Highmark Health Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Highmark Health is a leading health insurance provider focused on improving healthcare quality and access for its members through innovative solutions and analytics.

The Business Intelligence role at Highmark Health involves utilizing project management techniques to create impactful Business Intelligence solutions leveraging Oracle Cloud Analytics technologies. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional business groups to identify data and analytical needs, capturing and documenting requirements, and overseeing the development of reports and dashboards. Successful candidates will be adept at ensuring data accuracy and consistency, interpreting complex data patterns, and facilitating process improvements. This role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in SQL, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Aligning with Highmark's commitment to data-driven decision-making, a great fit for this position would also possess a proactive attitude, adaptability to changing priorities, and the capacity to work within a dynamic, technology-driven culture.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the skills that will be assessed, thus giving you an edge in demonstrating your qualifications and alignment with the company's values.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Highmark Health is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates can expect a series of interviews that focus on their experience, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's values.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening conducted by a recruiter. This may involve a brief phone call where the recruiter discusses the role, the company culture, and gathers basic information about the candidate's background and motivations for applying. This step is crucial for determining if the candidate meets the basic qualifications and is a good fit for the company.

2. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in one or more technical and behavioral interviews. These interviews may be conducted by the hiring manager and team members. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their previous work experiences, particularly those related to project management and business intelligence solutions. Expect questions that assess your analytical skills, familiarity with SQL, and ability to interpret complex data sets. Additionally, situational questions may be posed to evaluate how candidates handle challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

3. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview where multiple team members assess their fit for the role. This format allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's skills and interpersonal abilities. Panelists may ask about specific projects the candidate has worked on, focusing on their contributions and the outcomes achieved. This is also an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their communication skills and ability to present complex information in an understandable manner.

4. Final Interview with Leadership

The final stage often involves an interview with higher-level management or leadership. This interview is typically more conversational and focuses on the candidate's long-term career goals, alignment with the company's mission, and how they can contribute to the organization's success. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on their strategic thinking and how they prioritize business needs in their work.

5. Offer and Background Check

If successful, candidates will receive an offer, which may be contingent upon a background check and drug screening. The turnaround time for feedback and offers is generally quick, reflecting the company's efficiency in the hiring process.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise based on the experiences shared by previous candidates.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Highmark Health typically involves multiple rounds, often starting with a recruiter screening followed by interviews with team members and leadership. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions, as well as discussions about your past experiences and how they relate to the role.

Highlight Your Project Management Skills

Given the emphasis on project management methodologies in the role, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing projects, particularly in a business intelligence context. Share specific examples of how you have successfully led projects, coordinated with cross-functional teams, and delivered results. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Proficiency

While the interviews may not be heavily technical, having a solid understanding of SQL and analytics tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience with SQL, including any specific projects where you utilized it to derive insights or solve problems. Additionally, if you have experience with Oracle Cloud Analytics or similar tools, make sure to highlight that as well.

Emphasize Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Highmark Health values strong communication and interpersonal skills, as the role requires collaboration with various departments. Prepare to discuss how you have effectively communicated complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders in the past. Use examples that showcase your ability to build relationships and work as part of a team.

Prepare for Cultural Fit Questions

Cultural fit is a significant aspect of the interview process. Be ready to articulate why you want to work at Highmark Health and how your values align with the company’s mission. Reflect on your past experiences and how they demonstrate your adaptability and commitment to a collaborative work environment.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and team dynamics align with your career goals. Consider asking about the team’s current projects, challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention any key points from the interview that you feel reinforce your fit for the role.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate, increasing your chances of success in the interview process at Highmark Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Highmark Health. The interview process will likely focus on your experience with data analysis, project management, and your ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly in SQL and analytics, as well as your approach to problem-solving and project execution.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a time you faced a significant challenge in a project and how you resolved it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate obstacles in a project setting.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that highlights your analytical skills and your approach to overcoming challenges. Focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we encountered unexpected data discrepancies that threatened our timeline. I organized a meeting with the data team to identify the root cause, which turned out to be a misalignment in data sources. By implementing a new validation process, we not only resolved the issue but also improved our data accuracy for future projects.”

Technical Skills

2. What experience do you have with SQL and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question evaluates your technical proficiency with SQL, which is essential for data analysis in this role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific SQL queries you have written, the types of databases you have worked with, and how your SQL skills contributed to your projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience using SQL for data extraction and analysis. In my last role, I wrote complex queries to pull data from multiple tables, which allowed us to create comprehensive reports that informed strategic decisions. I also optimized queries to improve performance, reducing report generation time by 30%.”

3. Can you explain the importance of data integrity and how you ensure it in your work?

This question assesses your understanding of data quality and your methods for maintaining it.

How to Answer

Explain the concept of data integrity and provide examples of practices you follow to ensure data accuracy and consistency.

Example

“Data integrity is crucial for making informed business decisions. I ensure data integrity by implementing validation checks during data entry and regularly auditing datasets for discrepancies. Additionally, I collaborate with stakeholders to establish clear data governance policies.”

Project Management

4. Describe your experience with project management methodologies. Which do you prefer and why?

This question gauges your familiarity with project management frameworks and your ability to lead projects effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss the methodologies you have used, your preferred approach, and how it has benefited your projects.

Example

“I have experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. I prefer Agile because it allows for flexibility and iterative progress, which is essential in data projects where requirements can evolve. For instance, in a recent project, we adapted our approach based on stakeholder feedback, which led to a more successful outcome.”

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

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

How to Answer

Describe your approach to prioritization, including any tools or techniques you use to stay organized.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use project management tools like Trello to visualize my workload and deadlines. For example, when managing multiple projects, I assess which tasks align with business goals and deadlines, allowing me to focus on high-impact activities first.”

Communication and Collaboration

6. How do you communicate complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders?

This question assesses your ability to translate technical information into understandable insights.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to simplifying complex data and the methods you use to engage your audience.

Example

“I focus on storytelling when presenting data findings. I use visual aids like charts and graphs to illustrate key points and avoid jargon. For instance, in a recent presentation, I highlighted trends using a dashboard, which helped stakeholders grasp the implications quickly and make informed decisions.”

7. Describe a time when you had to work with a cross-functional team. What was your role, and how did you contribute?

This question evaluates your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example that showcases your ability to work with diverse teams and your specific contributions.

Example

“I worked on a project with the marketing and IT teams to develop a new analytics dashboard. My role was to gather requirements from marketing and translate them into technical specifications for IT. I facilitated workshops to ensure everyone’s needs were met, resulting in a dashboard that significantly improved our marketing campaign analysis.”