- Python Development (Must Have)
Question:
Tell me about a Python-based analytics or automation project you've built. What libraries did you use, and what was your specific contribution?
Looking For:
- 1 3+ years of hands-on Python experience
- Pandas, NumPy, Requests, SQLAlchemy, OpenPyXL, etc.
- Automation, reporting, or ETL development
- Clean, maintainable production code
Red Flag: Candidate only used Python during training or for simple scripts.
- SQL & Data Transformation (Must Have)
Question:
Can you describe the most complex SQL query you've written? Have you worked with joins, CTEs, window functions, or query optimization?
Looking For:
- Advanced SQL knowledge
- Data transformation
- Performance tuning
- Ability to explain business use cases
Red Flag: Only basic SELECT statements.
- GraphQL Experience (Critical)
Question:
Have you worked with GraphQL APIs? What was the project, and how did you query or integrate data using GraphQL?
Looking For:
- Practical GraphQL experience
- API integration
- Query construction
- Understanding of GraphQL schema
Red Flag: No GraphQL experience or confusion between GraphQL and REST APIs.
- Reporting, Dashboards & ETL
Question:
Describe a reporting dashboard or automated reporting solution you developed. How did data flow from the source to the final dashboard?
Looking For:
- ETL pipeline knowledge
- Dashboard development
- Data validation
- Automation experience
- Executive reporting
Red Flag: Candidate only consumed dashboards rather than building them.
- Git & Collaboration
Question:
How do you use Git and GitHub in your daily development process? Have you worked with branches, pull requests, merge conflicts, or code reviews?
Looking For:
- Git workflow
- Pull Requests
- Branching strategy
- Code reviews
- Team collaboration
Red Flag: Only knows Git commands superficially.
- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
Question:
Tell me about a production issue or data quality problem you resolved. How did you identify the root cause and fix it?
Looking For:
- Logical troubleshooting
- Root cause analysis
- Debugging methodology
- Production support experience
Red Flag: Cannot explain a real troubleshooting example.
- Generative AI & Process Improvement
Question:
Have you used Generative AI (ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Claude, Gemini, etc.) in your development or analytics work? Can you share a practical example?
Looking For:
- Practical AI usage
- Automation mindset
- Productivity improvements
- Interest in modern technologies
Red Flag: No interest in AI or no understanding of how it can improve workflows.
Bonus Questions (Good to Ask)
- Have you worked with HR, Human Capital, Compensation, or Workforce Analytics data?
- Which Python libraries do you use most frequently for analytics?
- How do you ensure data accuracy and quality in reporting pipelines?
- Have you built reusable Python packages or internal tools?
- Have you worked in Agile teams and participated in sprint planning?
- How do you handle confidential or sensitive employee data?
These questions should help you identify 80 90% of the technical fit within the first 20 30 minutes of a screening interview while also assessing communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.
