Handshake Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Handshake is a mission-driven company focused on democratizing career opportunities for students and recent graduates through its innovative platform.

The Business Analyst role at Handshake centers around gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to support strategic decision-making and enhance the user experience. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify business needs, developing metrics to assess product performance, and employing analytical tools to derive actionable insights. A strong background in SQL is essential, as well as experience in product metrics and analytics to inform data-driven strategies. Candidates should also be proficient in Python and have a solid understanding of algorithms that can support system design and optimization. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment are crucial traits for success at Handshake, as the company values teamwork and transparency in its operations.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and skills necessary for the Business Analyst role, allowing you to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who aligns with Handshake's mission and values.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at Handshake is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. It typically unfolds over several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their abilities while also getting a feel for the company culture.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter or hiring manager. This initial conversation focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Handshake. Expect to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role, as well as your understanding of the company’s mission and values.

2. Technical Screening

Following the initial screen, candidates usually participate in a technical screening, which lasts about an hour. This may involve a coding challenge or a system design exercise, where you will be asked to solve problems relevant to the role. You might also encounter behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving approach and ability to work in a team.

3. Take-Home Assignment

Candidates may be given a take-home assignment that requires them to analyze a dataset or build a small project. This assignment is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and your ability to present insights effectively. You will typically have a set amount of time to complete this task, and it will be discussed in detail during the onsite interview.

4. Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is a comprehensive experience that can last several hours. It usually includes multiple rounds with different team members, such as product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Expect to engage in a mix of coding exercises, system design discussions, and behavioral interviews. You may also be asked to present your take-home assignment, demonstrating your analytical thinking and communication skills.

5. Final Conversations

The final stage often includes a wrap-up meeting with the hiring manager or a senior leader. This is an opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions about the role or the company, and for them to gauge your fit within the team and culture.

Throughout the process, Handshake emphasizes a supportive and respectful environment, ensuring candidates feel comfortable and informed at every step.

Next, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their journey at Handshake.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Handshake. The interview process will likely assess a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical thinking, familiarity with data analysis tools, and understanding of business processes.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe a project where you used data analysis to drive business decisions?

This question aims to assess your practical experience with data analysis and its impact on business outcomes.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where your analysis led to actionable insights. Highlight the tools you used, the data you analyzed, and the decisions that were influenced by your findings.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product satisfaction. By using SQL to query the data and Python for analysis, I discovered that a significant portion of our users were dissatisfied with a specific feature. This insight led to a redesign of that feature, resulting in a 20% increase in user satisfaction scores.”

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

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

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

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. I often use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks and focus on those that are both important and urgent. Additionally, I communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities, which helps me manage expectations and deliver on time.”

3. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles.

This question assesses your technical proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for data analysis.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of how you have used SQL to extract, manipulate, or analyze data in your previous roles.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in writing complex queries to extract insights from large datasets. For instance, I created a series of SQL queries to analyze sales data, which helped identify underperforming products and informed our inventory management strategy.”

4. What metrics do you consider most important when evaluating a product's performance?

This question tests your understanding of product metrics and their relevance to business success.

How to Answer

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that are relevant to the product and how they align with business goals.

Example

“I believe metrics such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and churn rate are critical for evaluating a product's performance. For example, by analyzing the customer acquisition cost in relation to lifetime value, I was able to recommend strategies that improved our marketing efficiency and increased profitability.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you overcome it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific challenge you encountered, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“During a project to implement a new CRM system, we faced resistance from the sales team. I organized a series of workshops to demonstrate the system's benefits and gathered feedback to address their concerns. This collaborative approach not only eased their apprehensions but also led to a smoother implementation process.”

2. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

This question assesses your ability to accept and learn from feedback.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you have used it to improve your work.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving constructive criticism on a presentation, I sought additional training in public speaking. This not only improved my presentation skills but also boosted my confidence in sharing insights with stakeholders.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you manage the relationship?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate workplace dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a challenging relationship and the strategies you employed to foster collaboration.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to change. I took the initiative to have a one-on-one conversation to understand their concerns. By actively listening and addressing their issues, we were able to find common ground and work together more effectively on the project.”

4. What motivates you to succeed in your role as a Business Analyst?

This question assesses your passion for the role and your drive to achieve results.

How to Answer

Discuss what aspects of the role excite you and how they align with your career goals.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to leverage data to drive strategic decisions. The ability to influence business outcomes through analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams is what excites me most about being a Business Analyst.”