Ad Hoc Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Ad Hoc is a digital services company committed to enhancing how the federal government serves its citizens by employing modern, agile methods to meet user needs.

As a Business Analyst at Ad Hoc, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between government services and consumer expectations. Your primary responsibilities will involve interacting with stakeholders to gather and document business requirements, driving improvements in processes, and participating in the analysis of project scope and dependencies. The role demands a thorough understanding of business operations and the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including researchers and technical staff. You will also engage in tactical assignments while gradually taking on more strategic initiatives, showcasing your analytical skills and recommendations to achieve delivery objectives.

Key skills essential for this position include a solid background in requirements management, experience in navigating ambiguous projects, and proficiency in working with APIs. Furthermore, your capacity to mentor junior analysts and your commitment to the company’s values—acceptance, accountability, and humility—will significantly enhance your fit for the role.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for your interview by providing insights into what Ad Hoc values in candidates and how you can demonstrate your alignment with their mission and expectations.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at Ad Hoc is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering high-quality digital services to the federal government. The process typically includes several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with a brief phone call with a recruiter. This initial screening is designed to gauge your interest in the role and the company, as well as to discuss your qualifications and experience. Expect questions about your background, your understanding of the role, and your motivations for wanting to work at Ad Hoc.

2. Behavioral Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a behavioral interview with a hiring manager or a program manager. This interview focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Business Analyst. You may be asked to provide examples of how you've managed stakeholder relationships, navigated ambiguous projects, and contributed to team dynamics.

3. Practical Skills Assessment

Candidates are often required to complete a take-home assignment that assesses their analytical and problem-solving skills. This assignment typically involves developing documentation related to project requirements or creating a plan for a user research session. The goal is to evaluate your ability to translate complex requirements into actionable insights and to demonstrate your understanding of business analysis processes.

4. Panel Interview

The final stage usually consists of a panel interview, which may include team members and leadership. This interview is more in-depth and may cover both technical and situational questions. You might be asked to present your take-home assignment and discuss your approach to problem-solving, as well as how you would handle specific scenarios related to the role.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools and standards relevant to business analysis, as well as their ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences of previous candidates.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Ad Hoc can vary, but it typically includes a recruiter screening, followed by a behavioral interview with a hiring manager, and a practical skills assessment. Be prepared for multiple rounds, including a take-home assignment that may require you to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to manage stakeholder requirements. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interview process and be ready to discuss your experiences in a way that aligns with the company's mission of improving government services.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Ad Hoc places a strong emphasis on behavioral interview questions. Expect to be asked about your past experiences, particularly how you've managed projects, navigated ambiguity, and worked with stakeholders. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive process improvements. Reflect on specific examples that showcase your analytical thinking and how you’ve contributed to team success.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, your ability to analyze requirements and provide actionable recommendations is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with requirements management, backlog management, and your approach to navigating complex projects. Highlight any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used in the past, and be ready to explain how you would apply these in the context of Ad Hoc’s work with government agencies.

Emphasize Communication and Collaboration

Ad Hoc values collaboration and effective communication. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams, including researchers and stakeholders, to achieve project goals. Share examples of how you’ve facilitated discussions, gathered requirements, and communicated project updates. Demonstrating your ability to influence and engage with diverse teams will resonate well with the interviewers.

Be Ready for the Take-Home Assignment

The take-home assignment is a critical part of the interview process. Make sure to allocate sufficient time to complete it thoughtfully. Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification if needed. This assignment is an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and understanding of user needs, so approach it with the same rigor you would apply to a real-world project.

Research the Company Culture

Ad Hoc prides itself on a remote-first culture that values acceptance, accountability, and humility. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing that you understand and appreciate their culture will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also a good fit for the team.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. This can help keep you top of mind as they make their decisions. However, be mindful of the feedback you receive during the process, as some candidates have reported a lack of communication from the company.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your experiences with Ad Hoc’s values and mission, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Business Analyst role at Ad Hoc. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with stakeholder management, and ability to navigate ambiguous projects. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, methodologies, and how you can contribute to the team.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a time when you had to manage conflicting stakeholder priorities?

This question assesses your ability to handle complex situations and prioritize effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you successfully navigated conflicting priorities, emphasizing your communication and negotiation skills.

Example

“In my previous role, I was tasked with managing a project that had competing interests from two key stakeholders. I organized a meeting to understand their needs and facilitated a discussion to find common ground. By proposing a phased approach that addressed both parties' concerns, we were able to move forward without compromising the project’s objectives.”

2. How do you approach requirements gathering for a new project?

This question evaluates your methodology and understanding of the requirements management process.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to gathering requirements, including stakeholder interviews, documentation, and validation.

Example

“I start by conducting stakeholder interviews to gather initial requirements, followed by creating a requirements document that outlines the scope and objectives. I then validate these requirements through workshops to ensure alignment and clarity before moving forward with the project.”

3. Tell me about a time you implemented a process improvement.

This question looks for evidence of your analytical thinking and ability to drive change.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a process you improved, detailing the steps you took and the impact of the change.

Example

“In my last position, I noticed that our reporting process was inefficient and time-consuming. I analyzed the workflow and identified bottlenecks. By introducing a new reporting tool and training the team on its use, we reduced the reporting time by 30%, allowing us to focus more on analysis rather than data collection.”

4. How do you handle ambiguity in project requirements?

This question assesses your comfort level with uncertainty and your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Explain your strategies for dealing with ambiguous situations, such as seeking clarification and iterating on requirements.

Example

“When faced with ambiguity, I first seek clarification from stakeholders to gather as much information as possible. If that’s not feasible, I document the assumptions I’m making and present them to the team for validation. This iterative approach allows us to adapt as more information becomes available.”

Technical Skills

5. What tools and methodologies do you use for requirements management?

This question gauges your familiarity with industry-standard tools and practices.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used and methodologies you are comfortable with, such as Agile or Waterfall.

Example

“I have extensive experience using tools like JIRA and Confluence for requirements management. I typically follow Agile methodologies, which allow for flexibility and continuous feedback throughout the project lifecycle.”

6. Can you explain your experience with APIs and how you’ve used them in past projects?

This question tests your technical knowledge and practical experience with APIs.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you interacted with APIs, highlighting your understanding of their role in data exchange.

Example

“In a recent project, I worked closely with the development team to integrate an external API for real-time data retrieval. I helped define the requirements for the API interactions and ensured that the data was accurately reflected in our application, which improved user experience significantly.”

7. Describe a project where you had to analyze data to make a business decision.

This question evaluates your analytical skills and ability to derive insights from data.

How to Answer

Provide a detailed example of a project where data analysis played a crucial role in decision-making.

Example

“I was involved in a project aimed at improving customer retention. I analyzed user behavior data and identified patterns that indicated when customers were likely to churn. Based on this analysis, I recommended targeted marketing strategies that ultimately increased retention rates by 15%.”

Behavioral Questions

8. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project.

This question assesses your resilience and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Share a specific challenge you encountered, how you addressed it, and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“During a critical project, we faced unexpected delays due to resource constraints. I organized a team meeting to brainstorm solutions and re-prioritized tasks to focus on the most critical deliverables. This collaborative approach not only helped us meet our deadline but also strengthened team cohesion.”

9. How do you ensure effective communication within a remote team?

This question evaluates your communication skills and adaptability to a remote work environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for maintaining clear communication and collaboration in a remote setting.

Example

“I prioritize regular check-ins through video calls and utilize collaboration tools like Slack and Trello to keep everyone updated. I also encourage open communication and feedback, ensuring that team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.”

10. Why do you want to work for Ad Hoc?

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

How to Answer

Express your interest in the company’s values and how they resonate with your professional goals.

Example

“I admire Ad Hoc’s commitment to improving government services and making a positive impact on people’s lives. I believe my skills in business analysis and my passion for user-centered design align perfectly with your mission to enhance the experiences of Veterans and their families.”