Eli Lilly And Company Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Eli Lilly And Company is a global healthcare leader dedicated to discovering and delivering life-changing medicines to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.

As a Business Analyst at Eli Lilly, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions. Your responsibilities will include engaging with various stakeholders, including business partners and external service providers, to enhance the stability and value of the application portfolio. You will exhibit a comprehensive understanding of business area processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and help to develop recommendations for leveraging technology to enhance productivity. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage projects effectively, often acting as a Scrum Master to ensure timely and quality delivery of technology solutions.

Eli Lilly values innovation and collaboration, and as a Business Analyst, you will be expected to demonstrate initiative in building relationships and influencing technology delivery in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. Your technical skills, particularly in SQL and familiarity with project management methodologies, will be essential in navigating the complex landscape of pharmaceutical innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key responsibilities and skills required for the Business Analyst role at Eli Lilly, along with the expected interview questions and tips to excel in the process.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at Eli Lilly is structured and thorough, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their team. The process typically includes several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone call with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for wanting to work at Eli Lilly. The recruiter will assess your fit for the company culture and the specific role, as well as discuss the next steps in the interview process.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video call or in person and usually lasts around an hour. During this interview, you can expect to answer questions related to your technical skills, particularly in areas such as SQL, project management, and software development life cycles. You may also be asked to solve problems or discuss past projects that demonstrate your analytical abilities and understanding of business processes.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage often involves a behavioral interview, which may be conducted by one or more team members. This interview focuses on your interpersonal skills and how you handle various workplace situations. Expect to answer situational questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to illustrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork experiences. This round is crucial for assessing how well you align with Eli Lilly's values and culture.

4. Final Interview

The final interview stage may include a panel of interviewers, including potential team members and managers. This round typically lasts longer, around one to two hours, and may involve a mix of technical and behavioral questions. You might also be asked to present a project or case study relevant to the role, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions about the company, team dynamics, and specific projects they may be involved in. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if Eli Lilly is the right fit for you.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that focus on your technical expertise and behavioral competencies.

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

Embrace the Company Culture

Eli Lilly values a collaborative and supportive work environment. During your interview, demonstrate your ability to work well in teams and your commitment to the company's mission of improving lives. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with Lilly's focus on caring and discovery. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a team effort or positively impacted a project, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interviews. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, ability to handle conflict, and adaptability in challenging situations. Given the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration at Lilly, be ready to discuss times when you successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Business Analyst, you will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of technical concepts, particularly in SQL and project management methodologies. Brush up on your SQL skills and be prepared to discuss how you have used data analysis to drive business decisions in previous roles. Familiarize yourself with project management frameworks, especially Agile and Scrum, as these are relevant to the role. If you have experience with software development life cycles or supply chain logistics, be sure to highlight that as well.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interview process at Eli Lilly is known to be friendly and conversational. Take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences at the company and the projects they are currently working on. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture and team dynamics are a good fit for you.

Be Authentic and Confident

While it's important to prepare, don't forget to be yourself during the interview. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates. Share your genuine motivations for wanting to work at Eli Lilly and how you envision contributing to the company's goals. Confidence in your abilities and experiences will help you make a positive impression, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific points from your conversation that resonated with you, which can help reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind for the interviewers.

By following these tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role at Eli Lilly. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Eli Lilly. The interview process will likely focus on a combination of behavioral questions, technical skills, and situational judgment, reflecting the company's emphasis on collaboration, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult colleague or team member.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate workplace conflicts.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on how you resolved the conflict and what you learned from the experience.

Example

“In my previous role, I worked with a colleague who often disagreed with my approach to projects. I initiated a one-on-one conversation to understand their perspective better. By actively listening and finding common ground, we were able to collaborate more effectively, which ultimately improved our project outcomes.”

2. Tell me about a time you influenced someone to see things your way on a project.

This question evaluates your persuasion and leadership skills.

How to Answer

Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding others' viewpoints.

Example

“I was working on a project where my team was hesitant to adopt a new software tool. I organized a presentation demonstrating its benefits and how it could streamline our processes. After addressing their concerns and showing real data, they agreed to try it, leading to a significant increase in our efficiency.”

3. How do you handle multitasking and prioritizing tasks?

This question gauges your organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritization and time management, providing examples of how you’ve successfully managed multiple tasks in the past.

Example

“I use a combination of digital tools and to-do lists to keep track of my tasks. For instance, during a recent project, I had to balance multiple deadlines. I prioritized tasks based on urgency and impact, which allowed me to meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

4. Describe a situation where you had to analyze data to make a decision.

This question assesses your analytical skills and ability to leverage data in decision-making.

How to Answer

Explain the context, the data you analyzed, and how it informed your decision-making process.

Example

“In my last role, I was tasked with evaluating customer feedback data to improve our product. I analyzed trends and identified key areas for improvement. Based on my findings, I recommended specific changes that led to a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.”

Technical Questions

1. What experience do you have with SQL and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question tests your technical proficiency with SQL, which is crucial for data analysis in this role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL, focusing on the complexity of the queries and the insights gained.

Example

“I have used SQL extensively to extract and analyze data for reporting purposes. In my last project, I wrote complex queries to aggregate sales data, which helped identify trends and inform our marketing strategy.”

2. Can you explain the software development life cycle and your experience with it?

This question evaluates your understanding of project management and software development processes.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the software development life cycle and relate it to your experience in managing projects.

Example

“The software development life cycle includes stages such as planning, design, development, testing, and deployment. In my previous role, I managed a project through this cycle, ensuring that we met deadlines and quality standards at each stage.”

3. How do you ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in your projects?

This question assesses your knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of compliance requirements and how you incorporate them into your project management practices.

Example

“I stay updated on regulatory requirements by attending training sessions and reviewing industry guidelines. In my last project, I implemented a compliance checklist to ensure all aspects of the project adhered to necessary regulations, which helped us avoid potential issues.”

4. Describe your experience with project management methodologies, particularly Agile.

This question evaluates your familiarity with project management frameworks.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with Agile methodologies and how you’ve applied them in your projects.

Example

“I have worked in Agile environments for over two years, serving as a Scrum Master for several projects. I facilitated daily stand-ups and sprint planning sessions, which improved team collaboration and project delivery timelines.”

Situational Questions

1. How would you approach a situation where a project is falling behind schedule?

This question assesses your problem-solving and project management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to identifying the root cause of the delay and the steps you would take to get the project back on track.

Example

“I would first analyze the project timeline and identify the bottlenecks. Then, I would communicate with the team to understand their challenges and reallocate resources if necessary. By adjusting the project plan and setting new milestones, I would ensure we stay aligned with our goals.”

2. What would you do if you received conflicting feedback from stakeholders?

This question evaluates your ability to manage stakeholder relationships and navigate conflicts.

How to Answer

Explain how you would gather more information and facilitate discussions to reach a consensus.

Example

“I would schedule a meeting with the stakeholders to discuss their feedback in detail. By understanding their perspectives and the reasons behind their feedback, I could identify common goals and propose a solution that addresses their concerns.”

3. Describe a time when you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?

This question assesses your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share your learning process and how you applied the new technology in a practical context.

Example

“When I was introduced to a new data visualization tool, I dedicated time to online tutorials and hands-on practice. I also reached out to colleagues who had experience with the tool for tips. Within a week, I was able to create insightful reports that enhanced our team’s presentations.”

4. How would you explain a complex technical problem to a non-technical audience?

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

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to breaking down technical jargon and using relatable examples.

Example

“I would start by identifying the key points that are relevant to the audience. Then, I would use analogies or simple visuals to explain the problem, ensuring that I focus on the implications rather than the technical details. This way, I can engage the audience and ensure they understand the core issue.”