PPG Industries Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

PPG Industries is a global leader in coatings and specialty materials, dedicated to protecting and beautifying the world through innovation and sustainability.

As a Business Analyst at PPG, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technology and business processes, particularly in the context of the company's transition to Salesforce CRM solutions. You will be responsible for leading the requirements gathering process, collaborating with stakeholders to define business needs, and optimizing existing processes to enhance organizational efficiency. A strong background in Salesforce implementations and experience managing cross-functional teams is essential for this role. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to mentor and guide a team of IT CRM analysts. Your work will directly contribute to PPG’s mission of delivering value to customers by ensuring that technology solutions align with business objectives.

This guide will empower you to prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into key responsibilities, required skills, and the company's values that resonate with the Business Analyst role.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at PPG Industries is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and operational needs. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screening

The first step is a phone screening conducted by an in-house recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, skills, and salary expectations. The recruiter will provide insights into the role and the company culture, allowing you to gauge if PPG is the right fit for you.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates are invited to a technical interview, which is often scheduled within a few days. This interview typically lasts about an hour and delves into your previous work experience, particularly focusing on technical skills relevant to the role. Expect questions related to data analysis, project management, and specific methodologies like Agile. You may also be asked to solve problems or discuss your approach to various analytical challenges.

3. Behavioral Interview

Candidates may then participate in a behavioral interview, which assesses how you handle various workplace scenarios. This interview often includes questions about past experiences, teamwork, conflict resolution, and your management style. The goal is to understand how you align with PPG's values and how you would fit into their team dynamics.

4. Onsite Interview or Presentation

For some candidates, the next step is an onsite interview or a presentation. This stage may involve multiple interviewers, including team members and management. You might be asked to present a project you’ve worked on, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information effectively. This is also an opportunity for you to engage with potential colleagues and get a feel for the work environment.

5. Final Interviews

The final stage may include additional interviews with senior management or cross-functional teams. These discussions often focus on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and your vision for the role. You may also be asked to elaborate on your understanding of PPG's business processes and how you can contribute to their ongoing transformation initiatives.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and past experiences.

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

Understand the Transformation Journey

PPG is currently undergoing a significant transformation with the implementation of Salesforce. Familiarize yourself with the challenges and opportunities that come with such a transition. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with this transformation and how you can contribute to the successful implementation and ongoing support of Salesforce within the Industrial Segment.

Highlight Leadership and Team Management Skills

As a Business Analyst, you will be expected to manage and mentor a team of IT CRM analysts. Prepare examples that showcase your leadership abilities, particularly in guiding teams through project lifecycles. Discuss your approach to mentoring and how you foster collaboration among cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for the role.

Be Ready for Technical Discussions

Expect technical questions related to Salesforce implementations, Agile methodologies, and project management tools. Brush up on your knowledge of Salesforce features and functionalities, as well as your experience with user acceptance testing (UAT) and developing business requirements. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully implemented technical solutions.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are essential, PPG also values cultural fit. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, conflict resolution skills, and how you handle challenges in a team setting. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated PPG's core values, such as integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Communicate Your Passion for Continuous Improvement

PPG emphasizes the importance of doing better today than yesterday. Share examples of how you have identified opportunities for process improvements in your previous roles. Discuss any continuous improvement methodologies you have employed and the impact they had on your team or organization.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, the specific challenges they face during the Salesforce implementation, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if PPG is the right fit for you.

Be Transparent About Salary Expectations

Based on feedback from previous candidates, salary discussions are a part of the interview process. Be prepared to discuss your salary expectations openly and confidently. Research industry standards for similar roles to ensure your expectations are aligned with market rates.

Embrace the Company Culture

PPG values a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Demonstrate your alignment with these values by sharing experiences that reflect your commitment to teamwork and integrity. Show that you are not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute to a shared mission of protecting and beautifying the world.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at PPG Industries. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, and your ability to lead and manage teams. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach problem-solving in a business context.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a project where you successfully implemented a CRM solution?

This question aims to assess your hands-on experience with CRM systems and your ability to manage projects effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss the specific CRM solution you implemented, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your role in the project and the impact it had on the organization.

Example

“I led the implementation of Salesforce for a mid-sized manufacturing company. My role involved gathering requirements from stakeholders, configuring the system, and training users. The project resulted in a 30% increase in sales team efficiency and improved customer satisfaction scores.”

2. What methodologies do you use for requirements gathering?

This question evaluates your approach to understanding business needs and translating them into actionable requirements.

How to Answer

Explain the methodologies you are familiar with, such as Agile or Waterfall, and how you apply them in practice. Provide examples of how these methodologies have helped you in past projects.

Example

“I typically use Agile methodologies for requirements gathering, as it allows for flexibility and continuous feedback. In my last project, I facilitated workshops with stakeholders to gather requirements iteratively, which helped us adapt to changing needs quickly.”

Technical Skills

3. How do you ensure that a Salesforce implementation meets business requirements?

This question assesses your understanding of aligning technical solutions with business goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your process for validating that the implementation aligns with business needs, including user acceptance testing and stakeholder feedback.

Example

“I ensure that the Salesforce implementation meets business requirements by conducting thorough user acceptance testing (UAT) and gathering feedback from key stakeholders throughout the process. This iterative approach allows us to make necessary adjustments before the final rollout.”

4. Can you explain the importance of user acceptance testing (UAT) in CRM projects?

This question tests your knowledge of UAT and its role in successful project delivery.

How to Answer

Highlight the significance of UAT in identifying issues before full deployment and ensuring that the system meets user expectations.

Example

“User acceptance testing is crucial because it allows end-users to validate that the system meets their needs and functions as expected. In a recent project, UAT revealed several usability issues that we were able to address before the official launch, leading to a smoother transition for users.”

Leadership and Team Management

5. Describe your experience in leading a team of analysts.

This question evaluates your leadership skills and ability to manage a team effectively.

How to Answer

Share your leadership style, how you motivate your team, and any specific achievements you’ve had in this area.

Example

“I believe in a collaborative leadership style where I empower my team to take ownership of their work. In my previous role, I mentored junior analysts, which not only improved their skills but also increased our project delivery speed by 20%.”

6. How do you handle conflicts within your team?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a positive team dynamic.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and understanding different perspectives.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I encourage open communication between team members to understand their viewpoints. I facilitate discussions to find common ground and ensure that everyone feels heard, which often leads to a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.”

Business Process Improvement

7. Can you provide an example of a business process you improved?

This question looks for your ability to analyze and enhance business processes.

How to Answer

Describe the process you improved, the steps you took, and the measurable outcomes of your efforts.

Example

“I analyzed our lead management process and identified bottlenecks that were causing delays. By streamlining the process and implementing automation in Salesforce, we reduced lead response time by 40%, significantly improving our sales conversion rates.”

8. What tools do you use for data analysis and reporting?

This question assesses your technical proficiency with data analysis tools relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Mention the tools you are familiar with, such as Excel, Tableau, or Salesforce reporting features, and how you use them to derive insights.

Example

“I frequently use Excel for data analysis due to its versatility, but I also leverage Salesforce’s reporting features to create dashboards that provide real-time insights into our sales performance. This helps stakeholders make informed decisions quickly.”