Skyscanner Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Skyscanner is a leading travel search engine that empowers users to find the best travel options at competitive prices.

As a Data Analyst at Skyscanner, you will be responsible for converting raw data into actionable insights that drive business decisions and product enhancements. You will work closely with various teams to identify trends, create reports, and develop data models that inform strategic initiatives. Key responsibilities include conducting data analysis using SQL and Python, visualizing data through tools like Tableau, and collaborating with product managers to optimize user experience. A successful candidate should possess strong analytical skills, a passion for data storytelling, and the ability to communicate findings effectively. Experience in A/B testing and familiarity with statistical analysis are highly valued, as is a proactive approach to problem-solving.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the types of questions you may encounter, enhancing your confidence and readiness for the process.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Skyscanner is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that typically unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is a brief phone call with a recruiter, lasting around 30 minutes. This conversation serves as an introduction to the company and the role, allowing the recruiter to gauge your background, skills, and motivations. Expect to discuss your experience and how it aligns with Skyscanner's values and culture.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are usually required to complete a technical assessment, often conducted through platforms like HackerRank. This assessment typically includes coding challenges that test your problem-solving abilities and familiarity with data manipulation and analysis. The questions may range from SQL queries to algorithmic challenges, so be prepared to demonstrate your technical proficiency.

3. Behavioral Interview

Once you pass the technical assessment, you will likely have a behavioral interview, which may be conducted via video call. This interview focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Expect questions that explore your cultural fit within the company, such as how you approach conflict resolution or how you have contributed to team success in previous roles.

4. Onsite Interview

The final stage usually involves an onsite interview, which can last several hours and includes multiple rounds. During this phase, you may participate in a case study or group activity, where you will collaborate with other candidates or interviewers to solve a problem relevant to the role. Additionally, you will have one-on-one interviews with team members, focusing on your depth of expertise and technical knowledge. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the team dynamics and company culture.

5. Feedback and Offer

After the onsite interviews, candidates can expect to receive feedback, regardless of the outcome. Skyscanner is known for providing constructive feedback, which can be valuable for your future applications. If successful, you will receive an offer, which may include discussions about salary and benefits.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for a mix of technical and behavioral questions that reflect both your analytical skills and your ability to fit into Skyscanner's collaborative culture. Here are some of the interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

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

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Skyscanner typically involves multiple stages, including an initial phone screening, a technical assessment, and several rounds of interviews focusing on both cultural fit and technical expertise. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and energy throughout the process.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Technical assessments are a significant part of the interview process. You may encounter coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank, which can be tricky due to their interface. Practice coding problems that are relevant to data analysis, such as SQL queries, data manipulation, and algorithmic challenges. Make sure to time yourself during practice to simulate the pressure of the actual test.

Emphasize Cultural Fit

Skyscanner places a strong emphasis on cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your values and how they align with the company’s mission. Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to share stories that demonstrate your teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. The interviewers are looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills but also embody the company’s culture.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During interviews, especially technical ones, clarity in communication is key. When explaining your thought process or solutions, be concise and structured. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. It’s better to articulate your reasoning clearly than to rush into an answer that may not be well thought out.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that explore your past experiences and how you handle various situations. Prepare examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you’ve learned from failures. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Engage with Your Interviewers

The interview process is not just about them assessing you; it’s also an opportunity for you to evaluate if Skyscanner is the right fit for you. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, company culture, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.

Follow Up with Gratitude

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only reinforces your interest in the position but also leaves a positive impression on your interviewers. Mention specific points from your conversation to personalize your message.

By following these tips, you can approach your interview with confidence and clarity, increasing your chances of success at Skyscanner. Good luck!

Experience and Background

1. Describe a time you used data to influence a decision in your team or organization.

Skyscanner values data-driven decision-making, and they want to see how you can leverage data to impact outcomes.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where your analysis led to a significant decision or change. Highlight the data you used, the insights you derived, and the outcome of your actions.

Example

“In my previous role, I analyzed user engagement data and discovered that a significant portion of our users dropped off during the checkout process. I presented my findings to the team, and we implemented changes to the user interface based on my recommendations. As a result, we saw a 20% increase in completed transactions over the next quarter.”

2. Can you explain a complex data project you worked on and the challenges you faced?

This question assesses your technical expertise and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Choose a project that showcases your analytical skills and the complexity of the data involved. Discuss the challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.

Example

“I worked on a project that involved analyzing customer feedback data from multiple sources. The challenge was integrating disparate data formats and ensuring data quality. I developed a robust ETL process that standardized the data, which allowed us to derive actionable insights that improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to present data findings to a non-technical audience.

Skyscanner values effective communication, especially when it comes to conveying complex data insights.

How to Answer

Focus on your ability to simplify complex information and engage your audience. Mention the tools or techniques you used to make your presentation effective.

Example

“I once presented a market analysis report to the marketing team, which included members without a technical background. I used visual aids like charts and graphs to illustrate key points and avoided jargon. This approach helped the team understand the data, leading to a successful campaign strategy based on my findings.”

4. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult stakeholder. How did you handle it?

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

How to Answer

Share a specific example that demonstrates your conflict resolution skills. Highlight your approach to understanding the stakeholder's perspective and finding common ground.

Example

“I was tasked with delivering a data report to a senior manager who was skeptical about the findings. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss his concerns and understand his viewpoint. By addressing his questions and providing additional context, I was able to build trust and ultimately gain his support for the project.”

Technical Skills

1. What is your experience with SQL, and can you provide an example of a complex query you wrote?

SQL proficiency is crucial for a Data Analyst role at Skyscanner, and they will want to assess your technical skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL, focusing on specific queries that demonstrate your ability to manipulate and analyze data effectively.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, including writing complex queries involving multiple joins and subqueries. For instance, I created a query that aggregated sales data across different regions and product lines, allowing us to identify trends and make informed inventory decisions.”

2. How do you ensure data quality and integrity in your analyses?

Data quality is paramount, and Skyscanner will want to know your approach to maintaining it.

How to Answer

Explain the methods you use to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or processes you implement to ensure accuracy.

Example

“I prioritize data quality by implementing a thorough validation process. I use automated scripts to check for duplicates and inconsistencies, and I conduct regular audits of the data sources. This proactive approach has helped maintain a high level of data integrity in my analyses.”

3. Can you explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

Understanding machine learning concepts is beneficial for a Data Analyst role, especially in a data-driven company like Skyscanner.

How to Answer

Provide a clear and concise explanation of both concepts, using examples to illustrate your points.

Example

“Supervised learning involves training a model on labeled data, where the outcome is known, to make predictions on new data. For example, predicting house prices based on historical sales data. In contrast, unsupervised learning deals with unlabeled data, aiming to find patterns or groupings, such as customer segmentation based on purchasing behavior.”

4. Describe a time when you used statistical methods to solve a problem.

This question assesses your analytical skills and familiarity with statistical techniques.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where you applied statistical methods to derive insights or solve a problem, detailing the techniques used.

Example

“I used regression analysis to identify factors affecting customer churn in our subscription service. By analyzing historical data, I was able to pinpoint key variables that contributed to churn, which informed our retention strategies and reduced churn by 10% over six months.”

Cultural Fit

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

Skyscanner values effective time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to managing multiple responsibilities, including any tools or techniques you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and prioritization frameworks, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, to manage my tasks. This helps me focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that deadlines are met across all projects.”

2. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work.

Adaptability is crucial in a fast-paced environment like Skyscanner.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully adapted to change, highlighting your flexibility and resilience.

Example

“When our team transitioned to a new data analytics platform, I took the initiative to learn the new system quickly. I attended training sessions and created a guide for my colleagues, which helped the team adapt smoothly and maintain productivity during the transition.”

3. What do you know about Skyscanner’s values, and how do they align with your own?

Understanding the company’s values is essential for cultural fit.

How to Answer

Research Skyscanner’s values and discuss how they resonate with your personal and professional beliefs.

Example

“I admire Skyscanner’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. I believe that open communication fosters a positive work environment and leads to better decision-making. In my previous roles, I have always encouraged team discussions and shared insights to promote a collaborative culture.”

4. Describe a time when you contributed to a team’s success.

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example that highlights your role in a team project and the impact of your contributions.

Example

“I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with launching a new product feature. I conducted user research and analyzed feedback, which informed our development process. My contributions helped the team align on user needs, resulting in a successful launch that exceeded our adoption targets by 25%.”