General Motors Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

General Motors (GM) is a global leader in the automotive industry, committed to shaping a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.

The Business Analyst role at GM is pivotal in driving operational improvements and informed decision-making by leveraging analytical skills to interpret vast amounts of data. Key responsibilities include conducting ad-hoc statistical analyses, building statistical models, and leading projects aimed at reducing costs and enhancing vehicle quality. Candidates will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with state and federal legislation while proactively identifying opportunities for operational excellence. Successful Business Analysts at GM possess a blend of technical acumen in data integration tools, such as SQL and Power BI, alongside strong project management skills and a deep understanding of automotive systems. They thrive in dynamic environments, demonstrate advanced problem-solving abilities, and excel in communication to effectively convey insights and influence stakeholders.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by equipping you with insights into the expectations, skills, and experiences valued by GM, enabling you to present yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst position.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at General Motors is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that evaluates their analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Contact

The process typically begins with a phone call from a recruiter. This initial contact serves as a screening to gauge your interest in the position and to discuss your qualifications. The recruiter will ask a few preliminary questions about your background and experience to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the next steps.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial contact, candidates may be required to complete an online assessment. This assessment often involves a standard test in a programming language of your choice, focusing on your analytical skills and technical knowledge relevant to the role. This step is crucial as it helps the hiring team evaluate your problem-solving abilities in a structured format.

3. Video Interview

Candidates who pass the online assessment will typically participate in a video interview, often conducted through platforms like HireVue. During this interview, you will answer pre-recorded questions, which may include behavioral scenarios and technical queries. This format allows the interviewers to assess your communication skills and how you articulate your thought process.

4. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

The next phase usually consists of one or more technical and behavioral interviews. These interviews may be conducted by a panel that includes team members such as senior analysts, project managers, and other stakeholders. Expect to discuss your previous experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your analytical skills, project management capabilities, and ability to work in cross-functional teams. Behavioral questions will likely follow the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to understand how you handle various workplace situations.

5. Final Interview

The final interview is often a more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager or senior leadership. This session may cover strategic thinking, your understanding of the automotive industry, and how you can contribute to GM's goals. It may also include discussions about your long-term career aspirations and how they align with the company's vision.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their analytical mindset, technical proficiency, and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at General Motors typically involves multiple stages, including a phone screening, a video recorded interview, and a panel interview. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses effectively.

Emphasize Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, your analytical skills will be under scrutiny. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, particularly in SQL and Power BI, as these are crucial for the role. Highlight specific projects where you utilized these tools to derive insights or improve processes. Demonstrating your ability to work with large datasets and extract meaningful conclusions will set you apart from other candidates.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

General Motors values candidates who can tackle complex issues. Prepare examples from your previous work where you successfully identified a problem, analyzed the data, and implemented a solution. This could involve improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing product quality. Be specific about the methodologies you used, such as Lean or Six Sigma, to demonstrate your operational excellence experience.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

While the interview process may feel formal, remember that the interviewers are looking for a good fit for their team. Engage with them by asking insightful questions about their experiences at GM and the company culture. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if GM is the right environment for you. A personable approach can leave a lasting impression.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While the focus may be on behavioral questions, be ready for technical inquiries related to your analytical skills. Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and statistics, as these may come into play during the technical assessment. Practice coding problems in your preferred programming language, as you may be asked to demonstrate your technical proficiency.

Research Company Culture and Values

General Motors emphasizes inclusion and a collaborative work environment. Familiarize yourself with their core values and recent initiatives, especially those related to sustainability and innovation. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions about why you want to work at GM but also allow you to align your responses with the company’s mission and vision.

Follow Up After the Interview

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention a key point from your discussion that reinforces your fit for the position. A thoughtful follow-up can help keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and demonstrate that you are not only qualified for the role but also a great fit for the General Motors team. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at General Motors. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with data management and reporting. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in relation to operational excellence, project management, and your technical acumen.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a challenging project you worked on and how you managed it?

This question aims to assess your project management skills and your ability to navigate complex situations.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Highlight your role in the project, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“In my previous role, I led a project to streamline our warranty claims process. The challenge was to reduce processing time while maintaining accuracy. I gathered data on current workflows, identified bottlenecks, and implemented a new tracking system that reduced processing time by 30%.”

Technical Skills

2. What experience do you have with SQL and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question evaluates your technical skills, particularly in data management.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL to extract, manipulate, or analyze data. Mention any complex queries you wrote and the insights gained from them.

Example

“I used SQL extensively in my last position to analyze sales data. I wrote complex queries to identify trends in customer purchases, which helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns. One query I developed reduced data retrieval time by 40%.”

3. How do you ensure data integrity in your reports?

This question assesses your attention to detail and understanding of data management practices.

How to Answer

Explain your process for validating data, including any tools or techniques you use to ensure accuracy.

Example

“I ensure data integrity by implementing a multi-step validation process. I cross-reference data from multiple sources and use automated checks to identify discrepancies. Additionally, I conduct regular audits of my reports to maintain high standards of accuracy.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

4. Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?

This question focuses on your analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Mention the tools you used (e.g., Excel, Power BI) and the specific analysis you performed. Highlight the impact of your analysis on decision-making.

Example

“I recently analyzed a dataset of customer feedback using Power BI. I created visualizations that highlighted key trends and areas for improvement. This analysis led to actionable insights that improved our customer satisfaction scores by 15%.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use to manage your workload.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact. I use a project management tool to track deadlines and progress. For example, during a recent project, I focused on high-impact tasks first, which allowed me to meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

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

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our differences and actively listened to their concerns. By fostering open communication, we were able to collaborate more effectively, resulting in a successful project completion.”

7. What motivates you to work in the automotive industry?

This question gauges your passion for the industry and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Share your interest in the automotive sector and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I am passionate about the automotive industry because of its potential for innovation and sustainability. I believe my analytical skills can contribute to GM’s vision of zero emissions and zero crashes, and I am excited about the opportunity to be part of that change.”