The Ohio State University Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

The Ohio State University is a leading public research university dedicated to academic excellence and innovation.

As a Business Analyst at The Ohio State University, you will play a key role in supporting the health system's revenue cycle operations. Your primary responsibilities will include resolving errors that hinder the submission of clean claims to payers, conducting root cause analysis, and collaborating with revenue cycle analysts and end-users to identify optimization opportunities. You will leverage your strong understanding of revenue cycle processes and health insurance to facilitate training for new staff and contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes. Key skills required for this position include proficiency in Excel and Access databases, effective communication and interpersonal abilities, and a keen attention to detail. The ideal candidate will demonstrate independence, self-initiative, and a strong capability to learn new applications and systems quickly.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by providing insights on key responsibilities and skills specific to the Business Analyst role at The Ohio State University, enhancing your confidence and readiness for the interview process.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at The Ohio State University is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their qualifications and engage with potential colleagues.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation usually lasts around 15-30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying, and basic qualifications. Expect to discuss your relevant experiences and how they align with the role's requirements.

2. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

Following the initial screening, candidates may participate in one or more technical and behavioral interviews. These interviews can be conducted over video conferencing platforms and typically last about an hour. Interviewers will delve into your technical skills, particularly your experience with data analysis tools like Excel and Access, as well as your understanding of revenue cycle processes. Behavioral questions will also be prominent, assessing your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges in a team environment.

3. In-Person or Panel Interview

Candidates who successfully navigate the previous rounds may be invited to an in-person or panel interview. This stage often involves multiple interviewers, including potential supervisors and team members. The format may include a mix of technical assessments, situational questions, and discussions about your approach to collaboration and training others. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and organizational culture.

4. Final Assessment

In some cases, a final assessment may be required, which could involve a presentation or a case study relevant to the role. This step allows candidates to demonstrate their analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to express their interest in the position and the university, as well as to highlight their relevant experiences and skills.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise, particularly those focused on your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Business Analyst at The Ohio State University.

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

Leverage Personal Connections

If you have any connections within The Ohio State University, especially in the department you are applying to, reach out to them. Engaging with faculty, TAs, or current employees can provide you with valuable insights about the role and the team dynamics. This personal touch can also help you stand out during the interview process.

Prepare for a Friendly Yet Thorough Interview Process

Candidates have noted that the interview process at The Ohio State University tends to be friendly and laid-back. However, it is also thorough, often involving multiple rounds. Be prepared to discuss your background and experiences in detail, as well as how they relate to the role of a Business Analyst. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will help you connect with your interviewers.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect to encounter behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle challenges, work collaboratively, and manage competing priorities. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Show Enthusiasm for the Role and the University

Express genuine interest in the position and The Ohio State University as a whole. Be ready to articulate why you want to work there and how your values align with the university's mission. This enthusiasm can resonate well with interviewers and help you make a positive impression.

Emphasize Your Technical Skills

Given the role's requirements, be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly in Excel and Access databases. Highlight any relevant experience you have in data analysis, reporting, or project management. If you have experience in the healthcare or revenue cycle sectors, be sure to mention it, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the industry.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers

The interview process is not just about them assessing you; it's also your opportunity to evaluate if the role and the university are the right fit for you. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, departmental goals, and opportunities for professional development. This will show your proactive nature and genuine interest in the position.

Be Patient and Persistent

Candidates have reported that the interview process can be lengthy, sometimes taking several weeks. Stay patient and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. If you don’t hear back immediately, don’t hesitate to follow up politely to express your continued interest in the position.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and a clear strategy, increasing your chances of success in landing the Business Analyst role at The Ohio State University. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Business Analyst position at The Ohio State University. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, understanding of the healthcare revenue cycle, and your ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you can contribute to the team.

Experience and Background

1. Why do you want to work for The Ohio State University?

This question aims to gauge your motivation and alignment with the university's values and mission.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the university's commitment to education and healthcare. Highlight any personal connections or experiences that have drawn you to this institution.

Example

“I have always admired The Ohio State University for its dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and its strong community focus. My previous experiences in healthcare analytics have prepared me to contribute to your mission, and I am excited about the opportunity to work in such a collaborative environment.”

2. Describe a time when you had to balance competing priorities with hard deadlines.

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example that illustrates your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Discuss the strategies you used to prioritize and how you ensured that all deadlines were met.

Example

“In my previous role, I was tasked with managing two projects simultaneously, both with tight deadlines. I created a detailed schedule that outlined key milestones for each project and communicated regularly with my team to ensure we stayed on track. By prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact, we successfully delivered both projects on time.”

3. Tell us about a time you worked with a colleague and you didn't agree with them. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate conflicts.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you had a disagreement, focusing on how you approached the situation constructively and what the outcome was.

Example

“I once worked on a project where my colleague and I had differing opinions on the best approach to analyze the data. I suggested we each present our ideas to the team and gather feedback. This not only resolved our disagreement but also led to a more robust analysis that incorporated both perspectives.”

Technical Skills

4. What experience do you have with data analysis tools, particularly Excel and Access?

This question assesses your technical proficiency, which is crucial for a Business Analyst role.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with these tools, mentioning specific functions or projects where you utilized them effectively.

Example

“I have extensive experience using Excel for data analysis, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and advanced charting techniques. In my last position, I used Access to manage a database of patient records, which allowed me to streamline reporting processes and improve data accuracy.”

5. Can you explain the revenue cycle process in healthcare?

This question tests your understanding of a key area relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Provide a concise overview of the revenue cycle, emphasizing its importance in healthcare finance.

Example

“The revenue cycle in healthcare encompasses all administrative and clinical functions that contribute to the capture, management, and collection of patient service revenue. It starts with patient registration and scheduling, continues through billing and claims processing, and concludes with payment collection. Understanding this cycle is essential for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring financial sustainability.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

6. Describe a challenging problem you faced in a previous role and how you resolved it.

This question evaluates your problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.

How to Answer

Choose a specific challenge, explain the steps you took to analyze the situation, and describe the solution you implemented.

Example

“In my previous role, we faced a significant drop in claim approvals. I conducted a root cause analysis, identifying that many claims were being denied due to incomplete information. I collaborated with the billing team to develop a checklist for required documentation, which improved our approval rate by 30% within three months.”

7. How do you ensure accuracy in your work?

This question assesses your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to verify your work and ensure accuracy, such as double-checking data or using specific tools.

Example

“I always take the time to review my work thoroughly before submission. I utilize Excel’s data validation features to minimize errors and often cross-reference my findings with colleagues to ensure accuracy. Additionally, I maintain a checklist of key points to verify, which helps me stay organized and focused.”

Communication Skills

8. How do you approach training new staff or colleagues?

This question evaluates your ability to communicate effectively and share knowledge.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to training, emphasizing clarity, patience, and adaptability to different learning styles.

Example

“When training new staff, I start by assessing their current knowledge and tailoring my approach accordingly. I use a combination of hands-on demonstrations and written materials to cater to different learning styles. I also encourage questions and provide ongoing support to ensure they feel confident in their new role.”