Educational Testing Service (ETS) Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Educational Testing Service (ETS) is a global leader in educational measurement and research, dedicated to advancing quality and equity in education through trusted assessments and innovative learning solutions.

The role of a Business Analyst at ETS is pivotal in shaping the organization’s data-driven strategies and operational efficiencies within the technology division. Key responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data to identify trends, designing solutions for customer challenges, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. A successful candidate will employ advanced analytical techniques and tools, effectively communicating findings through reports and presentations. Required skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent time management, and effective public speaking capabilities. Additionally, a collaborative spirit and the ability to work independently are essential traits that align with ETS's commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment.

This guide will equip you with the necessary information and insights to prepare effectively for your interview, giving you a competitive advantage in showcasing your fit for the role at ETS.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at ETS is designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and analytical nature of the position. The process typically unfolds in several structured stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a brief phone interview with a recruiter, lasting around 30 minutes. This conversation focuses on your resume, previous work experiences, and your interest in the role. The recruiter will also gauge your alignment with ETS's mission and values, as well as your potential fit within the company culture.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will have a more in-depth interview with the hiring manager. This session usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes and delves into your specific skills and experiences relevant to the Business Analyst role. Expect to discuss your analytical abilities, problem-solving techniques, and how you have previously handled data-driven projects. The hiring manager may also explore your understanding of business metrics and your approach to stakeholder engagement.

3. Panel Interviews

Candidates who progress past the hiring manager interview will participate in a series of panel interviews. These sessions typically involve multiple interviewers, including potential colleagues and senior leaders. The panel will assess your technical skills, particularly in data analysis and visualization, as well as your ability to communicate complex information effectively. You may be asked to provide examples of past projects, discuss your methodologies, and explain how you would approach specific business challenges.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may include a more comprehensive discussion with executive leadership. This interview focuses on your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to ETS's goals. You may be asked to present a case study or a project proposal, demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to align with the organization's objectives. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company's direction and culture.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences in gathering and interpreting data, designing solutions for customer challenges, and building relationships with stakeholders.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Prepare for a Comprehensive Interview Process

The interview process at ETS can be extensive, often involving multiple rounds and interactions with various team members. Be ready for a full-day interview that may include a job talk and meetings with potential colleagues and managers. This format not only assesses your fit for the role but also gives you insight into the team dynamics and company culture. Prepare to discuss your previous work experiences and how they align with the responsibilities of a Business Analyst.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have gathered, analyzed, and interpreted data in past projects. Highlight your experience with data visualization techniques and how you have used them to make complex data accessible to stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to ETS's mission of advancing quality and equity in education.

Emphasize Collaboration and Relationship Building

ETS values strong relationships with stakeholders. During your interview, emphasize your ability to work collaboratively and build rapport with team members and clients. Share examples of how you have successfully navigated team dynamics and contributed to group projects. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and your alignment with ETS's commitment to teamwork and inclusivity.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that require you to provide specific examples from your past experiences. Prepare to discuss how you managed challenges, prioritized tasks, and communicated with team members. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions clearly.

Align with ETS's Mission and Values

Familiarize yourself with ETS's mission and core values, particularly their focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of the organization. This alignment will not only demonstrate your commitment to the role but also your understanding of the broader impact of ETS's work in education.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organization. Inquire about the team’s current projects, the challenges they face, and how the Business Analyst role contributes to their goals. This will show your enthusiasm for the position and your proactive approach to understanding the company.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to make a strong impression during your interview at ETS. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Educational Testing Service (ETS). The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in data interpretation and stakeholder management. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a project where you had to gather and analyze data? What was your approach?

This question assesses your practical experience in data analysis and your methodology in handling data-driven projects.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project, detailing the data sources you used, the analytical methods you applied, and the outcomes of your analysis.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked on a project to analyze customer feedback data. I gathered data from surveys and social media, then used statistical tools to identify trends. This analysis led to actionable insights that improved our product offerings and increased customer satisfaction by 20%.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills, which are crucial for a Business Analyst.

How to Answer

Explain your prioritization process, including any frameworks or tools you use to manage your workload effectively.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact. I use a project management tool to track deadlines and milestones, ensuring that I focus on high-impact tasks first. For instance, during a recent project, I identified key deliverables that aligned with our strategic goals and allocated my time accordingly.”

Analytical Skills

3. What techniques do you use for data visualization?

This question tests your ability to present complex data in an accessible manner.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools or techniques you are familiar with and how you have used them to communicate data insights effectively.

Example

“I often use Tableau for data visualization because it allows me to create interactive dashboards. In a recent project, I visualized sales data trends, which helped the team quickly identify areas for improvement and adjust our strategy accordingly.”

4. Describe a time when you had to make a recommendation based on your analysis. What was the outcome?

This question assesses your ability to translate data analysis into actionable business recommendations.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where your analysis led to a significant decision or change within the organization.

Example

“After analyzing our marketing campaign data, I recommended reallocating budget towards digital channels, which were showing higher engagement rates. This shift resulted in a 30% increase in lead generation over the next quarter.”

Stakeholder Management

5. How do you handle conflicting priorities from different stakeholders?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to manage stakeholder expectations.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to communication and negotiation when faced with conflicting demands.

Example

“I believe in open communication. When faced with conflicting priorities, I schedule a meeting with the stakeholders to discuss their needs and the potential impact on the project. By facilitating a collaborative discussion, we can often find a compromise that aligns with our overall goals.”

6. Can you give an example of how you built a relationship with a difficult stakeholder?

This question assesses your relationship-building skills and ability to navigate challenging interactions.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully built rapport with a challenging stakeholder.

Example

“I once worked with a stakeholder who was resistant to change. I took the time to understand their concerns and involved them in the decision-making process. By addressing their worries and showing how the changes would benefit their team, I was able to gain their support and foster a positive working relationship.”

Problem-Solving

7. Describe a complex problem you faced and how you approached solving it.

This question evaluates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your analysis process, and the steps you took to arrive at a solution.

Example

“In a previous role, we faced a significant drop in user engagement. I conducted a root cause analysis, identifying several factors contributing to the issue. I then collaborated with the product team to implement changes based on user feedback, which ultimately led to a 25% increase in engagement.”

8. How do you ensure the accuracy of your data analysis?

This question assesses your attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate your data and ensure accuracy in your analysis.

Example

“I always cross-check my data against multiple sources and use statistical methods to identify any anomalies. Additionally, I conduct peer reviews of my analysis to ensure that my findings are accurate and reliable before presenting them to stakeholders.”