Tempus Labs Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Tempus Labs is a pioneering organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of cancer genomics by developing innovative solutions to harness the vast amounts of genomic data generated through advanced sequencing technologies.

As a Business Intelligence professional at Tempus Labs, you will take on the pivotal role of designing, developing, and managing advanced analytics dashboards and reporting tools. Your core responsibilities will involve gathering requirements from cross-functional teams, collaborating with stakeholders to provide analytical support, and performing in-depth analyses to drive strategic initiatives. You will design data views that facilitate advanced reporting and self-service analysis, ensuring data integrity through robust governance initiatives. Your expertise in SQL and data visualization tools, coupled with strong project management skills, will be essential in delivering impactful analytics solutions that meet the evolving data needs of the organization.

To excel in this role, you should possess a solid background in data analysis, including advanced SQL proficiency and experience with business intelligence tools like Looker or Tableau. A creative problem-solving mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical teams are crucial traits for success. Additionally, a strong understanding of database concepts and a commitment to mentoring others will further enhance your effectiveness in this position.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to prepare for a successful interview with Tempus Labs, allowing you to demonstrate your fit for the Business Intelligence role and align your skills with the company's mission and values.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Tempus Labs is structured and involves several key stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills.

1. Initial Recruiter Screen

The process typically begins with a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter. This initial screen focuses on your background, qualifications, and interest in the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Business Intelligence position, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the recruiter screen, candidates are usually required to complete a take-home coding challenge or technical assessment. This assessment often includes tasks related to SQL and data analysis, where you may be asked to analyze a dataset and present your findings. The goal is to evaluate your technical skills and your ability to work with data, which is crucial for the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

Once you pass the technical assessment, the next step typically involves a behavioral interview. This may be conducted via video call with team members or a hiring manager. Expect questions that explore your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various work situations. Scenario-based questions are common, as they help assess your fit within the team and the company culture.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage usually consists of an onsite interview, which may be conducted virtually. This round often includes multiple interviews with different team members, including technical and managerial staff. You can expect a mix of technical questions, system design discussions, and behavioral assessments. This stage is designed to evaluate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and your approach to complex problem-solving.

5. Background Check and Offer

After successfully completing the onsite interviews, candidates may undergo a background check and drug test. If everything checks out, you will receive an offer, which may include discussions about salary and benefits.

As you prepare for your interview, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

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

Understand the Interview Process

Tempus Labs has a structured interview process that typically includes a recruiter screen, a take-home coding challenge, and multiple rounds of interviews with team members. Familiarize yourself with each stage and prepare accordingly. Expect behavioral questions, technical assessments, and discussions about your past experiences. Being aware of this structure will help you manage your time and expectations throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on SQL and data visualization tools like Looker and Tableau, ensure you are well-versed in these areas. Brush up on your SQL skills, focusing on complex queries and performance tuning. Practice building dashboards and reports using BI tools, as you may be asked to demonstrate your proficiency. Additionally, be prepared for coding challenges that may involve algorithmic problems, so review common LeetCode questions and practice coding under time constraints.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Tempus values candidates who can effectively manage stakeholder relationships. Be ready to discuss your experience in gathering requirements, presenting analysis results, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Use specific examples to illustrate how you have successfully navigated complex projects and communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Emphasize Problem-Solving Abilities

The role requires a creative problem solver who can perform deep-dive analyses. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you have faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them. Highlight your analytical thinking and ability to derive insights from data, as well as your experience in conducting root cause analyses.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical topics. Be prepared to explain complex problems in a way that is accessible to a non-technical audience. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and business teams.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a variety of behavioral questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Tempus values persistence, resilience, and teamwork. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Reflect on your past experiences and how they align with the company’s mission and values.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely for updates on your application status.

Trust Your Instincts

Given some feedback regarding the company’s communication and organizational practices, trust your instincts during the interview process. If you feel that the company culture or the way you are treated during the interview does not align with your values, it’s okay to reconsider your interest in the role. Your well-being and job satisfaction are paramount.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Tempus Labs. The interview process will likely focus on your experience with data analysis, SQL proficiency, stakeholder management, and your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, problem-solving approaches, and how you can contribute to the company's mission in cancer genomics.

SQL and Data Management

1. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and reporting.

How to Answer

Explain the basic definitions of both joins and provide a scenario where each would be applicable.

Example

"An INNER JOIN returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table. For instance, if I have a table of customers and a table of orders, an INNER JOIN would show only customers who have placed orders, whereas a LEFT JOIN would show all customers, including those who haven't placed any orders."

2. How do you ensure data quality and accuracy in your reports?

Data integrity is vital in business intelligence roles.

How to Answer

Discuss your processes for data validation, error checking, and any tools you use to maintain data quality.

Example

"I implement a multi-step validation process that includes automated checks for duplicates and outliers, as well as manual reviews for critical reports. Additionally, I conduct regular audits and encourage feedback from stakeholders to ensure the data meets their needs."

3. Describe a complex SQL query you have written. What was its purpose?

This question assesses your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the query, its complexity, and the problem it solved.

Example

"I once wrote a complex SQL query that aggregated sales data across multiple regions and product lines to identify trends. It involved multiple joins and subqueries to pull data from different tables, and the final output helped the sales team adjust their strategies based on regional performance."

4. How do you approach performance tuning in SQL queries?

Performance tuning is essential for efficient data retrieval.

How to Answer

Discuss techniques you use to optimize query performance, such as indexing or query restructuring.

Example

"I focus on indexing frequently queried columns and analyzing execution plans to identify bottlenecks. For instance, I once optimized a slow-running report by adding indexes to key columns, which reduced the query time from several minutes to under 30 seconds."

5. What is your experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Looker?

This question gauges your familiarity with BI tools.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of how you have used these tools to create impactful visualizations.

Example

"I have extensive experience with Tableau, where I created interactive dashboards that visualized key performance indicators for our marketing team. This allowed them to track campaign effectiveness in real-time and make data-driven decisions."

Stakeholder Management

1. Describe a time when you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements.

This question assesses your interpersonal and negotiation skills.

How to Answer

Explain the situation, your approach to resolving the conflict, and the outcome.

Example

"In a previous project, the marketing and sales teams had conflicting requirements for a dashboard. I facilitated a meeting where both teams could express their needs, and we collaboratively prioritized features that would benefit both. This resulted in a dashboard that satisfied both parties and improved inter-departmental communication."

2. How do you gather requirements from stakeholders for a new analytics project?

Understanding stakeholder needs is crucial for project success.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for requirements gathering, such as interviews or surveys.

Example

"I typically start with one-on-one interviews to understand their goals and pain points. I also use surveys to gather broader input and ensure that I capture diverse perspectives. This comprehensive approach helps me create a clear project scope."

3. Can you give an example of how you presented complex data to a non-technical audience?

This question evaluates your communication skills.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to simplifying complex data and the tools you used.

Example

"I once presented a detailed analysis of patient outcomes to a group of healthcare providers. I used visual aids like charts and infographics to highlight key findings, ensuring that I explained technical terms in layman's language. This approach helped them grasp the insights quickly and apply them to their practices."

4. How do you handle feedback from stakeholders on your reports?

This question assesses your receptiveness to feedback and adaptability.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving and implementing feedback.

Example

"I view feedback as an opportunity for improvement. After presenting a report, I actively solicit feedback and take notes on any suggestions. I then follow up with stakeholders to clarify their points and make necessary adjustments to ensure the final product meets their expectations."

5. What strategies do you use to ensure ongoing communication with stakeholders during a project?

Effective communication is key to project success.

How to Answer

Share your methods for keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.

Example

"I establish a regular update schedule, whether through weekly emails or bi-weekly meetings, to keep stakeholders informed of progress and any challenges. I also encourage open lines of communication, so they feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns at any time."

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

1. Describe a challenging data analysis problem you faced and how you solved it.

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

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your analysis process, and the solution you implemented.

Example

"I encountered a situation where our sales data was inconsistent due to multiple data entry points. I conducted a root cause analysis, identified the discrepancies, and proposed a centralized data entry system. This not only resolved the inconsistencies but also improved our reporting accuracy."

2. How do you prioritize multiple projects with tight deadlines?

This question evaluates your time management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your prioritization methods and tools you use to manage tasks.

Example

"I use a combination of project management tools and prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to assess urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact tasks first while ensuring that all projects progress steadily."

3. Can you explain a time when you had to learn a new tool or technology quickly?

This question assesses your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Describe the situation, your learning process, and how you applied the new knowledge.

Example

"When our team decided to switch to Looker for data visualization, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I utilized online resources and tutorials, and within a week, I was able to create our first dashboard, which received positive feedback from stakeholders."

4. How do you approach root cause analysis when a report does not meet expectations?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and attention to detail.

How to Answer

Discuss your systematic approach to identifying and addressing issues.

Example

"I start by reviewing the data sources and the methodology used in the analysis. I then consult with team members to gather insights and identify any discrepancies. Once the root cause is identified, I implement corrective actions and document the process to prevent future occurrences."

5. What is your experience with predictive modeling or advanced analytics?

This question assesses your technical expertise in analytics.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of projects where you applied predictive modeling techniques.

Example

"I worked on a project where we developed a predictive model to forecast patient admissions based on historical data. By using regression analysis and machine learning techniques, we were able to improve our resource allocation and reduce wait times significantly."