Health Research, Inc. Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Health Research, Inc. (HRI) is a dynamic non-profit organization focused on advancing public health and scientific research to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers through innovative partnerships.

The role of a Data Analyst at HRI involves collaborating with the Public Health Information Group (PHIG) to develop and enhance health surveillance dashboards, as well as contributing to the Prevention Agenda 2025-2030 initiatives. Key responsibilities include gathering and analyzing diverse health-related data from multiple sources—such as birth and death records, immunization data, and large state surveys—and creating visualizations and summaries to assess public health indicators. Proficiency in data analysis tools, particularly SAS and Excel, is crucial, alongside strong organizational skills to manage and maintain databases. Ideal candidates will be current graduate students in epidemiology or biostatistics, showcasing a commitment to public health and an aptitude for translating complex data into actionable insights.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your interview, ensuring you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications and alignment with HRI's mission and values.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Health Research, Inc. is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place over the phone. This conversation is typically led by a recruiter who will discuss the role, the organization, and your background. Expect questions that gauge your interest in public health, your understanding of the responsibilities associated with the position, and your relevant experience with data analysis tools such as SAS and Excel.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a practical exam focused on SAS, where you might be asked to demonstrate your ability to manipulate and analyze data. The assessment is designed to evaluate your proficiency in data management and your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios, such as merging databases or creating visualizations.

3. Panel Interview

The next stage is a panel interview, which typically includes multiple interviewers, including team members and possibly a supervisor. This interview is more in-depth and may cover both technical and behavioral questions. You will likely be asked to elaborate on your past experiences, discuss your strengths, and explain how you would approach specific data-related challenges. The panel may also take notes during your responses, which can create a more formal atmosphere.

4. Writing Sample

In some cases, candidates may be asked to complete a writing sample as part of the interview process. This task usually involves summarizing data findings or creating a brief report based on provided data sets. This step assesses your ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a Data Analyst role.

5. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a more casual conversation with senior management or team leads. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics, organizational culture, and future projects. It also allows the interviewers to gauge your enthusiasm for the role and how well you align with the company’s mission and values.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may arise during these stages.

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

Prepare for Practical Assessments

Given that the interview process may include practical assessments, such as a SAS exam or data manipulation tasks, it’s crucial to brush up on your technical skills. Familiarize yourself with common data analysis techniques and be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in SAS and Excel. Practice merging databases, handling key variables, and creating visualizations, as these are likely to be focal points during your interview.

Understand the Role's Context

The Data Analyst role at Health Research, Inc. is deeply embedded in public health initiatives. Take the time to understand the specific health data you may be working with, such as birth and death data, hospital discharge data, and immunization records. Familiarize yourself with the Prevention Agenda 2025-2030 and how your role will contribute to this initiative. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the mission of the organization.

Be Ready for Panel Interviews

Interviews may be conducted by a panel, which can feel less conversational. Prepare to engage with multiple interviewers by practicing your responses to common questions and being concise in your answers. Since panelists may take notes, focus on delivering clear and structured responses that highlight your qualifications and experiences relevant to the role.

Showcase Your Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential, don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills. Be prepared to discuss your strengths, how you work in a team, and your problem-solving abilities. Given the collaborative nature of the role, demonstrating your ability to work with diverse content experts and communicate effectively will be key to making a positive impression.

Align with Company Values

Health Research, Inc. emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Reflect on your experiences and how they align with these values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse workplace and support the organization’s mission to improve public health. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you are a good cultural fit.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the organization, and to briefly mention any points from the interview that particularly resonated with you. This can help keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your skills and experiences with the needs of Health Research, Inc., you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Health Research, Inc. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data management, and your ability to communicate findings effectively. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of statistical software, data visualization techniques, and your understanding of public health data.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain how you would merge multiple datasets with overlapping key variables?

This question assesses your data manipulation skills and understanding of database management.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific methods you would use to merge datasets, such as using SQL joins or data manipulation functions in SAS or Excel. Highlight the importance of ensuring data integrity and handling duplicates.

Example

“I would use a left join in SQL to merge the datasets based on the common key variables, ensuring that I check for duplicates beforehand. If I were using SAS, I would utilize the MERGE statement in a data step, making sure to sort the datasets by the key variables first to maintain data integrity.”

2. Describe your experience with SAS and how you have used it in previous projects.

This question evaluates your familiarity with SAS, a key requirement for the role.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of projects where you utilized SAS for data analysis or visualization. Mention any particular functions or procedures you found useful.

Example

“In my previous internship, I used SAS to analyze hospital discharge data. I employed PROC SQL to extract relevant information and PROC SGPLOT to create visualizations that highlighted trends in patient demographics over time.”

3. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data analysis?

This question tests your attention to detail and understanding of data quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to validate your data, such as cross-referencing with other sources, conducting exploratory data analysis, and implementing checks for outliers.

Example

“I always start by performing exploratory data analysis to identify any anomalies or outliers. I also cross-reference my findings with other reliable data sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, I document my processes to maintain transparency and reproducibility.”

4. What visualization tools have you used, and how do you decide which one to use for a given dataset?

This question assesses your experience with data visualization and your ability to communicate insights effectively.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used, such as Tableau or Excel, and explain your decision-making process for selecting the appropriate visualization method.

Example

“I have experience using Tableau for creating interactive dashboards and Excel for simpler visualizations. I choose the tool based on the complexity of the data and the audience; for instance, I prefer Tableau for presenting to stakeholders due to its interactivity, while I use Excel for internal reports.”

Public Health Knowledge

5. How would you approach analyzing public health data to inform policy decisions?

This question evaluates your understanding of the role of data in public health.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to analyzing data with a focus on actionable insights and how you would communicate these findings to stakeholders.

Example

“I would start by identifying key health indicators relevant to the policy in question. After analyzing the data for trends and correlations, I would summarize my findings in a clear report, highlighting actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers.”

6. Can you provide an example of a public health issue you have researched and the data sources you used?

This question assesses your experience with public health data and your ability to conduct research.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a public health issue you investigated, detailing the data sources and methodologies you employed.

Example

“I researched the impact of vaccination rates on community health outcomes. I utilized data from the American Community Survey and state immunization registries to analyze correlations between vaccination rates and disease incidence in various demographics.”

7. What challenges have you faced when working with public health data, and how did you overcome them?

This question tests your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Discuss specific challenges you encountered, such as data accessibility or quality issues, and the strategies you implemented to address them.

Example

“One challenge I faced was accessing timely data from multiple sources. I overcame this by establishing relationships with data providers and advocating for more streamlined data-sharing processes, which ultimately improved our analysis timelines.”

8. How do you stay updated on trends and changes in public health data?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, such as journals, conferences, or online courses, that you utilize to stay informed about public health data trends.

Example

“I regularly read journals like the American Journal of Public Health and attend webinars hosted by public health organizations. I also participate in online courses to enhance my data analysis skills and stay current with new methodologies.”