OnDeck Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

OnDeck is a pioneering financial technology company that specializes in providing small business loans, leveraging data and technology to streamline the lending process.

The Business Intelligence role at OnDeck is integral to the company’s mission of utilizing data-driven insights to improve financial solutions for its customers. In this position, you will be responsible for analyzing complex datasets to identify trends and opportunities that inform strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include developing interactive dashboards, creating reports that highlight actionable insights, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance data accessibility and usage.

To excel in this role, you should possess strong skills in SQL, Python, and statistical analysis, as well as a solid understanding of business intelligence tools and methodologies. Experience with data visualization techniques and an ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders are also crucial. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive approach, a keen analytical mindset, and a passion for data that aligns with OnDeck’s commitment to innovation in financial services.

This guide aims to help you prepare thoroughly for your interview by highlighting the expectations of the Business Intelligence role and the skills necessary to succeed at OnDeck.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at OnDeck is structured and designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. It typically unfolds in several stages, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a brief phone screen, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This initial conversation is typically conducted by a recruiter and focuses on your background, skills, and understanding of OnDeck's business model. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences and articulate their knowledge about the company, as this can significantly impact the outcome of the interview.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a take-home project or a coding exercise that tests your proficiency in SQL, Python, and data manipulation techniques. The goal is to evaluate your ability to solve practical business problems using data-driven approaches. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their analytical skills and familiarity with relevant tools and methodologies.

3. Phone Interviews

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in one or more phone interviews. These interviews may include discussions with a data scientist or hiring manager, focusing on technical questions related to algorithms, statistics, and machine learning concepts. Expect to engage in problem-solving discussions and to explain your thought process clearly.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage of the interview process is the onsite interview, which can last several hours. This phase usually consists of multiple rounds of interviews with various team members, including technical and managerial staff. Candidates can expect a mix of technical questions, whiteboarding exercises, and discussions about the take-home project. The onsite interviews are designed to assess both technical capabilities and cultural fit within the team.

Throughout the process, communication from the company is generally prompt, with feedback provided at various stages. Candidates should remain proactive in following up if they do not receive timely updates.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during these stages, particularly those that assess your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

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

Understand OnDeck's Business Model

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with OnDeck's business model and the specific challenges they face in the lending industry. Knowing how OnDeck operates and the role of data in their decision-making processes will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can directly contribute to solving their business problems.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect a strong focus on technical skills, particularly in SQL and Python. Review common data manipulation tasks and practice coding challenges that involve algorithms and data structures. You may encounter questions that require you to solve problems on a whiteboard, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Additionally, brush up on statistics and probability concepts, as these are likely to come up during your interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that are relevant to the role. Highlight your problem-solving approach, the tools you used, and the impact your work had on the business. OnDeck values practical solutions, so be prepared to explain how your projects can be implemented quickly and effectively within their framework.

Engage with Interviewers

During your interviews, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their work and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Remember, interviews are a two-way street, and demonstrating curiosity about the team and their challenges can leave a positive impression.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within OnDeck's culture. Reflect on your past experiences and be prepared to discuss how you've handled challenges, collaborated with teams, and contributed to projects. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. Mention specific points from your conversations that resonated with you, which can help reinforce your enthusiasm and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

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

Experience and Background

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Ondeck. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills in data analysis, SQL, Python, and your understanding of business intelligence concepts. Be prepared to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the role, as well as demonstrate your problem-solving abilities through practical scenarios.

Technical Skills

1. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in your previous roles.

SQL is a fundamental skill for a Business Intelligence role, and interviewers will want to know how you have applied it in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized SQL for data extraction, manipulation, or reporting. Highlight any complex queries you wrote and the impact of your work on decision-making.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to analyze customer data. I wrote complex queries to extract insights on purchasing behavior, which helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns. One particular query involved multiple joins and subqueries to generate a comprehensive report that increased our campaign's effectiveness by 20%.”

2. Can you explain a challenging data manipulation task you completed using Python?

Python is often used for data analysis and manipulation, and interviewers will be interested in your proficiency with it.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a data manipulation task, detailing the libraries you used and the challenges you faced.

Example

“I worked on a project where I had to clean and preprocess a large dataset using Pandas. The data had numerous missing values and inconsistencies. I implemented various techniques, such as imputation and normalization, which allowed us to achieve a clean dataset that improved our model's accuracy by 15%.”

3. Describe a time when you had to create a dashboard or report for stakeholders. What tools did you use?

Creating dashboards is a key responsibility in Business Intelligence, and interviewers will want to know your experience with visualization tools.

How to Answer

Mention the tools you used (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and the specific metrics or KPIs you tracked. Discuss how the dashboard/report influenced business decisions.

Example

“I created a dashboard using Tableau to visualize our sales performance metrics. I included key KPIs such as monthly sales growth and customer acquisition costs. This dashboard was presented to the executive team and led to strategic adjustments in our sales approach, resulting in a 10% increase in quarterly revenue.”

4. What is your approach to ensuring data quality and integrity in your analyses?

Data quality is crucial in Business Intelligence, and interviewers will assess your understanding of best practices.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate data and ensure accuracy, such as data cleaning techniques or automated checks.

Example

“I prioritize data quality by implementing a rigorous validation process. I regularly perform data audits and use automated scripts to check for anomalies. For instance, I developed a Python script that flagged outliers in our sales data, which allowed us to address issues before they impacted our reporting.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

5. Can you walk us through a business problem you solved using data analysis?

Interviewers want to see your analytical thinking and how you apply data to solve real business challenges.

How to Answer

Describe the problem, your analysis process, and the outcome of your solution.

Example

“In a previous role, we faced declining customer retention rates. I analyzed customer feedback and usage data to identify patterns. By segmenting the data, I discovered that a significant portion of churn was due to a lack of engagement with our product features. I proposed a targeted re-engagement campaign, which ultimately improved retention by 15%.”

6. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

Time management and prioritization are essential skills in a fast-paced environment.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to managing multiple projects, including any tools or methodologies you use.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools like Trello and Agile methodologies to prioritize my tasks. I assess the urgency and impact of each project and allocate my time accordingly. This approach has allowed me to meet deadlines consistently while maintaining high-quality work.”

7. Describe a time when you had to present your findings to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure they understood?

Communication skills are vital in Business Intelligence, especially when conveying complex data insights.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to simplifying technical information and engaging your audience.

Example

“I once presented a complex analysis of our marketing ROI to the sales team. To ensure understanding, I focused on visual aids and avoided jargon. I used clear graphs and charts to illustrate key points, which helped the team grasp the insights quickly and led to actionable strategies.”

8. What methods do you use to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in Business Intelligence?

Staying current in the field is important, and interviewers will want to know how you keep your skills sharp.

How to Answer

Mention any resources, courses, or communities you engage with to stay informed.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums related to Business Intelligence. I also take online courses to learn about new tools and techniques. This continuous learning approach has helped me implement innovative solutions in my work.”