Verily Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Verily is an innovative subsidiary of Alphabet focused on leveraging data-driven strategies to transform healthcare and enhance personal health management.

As a Business Intelligence professional at Verily, you will play a critical role in optimizing data analysis and reporting solutions that drive healthcare decisions based on comprehensive data insights. Your responsibilities will include designing and implementing robust BI solutions, particularly using Looker, and managing the full development lifecycle to ensure secure and efficient systems. A deep proficiency in SQL and a solid understanding of data warehousing concepts are essential, as is the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve data quality and reporting capabilities. Candidates who possess a strong analytical mindset, are well-versed in BI tools, and have experience with cloud data services will thrive in this dynamic environment.

This guide will equip you with tailored insights and preparation strategies to excel in your interviews at Verily, helping you stand out as a candidate who aligns with the company’s mission and values.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Verily is structured to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is a 30-minute phone call with a recruiter. This conversation will focus on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Verily. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Business Intelligence role, ensuring that you understand the expectations and responsibilities involved.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment, which may be conducted via video call. This assessment focuses on your proficiency in SQL and your ability to work with BI tools like Looker and Tableau. You may be asked to solve real-world problems related to data modeling, performance optimization, and data warehousing. Expect to demonstrate your understanding of LookML code and your approach to managing data pipelines and ETL processes.

3. Onsite Interviews

The onsite interview consists of multiple rounds, usually involving 3 to 5 one-on-one interviews with team members and stakeholders. These interviews will cover a range of topics, including your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with data integration and analytics. You will also engage in discussions about your past projects and how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and reporting capabilities. Behavioral questions will be included to assess your alignment with Verily's values and culture.

4. Final Interview

The final interview may involve a presentation or case study where you will showcase your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex data insights effectively. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in BI solutions and your strategic thinking in addressing business challenges.

As you prepare for the interview process, consider the specific skills and experiences that will highlight your qualifications for the role. Next, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during the interviews.

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

Understand Verily's Mission and Culture

Familiarize yourself with Verily's commitment to precision health and how it aims to transform healthcare through data-driven solutions. Emphasize your alignment with their mission during the interview. Reflect on how your personal values and professional experiences resonate with their culture of innovation, collaboration, and respect for individuals. This understanding will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Master the Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL and Looker in this role, ensure you are well-versed in writing complex SQL queries and optimizing them for performance. Practice using Looker to create dashboards and reports, and familiarize yourself with LookML code. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you utilized these tools, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Highlight your experience with data warehousing concepts and cloud services, particularly Google Cloud Platform and BigQuery, as these are crucial for the role.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities

Verily values a builder mindset, so be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving in your work. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the impact of your contributions on project outcomes.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect questions that assess your fit within Verily's culture, such as how you handle teamwork, conflict, and feedback. Reflect on past experiences that demonstrate your resilience, curiosity, and ability to work collaboratively. Be honest and authentic in your responses, as Verily seeks individuals who can contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Engage with Your Interviewers

During the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how the role contributes to Verily's overall mission. This not only shows your interest in the position but also allows you to gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the tools and technologies the team is currently using, as well as any upcoming initiatives that excite them.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note to your interviewers, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about Verily and the role. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and briefly mention a key point from your conversation that resonated with you. This thoughtful gesture can leave a lasting impression and reinforce your interest in joining the team.

By following these tips, you will be well-prepared to showcase your skills and fit for the Business Intelligence role at Verily. Good luck!

Verily Business Intelligence Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Verily. The interview will focus on your technical skills, particularly in SQL and Looker, as well as your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and optimize data solutions. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of data warehousing concepts, BI tools, and your experience in developing comprehensive BI solutions.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the process of optimizing a Looker dashboard for performance?

This question assesses your practical knowledge of Looker and your ability to enhance dashboard performance.

How to Answer

Discuss specific strategies you have used to optimize Looker dashboards, such as query tuning, caching, and managing persistent derived tables (PDTs).

Example

“I typically start by analyzing the queries generated by the dashboard to identify any bottlenecks. I then optimize the LookML code by simplifying complex joins and ensuring that I’m using the most efficient data types. Additionally, I implement caching strategies to reduce load times and improve user experience.”

2. Describe your experience with SQL and how you have used it in BI development.

This question evaluates your SQL proficiency and its application in business intelligence.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with SQL, focusing on specific projects where you utilized SQL for data extraction, transformation, and reporting.

Example

“In my previous role, I used SQL extensively to extract data from relational databases for reporting purposes. I wrote complex queries involving multiple joins and subqueries to create comprehensive reports that informed business decisions. I also optimized these queries to improve performance and reduce execution time.”

3. How do you ensure data quality in your BI solutions?

This question aims to understand your approach to maintaining data integrity and accuracy.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you employ to validate and clean data, as well as how you collaborate with data teams to enhance data quality.

Example

“I implement a series of validation checks during the ETL process to ensure data accuracy. This includes cross-referencing data against source systems and using automated scripts to identify anomalies. I also work closely with data engineers to establish best practices for data entry and management.”

4. What strategies do you use to manage data pipelines for ETL processes?

This question assesses your understanding of ETL processes and your experience in managing data workflows.

How to Answer

Explain your experience with ETL tools and how you design and manage data pipelines to ensure efficient data flow.

Example

“I have experience using tools like Apache Airflow to orchestrate ETL processes. I design data pipelines that are modular and scalable, allowing for easy updates and maintenance. I also monitor these pipelines regularly to ensure they run smoothly and address any issues promptly.”

5. Can you discuss a challenging BI project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Share a specific project, the challenges you faced, and the steps you took to overcome them.

Example

“In a recent project, we faced significant delays due to data integration issues from multiple sources. I organized a series of cross-functional meetings to identify the root causes and collaborated with the data engineering team to streamline the integration process. By implementing a phased approach, we were able to deliver the project on time while ensuring data accuracy.”

Collaboration and Communication

1. How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams in BI projects?

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for effective collaboration, including how you ensure all stakeholders are aligned.

Example

“I prioritize open communication and regular check-ins with cross-functional teams. I use project management tools to keep everyone updated on progress and encourage feedback throughout the project lifecycle. This approach helps to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and that we can address any concerns early on.”

2. Describe a time when you had to explain a complex BI concept to a non-technical audience.

This question evaluates your ability to communicate technical information clearly.

How to Answer

Share an example of how you simplified a complex concept and the impact it had on your audience.

Example

“I once had to present a data model to a group of marketing professionals. I used visual aids and analogies to explain the relationships between different data sets, which helped them understand how the data could inform their strategies. The presentation led to a productive discussion on how we could leverage the data for targeted campaigns.”

3. How do you handle feedback from stakeholders regarding BI reports or dashboards?

This question assesses your receptiveness to feedback and adaptability.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to receiving and implementing feedback, emphasizing your commitment to continuous improvement.

Example

“I view feedback as an essential part of the development process. When I receive feedback, I take the time to understand the concerns and suggestions. I then prioritize the changes based on their impact and feasibility, ensuring that the final product meets the stakeholders' needs while maintaining data integrity.”

4. Can you give an example of how you have trained others in BI tools or best practices?

This question evaluates your ability to share knowledge and empower others.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience in training or mentoring others, focusing on the methods you used to ensure effective learning.

Example

“I developed a training program for new analysts on using Looker effectively. The program included hands-on workshops and documentation that covered best practices for LookML coding and dashboard design. This initiative not only improved their skills but also enhanced the overall quality of our BI outputs.”

5. How do you stay updated on the latest trends in BI and data analytics?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development and staying current in the field.

How to Answer

Share the resources you use to keep informed about industry trends and how you apply new knowledge to your work.

Example

“I regularly read industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums related to BI and data analytics. I also engage with professional networks to exchange ideas and best practices. This continuous learning helps me to implement innovative solutions in my projects.”