Harris Computer Systems Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Harris Computer Systems is a leading provider of software solutions for public sector and utility organizations, focusing on delivering innovative technology to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

The Business Analyst role at Harris involves collaborating closely with various internal and external stakeholders to identify and analyze business needs, translating these into actionable requirements for development teams. Key responsibilities include working with technical teams to design solutions, participating in the software development lifecycle, and ensuring successful implementation of projects by coordinating with project management and testing teams. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, along with excellent communication skills to effectively interact with both technical and non-technical personnel. A solid understanding of Agile methodologies and experience with tools like Jira and Confluence will also be critical to thrive in this fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, able to manage multiple assignments, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to excel in your interview for the Business Analyst position at Harris, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at Harris Computer Systems is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative environment of the company. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Phone Interview

The first step is a phone interview conducted by a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and experiences. Expect to discuss your previous projects, what you are looking for in a new role, and how your qualifications align with the needs of Harris. This stage is crucial for establishing a rapport and determining if you fit the company culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may undergo a technical assessment, which can be conducted via video call. This assessment often includes questions related to problem-solving, analytical skills, and may involve practical scenarios relevant to the role. You might be asked to demonstrate your understanding of REST APIs, SQL, or other technical concepts that are essential for a Business Analyst. Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and effectively.

3. Onsite or Panel Interview

The next stage typically involves an onsite or panel interview, where you will meet with multiple team members, including hiring managers and technical leads. This round is more in-depth and may include behavioral questions, situational analysis, and discussions about your previous work experiences. The focus here is on how you collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project deliverables, and communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Expect to share specific examples of how you have navigated challenges in past projects.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted, which could involve a more senior-level panel or director. This stage is often used to assess your fit within the broader team and company culture. You may be asked about your long-term career goals, how you handle feedback, and your approach to continuous improvement in your work processes.

Throughout the interview process, it’s important to demonstrate your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication. Each stage is designed to evaluate not just your technical expertise, but also your capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Harris Computer Systems.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Harris Computer Systems typically involves multiple stages, including an initial phone interview, followed by interviews with hiring managers and possibly a panel. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail, as interviewers often focus on your previous projects and how you approached challenges.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions that assess your problem-solving and analytical skills. Reflect on your past experiences and be prepared to discuss specific projects where you demonstrated your ability to translate business needs into actionable requirements. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you highlight your contributions and the outcomes of your efforts.

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

While the interviews may not heavily focus on technical questions, having a solid understanding of relevant technical concepts, such as REST APIs and Agile methodologies, will be beneficial. Be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with technical teams in the past and how you approach troubleshooting and problem-solving in a technical context.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for a Business Analyst role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics. Be ready to explain technical concepts in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between different teams.

Showcase Your Teamwork and Collaboration Skills

Harris values teamwork and collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you have worked effectively within teams in the past. Highlight instances where you have facilitated communication between technical and non-technical team members, and how you have contributed to a positive team dynamic.

Research the Company Culture

Understanding Harris Computer Systems' culture is crucial. The company is known for supporting employee growth and development, so be prepared to discuss how you align with their values. Consider how your career goals fit within the company's mission and be ready to express your enthusiasm for contributing to their success.

Be Ready for Questions About Your Fit

Expect questions about why you want to work at Harris and how you see yourself contributing to the team. Reflect on what excites you about the company and the role, and be prepared to articulate this during the interview. Authenticity and enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly engaging. This can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of success at Harris Computer Systems. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Harris Computer Systems. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in translating business needs into technical requirements. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to collaboration, and your understanding of Agile methodologies.

Experience and Background

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

This question aims to assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle complex situations.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project, the challenges you faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them. Highlight your role and the impact of your actions on the project's success.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked on a project that required integrating multiple systems with tight deadlines. I organized regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure alignment and used Agile methodologies to adapt quickly to changes. This proactive communication helped us deliver the project on time and within budget.”

Technical Skills

2. How do you approach gathering requirements from stakeholders?

This question evaluates your communication skills and your ability to understand business needs.

How to Answer

Explain your process for engaging with stakeholders, including techniques for eliciting requirements and ensuring clarity.

Example

“I typically start by conducting one-on-one interviews with stakeholders to understand their needs. I also use workshops to facilitate discussions and gather input from various teams. This collaborative approach ensures that all perspectives are considered, leading to more comprehensive requirements.”

3. What tools do you use for project management and documentation?

This question assesses your familiarity with tools that are essential for a Business Analyst role.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used, emphasizing your proficiency and how they have helped you in your previous roles.

Example

“I have extensive experience using Jira for tracking user stories and managing backlogs. Additionally, I use Confluence for documentation, which allows for easy collaboration and sharing of information among team members.”

Analytical Skills

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

This question tests your organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or methods you use to assess urgency and importance.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact on project goals and deadlines. I often use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks and focus on what is urgent and important. This helps me manage my time effectively and ensure that critical tasks are completed first.”

5. Can you explain a time when you had to analyze data to make a business decision?

This question evaluates your analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where your analysis led to a significant business decision, detailing the data you used and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous role, I analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product usage. My analysis revealed that a significant number of users were struggling with a specific feature. I presented my findings to the product team, which led to a redesign that improved user satisfaction and increased engagement.”

Collaboration and Communication

6. How do you ensure effective communication between technical and non-technical teams?

This question assesses your ability to bridge the gap between different stakeholders.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for facilitating communication and ensuring that all parties understand the project requirements.

Example

“I focus on using clear, jargon-free language when communicating with non-technical teams. I also create visual aids, such as flowcharts and diagrams, to help illustrate complex concepts. Regular check-ins and updates ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the project lifecycle.”

7. Describe your experience with Agile methodologies.

This question evaluates your understanding of Agile practices and how you apply them in your work.

How to Answer

Share your experience with Agile, including specific roles you’ve played in Agile teams and how you’ve contributed to the process.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for several years, participating in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives. My role often involves facilitating discussions to ensure that the team remains focused on delivering value and adapting to changes quickly.”

Problem-Solving

8. How do you handle conflicts within a project team?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain team dynamics.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I first listen to all parties involved to understand their perspectives. I then facilitate a discussion to find common ground and encourage collaboration on a solution. This approach not only resolves the issue but also strengthens team relationships.”

9. What steps do you take to ensure the quality of your deliverables?

This question evaluates your commitment to quality and attention to detail.

How to Answer

Discuss your quality assurance processes and how you ensure that your work meets the required standards.

Example

“I implement a thorough review process for all my deliverables, including peer reviews and testing. I also gather feedback from stakeholders to ensure that the final product aligns with their expectations and requirements.”