Google Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

For years, Google has enhanced how people access and interact with information. It is ranked #2 in Forbes’ list of the world’s most valuable brands. Google offers a wide range of services and products across various domains, including search engines, advertising, cloud computing, and mobile applications.

For years, Google has enhanced how people access and interact with information. It is ranked #2 in Forbes’ list of the world’s most valuable brands. Google offers a wide range of services and products across various domains, including search engines, advertising, cloud computing, and mobile applications.

The interview process for the business analyst role at Google usually has four rounds. Still, it can change depending on the seniority of the position and the requirements for the team. Here is an overview of what to expect:

Initial Screening

If your application stands out, you will have a phone interview with a recruiter or hiring manager. They will discuss your educational background, experiences, and interest in the business analyst role and gauge your communication skills and cultural fit with Google.

Computer Test

Next, you will have a computer assessment, usually pre-recorded questions, that evaluates your suitability for the role by testing your skills in data analysis, statistical methods, SQL queries, Excel functions, and other tools commonly used in business analysis. This test is timed to evaluate your ability to work efficiently under pressure.

Technical Interview

After the assessment, you will undergo one or more technical interviews with a senior business analyst. Expect question related to SQL, Excel, R, Python, your past project and business case studies. This round is usually conducted via Google Meet or Zoom.

Case Study

You will be given one or more case studies or problems to analyze and solve. These case studies reflect challenges that Google may face in its operations, products, or services. After analyzing the case study and formulating your recommendations, you will present your findings to an interview panel.

In your Google business analyst interview, you’ll face technical questions about SQL, Excel, and visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. They’ll ask about product-market and statistical analysis as well. Don’t forget behavioral questions about handling situations. Google tends to hire the best talent—not just the technically skilled but also those who are adaptable and a good fit culturally. Here is a list of 20 questions previously asked at interviews:

1. What do you know about Google’s business model?

Asking about Google’s business model helps the employer see if you’ve done your research and if your skills align with their needs. They want to check if you understand how Google generates revenue and who its target audience is.

How to Answer

Showcase a solid understanding of how Google generates revenue, its core products and services, and its target audience.

Example

“Google’s business model primarily revolves around online advertising, which accounts for the majority of its revenue. Through platforms like Google Search, YouTube, and the Google Display Network, advertisers pay to display ads to users based on their search queries, browsing behavior, and demographic information. Additionally, Google offers a range of products and services, hardware products, and software solutions. Google’s target audience spans various demographics, including individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide. Overall, Google’s main goal is to give users what they want while making money from ads and selling various products and services.”

2. Why do you want to work at Google?

Employers are interested in your motivation to work at Google. They want to see if you’ve done your homework regarding Google’s mission, values, and ongoing projects and worked through how they align with your career goals. This helps them gauge your levels of preparation and genuine interest in the role.

How to Answer

While answering this question, highlight how Google’s mission, values, and culture align with your own values and career aspirations. Show how your skills, experiences, and passion make you a strong fit for the business analyst role at Google.

Example

“I want to work at Google because it’s a company that values innovation and pushes the boundaries of technology. I’m drawn to the opportunity to work with brilliant minds on impactful projects that have the potential to make a difference in the world. Google’s vast array of products and services presents intriguing challenges and opportunities for analysis, and I’m eager to be part of a team that shapes the future of technology. Additionally, Google’s commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates with me, and I’m motivated to contribute to its mission.”

3. Tell me about a time you had to handle a complex business problem.

The recruiter wants to check your intellectual rigor and ability to tackle complex business problems with attention to detail and precision.

How to Answer

Describe the context of the problem and explain the steps you took to analyze it. Then, mention any challenges and the outcome of your efforts.

Example

“In my previous role as a business analyst, I encountered a complex problem related to optimizing the supply chain process for our e-commerce platform. The challenge stemmed from a significant increase in demand for certain products. I conducted a comprehensive analysis of historical sales data, customer demand patterns, and inventory levels. I used statistical forecasting models to predict future demand. One of the main challenges I faced was reconciling discrepancies in the data due to inconsistencies in reporting across different systems. To overcome this, I collaborated closely with the IT department. Our solution reduced inventory costs by 15% and order fulfillment time by 20%, boosting customer satisfaction and company savings.”

4. What is your greatest strength?

The interviewer is interested in your self-awareness. They want to know what you consider the greatest strength you can bring to your role as a business analyst at Google.

How to Answer

While answering, think about a skill or quality that sets you apart as a business analyst. Consider what you excel at and how it aligns with the role’s responsibilities.

Example

“My biggest strength is my ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and findings. I’m good at distilling intricate data analysis into clear, concise reports and presentations that stakeholders can easily understand and act on. This skill enables me to bridge the gap between technical analysis and strategic decision-making, boosting collaboration and alignment across cross-functional teams.”

5. What does “Googleyness” mean to you, and how do you see yourself embodying these qualities as a business analyst?

The interviewer wants to assess your cultural fit and alignment with Google’s values and work environment. They want to see if you have the unique qualities that Google values in its employees, such as innovation, collaboration, and a passion for making an impact.

How to Answer

Start by defining “Googleyness” based on your understanding of Google’s culture and values. Explain how you see yourself embodying these qualities as a business analyst.

Example

“To me, Googleyness represents a combination of innovation, collaboration, and a passion for making a difference. As a business analyst, I embody these qualities by constantly seeking new ways to approach problems, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, and leveraging data-driven insights to drive meaningful outcomes. I see myself bringing this same spirit of innovation and collaboration to Google, where I’m excited to work alongside brilliant minds and contribute to projects that have a real impact on people’s lives.”

6. Suppose one million Google users haven’t logged in over the past 6 months. How would you identify the cause, and what actions would you take?

User engagement is a critical metric for Google’s success. The interviewer wants to check whether you can think outside the box and come up with novel approaches to address the issue.

How to Answer

Start by understanding the problem’s implications for engagement and business goals. Mention that you will gather relevant data, analyze it to identify trends and potential causes, and propose actionable solutions.

Example

“To identify the cause of one million users not logging in over the past 6 months, I would start by analyzing user activity logs, demographic data, and any recent changes to the platform. I would look for patterns or trends among the inactive users and consider factors such as changes in user preferences or technical issues that may be impacting engagement. Once I’ve identified potential causes, I would propose solutions such as improving the user experience, launching targeted marketing campaigns, or addressing technical issues. I would then monitor the effectiveness of these solutions and iterate on my approach as needed to improve user engagement.”

7. Explain the difference between a JOIN and a subquery in SQL. When would you use each?

At Google, SQL is widely used for querying and analyzing large datasets. The interviewer is testing your understanding of SQL fundamentals and whether you can use different data manipulation and analysis techniques.

How to Answer

Start by defining a JOIN and a subquery in SQL and the key differences between them. Mention when it is appropriate to use each technique.

Example

“A JOIN is used to combine data from two or more tables based on a related column, allowing us to retrieve information from multiple sources in a single query. On the other hand, a subquery is a query nested within another query, used for more advanced filtering or aggregation tasks. We would use JOINs when retrieving data from multiple tables simultaneously, such as joining customer information with transaction data. Subqueries, on the other hand, would be used for tasks like filtering records based on aggregated values or selecting top N rows within a group.”

8. How would you determine if the results of an A/B test for a landing page redesign, aimed at improving click-through rate, are statistically significant?

A/B testing is a common practice at Google for assessing the impact of changes to products or features. Google wants business analysts who can analyze experiment results to inform product development and optimization efforts.

How to Answer

In your answer, mention that you would first define statistical significance, then identify the primary metric like click-through rate (CTR), explain hypothesis testing, select a significance level (typically 95%), and analyze results using appropriate statistical methods to determine if the observed differences are statistically significant.

Example

“I would first define statistical significance as the likelihood that the observed difference in CTR between the control and variant groups is not due to random chance. I would then calculate the p-value using hypothesis testing methods such as a t-test or chi-square test, comparing the CTRs of the two groups. If the p-value is less than our chosen significance level, typically 95%, I’ll reject the null hypothesis and conclude that the difference in CTRs is statistically significant.“

9. Explain the difference between correlation and causation in data analysis.

This question tests your understanding of fundamental concepts in data analysis and your ability to apply critical thinking skills to evaluate relationships in data. It’s relevant at Google because accurate data interpretation is essential for making informed decisions.

How to Answer

Start by defining correlation as a statistical measure of the relationship between two variables, then explain causation as the relationship where one variable directly influences the change in another variable. Lastly, give an example to demonstrate the concept.

Example

“Correlation measures the relationship between two variables, while causation implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding this difference is important, as accurate data interpretation drives strategic decision-making. For example, while there may be a correlation between increased ice cream sales and drowning incidents during summer months, it doesn’t mean that eating ice cream causes drownings. Instead, both variables are influenced by hot weather, highlighting the importance of avoiding assumptions about causation based solely on correlation.”

10. Write a function find_change to find the minimum number of coins that make up the given amount of change cents. Assume we only have coins of value 1, 5, 10, and 25 cents.

Business analysts at Google often need to analyze and manipulate large datasets. The interviewer is testing your ability to problem-solve, write efficient code, and understand algorithms and data structures.

How to Answer

For this problem, write a function find_change that takes the amount of change as input and returns the minimum number of coins required. It should iterate through the available coin denominations in decreasing order, starting with the largest coin value.

Example

“To address this challenge, I’d create a function named find_change . It would take the amount of change as input and iterate through available coin denominations. For each denomination, I’d calculate the maximum number of times it can be used to make up the remaining change. Then, I’d update the total number of coins used and the remaining change accordingly. Finally, the function would return the total number of coins used.”

def find_change(amount):
    coins = [25, 10, 5, 1]
    num_coins = 0
    for coin in coins:
        num_coins += amount // coin
        amount %= coin
    return num_coins

11. What is the difference between a partitioned table and a clustered table in BigQuery?

Google mainly uses BigQuery for data analysis. So, this question is relevant as it tests your understanding of the differences between partitioned and clustered tables in BigQuery.

How to Answer

In your answer, define a partitioned table and a clustered table and then highlight the difference between them, focusing on their respective methods of organizing data to improve query performance.

Example

“Partitioned tables in BigQuery are divided into segments based on a specific column, such as a date or timestamp. This partitioning helps improve query performance by limiting the amount of data scanned. On the other hand, clustered tables go a step further by organizing data into clusters based on the values of one or more columns. This physical organization enhances query performance by reducing data shuffling during query execution.”

12. If you add a constant c to all entries in a database due to a data collection error, how would this affect the sample statistics (mean, median, mode, range, variance)?

As a potential business analyst at Google, you will need to analyze data correctly to make informed decisions and optimize products and services. This question may be posed to test your understanding of statistical concepts and your ability to analyze the impact of data manipulation on sample statistics.

How to Answer

Start by explaining that adding a constant c to all entries in a database is equivalent to shifting the entire dataset by that constant due to a data collection error. Then, discuss the impact on sample statistics one by one.

Example

“Adding a constant c to all entries in a database is equivalent to shifting the entire dataset by that constant due to a data collection error. If a constant c is added to all entries in a database due to a data collection error, it will impact sample statistics differently. Specifically, the mean would increase by c units, while the median and mode would remain unchanged. The range would also remain the same since it depends on the difference between the maximum and minimum values. However, the variance would increase by a factor of c^2 due to the added dispersion of values around the mean.”

13. How would you approach performance tuning for a database system handling millions of transactions per day?

This evaluates your problem-solving skills and understanding of database management, which are important for optimizing data processing workflows at scale. This is particularly relevant given Google’s handling of vast amounts of data across its various products and services.

How to Answer

Describe a systematic approach to performance tuning that may include identifying bottlenecks, benchmarking, query optimization, hardware optimization, and monitoring & tuning.

Example

“Performance tuning for a database system handling millions of transactions per day requires a systematic approach. First, I will identify performance bottlenecks like slow queries or inefficient indexing. Then, I’d optimize database queries by rewriting them, adding appropriate indexes, or restructuring data. Evaluating hardware configurations and scaling up resources may also be necessary to handle the workload efficiently. Implementing monitoring tools to continuously monitor performance and tuning database parameters based on performance metrics would be important.”

14. How would you explain what a p-value is to someone who is not technical?

Google seeks analysts who have technical proficiency and strong soft skills. This question may be used during the interview to evaluate your capability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

How to Answer

In your response, mention using analogies or examples to simplify the concept. Provide a straightforward explanation of the p-value, demonstrating how it works in simple terms.

Example

To explain a p-value to someone who is not technical, I would start by comparing it to a weather forecast. I would say something like this:

“Imagine you’re trying to decide if it will rain tomorrow based on today’s weather. The null hypothesis is that it won’t rain (default assumption). The p-value tells you how likely it is that today’s weather occurred by chance if it won’t rain tomorrow. A low p-value suggests strong evidence against the null hypothesis, indicating that it’s likely to rain tomorrow.”

15. In Excel, how would you build a dynamic dashboard that updates automatically based on changing data inputs?

This question tests your proficiency in data visualization and dashboard creation using Excel, which is a common tool for data analysis at Google. Since Google handles vast amounts of data, business analysts should be able to create dynamic dashboards that update automatically based on changing data inputs.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of how you would make a dynamic Excel dashboard. Discuss using Excel features like PivotTables for effective data organization and visualization. Additionally, mention incorporating interactive elements such as drop-down menus or slicers to enhance the user experience.

Example

“To build a dynamic dashboard in Excel that updates automatically based on changing data inputs, I would organize the data into structured tables and create PivotTables to summarize key metrics. Using dynamic range names, I would ensure that the dashboard adjusts automatically as new data is added or existing data is modified. Additionally, I would incorporate interactive elements like drop-down menus or slicers to enhance user experience and allow for dynamic data exploration.”

16. How would you identify and optimize a slow-running SQL query?

Identifying and optimizing slow-running SQL queries is essential for improving query performance and overall efficiency at Google. This question mainly tests your problem-solving skills and understanding of SQL optimization techniques.

How to Answer

Outline multiple optimization techniques that can be applied to improve query performance, such as rewriting queries, adding or modifying indexes, and breaking down complex queries into smaller parts.

Example

“To address this, I would start by analyzing query execution plans and performance metrics to identify areas of inefficiency. This would allow me to understand the query execution process and identify any potential bottlenecks or areas for optimization. Then, I would apply optimization techniques such as rewriting queries, adding or modifying indexes, and breaking down complex queries into smaller parts. Additionally, I would break down complex queries into smaller, more manageable parts to improve readability and maintainability.”

17. How would you assess the market potential for a new product or service in a highly competitive industry?

Google operates in highly competitive markets across various industries. So, it is vital to accurately assess the market potential of new products or services. This question tests your strategic thinking and analytical skills.

How to Answer

Start by explaining the importance of thorough market research in assessing market potential. Then, highlight the significance of analyzing competitors and understanding customer insights.

Example

“First, I would conduct thorough market research to understand the target market’s size, growth trends, and dynamics. Additionally, I would analyze competitors to identify gaps or opportunities that our new product can address. I would gather customer insights through surveys and interviews to understand their needs and preferences. Financial analysis would also be necessary for estimating revenue potential, cost structure, and profitability. Based on these findings, I would provide strategic recommendations, such as identifying target market segments, defining value propositions, recommending pricing strategies, and assessing potential risks.”

18. Suppose you flip a coin 10 times. It comes up tails 8 times and heads twice. Is this a fair coin?

Interviewers want to assess your understanding of probability and statistics. At Google, where data-driven decisions are essential, business analysts often need to analyze data to draw conclusions or suggest ideas.

How to Answer

Focus on the importance of statistical analysis in evaluating the fairness of random events like coin flips. Discuss the appropriate statistical tests or methods that can be used to determine if the coin is fair.

Example

“In this scenario, we need to determine if the coin is fair based on the observed outcomes of 8 tails and 2 heads in 10 coin flips. To assess the fairness of the coin, we can use statistical tests such as binomial distribution or hypothesis testing. By calculating the expected probabilities of getting heads or tails in a fair coin flip and comparing them to the observed frequencies, we can evaluate if the observed outcome is statistically significant. If the observed outcome significantly deviates from what would be expected in a fair coin flip, it suggests that the coin may not be fair. However, it’s essential to consider factors such as sample size and randomness in the data before drawing conclusions.”

19. How do you approach market segmentation and targeting to maximize the effectiveness of marketing campaigns?

At Google, advertising and marketing play a significant role in revenue generation. The interviewer may ask this question to gauge your strategic thinking and analytical skills as a business analyst.

How to Answer

Mention the analytical approach you would take to analyze data and identify relevant segments. Then, explain the criteria you would use to segment the market effectively. Lastly, discuss how you would develop a targeting strategy to efficiently reach the identified market segments.

Example

“I would begin by analyzing data to understand customer behavior, preferences, and demographics. Using tools like Google Analytics, I would identify distinct market segments based on factors such as age, gender, location, interests, and past purchasing behavior. Next, I would develop targeted messaging and advertising campaigns tailored to each segment’s unique needs and preferences. Throughout the campaign, I would closely monitor key metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and ROI to measure performance and identify opportunities for optimization.”

20. What are the assumptions of linear regression?

This question tests your understanding of fundamental statistical concepts and your ability to critically evaluate the conditions for applying a technique. It also gauges your knowledge of how to ensure the validity and reliability of your data analysis, which is critical for a business analyst role at Google.

How to Answer

Discuss the assumptions of linear regression, including linearity, independence, homoscedasticity, normality, and no multicollinearity. These are all essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of the regression analysis.

Example

“Linear regression relies on several key assumptions to produce reliable results. First, it assumes that a linear relationship exists between the dependent and independent variables. Second, it assumes independence among observations, meaning that each data point is unrelated to the others. Another crucial assumption is homoscedasticity, which states that the variance of the residuals remains constant across all levels of the independent variables. Lastly, in the case of multiple regression, linear regression assumes no multicollinearity, meaning that there is no exact linear relationship between the independent variables.”

Now that you are familiar with the hiring process and commonly asked questions, here are some tips to help you crack your Google interview:

Understand Google and its Products

Research Google’s culture, values, and recent projects. Familiarize yourself with Google’s products and services, business model, and industry trends. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with Google’s goals and values.

If you want more info on the company’s interview process or need any guidance, try our coaching feature, which allows you to get expert advice from top tech companies, including Google.

Master Technical Skills

Practice and brush up on your skills in SQL, Excel, data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI), and statistical analysis. Be prepared for technical questions that test your proficiency in these areas.

You can prepare for technical topics in our practice questions section.

Enhance Problem-Solving Skills

Practice solving complex business problems, case studies, and data analysis scenarios. Enhance your ability to think critically, analyze data, and derive actionable insights.

Try our challenges feature to improve your problem-solving skills.

Showcase Analytical Thinking

Google highly values employees who can think critically, analyze data effectively, and derive useful insights to solve complex challenges. Showcase your ability to approach problems analytically, break them down into manageable components, and develop structured solutions.

Explore our guide Analytical Approaches and Frameworks to improve and enrich your understanding of analytical approaches.

Stay Confident

Lastly, approach the interview with confidence and a positive attitude. Stay calm under pressure and be prepared to adapt to unexpected questions or situations.

Our website has a mock interview feature where you can practice interviews to boost your confidence and skills.

What is the average salary for a business analyst role at Google?

The average base salary for a business analyst at Google stands at $128,648, with an estimated average total compensation of $177,345.

Check out our comprehensive guide on business analyst salaries to learn more about compensation trends for business analysts.

What other companies are hiring business analysts besides Google?

In addition to Google, you can apply to renowned companies such as Apple, IBM, Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey & Company. These companies offer diverse career paths for business analysts across various sectors, including technology, consulting, finance, and professional services.

Does Interview Query post job postings for the Google business analyst role?

Yes, we do have job listings for the business analyst role at Google. You can explore and apply directly through our job board. Additionally, you can browse through similar roles tailored to your skills and location preferences.

Explore our main Google interview guide for more insights. We’ve also covered other positions, including data analyst, data scientist, and data engineer roles, so check out these guides if you’re interested in those as well.

If you need more preparation, check out our resources, like Google SQL Interview Questions, Top 20 Business Analyst Interview Questions, and Business Analyst SQL Interview Questions. Remember, interviewing at a tech giant like Google demands dedicated preparation and strong skills. Prepare thoroughly to give yourself the highest chance of success. Wishing you all the best with your interview!