Expedia, Inc. Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Expedia, Inc. is a leading online travel agency that empowers travelers to create exceptional travel experiences through its comprehensive suite of travel services and products.

The Business Analyst role at Expedia plays a critical part in driving the company's data-driven decision-making process. This position involves analyzing market trends, customer behavior, and operational efficiencies to inform strategy and enhance user experience. Key responsibilities include utilizing advanced data analysis techniques, creating detailed reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that improve business performance. Candidates should possess strong skills in data manipulation and visualization tools, such as Excel and SQL, as well as experience in market research and statistical analysis. Ideal traits for this role include a strong analytical mindset, effective communication skills, and a passion for the travel industry, aligning with Expedia's commitment to providing exceptional customer service and innovative solutions.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by providing insights into the expectations for the Business Analyst role at Expedia, equipping you with the necessary knowledge and strategies to excel in the interview process.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at Expedia is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the team. It typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Application and Initial Screening

The process begins with an online application, followed by an initial phone screening with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30-45 minutes and focuses on your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Expedia. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

After the initial screening, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a skills test related to data analysis, such as working with Excel or answering questions about statistical forecasting. The assessment is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and ability to handle real-world business scenarios.

3. First Round Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically move on to the first round of interviews, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This round often includes a conversation with the hiring manager and may involve situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle disruptions in business flow.

4. Onsite Interviews

Successful candidates will then be invited for onsite interviews, which can last several hours and involve multiple interviewers from different departments. Each interview usually lasts about 45 minutes and covers a mix of technical questions, behavioral assessments, and discussions about your previous projects. You may also be asked to present a case study or a business analysis to senior management, showcasing your analytical thinking and presentation skills.

5. Final Interview Round

The final round may include a live use case scenario where you will need to demonstrate your logical reasoning and analytical capabilities. This could involve questions about cost analysis or customer behavior, allowing interviewers to gauge your understanding of the business and your ability to apply analytical concepts in practical situations.

As you prepare for your interviews, be ready to discuss your experiences and how they relate to the challenges you might face in the role. 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.

Understand the Interview Structure

Expedia's interview process can involve multiple rounds, including phone interviews, technical assessments, and in-person meetings with various team members. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect to discuss your prior experience in detail, as interviewers will likely want to understand how your background aligns with the role. Be ready to articulate your experiences clearly and concisely.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Technical skills, particularly in Excel and SQL, are crucial for a Business Analyst role at Expedia. Brush up on your data analysis skills, including how to clean and analyze data effectively. You may encounter practical tests during the interview, so practice common Excel functions and SQL queries. Additionally, be prepared to tackle case studies that assess your business acumen and analytical thinking.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to face situational questions that evaluate your problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle disruptions in business flow or missed deadlines. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, providing clear examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your analytical thinking and decision-making skills.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and how the Business Analyst role contributes to Expedia's overall goals. This not only shows your interest in the position but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Authentic and Personable

While technical skills are essential, Expedia values a friendly and collaborative culture. Be yourself during the interview and let your personality shine through. Share your passion for travel and how it aligns with Expedia's mission. Building rapport with your interviewers can leave a lasting impression and demonstrate that you would be a good cultural fit.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, send personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer. Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can set you apart from other candidates and reinforce your interest in joining the team.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role at Expedia. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Expedia, Inc. The interview process will likely assess your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with data analysis tools. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical skills, and how you approach business challenges.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset? What tools did you use?

This question aims to understand your experience with data analysis and the tools you are proficient in.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific project where you analyzed a large dataset, highlighting the tools you used and the insights you derived from the analysis.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed customer behavior data using SQL and Excel. I identified trends that led to a 15% increase in customer retention by implementing targeted marketing strategies based on the insights.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or methods you use to manage competing deadlines effectively.

Example

“I use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact tasks first while ensuring that I meet all deadlines without compromising quality.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to present complex information to a non-technical audience.

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

How to Answer

Share an example where you successfully communicated complex data or analysis to stakeholders who may not have a technical background.

Example

“I once presented a market analysis report to the marketing team. I used visual aids and simplified the data into key takeaways, which helped them understand the implications for our upcoming campaign.”

Technical Skills

4. What experience do you have with SQL and data manipulation?

This question focuses on your technical proficiency with SQL, a critical skill for a Business Analyst.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL, including specific tasks you have performed, such as querying databases or creating reports.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, including writing complex queries to extract and manipulate data for reporting purposes. For instance, I created a dashboard that tracked key performance indicators for our sales team.”

5. Can you explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

This question tests your understanding of data types and their applications in analysis.

How to Answer

Define both types of data and provide examples of how each can be used in business analysis.

Example

“Qualitative data is descriptive and often collected through interviews or surveys, while quantitative data is numerical and can be measured. For example, customer satisfaction ratings are quantitative, while customer feedback comments are qualitative.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

6. Describe a time when you identified a significant business problem. How did you approach solving it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.

How to Answer

Outline the problem, your analysis process, and the solution you implemented, emphasizing the impact of your actions.

Example

“I identified a drop in user engagement on our platform. I conducted a root cause analysis and discovered that the onboarding process was too lengthy. I proposed a streamlined version, which resulted in a 20% increase in user engagement within three months.”

7. How would you handle a situation where you missed a deadline?

This question evaluates your accountability and problem-solving skills in challenging situations.

How to Answer

Discuss how you would communicate the issue, assess the impact, and develop a plan to mitigate the situation.

Example

“If I missed a deadline, I would immediately inform my manager, explain the reasons, and propose a revised timeline. I would also analyze what went wrong to prevent similar issues in the future.”

Business Acumen

8. Why do you want to work for Expedia, and what do you know about our business model?

This question gauges your interest in the company and your understanding of its operations.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the company and demonstrate your knowledge of its business model and market position.

Example

“I admire Expedia’s commitment to innovation in the travel industry. I appreciate how you leverage data to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to such impactful work.”

9. What metrics would you consider important for measuring the success of a travel booking platform?

This question tests your understanding of key performance indicators relevant to the industry.

How to Answer

Identify relevant metrics and explain why they are important for assessing the platform's performance.

Example

“Key metrics would include conversion rates, average booking value, customer satisfaction scores, and repeat booking rates. These metrics provide insights into user engagement and overall business health.”