S&P Global Data Analyst interviews blend practical SQL, Excel, and Power BI questions with finance fundamentals like EPS and cash flow, across behavioral rounds with managers, panels, and occasionally directors.
$88K
Avg. Base Comp
$103K
Avg. Total Comp
3-4 rounds
Typical Rounds
Not reported
Process Length
S&P Global Data Analyst interviews typically begin with a recruiter, HR, or manager screen that covers your background, past job duties, and why you're switching roles. Some candidates also got rapport-building questions like where they see themselves in five years. From there, the process varies by team. One candidate heard that some tracks open with a virtual group discussion before later rounds, though that candidate's own process went from a recruiter call straight to managing-director rounds.
The technical core centers on the tools named in the job posting: SQL, including joins and aggregations, basic Excel functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, Power BI, and Python. Depth varies widely. One candidate described in-depth SQL and Python coding questions, while another faced only a very simple check of whether they could use SQL at all. Running alongside the tool questions is a consistent thread of finance fundamentals: EPS versus diluted EPS, depreciation versus amortization, types of cash flow statements, what an IPO is, and in one case derivatives and types of mergers. One candidate was also asked to explain what they would personally use to evaluate risk, a sign interviewers want applied judgment rather than textbook recall.
Later rounds typically bring in a hiring manager, a panel of two or three interviewers, or occasionally a director. These rounds lean behavioral, covering career trajectory, resume deep-dives, and motivation for the role. One candidate also fielded a panel discussion on how market indexes work and what drives them. A final HR round, when it happens, tends to focus on salary expectations and logistics rather than new technical content.
What stands out most across reports is how uneven the back half of the process can be. Several candidates described warm interviewers and a smooth process. Others faced long stretches of silence after the final interview; in one case, three months passed after being told they were a finalist before learning the role had been cancelled. If you reach the later stages, following up proactively is a reasonable approach rather than assuming silence means good news.
Synthesized from 10 candidate reports by our editorial team.
Had an interview recently?
Share your experience. Unlock the full guide.
Real interview reports from people who went through the S&P Global process.
Share your own interview experience to unlock all reports, or subscribe for full access.
Sourced from candidate reports and verified by our team.
Topics based on recent interview experiences.
Featured question at S&P Global
Find the names of all employees who joined before their manager
| Question | |
|---|---|
| Hurdles In Data Projects | |
| User Journey Analysis | |
| RAG Strict Source Control | |
| Concurrent LLM Serving | |
| DDoS Attack Response | |
| Blob Indexing | |
| Testing Constraints | |
| Why Do You Want to Work With Us | |
| Your Strengths and Weaknesses | |
| Credit Score Estimation | |
| 2nd Highest Salary | |
| Empty Neighborhoods | |
| Rolling Bank Transactions | |
| Employee Salaries | |
| Comments Histogram | |
| Top Three Salaries | |
| Closest SAT Scores | |
| Slacking Employees Salaries | |
| Last Transaction | |
| Find the Missing Number | |
| Monthly Customer Report | |
| Experiment Validity | |
| Payments Received | |
| Paired Products | |
| Size of Joins | |
| 500 Cards | |
| Total Spent on Products | |
| Maximum Profit | |
| Bagging vs Boosting |
Synthesized from candidate reports. Individual experiences may vary.
Multiple candidates describe an initial phone or video screen with HR, a recruiter, or a manager. The conversation covers your background, past job duties, and why you're looking to switch roles. Candidates have also been asked where they see themselves in five years and how they handle conflict. One candidate described this round as casual, around 30 minutes, with the interviewer explaining what the role actually involves.
Technical questions center on the tools listed in the job posting rather than algorithmic puzzles. Candidates report SQL questions involving joins and aggregations, basic Excel functions like VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, and questions touching Power BI and Python. Depth varies: one candidate described in-depth SQL and Python coding questions, while another faced only a very simple SQL check. The common theme is practical, workplace-relevant skill rather than theoretical depth.
Several candidates were tested on core finance concepts rather than just technical tools. Reported topics include EPS versus diluted EPS, depreciation versus amortization, the different types of cash flow statements, and what an IPO is. In one case, the questions covered derivatives and types of mergers alongside basic stock market concepts. These questions were described as conceptual, aimed at checking whether candidates understand the financial context behind the data.
Later rounds typically bring in a hiring manager, a panel of two or three interviewers, or occasionally a director or managing director. Expect behavioral questions about career trajectory, resume deep-dives, and why you're interested in the role. One candidate was asked to explain what they would personally use to evaluate risk. Another fielded a panel discussion on how market indexes work and what drives them. Interviewer warmth varied by report, from encouraging to more pointed.
When a final HR round happens, it tends to focus on salary expectations and logistics rather than new technical content. Follow-up after the last interview varies widely. Some candidates described a smooth process ending in an offer, while others reported silence after being told they'd hear back soon. One candidate waited three months after being named a finalist only to learn the position had been cancelled. If you reach the later stages, following up proactively is a reasonable approach.
