FirstEnergy Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

FirstEnergy is a forward-thinking electric utility committed to enhancing customer experiences while prioritizing safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

As a Data Analyst at FirstEnergy, you will play a vital role in analyzing data to support decision-making processes within the organization. Key responsibilities include conducting statistical analyses, utilizing SQL for data management, and developing insights that inform strategies across various business units. You will be expected to identify trends, measure performance, and provide actionable recommendations to improve operational efficiency and mitigate risks. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly will be essential traits for success in this role. A firm understanding of statistics and probability, along with proficiency in SQL, will set you apart as a candidate who aligns with FirstEnergy's commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This guide will help you prepare for your job interview by equipping you with insights into the skills and qualities FirstEnergy values in a Data Analyst, ultimately enhancing your chances of success.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at FirstEnergy is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of two main rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of your qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The first step in the interview process is a 20-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation serves as an introduction to the role and the company, allowing the recruiter to gauge your interest and fit for the position. During this call, you will discuss your resume in detail, highlighting your relevant experiences and skills. The recruiter will also assess your understanding of the company’s values and culture, as well as your career aspirations.

2. Technical and Behavioral Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will participate in a more in-depth interview that lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. This interview typically involves a panel consisting of the hiring manager, an HR representative, and a team member. The focus will be on both technical and behavioral competencies. You should be prepared to answer questions related to statistics and SQL, as these are critical skills for the role. Additionally, the interview will include behavioral questions where you can utilize the STAR method to articulate your past experiences, particularly instances where you went above and beyond in a workplace setting. This round aims to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and how well you align with FirstEnergy's commitment to integrity and operational excellence.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in these discussions.

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

Master Your Resume

Be prepared to discuss every detail of your resume. Familiarize yourself with your past experiences, achievements, and the skills you’ve listed. The interviewers will likely ask you to elaborate on specific points, so ensure you can articulate your contributions and the impact you made in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, especially for behavioral questions.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on statistics and SQL for this role, make sure you are well-versed in these areas. Review key statistical concepts and be ready to discuss how you have applied them in your previous work. For SQL, practice writing queries that involve data manipulation, aggregation, and joins. You may be asked to solve problems on the spot, so being comfortable with these technical skills is crucial.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and technical questions during your interview. Use the STAR method to prepare for questions about your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Think of specific examples where you went above and beyond in your role, as this is a common theme in interviews at FirstEnergy.

Understand the Company Culture

FirstEnergy values integrity, safety, and operational excellence. Familiarize yourself with these core values and think about how your personal values align with them. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a culture that prioritizes safety and reliability, as well as how you can support the company’s mission to improve customer experiences and community engagement.

Communicate Clearly and Concisely

Strong communication skills are essential for a Data Analyst role at FirstEnergy. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both in verbal and written formats. You may be asked to present your findings or recommendations, so being able to convey complex information in an understandable way will set you apart.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

During the interview, you may be presented with hypothetical scenarios or case studies. Approach these problems methodically, demonstrating your analytical thinking and ability to develop strategies. Highlight your experience in identifying issues and implementing solutions, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the role.

Be Ready for Team Dynamics

Since the role involves collaboration with various business units, be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels and your experience in managing projects. This will showcase your adaptability and teamwork skills, which are highly valued at FirstEnergy.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role at FirstEnergy. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at FirstEnergy. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills in statistics, SQL, and analytics, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively within a team. Familiarize yourself with the STAR method to structure your responses to behavioral questions, and be prepared to discuss your resume in detail.

Statistics

1. Can you explain the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics?

Understanding the distinction between these two branches of statistics is crucial for data analysis roles.

How to Answer

Clearly define both terms and provide examples of when you would use each type in a data analysis context.

Example

“Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the features of a dataset, such as mean, median, and mode. Inferential statistics, on the other hand, allow us to make predictions or inferences about a population based on a sample, using techniques like hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.”

2. How do you handle missing data in a dataset?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and understanding of data integrity.

How to Answer

Discuss various methods for handling missing data, such as imputation, deletion, or using algorithms that support missing values.

Example

“I typically assess the extent of missing data first. If it’s minimal, I might use imputation techniques like mean or median substitution. For larger gaps, I consider whether to delete those records or use models that can handle missing values, ensuring that the integrity of the analysis is maintained.”

3. What statistical tests would you use to compare two groups?

This question evaluates your knowledge of hypothesis testing.

How to Answer

Mention specific tests and the scenarios in which you would apply them, such as t-tests or ANOVA.

Example

“I would use a t-test if I’m comparing the means of two independent groups. If I have more than two groups, I would opt for ANOVA to determine if there are any statistically significant differences among them.”

4. Can you explain the concept of p-value?

Understanding p-values is fundamental in statistics, especially in hypothesis testing.

How to Answer

Define p-value and its significance in the context of statistical tests.

Example

“A p-value indicates the probability of observing the results, or something more extreme, given that the null hypothesis is true. A low p-value, typically less than 0.05, suggests that we can reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there is a statistically significant effect.”

SQL

1. How would you write a SQL query to find the top 5 customers by sales?

This question tests your SQL skills and ability to manipulate data.

How to Answer

Outline the SQL syntax you would use, including SELECT, FROM, and ORDER BY clauses.

Example

“I would use the following SQL query: SELECT customer_id, SUM(sales) AS total_sales FROM sales_data GROUP BY customer_id ORDER BY total_sales DESC LIMIT 5; This retrieves the top 5 customers based on their total sales.”

2. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN?

This question assesses your understanding of SQL joins.

How to Answer

Define both types of joins and provide examples of when to use each.

Example

“An INNER JOIN returns only the rows that have matching values in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table. If there’s no match, NULL values are returned for columns from the right table.”

3. How do you optimize a slow-running SQL query?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills in database management.

How to Answer

Discuss various strategies for query optimization, such as indexing, avoiding SELECT *, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

“To optimize a slow-running query, I would first check the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. I might add indexes to columns used in WHERE clauses or joins, and avoid using SELECT * to limit the amount of data processed.”

4. What is normalization, and why is it important?

This question tests your understanding of database design principles.

How to Answer

Explain normalization and its benefits in reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity.

Example

“Normalization is the process of organizing a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves dividing large tables into smaller, related tables and defining relationships between them, which helps maintain consistency and makes data management easier.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you went above and beyond in your work.

This question assesses your work ethic and commitment to excellence.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to structure your response, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a tight deadline for a project. I took the initiative to work extra hours and collaborated with team members to streamline our processes. As a result, we completed the project ahead of schedule, which impressed our client and led to additional business.”

2. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using a task management system or assessing project deadlines and impact.

Example

“I prioritize my tasks by assessing deadlines and the potential impact of each project. I use a task management tool to keep track of my responsibilities and regularly review my progress to ensure I’m focusing on the most critical tasks first.”