upcoming Job interview Questions and Answers

[malka]

I have an interview next week for an Analytics Specialist position, details of the position given below. I have Access and SQL certification from a local college, but have very little experience in Database Management and have been out of job for several months. I had several years of experience in reporting and analysis.
I will be grateful if somebody can assist me with questions and answers that I will be facing at my interview relating to the job description given below?
Thank you very much in advance for your help so I am able to get a job.

Responsible for providing reporting and/or database support to a department or area. Works with users to define data requirements; researches and collects data from a variety of sources; performs routine analysis of findings/trends; summarizes and presents findings. Generates, maintains and distributes periodic and ad hoc reports. Compiles data from multiple sources, which may include simple data mining, and enters or imports data into databases. Creates moderately complex queries and analysis tools. Develops databases as needed, maintains database information in appropriate formats and ensures database integrity.

[zmbd]

rfmirza:
Moved your thread to the career advice forum.

[malka]

Thanks zmbd for moving this question to the career advice forum

[zmbd]

Now, I'm a Chemist and I can tell you about questions that we ask that relate to the skill set we're after - now that might not be directly helpful to you; however, the concept should be helpful. You'd be amazed at how many people have no idea what the position is about despite the description in the posting. So, re-read that posting! Make sure that sitting in the top of the head you could provide a "this is one way" answers for each of the job duties as described. You'll also want to find out a little bit about the company. Just about every business has a web presences of some sort. Go Find It!

The next worse thing we do to people is the panel interview. Same questions we'd ask one-on-one; however, there's three or four of us at the table doing a round-robin. Goes to see how an individual deals with stress.

Then there's what I consider the questions from hell. These are behavior based interview questions. Interview Questions Behavioral
USNews-Money: How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

That's the best help I can provide you. Hopefully someone with a background in your field can refine and add to what I've been able to offer.

Just keep in mind... you only need one yes from one person! The more people YOU interview the better your chances of finding that one yes!

Best Wishes. This is a hard time to be without employment no matter where in this world you live.

[malka]

Zmbd, thank you for your response, your comments are very helpful. I am interviewing at the same bank I have been working for many years in Minneapolis, MN. I will go over the behavioral questions you have attached. I have interviewed for several positions, but due to lack of working experience in ACCESS, SQL and SAS; even though I obtained certification in all three during my time on severance but not having working knowledge, I am not able to convince the interviwers that I can be effective. It is keeping me from getting these jobs!

zmbd thank you again for your assistance.

[zmbd]

You know... I understand that. I ran into the same issues just out of College. Either I didn't have enough "real-life" experience or I was "over qualified." Never did understand how an undergrad could be over qualified for an entry level position.

Persistence is the key. Keep applying!

In the interview if they ever say, well, you don't have the time and hands on we're looking for, offer them a cookie... offer to work on a probationary period of say 90 days - call it an internship. If all is good then a review and a modest bump in pay and a permanent position. If things fall thru... then you always have it as an "internship ." (but be up front that you're going to list it as an internship - don't ever lie on an application or resume. I vet them... we've fired people for lying on them!).

Sometimes the university/school will have internships for current/former and alumni students. I would go there as my next step - these positions are generally flexible with current work.

The next thing is to go to a professional temporary placement service (think "Manpower, Kelly, etc... except these services place Chemists, Teachers, and other people with profesional skills and certifications) these can usually be found in the yellow pages - HOWEVER - make sure you check the firm out with the BBB in your local area. Occasionally these temp to hire can be poorly ran or just out-right scams.

[malka]

Thank you very much for your commentd and I appreciate your asssitance.