Leidos is a leading technology and engineering company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for government and commercial sectors.
In the Business Analyst role at Leidos, you will play a pivotal part in supporting large-scale IT projects by analyzing business processes and providing actionable insights. You will be responsible for gathering business requirements, documenting processes, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met efficiently. This position requires a strong understanding of technology platforms and the ability to translate complex business needs into technical specifications. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and a proven ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. A background in energy efficiency projects is preferred, as you will be working with a utility client in that space.
This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations of the role and the skills needed to succeed at Leidos. By understanding the key responsibilities and aligning your experiences with the company's values, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst position.
Average Base Salary
The interview process for a Business Analyst position at Leidos is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the dynamic environment of the company. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:
The first step is a phone interview with a recruiter, which usually lasts about 30 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and your background. They will assess your communication skills and gauge your interest in the position. Expect to answer questions about your resume and your motivations for applying to Leidos.
Following the initial screen, candidates may participate in a technical interview, often conducted via video conferencing platforms like Teams. This round focuses on your analytical skills and understanding of business processes. You may be asked to discuss your experience with SQL, project management methodologies (especially Agile), and how you approach problem-solving in a business context. Be prepared to answer questions that require you to demonstrate your technical knowledge and analytical thinking.
The next stage is typically a behavioral interview, which may involve multiple interviewers, including the hiring manager and team members. This round assesses your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. You will likely be asked to provide examples from your past experiences that illustrate how you handle challenges, work with stakeholders, and manage project requirements. Questions may also explore your long-term career goals and how they align with the company’s mission.
For some candidates, an in-person interview may be scheduled, especially for roles that require close collaboration with teams. This round often includes a series of one-on-one interviews with various team members. You may be asked to participate in case studies or group discussions to evaluate your collaborative skills and ability to think critically under pressure.
In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a final assessment or presentation, where you will demonstrate your ability to analyze data and present findings effectively. This step is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and how well you can communicate complex information to stakeholders.
As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your experience and understanding of business analysis in a technical environment.
Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.
Given the emphasis on Agile methodologies in the interview process, familiarize yourself with Agile principles and practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Agile projects, how you have contributed to Agile teams, and any specific roles you have played in Agile ceremonies such as sprint planning, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups. Demonstrating a solid understanding of Agile will show that you can adapt to the company's workflow and contribute effectively.
While the interview may include basic questions, be ready to dive deeper into technical topics, particularly around SQL and data analysis. Brush up on your SQL skills, focusing on common queries, joins, and data manipulation techniques. You may also want to prepare examples of how you have used data analysis to drive business decisions in your previous roles. This will not only showcase your technical abilities but also your analytical mindset.
Leidos values strong communication skills, so be prepared to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively. Think of examples where you successfully communicated with stakeholders at various levels, whether through presentations, reports, or meetings. Emphasize your experience in leading workshops or gathering requirements, as this will illustrate your capability to bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenging situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. For instance, you might be asked about a time you dealt with a difficult stakeholder or managed scope creep in a project. Prepare specific examples that highlight your critical thinking and adaptability.
Leidos is looking for candidates who are motivated and passionate about their work. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the Business Analyst role and the opportunity to contribute to large-scale IT projects, especially in the energy efficiency space. Discuss how your career goals align with the company's mission and values, and how you can add value to their team.
After the interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email to your interviewers. In your message, reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.
By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to Leidos' success as a Business Analyst. Good luck!
In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Leidos. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with business processes, and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach project management and stakeholder engagement.
This question assesses your experience in requirements gathering, a critical skill for a Business Analyst.
Discuss a specific project, detailing your methodology for gathering requirements, including stakeholder interviews, workshops, or surveys. Highlight how you ensured that all necessary information was captured.
“In my previous role, I led a project to implement a new customer relationship management system. I organized workshops with key stakeholders to gather their requirements, ensuring that I captured both functional and non-functional needs. I also followed up with one-on-one interviews to clarify any ambiguities, which helped us create a comprehensive requirements document.”
This question evaluates your understanding of Agile methodologies and how you apply them in practice.
Explain your familiarity with Agile practices, such as iterative development, collaboration, and flexibility. Provide examples of how you have adapted your analysis and documentation processes to fit Agile frameworks.
“I have worked on several Agile projects where I collaborated closely with the development team. I participated in daily stand-ups to provide updates on requirements and gather feedback. By using user stories and maintaining a prioritized backlog, I ensured that the team focused on delivering the most valuable features first.”
This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.
Choose a specific challenge, explain the context, and detail the steps you took to resolve it. Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
“During a project to streamline our reporting process, we encountered resistance from stakeholders who were accustomed to the old system. I organized a series of meetings to address their concerns, demonstrating how the new process would save time and improve accuracy. By involving them in the transition, I was able to gain their support and successfully implement the changes.”
This question assesses your communication skills and ability to bridge the gap between different groups.
Discuss your strategies for facilitating communication, such as using clear language, visual aids, or regular updates. Highlight your experience in translating technical jargon into business terms.
“I prioritize clear communication by using visual aids like flowcharts and diagrams to illustrate complex concepts. I also hold regular check-ins with both technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned. This approach has helped me successfully manage expectations and foster collaboration.”
This question evaluates your technical proficiency and familiarity with relevant tools.
Mention specific tools you have used, such as Excel, SQL, or data visualization software. Discuss how you leverage these tools to analyze data and generate insights.
“I frequently use Excel for data analysis, utilizing pivot tables and advanced formulas to extract insights. Additionally, I have experience with SQL for querying databases and generating reports. For data visualization, I often use Tableau to create dashboards that present key metrics in an easily digestible format.”