United Airlines Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

United Airlines is on a transformative journey to become the best airline in the history of aviation, emphasizing a commitment to connect people globally while fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The Business Analyst role at United Airlines is pivotal in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. This position involves working collaboratively within cross-functional teams to analyze complex operational and customer experience data, translate high-level requirements into detailed user stories, and ensure the successful delivery of digital products. Key responsibilities include conducting deep-dive analyses to derive actionable insights, utilizing analytical tools like Power BI and Kibana, and managing multiple projects through Agile methodologies. Successful candidates will possess excellent communication skills, a solid understanding of business analysis principles, and a proven track record in delivering valuable insights within an eCommerce or travel-related context.

This guide will equip you with essential insights and tailored questions to help you prepare effectively for your interview at United Airlines.

The interview process for the Business Analyst role at United Airlines is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a multi-stage process that evaluates their analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial screening, which may be conducted via phone or video call. During this stage, a recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and the candidate's background. This conversation is an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge the candidate's interest and fit for the position, as well as to clarify any questions regarding the job requirements.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve an online test that evaluates skills in data analysis, SQL, and other relevant tools. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in analytical tools and methodologies, as well as their ability to interpret complex data sets.

3. Behavioral Interviews

The next stage usually consists of one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are often conducted by hiring managers or team leads and focus on the candidate's past experiences and how they align with the company's values. Candidates should be ready to discuss their previous projects, challenges faced, and how they utilized their analytical skills to drive business outcomes. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is commonly used to structure responses.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may participate in a panel interview, where they will meet with multiple interviewers from different departments. This format allows the interviewers to assess the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders and to evaluate their fit within the team. Questions may cover a range of topics, including project management, collaboration, and specific technical skills.

5. Final Interview

The final interview stage may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior management or executives. This is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their strategic thinking and understanding of the airline industry. Candidates may be asked to present their insights on industry trends or to discuss how they would approach specific business challenges.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to answer a variety of questions that assess both their technical expertise and their ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Next, let's explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at United Airlines.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at United Airlines typically consists of three rounds: a technical screening, a skills assessment, and a final interview with management. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your time and energy effectively throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Given the emphasis on technical skills, be ready to answer questions related to SQL, data analysis, and business process optimization. Review key concepts such as the software development lifecycle (SDLC), data visualization tools like Power BI and Kibana, and agile methodologies. Practice coding problems and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly.

Leverage Your Resume

Your resume will be a focal point during the interview, so be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your experience with data analysis, project management, and any relevant tools or methodologies. Be ready to explain how your previous work aligns with the responsibilities of the role at United Airlines.

Emphasize Communication Skills

As a Business Analyst, strong communication skills are essential. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in the past.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical thinking and ability to navigate challenges, particularly in a team setting.

Align with Company Values

United Airlines places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and customer service. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for contributing to a culture that prioritizes innovation and customer experience.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Some interviews may include case studies or scenario-based questions. Practice analyzing hypothetical business situations and presenting your recommendations. Focus on demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.

Follow Up with Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you insight into the company culture and expectations. Consider asking about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the role.

Stay Professional and Personable

While it's important to maintain professionalism, don't forget to let your personality shine through. United Airlines values a friendly and collaborative work environment, so being personable can help you connect with your interviewers.

Manage Your Time

Given the multi-stage interview process, be mindful of the time you spend on each question. Practice concise responses to ensure you cover all necessary points without rambling. This will help you stay on track and leave a positive impression.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role at United Airlines. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at United Airlines. The interview process will likely assess your analytical skills, understanding of business processes, and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

Business Analysis and Process Improvement

1. Can you describe a time when you identified a process improvement opportunity? What steps did you take?

This question aims to assess your analytical skills and your ability to implement changes that enhance efficiency.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you identified a bottleneck or inefficiency in a process. Explain the steps you took to analyze the situation, the data you gathered, and how you proposed a solution.

Example

“In my previous role, I noticed that our reporting process was taking too long due to manual data entry. I conducted a thorough analysis of the workflow and identified areas for automation. I proposed implementing a new reporting tool that integrated with our existing systems, which reduced the reporting time by 50%.”

2. How do you prioritize requirements when working on a project?

This question evaluates your project management skills and your ability to balance multiple tasks.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to gathering requirements and how you assess their importance based on business impact, stakeholder needs, and project timelines.

Example

“I prioritize requirements by first engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs. I then categorize the requirements based on urgency and impact, using a scoring system to evaluate each one. This helps ensure that we focus on delivering the most critical features first.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex data to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure they understood?

This question tests your communication skills and your ability to translate technical information into layman's terms.

How to Answer

Share an example where you simplified complex data for a non-technical audience. Highlight the methods you used, such as visual aids or analogies.

Example

“I once presented a data analysis report to the marketing team, who had limited technical knowledge. I used visualizations like charts and graphs to illustrate key points and avoided jargon. I also provided a summary of the findings in plain language, which helped them grasp the implications for their campaigns.”

Technical Skills and Tools

4. What analytical tools are you proficient in, and how have you used them in your previous roles?

This question assesses your technical skills and familiarity with industry-standard tools.

How to Answer

List the tools you are proficient in and provide examples of how you have used them to drive business insights or improve processes.

Example

“I am proficient in SQL for data querying and Power BI for data visualization. In my last role, I used SQL to extract data from our database and then created interactive dashboards in Power BI to track key performance indicators, which helped the management team make informed decisions.”

5. Explain the concept of Agile methodologies and how you have applied them in your work.

This question evaluates your understanding of Agile practices and your experience in applying them.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of Agile methodologies and share a specific example of how you have implemented Agile practices in a project.

Example

“Agile methodologies focus on iterative development and collaboration. In my last project, we used Scrum to manage our workflow. I facilitated daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions, which improved team communication and allowed us to adapt quickly to changing requirements.”

Behavioral Questions

6. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you overcome it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Describe a specific challenge you encountered, the actions you took to address it, and the outcome of your efforts.

Example

“During a project, we faced a major setback when a key stakeholder changed their requirements late in the process. I organized a meeting with the stakeholder to clarify their needs and worked with the team to adjust our project plan. By maintaining open communication, we were able to deliver the project on time while meeting the new requirements.”

7. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly but diplomatically. I encourage open dialogue between the parties involved and facilitate a discussion to understand each perspective. This approach often leads to a collaborative solution that everyone can agree on.”

Data Analysis and Reporting

8. How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data you work with?

This question assesses your attention to detail and understanding of data quality.

How to Answer

Explain the methods you use to validate data and ensure its accuracy before analysis.

Example

“I ensure data accuracy by implementing a multi-step validation process. This includes cross-referencing data from multiple sources, conducting regular audits, and using automated tools to identify anomalies. By maintaining high data quality, I can provide reliable insights to stakeholders.”

9. Can you provide an example of a report you created that had a significant impact on a business decision?

This question evaluates your ability to produce actionable insights through reporting.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a report you created, the data it included, and how it influenced a business decision.

Example

“I created a comprehensive report analyzing customer feedback trends over six months. The insights revealed a consistent issue with our online booking system. Presenting this data to management led to immediate action, resulting in a system overhaul that improved customer satisfaction scores by 20%.”