HNTB Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

HNTB is a leading infrastructure solutions firm that has been delivering innovative solutions for complex projects across the nation for over a century.

As a Business Analyst at HNTB, you will play a pivotal role in analyzing and developing requirements for innovative client-driven solutions that enhance business operations within the transportation sector. Key responsibilities include performing system analyses on software applications and web services, ensuring system efficiency and functionality by collaborating with internal teams and end-users, and developing software programs to improve customer satisfaction. You will work closely with project managers and clients, utilizing your skills in Microsoft Office and your ability to facilitate requirements gathering. A great fit for this role embodies strong communication abilities, a keen interest in transportation technologies, and experience in the industry.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for your interview by providing insights into what to expect and how to showcase your skills effectively.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at HNTB is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages that allow candidates to showcase their qualifications and engage with potential team members.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone screen, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This initial conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter who will discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role. Expect to answer questions about your resume and previous projects, as well as your familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel and other relevant software. This stage is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the phone screen, candidates may be invited to a technical interview, which can take place via video conferencing. This interview often involves two or more team members, including a project manager. The focus here is on your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to discuss specific scenarios related to business operations, data analysis, and how you would approach various challenges in the transportation industry. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of product metrics and your experience with data-driven decision-making.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step in the process is typically a behavioral interview. This round is more conversational and aims to assess how you align with HNTB's values and work culture. Interviewers will ask about your past experiences, how you handle teamwork, and your approach to communication and collaboration. Expect questions that explore your ability to facilitate requirements gathering and your strategies for ensuring client satisfaction.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, there may be a final interview round that includes a panel of interviewers, which could consist of senior management and team members. This stage is often more in-depth, focusing on your long-term career goals, your understanding of the transportation industry, and how you can contribute to HNTB's mission. You may also be asked about your salary expectations and your vision for your role within the company.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to engage openly and ask questions about the team dynamics, project expectations, and growth opportunities within HNTB.

Now that you have an understanding of the interview process, let's delve into the specific questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews.

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

Embrace the Conversational Nature of the Interview

Interviews at HNTB tend to be more conversational than formal. Approach the interview as a dialogue rather than a strict Q&A session. This will help you feel more relaxed and allow your personality to shine through. Be prepared to discuss your background and experiences in a way that connects with the role, and don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your interest in the company and its projects.

Highlight Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on technical skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Prepare examples of how you have used Excel in previous roles or projects, focusing on specific functions or features that demonstrate your proficiency. If you have experience with other software or tools relevant to the role, be sure to mention those as well.

Prepare for Open-Ended Questions

Expect open-ended questions that require you to think critically and articulate your problem-solving process. For instance, you might be asked how you would approach a specific challenge in the transportation industry. Practice structuring your responses to showcase your analytical skills and ability to develop innovative solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers effectively.

Understand the Company Culture

HNTB values a supportive and collaborative work environment. Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work at HNTB and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering impactful infrastructure solutions.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Projects

Your past projects will likely be a focal point of the interview. Be prepared to walk the interviewers through your resume, highlighting relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and contributions. Focus on the outcomes of your projects and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Business Analyst role.

Stay Calm and Confident

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember that the interviewers are looking for a good fit for their team. Take deep breaths, maintain a positive attitude, and remind yourself of your qualifications. If you encounter unexpected questions or topics, don’t hesitate to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, consider sending a thank-you email that reiterates your interest in the position and reflects on a specific topic discussed during the interview. This not only shows your appreciation but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at HNTB. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at HNTB. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with technology solutions, and ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members. Be prepared to discuss your background, technical skills, and how you approach problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

Experience and Background

1. Can you walk us through your resume and highlight your relevant experience?

This question allows you to showcase your background and how it aligns with the role at HNTB.

How to Answer

Focus on your most relevant experiences, emphasizing your analytical skills and any projects that relate to transportation or technology solutions.

Example

“I graduated with a degree in Computer Science and have spent the last three years working as a Business Analyst in the transportation sector. In my previous role, I led a project that improved the efficiency of our asset management system, which resulted in a 20% reduction in operational costs.”

Technical Skills

2. How do you utilize Microsoft Excel in your analysis work?

Excel is a critical tool for data analysis, and they will want to know your proficiency.

How to Answer

Discuss specific functions or features of Excel you use regularly, such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, or data visualization tools.

Example

“I frequently use Excel for data analysis, particularly pivot tables to summarize large datasets and VLOOKUP to cross-reference information. This has helped me create comprehensive reports that inform decision-making processes.”

3. Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex dataset. What was your approach?

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

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to analyze the data, including any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

“In my last position, I was tasked with analyzing traffic data to identify patterns in congestion. I used SQL to extract the data, then employed Excel to visualize trends over time, which helped our team propose effective solutions to reduce traffic delays.”

Problem-Solving and Communication

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

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

How to Answer

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, such as using a project management tool or a specific framework.

Example

“I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on project goals. I use a project management tool to track deadlines and progress, which helps me stay organized and ensure that I’m focusing on the most critical tasks first.”

5. Can you give an example of how you facilitated a requirements gathering session with a client?

This question tests your communication and facilitation skills.

How to Answer

Describe the context of the session, your role, and how you ensured that all client needs were captured.

Example

“I organized a requirements gathering session with a transportation client by preparing an agenda and relevant materials in advance. During the meeting, I encouraged open dialogue and used visual aids to clarify complex concepts, ensuring that all stakeholders felt heard and understood.”

Industry Knowledge

6. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today?

This question assesses your understanding of the industry and its current trends.

How to Answer

Discuss specific challenges, such as infrastructure funding, technology integration, or sustainability, and how they impact business operations.

Example

“One of the biggest challenges is the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions. As cities grow, there’s increasing pressure to develop transportation systems that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. This requires innovative thinking and collaboration across various sectors.”

7. How would you approach determining the size of an airport or terminal?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and understanding of transportation metrics.

How to Answer

Outline the factors you would consider and the data you would analyze to make this determination.

Example

“I would start by analyzing current passenger traffic data, historical growth trends, and regional demographics. Additionally, I would consider factors such as existing infrastructure capacity and future growth projections to provide a comprehensive assessment of the airport or terminal size needed.”