Anthem Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Anthem is a leading healthcare company dedicated to improving lives and communities, striving to make healthcare simpler for its members.

The Business Intelligence role at Anthem is crucial in transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making across the organization. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including designing and developing analytical reports and dashboards using tools like Power BI, leveraging SQL for data extraction and manipulation, and analyzing complex datasets to identify trends and patterns that inform business strategy.

A successful candidate for this role will possess strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of data visualization principles, and proficiency in SQL, as it is a top requirement. Experience with statistical modeling and algorithms will also enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to the team. Furthermore, interpersonal skills are vital for collaborating with cross-functional teams, and the ability to communicate complex findings in a clear and concise manner is essential, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency and teamwork.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the skills and competencies that Anthem values most in a Business Intelligence professional, equipping you to showcase your qualifications confidently.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Anthem is structured and typically consists of several key stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills.

1. Initial HR Screening

The process begins with an initial screening conducted by an HR representative. This is usually a 30-minute phone interview where the recruiter will discuss your background, experience, and motivations for applying. They will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role. This stage is crucial for determining if you align with Anthem's values and if your skills match the job requirements.

2. Technical Interview

Following the HR screening, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing tools and lasts about an hour. During this interview, you can expect to answer questions related to SQL, data analysis, and business intelligence concepts. You may be asked to solve coding problems or demonstrate your proficiency in creating dashboards and reports, particularly using tools like Power BI. The interviewer will assess your ability to analyze data and communicate findings effectively.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates often participate in a behavioral interview. This round may involve a panel of interviewers, including potential team members and managers. The focus here is on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle workplace challenges. Expect questions that explore your teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills, as well as your ability to adapt to changing situations.

4. Final Interview with Leadership

The final stage typically involves a conversation with higher-level management or team leaders. This interview is more strategic and may delve into how your skills and experiences can contribute to the overall goals of the team and the organization. You may be asked to discuss your vision for the role and how you would approach specific business challenges.

Throughout the process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during these interviews.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Anthem values collaboration and support among team members, as indicated by positive experiences shared by candidates. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Show enthusiasm for being part of a team that helps each other succeed, and be ready to share examples of how you've contributed to a collaborative environment in your past roles.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a range of behavioral questions that focus on your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and what you learned from those experiences. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL in the role, ensure you are well-versed in writing complex queries, including joins and subqueries. Practice coding problems that involve data manipulation and analysis. Additionally, familiarize yourself with any relevant tools or technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Power BI, to demonstrate your capability in creating dashboards and reports.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can communicate complex ideas in an understandable manner. Be prepared to explain your technical skills and experiences in a way that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders, as this will be crucial in a business intelligence role.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Make the interview feel like a conversation rather than a one-sided Q&A. Ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and company direction. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Engaging with your interviewers can also create a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to showcase your personality.

Be Ready for a Panel Interview

Many candidates have experienced panel interviews at Anthem, where multiple interviewers ask questions. Prepare for this format by practicing with a friend or mentor, simulating the experience of answering questions from different perspectives. This will help you become comfortable with the dynamic and ensure you can address each interviewer effectively.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Anthem. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Anthem. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data visualization tools, and your ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role, as well as demonstrate your technical skills, particularly in SQL and Power BI.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a LEFT JOIN and an INNER JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for a Business Intelligence role, as they are fundamental for data retrieval.

How to Answer

Explain the basic definitions of both joins and provide a scenario where each would be used.

Example

"A LEFT JOIN returns all records from the left table and the matched records from the right table, while an INNER JOIN returns only the records that have matching values in both tables. For example, if I have a table of customers and a table of orders, a LEFT JOIN would show all customers, including those who haven't placed any orders, whereas an INNER JOIN would only show customers who have made purchases."

2. Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?

This question assesses your practical experience with data analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss the dataset, the tools you used (like SQL, Excel, or Power BI), and the insights you derived from it.

Example

"I worked on a project analyzing customer feedback data from various sources. I used SQL to extract the data and Power BI to visualize trends. This analysis helped identify key areas for improvement in our services, leading to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction."

3. How do you ensure data quality in your reports?

Data quality is critical in Business Intelligence, and interviewers want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss methods you use to validate data, such as cross-referencing with other sources or implementing checks.

Example

"I ensure data quality by implementing validation checks at various stages of data processing. For instance, I cross-reference data from different sources and use automated scripts to identify anomalies. This process helps maintain the integrity of the reports I generate."

4. What is your experience with Power BI? Can you describe a dashboard you created?

Power BI is a key tool for this role, and interviewers will want to know your proficiency.

How to Answer

Provide details about the dashboard, its purpose, and the data visualizations you included.

Example

"I created a Power BI dashboard for tracking sales performance across different regions. It included visualizations like bar charts for sales comparisons and line graphs for trends over time. This dashboard allowed the sales team to quickly identify underperforming areas and adjust their strategies accordingly."

5. Can you explain the concept of ETL and its importance in Business Intelligence?

Understanding ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes is essential for data management.

How to Answer

Define ETL and explain its role in preparing data for analysis.

Example

"ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load. It is a process used to pull data from various sources, transform it into a suitable format, and load it into a data warehouse. This process is crucial for ensuring that the data used for analysis is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date."

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a challenging work situation you faced and how you overcame it.

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Choose a specific example, explain the challenge, and detail the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

"In a previous role, I was tasked with delivering a report on a tight deadline. The data was incomplete, and I had to coordinate with multiple teams to gather the necessary information. I prioritized communication and set up daily check-ins, which helped us meet the deadline without compromising on quality."

2. How do you handle constructive criticism?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and improve.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on feedback and provide an example of how you applied it.

Example

"I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. For instance, after receiving feedback on my presentation skills, I took a public speaking course and practiced regularly. This not only improved my presentations but also boosted my confidence in sharing insights with stakeholders."

3. Can you give an example of how you worked effectively within a team?

Collaboration is key in Business Intelligence roles, and interviewers want to see your teamwork skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific project where teamwork was essential and highlight your contributions.

Example

"I collaborated with a cross-functional team to develop a new reporting tool. My role involved gathering requirements from stakeholders and ensuring the tool met their needs. By facilitating open communication and regular updates, we successfully launched the tool ahead of schedule."

4. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization and provide an example of how you managed competing deadlines.

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. For example, when I had multiple reports due, I assessed which ones were critical for upcoming meetings and focused on those first. I also communicated with my team to ensure we were aligned on priorities."

5. Describe a time when you had to present complex data to a non-technical audience.

This question evaluates your communication skills and ability to simplify complex information.

How to Answer

Discuss the context, your approach to simplifying the data, and the outcome of the presentation.

Example

"I presented a complex analysis of healthcare utilization trends to a group of executives. To make the data accessible, I used clear visuals and avoided jargon. I focused on key takeaways and actionable insights, which led to a productive discussion on strategic initiatives."