Roku Inc. Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Roku Inc. is a leading streaming platform that connects users to a wide array of entertainment options across various devices, empowering viewers to make the most of their streaming experience.

The Business Intelligence (BI) role at Roku is pivotal in transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic business decisions. This position involves key responsibilities such as analyzing complex datasets, creating reports, and developing dashboards to track performance metrics. A successful candidate will possess strong skills in Python and SQL, demonstrating the ability to manipulate data and perform in-depth analysis. Familiarity with visualization tools like Tableau is also advantageous. Traits that make an ideal fit include a detail-oriented mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate insights effectively to non-technical stakeholders. The BI team at Roku plays a crucial role in aligning with the company's mission to provide an exceptional streaming experience, making data-driven recommendations that enhance user engagement and optimize platform performance.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your interview for the Business Intelligence role, ensuring you are well-prepared to showcase your skills and alignment with Roku's objectives.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Roku Inc. is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step is an initial phone screen with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to gauge your interest in the role and the company. Expect to discuss your background, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying. Additionally, the recruiter may ask a few basic technical questions related to SQL and Python to assess your foundational knowledge.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical interview focused on SQL and Python. This interview may be conducted via video call and is designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency. You can expect questions that require you to write SQL queries or Python functions, often based on scenarios similar to those found on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. The emphasis will be on your ability to articulate your thought process while solving these problems.

3. Final Interview Round

The final round usually consists of a more in-depth interview with team members or managers. This stage may include a mix of technical and behavioral questions, allowing interviewers to assess your fit within the team and your approach to business intelligence challenges. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, how you’ve utilized data to drive decisions, and your experience with data visualization tools like Tableau. This round may also involve situational questions to evaluate your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may arise in these discussions.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Roku Inc. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills in SQL and Python, as well as your ability to analyze data and derive insights that can drive business decisions. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of data manipulation, visualization tools, and your understanding of business metrics.

Technical Skills

1. What is the difference between tuples and lists in Python?

Understanding the fundamental data structures in Python is crucial for any Business Intelligence role.

How to Answer

Explain the key differences, such as mutability, performance, and use cases for each data structure.

Example

“Tuples are immutable, meaning once they are created, their values cannot be changed, which makes them faster and more memory-efficient than lists. Lists, on the other hand, are mutable and can be modified, making them more flexible for data manipulation tasks.”

2. Can you write a simple Python function to calculate the average of a list of numbers?

This question tests your basic programming skills and understanding of functions.

How to Answer

Outline the steps to create a function, including input parameters and return values.

Example

“I would define a function called calculate_average that takes a list of numbers as input, sums them up, and divides by the length of the list to return the average.”

3. Describe your experience with SQL. Can you provide an example of a complex query you have written?

SQL proficiency is essential for data retrieval and manipulation.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience level and provide a specific example of a complex SQL query, explaining its purpose and components.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, including writing complex queries involving multiple joins and subqueries. For instance, I wrote a query to analyze customer purchase patterns by joining the sales and customer tables, filtering by date ranges, and aggregating the results to identify trends.”

4. How do you handle missing data in a dataset?

This question assesses your data cleaning and preprocessing skills.

How to Answer

Discuss various strategies for handling missing data, such as imputation, removal, or using algorithms that support missing values.

Example

“I typically assess the extent of missing data and choose an appropriate method based on the context. For small amounts of missing data, I might use mean imputation, while for larger gaps, I may consider removing those records or using predictive modeling techniques to estimate the missing values.”

5. What visualization tools have you used, and how do you decide which one to use for a specific dataset?

This question evaluates your experience with data visualization and your ability to communicate insights effectively.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools you have used and the criteria you consider when selecting a visualization method.

Example

“I have experience using Tableau and Power BI for data visualization. I choose the tool based on the complexity of the data and the audience. For instance, I prefer Tableau for interactive dashboards that require user engagement, while I use Power BI for straightforward reporting needs.”

Business Acumen

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

This question gauges your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact on business goals and deadlines. I often use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into urgent and important, allowing me to focus on high-impact activities first.”

2. Can you describe a time when your analysis led to a significant business decision?

This question assesses your ability to translate data insights into actionable business strategies.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, detailing the analysis you conducted and the outcome of your recommendations.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed customer churn data and identified key factors contributing to attrition. I presented my findings to the management team, which led to the implementation of a targeted retention strategy that reduced churn by 15% over six months.”

3. How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of your data analysis?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to validate your data and analysis processes.

Example

“I ensure accuracy by implementing a thorough data validation process, including cross-referencing data sources and conducting sanity checks. Additionally, I document my analysis steps to maintain transparency and facilitate peer reviews.”

4. What metrics do you consider most important for measuring business performance?

This question tests your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the business.

How to Answer

Identify specific metrics that align with the company’s goals and explain why they are important.

Example

“I believe metrics such as customer acquisition cost, lifetime value, and churn rate are critical for measuring business performance. These KPIs provide insights into profitability and customer engagement, which are essential for strategic decision-making.”

5. How do you stay updated with industry trends and advancements in business intelligence?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, communities, or practices you engage with to stay informed.

Example

“I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in webinars, and engage with professional networks on platforms like LinkedIn. I also attend conferences to learn about the latest tools and methodologies in business intelligence.”