Johnson Controls Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, dedicated to reimagining building performance for the benefit of people, places, and the planet.

As a Business Intelligence Analyst at Johnson Controls, you will play a pivotal role in developing and supporting analytic tools and reports that drive risk mitigation within the Sustainable Infrastructure Services Operating Platform. Your responsibilities will include collaborating with various stakeholders to understand business requirements, developing and maintaining Microsoft BI tools, and conducting thorough data analyses to identify trends that support decision-making. A strong emphasis on data quality and governance is crucial, as you will be tasked with optimizing data collection procedures, performing regular data audits, and implementing data governance policies. You will also provide training and support to end-users on Microsoft BI tools and reports.

To excel in this role, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field, complemented by at least five years of experience in facility management and operations. Proficiency in Microsoft BI technologies (particularly Power BI and Excel), as well as advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Smartsheet, are essential. Strong communication skills are necessary to simplify complex contract terms and data for diverse audiences. A passion for data-driven insights and a collaborative spirit will align well with Johnson Controls’ commitment to innovation and teamwork.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and skills valued by Johnson Controls in this role, enabling you to present yourself as a strong candidate.

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

1. Initial Phone Screening

The process typically begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, relevant experience, and motivation for applying to Johnson Controls. The recruiter will also assess your fit for the company culture and may ask about your familiarity with Business Intelligence tools and methodologies.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in a technical interview. This round may involve a one-on-one discussion with a hiring manager or a technical lead. Expect questions that delve into your experience with Microsoft BI tools, data analysis, and SQL. You may also be asked to solve practical problems or case studies that reflect the type of work you would be doing in the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step often includes a behavioral interview, where you will meet with one or more team members or managers. This round focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Business Intelligence Analyst position. Be prepared to discuss specific situations where you demonstrated problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview, which includes multiple stakeholders from different departments. This format allows the team to evaluate how well you can communicate complex ideas and collaborate with various functions. Questions may cover your approach to data governance, stakeholder engagement, and your ability to train end-users on BI tools.

5. Final Interview

The final stage typically involves a discussion with senior management or executives. This interview assesses your strategic thinking and alignment with the company's long-term goals. You may be asked about your vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the organization’s success.

Throughout the process, candidates should be ready to showcase their technical expertise, analytical skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during this process.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Johnson Controls values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Familiarize yourself with their mission and recent initiatives, especially in the Sustainable Infrastructure sector. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions about why you want to join the company but also allow you to align your responses with their core values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and work ethic resonate with their culture.

Prepare for a Structured Interview Process

The interview process at Johnson Controls is known to be comprehensive, often involving multiple stages. Expect to engage in discussions with various stakeholders, including HR, hiring managers, and team members. Prepare for both behavioral and technical questions, and be ready to articulate your experience in business intelligence, particularly with Microsoft BI tools. Familiarize yourself with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively communicate your past experiences.

Highlight Your Technical Proficiency

Given the emphasis on Microsoft BI technologies, ensure you can discuss your experience with tools like Power BI and Excel in detail. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of SQL, as it is a critical skill for this role. You may be asked to solve technical problems or analyze datasets during the interview, so practice relevant exercises beforehand. Showcasing your ability to optimize data collection procedures and improve data quality will also be beneficial.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

As a Business Intelligence Analyst, strong communication skills are essential. Be ready to explain complex data concepts in a simplified manner, as you will need to collaborate with stakeholders who may not have a technical background. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you have successfully communicated data insights in previous roles.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your strengths, weaknesses, and how you handle challenges. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. Johnson Controls values candidates who can work well under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously, so be ready to discuss how you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Show Enthusiasm for Continuous Learning

Johnson Controls is committed to employee development and innovation. Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Discuss any relevant certifications, training, or personal projects that showcase your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and technologies. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and alignment with the company’s focus on continuous improvement.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Use this as a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and to briefly mention any key points from the interview that you found particularly engaging. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at Johnson Controls. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence Analyst interview at Johnson Controls. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data analysis, and ability to communicate complex information effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, particularly in relation to business intelligence tools and data governance.

General Experience and Background

1. Why are you interested in joining Johnson Controls?

This question aims to assess your motivation for applying and your understanding of the company’s mission and values.

How to Answer

Discuss your alignment with the company’s goals, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and smart building solutions. Highlight any specific aspects of Johnson Controls that resonate with you.

Example

“I am drawn to Johnson Controls because of its commitment to sustainability and innovation in building management. I admire how the company integrates technology to enhance operational efficiency and improve the quality of life in urban environments.”

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This classic question helps interviewers gauge your self-awareness and honesty.

How to Answer

Choose strengths that are relevant to the role, such as analytical skills or proficiency in BI tools. For weaknesses, mention an area for improvement and how you are actively working on it.

Example

“One of my strengths is my ability to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights. A weakness I’m working on is my public speaking skills; I’ve been taking workshops to improve my confidence in presenting to larger groups.”

3. Describe a time you managed a project that did not go as planned. What did you learn?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to learn from experiences.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on what you learned and how you applied that knowledge in future projects.

Example

“In a previous role, I led a project that faced significant delays due to unforeseen data quality issues. I learned the importance of conducting thorough data audits upfront, which I implemented in subsequent projects to ensure smoother execution.”

Technical Skills and Tools

4. What experience do you have with Microsoft BI tools, specifically Power BI?

This question evaluates your technical proficiency with essential tools for the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized Power BI, focusing on your ability to create dashboards and reports that drive decision-making.

Example

“I have over two years of experience using Power BI to develop interactive dashboards for various stakeholders. One project involved creating a dashboard that visualized key performance indicators, which helped the management team identify areas for operational improvement.”

5. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your reports?

This question assesses your understanding of data governance and quality assurance practices.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to data validation, audits, and the importance of establishing data governance policies.

Example

“I conduct regular data audits and implement validation checks to ensure data accuracy. Additionally, I advocate for clear data governance policies that define data ownership and quality standards across the organization.”

6. Can you explain a complex dataset you worked with and how you derived insights from it?

This question tests your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the dataset, the analysis performed, and the insights gained.

Example

“I worked with a large dataset from our facility management operations, which included maintenance logs and energy consumption data. By applying statistical analysis, I identified patterns that indicated potential energy savings, leading to a 15% reduction in costs after implementing recommended changes.”

Behavioral and Situational Questions

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

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

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for prioritization, such as using project management tools or frameworks.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, often using project management software to track deadlines and progress. I also communicate regularly with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities.”

8. Describe a time when you had to explain complex information to a non-technical audience.

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe the situation, your approach to simplifying the information, and the outcome.

Example

“I once presented a complex data analysis to a group of stakeholders with limited technical backgrounds. I focused on visual aids and analogies to explain the findings, which resulted in a successful buy-in for the proposed strategy.”

9. What steps do you take to stay updated on industry trends and new technologies?

This question gauges your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources you use, such as industry publications, webinars, or professional networks.

Example

“I regularly read industry publications and participate in webinars to stay informed about the latest trends in business intelligence and data analytics. I also engage with professional networks to exchange insights with peers in the field.”