Natera Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing, revolutionizing the landscape of genetic disease management through advanced diagnostics in oncology, women's health, and organ health.

The Business Analyst role is pivotal in supporting laboratory operations by managing internal data and providing actionable insights to leadership. Key responsibilities include data identification, analysis, and visualization, as well as crafting reports and dashboards to facilitate informed decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong SQL skills, advanced proficiency in analytics tools like Excel and Power BI, and a solid understanding of product metrics. A proactive mindset, the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results are essential traits for success in this role. Candidates should also be prepared to navigate a demanding workload while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by equipping you with insights into the role's expectations and the skills that will set you apart as a candidate at Natera.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at Natera is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, reflecting the company's focus on data-driven decision-making and collaboration. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The first step is a brief phone interview with a recruiter, lasting around 20-30 minutes. This conversation primarily focuses on your background, relevant experience, and motivation for applying to Natera. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role, ensuring that candidates have a clear understanding of expectations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will have a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. This session delves deeper into your technical skills, particularly your proficiency in SQL and data analysis tools like Excel and Power BI. Expect to discuss your previous work experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Business Analyst role. The hiring manager may also assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle high-pressure situations, given the fast-paced environment at Natera.

3. Technical Assessment

Candidates who progress past the hiring manager interview may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a take-home assignment or a live coding exercise, where you will be asked to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to work with data. The assessment may include writing SQL queries or creating data visualizations, reflecting the technical demands of the role.

4. Panel Interview

The final stage often consists of a panel interview, which may include multiple team members from various departments. This round is designed to evaluate your collaborative skills and how well you can communicate complex data insights to different stakeholders. Expect a mix of behavioral questions and situational scenarios that require you to demonstrate your analytical thinking and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experiences with data management, reporting, and any relevant projects that showcase their analytical capabilities.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at Natera.

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

Understand the Work Environment

Natera's interview process has been described as fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming. Be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple deadlines and manage stress, as these are key concerns for the team. Demonstrating your ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions, particularly around time management and prioritization. Reflect on your past experiences where you successfully managed competing priorities or overcame challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process clearly.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL and data analysis in the role, be ready to discuss your experience with SQL queries and data manipulation. Prepare to answer questions that may require you to write or explain SQL queries, as well as your familiarity with BI tools like Power BI. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles.

Communicate Your Analytical Approach

Natera values candidates who can provide actionable insights from data. Be prepared to discuss your analytical framework and how you approach problem-solving. Highlight any experience you have with data visualization and reporting, as well as how you have used data to drive business decisions in the past.

Be Ready for a Panel Interview

Some candidates have reported experiencing panel interviews with multiple interviewers. Approach these interviews with confidence, and remember to engage with each interviewer. Make eye contact, address each person when responding, and be mindful of the dynamics in the room.

Emphasize Collaboration

Collaboration is key at Natera, so be prepared to discuss how you have worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and your ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders. Share examples of how you have contributed to team success and fostered a collaborative environment.

Follow Up Professionally

Given the feedback regarding communication from the recruitment team, it’s essential to follow up after your interview. A polite email thanking your interviewers for their time and reiterating your interest in the position can leave a positive impression. This also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to the opportunity.

Stay Authentic

While it’s important to prepare, don’t lose sight of being yourself during the interview. Natera values diversity and inclusion, so let your unique experiences and perspectives shine through. Authenticity can help you connect with your interviewers and stand out as a candidate.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Natera. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, experience with data management, and ability to work under pressure. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, technical skills, and how you handle various business scenarios.

Behavioral Questions

1. How do you handle multiple deadlines and prioritize your tasks?

Natera is known for a fast-paced environment, and they want to ensure you can manage your time effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using tools or methods to organize tasks. Mention any specific strategies you use to manage stress and ensure deadlines are met.

Example

"I use a combination of task management software and prioritization techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance. This helps me focus on high-impact projects first while still keeping track of deadlines. For instance, during a recent project, I had to balance multiple reports due on the same day, so I broke them down into smaller tasks and allocated specific time slots for each."

2. Describe a time when you identified a process improvement. What was the outcome?

This question assesses your analytical skills and ability to drive change.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where you identified a problem, proposed a solution, and the impact it had on the organization.

Example

"In my previous role, I noticed that our data entry process was causing delays in reporting. I proposed implementing an automated data validation tool, which reduced errors and saved the team several hours each week. As a result, we were able to deliver reports faster and improve overall efficiency."

Technical Skills

3. Can you explain your experience with SQL and provide an example of a complex query you wrote?

SQL proficiency is crucial for this role, and they will want to gauge your technical skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL, including specific functions or queries you have written. Be prepared to explain the logic behind your query.

Example

"I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in writing complex queries for data analysis. For example, I wrote a query that joined multiple tables to calculate the monthly churn rate for our subscription service. This involved using window functions and aggregating data to provide insights that informed our retention strategies."

4. How do you approach data visualization, and which tools do you prefer?

Understanding how to present data effectively is key for a Business Analyst.

How to Answer

Talk about your experience with data visualization tools and your approach to creating impactful visualizations.

Example

"I primarily use Power BI for data visualization because of its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities. I focus on creating dashboards that tell a story with the data, ensuring that key metrics are highlighted and easily understood by stakeholders. For instance, I created a dashboard that visualized our sales performance over time, which helped the sales team identify trends and adjust their strategies accordingly."

Analytical Thinking

5. Describe a situation where you had to analyze a large dataset. What was your process?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and attention to detail.

How to Answer

Outline your approach to data analysis, including any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

"When tasked with analyzing a large dataset for customer feedback, I first cleaned the data to remove any duplicates or irrelevant entries. I then used Excel to perform exploratory data analysis, identifying key trends and patterns. Finally, I summarized my findings in a report that included visualizations to present to the management team, which led to actionable insights for improving customer satisfaction."

6. How do you ensure data integrity and accuracy in your analyses?

Data accuracy is critical in a business analyst role, and they will want to know your methods for maintaining it.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to validate data and ensure its integrity throughout your analysis.

Example

"I always start by verifying the source of the data and ensuring it is reliable. During the analysis, I perform checks such as cross-referencing with other datasets and using validation rules to catch any anomalies. After completing my analysis, I document my methodology and findings, which allows for transparency and reproducibility."

Collaboration and Communication

7. How do you communicate complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders?

Effective communication is essential for a Business Analyst, especially when dealing with diverse audiences.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to simplifying complex information and ensuring clarity in your communication.

Example

"I focus on using clear, straightforward language and visual aids to convey complex data findings. For instance, when presenting to non-technical stakeholders, I often use charts and graphs to illustrate key points, accompanied by a narrative that explains the implications of the data. This approach helps ensure that everyone understands the insights and can make informed decisions based on them."

8. Why do you want to work at Natera, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company's goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in Natera's mission and how your skills and experiences align with their objectives.

Example

"I am passionate about using data to drive meaningful change, and Natera's commitment to improving health outcomes through genetic testing resonates with me. I believe my analytical skills and experience in healthcare analytics can contribute to optimizing laboratory operations and enhancing patient care, ultimately supporting Natera's mission to transform genetic disease management."