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

Expedia, Inc. is a leading online travel agency that empowers travelers to explore the world by offering a comprehensive platform for booking flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

The Business Intelligence role at Expedia focuses on leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making and enhance customer experiences. Key responsibilities include analyzing complex datasets, developing data models, and creating insightful reports that inform business strategies. Candidates are expected to possess strong skills in data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI), proficiency in SQL, and a solid understanding of statistical analysis. Additionally, familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and the ability to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders are crucial for success in this role.

A great fit for this position will demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative spirit that aligns with Expedia's commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This guide will provide you with the insights needed to prepare effectively for your interview, enabling you to showcase your qualifications and stand out as a candidate.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Expedia is structured and can be quite comprehensive, reflecting the company's commitment to finding the right fit for their team. The process typically includes several stages, each designed to assess different aspects of a candidate's skills and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted by a recruiter. This stage typically involves a phone call where the recruiter discusses the role, the company culture, and your background. They will assess your qualifications and determine if you align with the expectations for the position. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the role.

2. Online Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are usually required to complete an online assessment. This assessment may include coding challenges, problem-solving tasks, and questions related to data analysis and business intelligence concepts. The coding challenges often utilize platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, focusing on medium to difficult level problems. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical skills, particularly in SQL and Excel, as these are crucial for the role.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the online assessment typically move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews are often conducted via video conferencing tools and may involve live coding exercises or discussions about past projects. Interviewers will focus on your technical expertise, including your understanding of data structures, algorithms, and business intelligence tools. Expect questions that require you to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical assessments, candidates will also participate in behavioral interviews. These interviews aim to evaluate your soft skills, cultural fit, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Interviewers may ask about your experiences working with stakeholders, managing conflicts, and adapting to changing priorities. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a panel interview or a meeting with senior management. This stage is often more conversational and allows you to discuss your career aspirations, motivations for joining Expedia, and how you can contribute to the team. Interviewers may also ask about your understanding of the company's mission and how you see yourself fitting into their goals.

Throughout the process, communication can vary, and candidates have reported mixed experiences regarding feedback and follow-up. It's essential to remain proactive in seeking updates after your interviews.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise in each stage, particularly those that focus on your technical skills and behavioral competencies.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Expedia for a Business Intelligence role typically involves multiple stages, including an online assessment followed by several rounds of interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect a mix of behavioral questions and technical assessments, including coding challenges that may involve SQL and data manipulation. Knowing the format will help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, particularly how you've handled difficult stakeholders, shifting priorities, and team conflicts. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the technical nature of the Business Intelligence role, ensure you are well-versed in SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools. Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, focusing on medium to difficult level questions. Be prepared to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving during technical interviews, as interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their reasoning.

Showcase Your Analytical Mindset

Expedia values candidates who can think critically and analytically. Be prepared to discuss how you approach data analysis, A/B testing, and metric development. You may be asked to explain complex concepts in simple terms, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and effectively. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.

Engage with Interviewers

The interviewers at Expedia are generally friendly and approachable. Treat the interview as a conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation. Ask insightful questions about the team, company culture, and the specific challenges the team is facing. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Be Mindful of Company Culture

Expedia's culture emphasizes collaboration and communication. Highlight your experiences working in diverse teams and your ability to adapt to different working styles. Show that you value teamwork and are open to feedback, as these traits align well with the company's values.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is not only courteous but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely to inquire about your application status.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with confidence and curiosity, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Intelligence role at Expedia. Good luck!

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult stakeholder and how you resolved the conflict.

Understanding how to manage relationships is crucial in a business intelligence role, especially when dealing with various stakeholders.

How to Answer

Focus on your communication skills and the steps you took to understand the stakeholder's perspective. Highlight the resolution and any positive outcomes.

Example

“In my previous role, I encountered a stakeholder who was resistant to a new reporting tool. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their concerns and provided a demo that addressed their specific needs. This not only resolved the conflict but also led to their enthusiastic support for the tool.”

2. How would you handle shifting priorities in a project?

Flexibility is key in a fast-paced environment like Expedia, where priorities can change rapidly.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and how you communicate changes to your team. Emphasize your adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Example

“When faced with shifting priorities, I first assess the impact on current projects. I communicate with my team to realign our goals and ensure everyone is on the same page. For instance, when a high-priority request came in, I quickly reprioritized tasks and delegated effectively to meet the new deadline.”

3. Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult individual.

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate challenging situations.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that demonstrates your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain professionalism.

Example

“I once worked with a colleague who was consistently negative about team decisions. I approached them privately to discuss their concerns and found that they felt unheard. By actively listening and incorporating some of their suggestions, I was able to improve our working relationship and foster a more positive team environment.”

4. What motivates you day to day in your work?

Understanding your motivation helps the interviewer gauge your fit within the company culture.

How to Answer

Reflect on what aspects of your work you find most fulfilling and how they align with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am motivated by the opportunity to turn data into actionable insights that drive business decisions. Knowing that my work can directly impact customer experiences and company success keeps me engaged and passionate about my role.”

Technical Questions

1. How do you measure if your test group is performing better than the control group?

This question tests your understanding of A/B testing and performance metrics.

How to Answer

Discuss the statistical methods you would use to analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Example

“I would use statistical significance tests, such as t-tests or chi-square tests, to compare the performance metrics of the test and control groups. Additionally, I would ensure that the sample sizes are adequate to draw reliable conclusions.”

2. What is the difference between OLAP and OLTP?

This question assesses your knowledge of data processing systems.

How to Answer

Provide a clear distinction between the two systems, focusing on their purposes and functionalities.

Example

“OLAP, or Online Analytical Processing, is designed for complex queries and data analysis, often used in business intelligence. In contrast, OLTP, or Online Transaction Processing, is optimized for transaction-oriented applications, focusing on speed and efficiency in processing a large number of transactions.”

3. How would you describe an API to your grandmother?

This question evaluates your ability to simplify complex concepts.

How to Answer

Use a relatable analogy to explain the concept in simple terms.

Example

“I would say an API is like a waiter in a restaurant. You tell the waiter what you want, and they go to the kitchen to get it for you. Similarly, an API allows different software applications to communicate and request information from each other.”

4. Can you explain the concept of A/B testing?

This question tests your understanding of experimental design in business intelligence.

How to Answer

Define A/B testing and explain its purpose in a business context.

Example

“A/B testing is a method where two versions of a webpage or product are compared to see which one performs better. By randomly assigning users to either version A or version B, we can analyze which one leads to higher conversion rates or user engagement.”

5. What are some important success metrics when launching a feature?

This question assesses your ability to define and measure success in a business context.

How to Answer

Discuss various metrics that could be relevant depending on the feature and its goals.

Example

“Key success metrics can include user adoption rates, engagement levels, and conversion rates. Additionally, I would look at customer feedback and retention rates to gauge the feature's overall impact on user satisfaction and business goals.”