23andMe Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

23andMe is a pioneering biotechnology company that provides direct-to-consumer genetic testing and personalized health insights, empowering individuals to understand their genetic makeup and its implications for their health.

The Business Intelligence role at 23andMe involves leveraging data analytics and insights to support strategic decision-making across various departments. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining data models, creating comprehensive dashboards, and generating reports that aid in understanding customer preferences and behaviors. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization tools, and a solid understanding of statistics and data analysis techniques. Additionally, experience in working with cross-functional teams to convey actionable insights will greatly enhance one’s fit for this role. A strong alignment with 23andMe’s mission of improving lives through personal genetics will further demonstrate an ideal candidate's commitment to the company’s core values.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to excel in your interview for the Business Intelligence role at 23andMe, enhancing your ability to articulate your relevant experience and fit for the company culture.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at 23andMe is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each aimed at evaluating different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and compatibility with the team.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process usually begins with an initial phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This conversation typically lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, interest in the company, and relevant experiences. The recruiter will also provide insights into the role and the team structure, allowing you to gauge if this is the right fit for you.

2. Technical Phone Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates often participate in a technical phone interview. This stage may involve discussing specific technical skills related to business intelligence, such as data analysis, SQL proficiency, and experience with data visualization tools. Expect to answer questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and your approach to data-driven decision-making.

3. Take-Home Assignment

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a take-home assignment that reflects a real-world problem the company is currently facing. This assignment allows you to showcase your analytical skills and creativity in solving business challenges. Be prepared to present your findings and thought process in a subsequent interview.

4. Onsite Interviews

The onsite interview typically consists of multiple rounds with various team members, including managers and peers. These interviews are often a mix of technical and behavioral questions, focusing on your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to collaboration with stakeholders. You may also be asked to present your take-home assignment during this stage.

5. Final Interview

The final interview may involve discussions with higher-level management or cross-functional team members. This stage is crucial for assessing your fit within the company culture and your alignment with 23andMe's mission and values. Expect to engage in conversations about your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's objectives.

Throughout the interview process, candidates have reported a generally positive experience, with interviewers being friendly and genuinely interested in their backgrounds. However, it's important to be prepared for a mix of structured and conversational interview styles, as some interviewers may follow a specific list of questions while others may engage in more open-ended discussions.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let's delve into the types of questions you might encounter during your interviews.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Conversational Nature of Interviews

At 23andMe, interviews tend to feel more like conversations than formal interrogations. Approach each interview as an opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, skills, and projects in a narrative format. This will not only showcase your qualifications but also allow you to connect with the interviewers on a personal level. Remember, they are genuinely interested in getting to know you, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and insights.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant number of behavioral questions that focus on your approach to problem-solving and collaboration with stakeholders. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to navigate challenges, work with diverse teams, and drive results. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the context and impact of your actions.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Intelligence candidate, your analytical skills will be under scrutiny. Be ready to discuss how you approach data analysis, experiment design, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarize yourself with the types of analytical challenges that 23andMe faces, and think about how you would tackle them. This will not only demonstrate your technical expertise but also your understanding of the company’s mission and objectives.

Engage with the Company’s Products

Having firsthand experience with 23andMe’s products can give you a significant edge. Use the service before your interview to understand its features, strengths, and areas for improvement. This knowledge will allow you to speak more authentically about the company and its offerings, and you may even be able to suggest improvements or new ideas during your discussions.

Be Ready for Technical Challenges

While the interview process may include behavioral questions, be prepared for technical assessments as well. Brush up on relevant tools and technologies, particularly those related to data analysis and visualization. You may encounter questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-time, so practice coding challenges and analytical scenarios to build your confidence.

Understand the Company Culture

23andMe prides itself on a friendly and collaborative culture. During your interviews, reflect this by being personable and approachable. Show enthusiasm for the work being done at the company and express your desire to contribute positively to the team. Your cultural fit is just as important as your technical skills, so let your personality shine through.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the role. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you have any specific insights or ideas that came to mind during the interview, feel free to include them in your follow-up to reinforce your engagement and enthusiasm.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at 23andMe. Good luck!

Experience and Background

1. Describe a time you had to solve a complex problem with data. What was your approach?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with data effectively, which is crucial for a Business Intelligence role.

How to Answer

Focus on a specific instance where you encountered a challenging data-related issue. Explain your thought process, the tools you used, and the outcome of your solution.

Example

“In my previous role, I faced a situation where our sales data was inconsistent across different platforms. I initiated a thorough audit of the data sources, identified discrepancies, and collaborated with the IT team to implement a centralized data warehouse. This not only resolved the inconsistencies but also improved our reporting accuracy by 30%.”

2. How would you find out what customers want?

Understanding customer needs is vital for driving business decisions and strategies.

How to Answer

Discuss methods you would use to gather customer insights, such as surveys, interviews, or analyzing existing data. Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making.

Example

“I would start by analyzing existing customer data to identify trends and preferences. Additionally, I would conduct surveys and focus groups to gather qualitative insights. This combination of quantitative and qualitative data would provide a comprehensive understanding of customer needs.”

3. Explain a time you experienced a conflict with a team member on a project and how you solved it.

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a conflict, how you approached the situation, and the resolution. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills.

Example

“During a project, a colleague and I disagreed on the direction of our analysis. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our perspectives openly. By actively listening and finding common ground, we were able to merge our ideas into a more robust solution that satisfied both of our concerns.”

4. What interests you about working at 23andMe?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s mission.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company’s goals and how your values align with theirs. Mention specific aspects of their work that resonate with you.

Example

“I am particularly drawn to 23andMe’s commitment to empowering individuals through genetic insights. I believe that data can drive significant advancements in personal health, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to such impactful work.”

Technical Skills

5. Describe your experience with data visualization tools. Which do you prefer and why?

This question assesses your technical proficiency and preferences in tools that are essential for Business Intelligence.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with various data visualization tools, highlighting your preferred tool and the reasons for your preference.

Example

“I have extensive experience with Tableau and Power BI. I prefer Tableau for its user-friendly interface and powerful visualization capabilities, which allow me to create interactive dashboards that effectively communicate insights to stakeholders.”

6. How do you approach experiment design?

Understanding how to design experiments is crucial for data-driven decision-making.

How to Answer

Explain your methodology for designing experiments, including defining objectives, selecting metrics, and ensuring data integrity.

Example

“I start by clearly defining the objectives of the experiment and the key metrics for success. I then design the experiment to control for variables that could skew results, ensuring that the data collected is reliable and actionable.”

7. What is your experience with SQL and data manipulation?

This question evaluates your technical skills in handling data.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with SQL, including specific tasks you have performed, such as querying databases or performing data transformations.

Example

“I have used SQL extensively for data extraction and manipulation. For instance, I regularly write complex queries to join multiple tables, filter data, and perform aggregations to prepare datasets for analysis.”

8. Can you explain a time when you had to present complex data to a non-technical audience?

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to simplify complex information.

How to Answer

Share an example of a presentation where you successfully conveyed complex data insights to a non-technical audience, focusing on your approach to simplifying the information.

Example

“I once presented a detailed market analysis to our marketing team, which included non-technical members. I focused on key insights and used visual aids to illustrate trends, ensuring that I avoided jargon. This approach helped the team understand the implications of the data and informed our marketing strategy.”

Behavioral Questions

9. Describe a project where you had to work with multiple stakeholders. How did you manage their expectations?

This question evaluates your stakeholder management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project, the stakeholders involved, and how you communicated and managed their expectations throughout the process.

Example

“In a recent project, I collaborated with the marketing, sales, and product teams. I scheduled regular check-ins to provide updates and gather feedback, ensuring that everyone was aligned. By being transparent about timelines and challenges, I was able to manage expectations effectively and foster a collaborative environment.”

10. What skills are you looking to build in your next role?

This question assesses your growth mindset and career aspirations.

How to Answer

Identify specific skills you wish to develop and explain how they relate to the role and the company’s objectives.

Example

“I am eager to enhance my skills in predictive analytics and machine learning. I believe these skills will allow me to contribute more effectively to data-driven decision-making at 23andMe, particularly in understanding customer behavior and improving product offerings.”