Data and Analytics Candidates: This is how you can improve your interview technique and help secure your next role

The New Zealand job market is starting to get busy as we recover from the effects of COVID-19. We are seeing a lot of new roles in the data and analytics space, but there is also a lot of competition for those roles. AugmentX has already shared with you the ways in which you can improve your chances of securing an interview. But, how can you be more successful in a data and analytics interview.

This is not a new topic, and we assume we don’t need to tell you the basics like showing up on time, researching the company, and dressing appropriately (and don’t be afraid to ask about dress code before your interview). We have some specific data and analytics interview tips.

Research/prep

Research the company overall, but also research the people who are interviewing you. Look at their LinkedIn, google them, read any articles they have written, and look at any public social media you can find, New Zealand is a small place, the data and analytics area even smaller, chances are you know someone who knows them. The ability to ask a specific background question about their professional history will show you go the extra mile as well as building rapport.

Research the toolsets the company is using and be able to detail your experience with those tools/products. The ones specific to your role should be on the job description, you might be able to see other tools in use by researching the hiring manger, or your potential colleagues. You should be prepared to answer technical questions on the tools you have worked with that are listed on your CV as well as the ones listed on the job description.

If you have already worked within the industry or for the organisation before, having domain knowledge of how the organisation operates or the type of data you would be working with from within the industry is an advantage.

Answering questions

Most companies will make you aware of generally what to expect before you go to an interview, who you will be meeting, what is the interview style (i.e. behavioral, technical, getting to know you chat etc.). Google standard behavioral questions and mentally prepare answers for example, if you are asked about a time you showed leadership, it is good to back up your response with an example, rather than just saying you have those skills, or you generally like to lead. Think about the skills required from the job description and think of an example of when you used that tool or displayed that skill. If you haven’t used a tool? Don’t lie, don’t guess, be honest. Explain you have not had the chance to use that, maybe give an example of a similar tool you have used, and a time you successfully learned a new tool.  

What interviewers are looking for

New Zealand interviewers are looking for outcomes. They are looking for data and analytics accomplishments. This is something you can prepare for. Try to frame an answer by giving a short background on the problem or challenge, what you did to overcome the problem, and the outcome for the business. If it was a team solution you should point to the specific actions, you took to overcome the problem.

New Zealand businesses in the data and analytics space want doers, they want people who have the proven ability to solve a problem, to work independently when required, and a proven history of delivery. You need to show that in an interview situation.

There is now an expectation from businesses for employees to understand business challenges and to fully understand what the business is attempting to achieve, this could reduce a 5 day piece of work to one, efficiency is everything.

Asking questions

People love talking about themselves. This is an opportunity to find out more about the hiring manager, the job, and to build a relationship by asking open questions and getting them talking. What do you like about working here? Why did you decide to work here? Ask a question about their background before working at the company (you can be specific because you have done your research). Most people ask questions about themselves, tell me about the training opportunities you offer me? Where can I be in 5 years? You will most likely get that information from their answers to questions about them, but you will be forming a relationship most candidates will not be.

Mindset

Of course, it is important for you to have the right mindset, to be confident and positive. However, the secret to remember is the mindset of the interviewer, generally interviewers want you to do well. They are generally not trying to be hostile or trick you, why would you want to work with people like that? They are spending their time interviewing you, if it goes badly they will have to spend more time finding the right person. They want to hire the right person, but they hope that person is you. It is OK to be nervous or excited for an interview, but you can be confident that most of the time the person interviewing you is hoping it goes as well as you are.

Close them

While this is a term traditionally associated with sales, it is also relevant for an interview. If you get to the end of the interview and want the job, tell them, don’t leave them guessing, if you show you are keen that might set you apart.

If you think it has gone well, be direct and ask; is there any reason you don’t think I am right for the role?  They will either give you their objections and you can handle them immediately, or say you are right for the role, or be forced to lie to you (which probably tells you something anyway). Sometimes an interviewer’s small objection to a candidate can become a big one once they go away and think about it, if you can deal with it upfront you will improve your chances.

Understand next steps, what happens from here?  When are you expecting to make a decision?

Interviewing is not easy, and there is a lot of competition, but there are ways you can improve your chances of success in an interview situation and get the job offer you are looking for.

Get in touch and register your interest for upcoming job opportunities in the Data and Analytics space. Or follow us on LinkedIn for updates on live and upcoming job opportunities.