Cummins Inc. Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Cummins Inc. is a global leader in power solutions, dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions for various industries.

The Business Intelligence role at Cummins Inc. focuses on transforming data into actionable insights to drive strategic decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include analyzing complex data sets, developing dashboards and reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and identify opportunities for process improvements. A strong candidate for this position should possess advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of data visualization tools, and proficiency in SQL and data modeling. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams, aligning with Cummins' commitment to inclusivity and respect for people.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by equipping you with insights into the role's expectations and the company's culture, enabling you to present your skills and experiences effectively.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Cummins Inc. is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Application and Initial Screening

The process begins with submitting an online application, after which candidates may receive a call from a recruiter to discuss their interest in the position and the company. This initial screening typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on understanding the candidate's background, motivations, and alignment with Cummins' values.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could include online tests that evaluate numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning skills, as well as specific technical knowledge relevant to business intelligence, such as data analysis and reporting tools.

3. Panel Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will move on to a series of panel interviews. These interviews usually consist of three to four interviewers, including technical leads and HR representatives. Each interview lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes and covers a mix of behavioral and technical questions. Interviewers will assess the candidate's problem-solving abilities, experience with data analytics, and understanding of business intelligence concepts.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical skills, Cummins places a strong emphasis on behavioral competencies. Candidates can expect questions that explore their past experiences, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills. Interviewers will be interested in how candidates have handled real-world business situations and their approach to collaboration and process improvement.

5. Final HR Round

The final step in the interview process is typically an HR round, which may include discussions about salary expectations, company culture, and any remaining questions the candidate may have. This round is crucial for assessing the candidate's fit within the organization and ensuring alignment with Cummins' values.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during this process.

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

Understand the Business Context

Familiarize yourself with Cummins Inc.'s operations, particularly in the areas of supply chain and business intelligence. Knowing how your role as a Business Intelligence professional can impact the company's efficiency and decision-making will help you articulate your value. Be prepared to discuss how data-driven insights can enhance operational performance and support strategic initiatives.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interview. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey not just what you did, but the impact of your actions.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

Technical skills are crucial for a Business Intelligence role. Brush up on relevant tools and technologies, such as SQL, data visualization software, and statistical analysis methods. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data modeling, reporting, and analytics. You may also encounter technical assessments, so practice coding challenges and data manipulation exercises to demonstrate your capabilities.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Cummins values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you have successfully worked with diverse teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to convey complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders. This will show that you can bridge the gap between data and decision-making.

Be Ready for Future-Oriented Questions

Interviewers may ask about your career aspirations and where you see yourself in five years. Reflect on your professional goals and how they align with Cummins' mission and values. Articulate how you envision growing within the company and contributing to its success over time.

Engage with the Interviewers

The interview process at Cummins is described as friendly and professional. Take this opportunity to engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and ongoing projects. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if Cummins is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from your discussion that reinforces your fit for the position. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tailored tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and a clear understanding of how to position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at Cummins Inc. Good luck!

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you faced a conflict within a team. How did you handle it?

Conflict resolution is crucial in a collaborative environment. The interviewer wants to see your approach to resolving disagreements and maintaining team harmony.

How to Answer

Focus on a specific instance where you identified the conflict, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills.

Example

“In a project, two team members had differing opinions on the approach to take. I facilitated a meeting where each could present their views. By encouraging open dialogue, we reached a consensus that combined both ideas, ultimately improving our project outcome.”

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional growth and how you envision contributing to the company. Be realistic and show ambition.

Example

“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role within the Business Intelligence team, driving strategic initiatives that leverage data to enhance decision-making processes at Cummins.”

3. Why are you interested in working for Cummins?

This question gauges your knowledge of the company and your motivation for applying.

How to Answer

Research Cummins’ values, culture, and recent initiatives. Connect your personal values and career goals with what the company stands for.

Example

“I admire Cummins’ commitment to sustainability and innovation. I believe my background in data analytics can contribute to your mission of creating efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.”

4. Give an example of a time you worked as part of a team. What role did you play?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Choose a specific project where you played a significant role. Highlight your contributions and how you supported your teammates.

Example

“During a project to optimize supply chain processes, I took on the role of data analyst. I collaborated with team members to gather insights and presented our findings, which led to a 15% reduction in costs.”

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This question assesses your self-awareness and honesty.

How to Answer

Select strengths that are relevant to the role and provide examples. For weaknesses, choose one that you are actively working to improve.

Example

“One of my strengths is my analytical thinking, which allows me to identify trends in data effectively. A weakness I’m working on is public speaking; I’ve been taking workshops to improve my confidence in presenting to larger groups.”

Technical Questions

1. Explain the importance of data visualization in business intelligence.

Understanding data visualization is key in BI roles, as it helps in communicating insights effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss how data visualization aids in interpreting complex data and making informed decisions.

Example

“Data visualization transforms complex datasets into understandable formats, enabling stakeholders to quickly grasp insights and make data-driven decisions. It enhances communication and can highlight trends that might be missed in raw data.”

2. What is your experience with SQL and data querying?

SQL skills are essential for data manipulation and analysis in BI roles.

How to Answer

Share your experience with SQL, including specific projects or tasks where you utilized it.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, having used it to extract and analyze data for various projects. For instance, I developed queries to generate reports that informed our marketing strategies, leading to a 20% increase in campaign effectiveness.”

3. Describe a data analysis project you worked on. What tools did you use?

This question assesses your practical experience with data analysis.

How to Answer

Provide details about the project, the tools you used, and the impact of your analysis.

Example

“I worked on a project analyzing customer feedback data using Python and Tableau. By identifying key pain points, we implemented changes that improved customer satisfaction scores by 30%.”

4. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your analyses?

Data quality is critical in BI, and interviewers want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for validating data and ensuring accuracy.

Example

“I ensure data quality by implementing validation checks at various stages of the data pipeline. I also conduct regular audits and cross-reference data with reliable sources to maintain integrity.”

5. Can you explain the concept of ETL and its significance?

Understanding ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes is vital for BI roles.

How to Answer

Explain the ETL process and its importance in preparing data for analysis.

Example

“ETL is crucial for consolidating data from various sources into a single repository. It ensures that data is clean, consistent, and ready for analysis, which is essential for making informed business decisions.”