The Hershey Company Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Hershey Company, renowned for its iconic chocolate and confectionery products, is committed to delivering sweet moments of Hershey happiness to the world every day.

As a Business Analyst at Hershey, you will play a pivotal role in driving the adoption and enhancement of the company's project management tools, particularly the Clarity PPM system. This position requires a blend of strong analytical skills and project management knowledge to gather requirements, document processes, and facilitate improvements throughout the software development lifecycle. Key responsibilities include performing insightful data analysis, creating training materials, and communicating effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. A successful candidate will possess a solid understanding of project management methodologies, proficiency in analytical tools such as MS Excel, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to influence and guide decision-making. Traits such as adaptability, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to identifying process improvements will set you apart in this role, aligning with Hershey's commitment to excellence and innovation.

This guide will prepare you to navigate the interview process effectively, allowing you to articulate your experiences and demonstrate how your skills align with Hershey's values and the specific demands of the Business Analyst role.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at The Hershey Company is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which may take place over the phone or via a digital platform. This step is primarily conducted by a recruiter who will review your resume and qualifications. Expect to answer basic questions about your experience and motivation for applying to Hershey. This stage serves as a preliminary filter to ensure candidates meet the essential requirements before moving forward.

2. Behavioral Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a behavioral interview. This interview is often conducted by HR and may include the hiring manager. The focus here is on assessing your past experiences and how they align with Hershey's core values. Expect to answer questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or SOAR (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) frameworks, which will help interviewers gauge your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

3. Technical Assessment

For candidates who progress past the behavioral interview, a technical assessment is typically next. This may involve a virtual interview with team members or a panel of interviewers. During this stage, you may be asked to demonstrate your analytical skills, particularly in relation to data analysis and reporting. Questions may also cover your familiarity with tools like Clarity PPM, as well as your experience with project management methodologies.

4. Field Day or Job Shadowing

In some cases, candidates may be invited to participate in a field day or job shadowing experience. This unique step allows candidates to observe the role in action and interact with current employees. It serves as a mutual evaluation to determine if the position is a good fit for both the candidate and the company.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often consists of a more in-depth interview with multiple stakeholders, including senior management. This round may cover strategic thinking, operational challenges, and your approach to process improvement. Expect to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you’ve contributed to business outcomes.

Throughout the process, communication may vary, and some candidates have reported delays or a lack of follow-up. However, being prepared for each stage and demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills will help you stand out.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during your interviews.

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

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Hershey can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds, including HR screenings and interviews with hiring managers. Be prepared for a mix of behavioral and situational questions, as well as potential assessments of your analytical skills. Familiarize yourself with the SOAR (Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result) technique, as many interviewers may use this framework to evaluate your responses. Knowing the structure will help you articulate your experiences more effectively.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

Hershey places a strong emphasis on company culture and values. During your interview, be ready to discuss how your personal values align with Hershey's mission and core principles. Prepare examples that demonstrate your commitment to teamwork, innovation, and customer focus. This will not only show that you are a good fit for the company but also that you understand the importance of culture in a collaborative environment.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, your analytical problem-solving skills will be under scrutiny. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, particularly in relation to Clarity PPM tools. Highlight specific projects where you utilized your analytical skills to drive improvements or solve complex problems. Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your contributions, as this will resonate well with interviewers looking for tangible results.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a variety of behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and how you handle challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Focus on your ability to work cross-functionally, influence decisions, and manage stakeholder expectations. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you faced obstacles and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your resilience and adaptability.

Be Ready for a "Ride Along"

Some candidates have reported a unique aspect of the interview process involving a "ride along" with a sales representative. This experience is designed to assess your fit for the role and the company. Approach this opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Use it as a chance to ask questions about the company culture and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, which can provide valuable insights for your decision-making.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you experience delays in communication, be patient but proactive in following up. A polite inquiry can demonstrate your continued interest and professionalism.

Stay Positive and Resilient

The interview process at Hershey can sometimes be lengthy and may involve unexpected delays or lack of communication. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the process, regardless of the outcome. If you encounter challenges, view them as learning experiences that can help you grow in your career. Resilience is a valuable trait that many employers, including Hershey, appreciate.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role at The Hershey Company. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at The Hershey Company. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with project management tools, particularly Clarity PPM. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to data analysis and process improvement.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a project you worked on from start to finish. What was your role, and what were the outcomes?

This question assesses your project management skills and ability to see a project through its entire lifecycle.

How to Answer

Outline the project scope, your specific responsibilities, and the results achieved. Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I led a project to implement a new reporting system using Clarity PPM. My role involved gathering requirements from stakeholders, designing the reporting framework, and training users. The project resulted in a 30% reduction in reporting time and improved data accuracy.”

Analytical Skills

2. How do you approach data analysis when faced with incomplete or ambiguous data?

This question evaluates your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your methodology for dealing with incomplete data, including how you prioritize data sources and validate findings.

Example

“When faced with incomplete data, I first identify the critical data points needed for analysis. I then consult with stakeholders to fill in gaps and use statistical methods to estimate missing values. This approach ensures that my analysis remains robust and actionable.”

3. Can you explain a time when you identified a significant process improvement? What steps did you take?

This question aims to understand your ability to recognize inefficiencies and implement solutions.

How to Answer

Describe the process you improved, the analysis you conducted, and the impact of your changes.

Example

“I noticed that our project tracking process was inefficient, leading to delays. I conducted a thorough analysis of the workflow, identified bottlenecks, and proposed a streamlined process using Clarity PPM. This change reduced project delays by 25%.”

Project Management

4. What is your understanding of the Clarity PPM tool, and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question tests your familiarity with the specific tools used in the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with Clarity PPM, including specific functionalities you have utilized and how they benefited your projects.

Example

“I have used Clarity PPM extensively for project planning and resource allocation. I leveraged its reporting features to provide stakeholders with real-time updates, which improved transparency and decision-making.”

5. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult stakeholder. How did you manage the relationship?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate challenging situations.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on your communication strategies and how you maintained professionalism.

Example

“I worked with a stakeholder who was resistant to change during a system implementation. I scheduled regular check-ins to address their concerns and provided data to demonstrate the benefits of the new system. This approach helped build trust and ultimately led to their support.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge at work. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

How to Answer

Describe the challenge, your thought process, and the actions you took to resolve it.

Example

“I faced a challenge when a key team member left mid-project. I quickly reassessed the project timeline, redistributed tasks among the remaining team members, and communicated transparently with stakeholders about the changes. This proactive approach kept the project on track.”

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

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

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization strategy, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools to track deadlines and dependencies, ensuring that I focus on high-impact tasks first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me adjust priorities as needed.”

Company Fit

8. What attracts you to working at The Hershey Company?

This question gauges your interest in the company and alignment with its values.

How to Answer

Discuss specific aspects of The Hershey Company that resonate with you, such as its culture, values, or products.

Example

“I am drawn to The Hershey Company’s commitment to community and sustainability. I admire how the company integrates these values into its business practices, and I would love to contribute to initiatives that make a positive impact.”

9. How do you ensure that your work aligns with the company’s strategic goals?

This question assesses your understanding of business alignment and strategic thinking.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to aligning your projects with broader company objectives, including communication with leadership.

Example

“I regularly review the company’s strategic goals and ensure that my projects support these objectives. I maintain open communication with leadership to align my work with their vision, which helps ensure that my contributions are relevant and impactful.”