was given a couple of CSV files, one containing fake customer data and the other one containing transactional data, told which field the primary key was, and the task was simply to analyse it and make appropriate business recommendations.

The SQL required was very basic. I could have got away with not much more than this sort of thing plus inner joins:

(Finds the total spent by each customer on product A)

SELECT customer, sum(spend)
FROM transactions_table
WHERE product =a
GROUP BY customer

SQLlite is free to download. If you mock up a couple of data files in Excel, you can use it to set up your own database to practice querying.

Nodding_Donkey

shaz77 wrote: »

Good feedback, I'm from an insurance background where I'm an Analyst. I've got good Excel experience but little on Access and none on SQL. Is it possible to do a crash course online to prep myself? I've got one week to prepare.

Serious question:

Why are you applying for a job that specifically asks for

shaz77 wrote: »

• Expertise in the use of SQL server technology and Report Builder functionality.
• Expertise in the use of Excel and Access programs.
• Expertise in formatting and presentation styles.
• Ability to integrate into high-performing result-driven individuals and teams.
• Demonstrate Information Technology knowledge or experience.

??

InsideInsurance

When we were hiring data analysts most our interview questions were about construction of SQL queries both in terms of "how would you extract the employees in the 2nd quartile of average monthly pay for the last quarter when you have 1 table of employee details and 1 table of each employees pay per month with employeeID as the join?" or where we give a function etc and ask what it is and when you'd use it - eg "given an example of when you would use a cross join?" or "what is a surrogate key and why may you use one?"

I'm all for pushing the boundaries of your skills but SQL will be core to the job and so having no skills in it at all sounds like a massive stretch

Doshwaster

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

Serious question:

Why are you applying for a job that specifically asks for

A good questions but the OP did get an interview which suggests that the employer may be struggling to find someone (doubtful - people who know basic SQL are everywhere) or that they really aren't that hung up on the requirements.

When you do get an interview for a job which asks for skills that you don't have it is vital to show an ability and willingness to learn. If they like you and think you will be able to pick things up quickly then you'll have a good chance.

Basic SQL can be learned very quickly. It's only the advanced stuff which can get a little hairy - but if you are only extracting data then it's unlikely you will need any of that in the short term.

robatwork

shaz77 wrote: »

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent as demonstrated by previous experience and/or competence.
• Expertise in the use of SQL server technology and Report Builder functionality.
• Expertise in the use of Excel and Access programs.
• Expertise in formatting and presentation styles.
• Ability to integrate into high-performing result-driven individuals and teams.
• Demonstrate Information Technology knowledge or experience.

Do you have all those things? I don't understand the people recommending here you do a 1 week course in SQL. Why do you need this if you are already expert in SQL and report builder? If not then why are you applying for this job?

I'm missing something.

shortcrust

This brings back memories. The first job I ever recruited for was a job just like this. The successful applicant had a great CV and was able to pass the (admittedly too simplistic) tests that I set. Within a week of starting it was obvious that they'd exaggerated their skills and experience and really couldn't do the job. I had to fire them and lost my bonus for botching the recruitment exercise. Happy days!:)

MataNui

You will definitely need to know the different joins and when to use them. I would expect (for an analyst position) they will also be asking about grouping. Access SQL and TSQL (sql server) are different. Not hugely, but enough to catch you out if you dont have the experience.

I take it you didnt get this interview via an agency? This is actually one of the reasons i like going via agencies for technical positions. They usually give you excellent interview prep first.

Also the spec mentions SQL Server reporting. This is a massive subject and you definitely wont be able to get enough knowledge to blag that. So i would concentrate on the stuff you can do well. Look at SQL joins and simple groups. You should pick up enough of that to look competent enough.

shaz77_2

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

Serious question:

Why are you applying for a job that specifically asks for





??

A very fair question. I contacted the company in advance as the spec was similar to my previous job, however this would introduce me to new technologies that I am keen to be involved in. The company said that despite my shortcomings on the technological side they were very interested to interview me and have thrown me as a "wildcard" entry and challenged me to do some learning between now and then.

InsideInsurance

shaz77 wrote: »

The company said that despite my shortcomings on the technological side they were very interested to interview me and have thrown me as a "wildcard" entry and challenged me to do some learning between now and then.

So could well be that they know who they intend to give the job to but are forced to go through the motion of doing multiple interviews. Having a no chancer makes it easier for them to justify hiring the person they always wanted to

pmd123

shaz77 wrote: »

Are these paper based or system assessments? Could you provide an example question.

Salary is 20 - 25 based on experience and is in Northern Ireland.

Always practical tests, the number of candidates who say in their application they are proficient in SQL / Access, then after the test admit they've never used the software before is staggering.

The salary you describe is at the bottom of the range for my team, I've just taken on 2 people in that salary range, and do not expect anything but a basic knowledge, what I'd be looking for is enthusiasm and the desire to progress their career.

The test I used at that level was all Excel based, V-Lookups on named ranges, basic formula, pivot table and chart, couple of questions based on the final analysis (which month saw the highest expenditure type questions). Not sure of the salaries in NI, but pretty sure for that range they won't be expecting to be bringing in a SQL guru.