Business Research Job Interview Answers

Top Skills

Mention strengths that apply to business or marketing research when asked about key skills or strengths. Some common research skills include organizational, analytical and communication skills. To demonstrate your organizational skills, discuss how you planned and organized tasks for multiple projects. Provide an example of how you used survey results to solve a business problem when demonstrating your analytical prowess. For example, if you discovered that customers wanted a larger variety of flavors when you worked for an energy drink company, describe how your findings helped increase sales. Talk about reports you wrote or presentations you did to demonstrate your communication skills.

How Do You Prepare for a Research Survey?

If an interviewer asks how you prepare for a business research survey, start with one of the preliminary steps, such as locating a research agency to conduct the surveys. Describe how you then meet with department managers to determine the information they need from the survey. Subsequently, you write the questionnaire and decide how many surveys to conduct for a valid sample size. You then coordinate the surveys through the research agency and ensure your contact person completes them on time.

When Work Was Criticized

If you're asked about a time your work was criticized, mention something insignificant. For example, you might say that you were once criticized for not sending a report to one of the managers on your distribution list. Add that you then corrected the error and got the report to her the next day. For any criticism, show how you worked to improve any weaknesses that elicited the criticism. Companies admire when you put your ego aside, listen to criticism and make the necessary changes, according to Career FAQs.

Any Questions for Me?

Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer, because most will ask you if you have any questions. Ask intuitive and analytical questions, because the job of business analyst requires you to be proficient in asking the right questions. Inquire about specific projects you'd be working on if you got the job. Quintessential Careers suggests asking about systems the company uses to evaluate an employee's performance. Ask the hiring manager why she chose to work at the company and how well she likes it.