Verisk Analytics Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Verisk Analytics empowers organizations to make informed decisions through advanced data analytics and innovative solutions.

As a Business Intelligence professional at Verisk, you will be part of the Analytical Data Operations (ADO) division, where you will collaborate with a diverse team of data analysts, BI developers, data engineers, and actuarial experts to enhance data analytics platforms supporting the property and casualty insurance industry. Your key responsibilities will include serving as a subject matter expert on data, collaborating with stakeholders to understand business needs, analyzing industry data to identify trends and anomalies, and developing insightful reports and visualizations using advanced analytics tools, particularly SQL. You will also lead presentations to stakeholders, manage relationships with insurance carriers, and drive organization-wide change in how data analytics results are delivered.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least two years of experience in P&C insurance data analysis, particularly in Commercial Lines coverages. Strong SQL skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for using data to drive real-world change are also essential.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and skills that Verisk values in a Business Intelligence role, ensuring you can articulate your experiences and demonstrate your fit for the position effectively.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Verisk Analytics is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages, each designed to evaluate different competencies relevant to the position.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is usually a phone interview conducted by a recruiter. This conversation focuses on your background, interest in the role, and alignment with Verisk's values and culture. The recruiter will also discuss the job description in detail and gauge your understanding of the position and the company.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve an online coding test or a take-home assignment that evaluates your proficiency in SQL and data analysis. The assessment typically includes questions that require you to manipulate and analyze data, as well as demonstrate your understanding of business intelligence concepts. Candidates may also be asked to solve case studies or present findings based on provided datasets.

3. Behavioral Interview

Once you pass the technical assessment, you will likely participate in a behavioral interview. This round is often conducted via video call and focuses on your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various workplace situations. Expect questions that explore your teamwork, communication skills, and ability to manage stakeholder relationships, as these are crucial for the role.

4. Final Interview Rounds

The final stage usually consists of multiple interviews with team members and management. These interviews may include a mix of technical questions, discussions about your previous work, and a presentation of a project or case study relevant to the role. You may be asked to explain your analytical approach, present data visualizations, and discuss how you would drive insights from data to influence business decisions. This stage is critical for assessing your fit within the team and your ability to contribute to Verisk's objectives.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their technical skills in SQL, data analysis, and business intelligence tools, as well as their experience in the P&C insurance industry.

Now, let's delve into the specific 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 Verisk Analytics typically consists of multiple stages, including an initial phone screen, a technical assessment, and several rounds of interviews with team members and management. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect to discuss your resume in detail, and be ready for both technical and behavioral questions. Knowing the flow of the interview will help you manage your time and responses effectively.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Given the emphasis on SQL and data analysis in the role, ensure you are well-versed in SQL queries, data manipulation, and analytics. Practice solving complex SQL problems, as you may encounter questions that require you to write queries on the spot. Additionally, brush up on your knowledge of data visualization tools and techniques, as you may be asked to present your findings or insights during the interview.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your analytical approach to problem-solving. You may be presented with case studies or hypothetical scenarios related to the insurance industry. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating how you would analyze data, identify trends, and derive actionable insights. This will showcase your ability to think critically and apply your skills in real-world situations.

Emphasize Communication and Collaboration

Verisk values strong communication skills, especially since the role involves collaborating with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and presenting findings. Highlight instances where you successfully communicated complex data insights to non-technical audiences, as this will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between data analysis and business decision-making.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Verisk emphasizes values such as innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Prepare examples from your past experiences that illustrate how you embody these values. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise answers.

Be Ready for Follow-Up Discussions

After technical assessments, you may have follow-up discussions regarding your performance. Be prepared to explain your reasoning behind your decisions and analyses. Reflect on your approach and consider how you could improve your analysis in the future. This shows a willingness to learn and adapt, which is highly valued at Verisk.

Align with Company Culture

Verisk Analytics prides itself on its inclusive and innovative culture. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for contributing to a company that is committed to making a positive impact through data analytics. This alignment can set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the company's goals.

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

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Verisk Analytics. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of SQL, data analysis, and your understanding of the insurance industry.

SQL and Data Analysis

1. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and analysis.

How to Answer

Explain the basic functionality of both joins, emphasizing how they differ in terms of the data they return.

Example

"An INNER JOIN returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table. If there is no match, NULL values are returned for columns from the right table."

2. How would you write a SQL query to find duplicate records in a dataset?

This question tests your ability to identify data quality issues.

How to Answer

Outline the SQL functions you would use, such as GROUP BY and HAVING, to find duplicates.

Example

"I would use a query that groups the data by the relevant columns and then applies the HAVING clause to filter groups with a count greater than one. This will help identify all duplicate records in the dataset."

3. Describe a complex SQL query you have written in the past. What was its purpose?

This question assesses your practical experience with SQL.

How to Answer

Discuss the context of the query, the complexity involved, and the outcome.

Example

"I once wrote a complex SQL query to analyze customer purchase patterns. It involved multiple joins across several tables and used window functions to calculate running totals. This analysis helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns effectively."

4. How do you ensure data quality in your analysis?

Data quality is critical in analytics, especially in the insurance industry.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate and clean data before analysis.

Example

"I ensure data quality by implementing validation checks during data entry, using automated scripts to identify anomalies, and regularly auditing datasets for accuracy. This process helps maintain the integrity of the analysis."

5. Can you explain a time when you had to analyze a large dataset? What tools did you use?

This question evaluates your experience with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Mention the tools you used and the insights you derived from the analysis.

Example

"I analyzed a large dataset using SQL and Python for data manipulation and visualization. I utilized libraries like Pandas for data cleaning and Matplotlib for visualizations, which helped uncover trends in customer behavior."

Business Intelligence and Reporting

1. What BI tools are you familiar with, and how have you used them?

This question assesses your familiarity with business intelligence software.

How to Answer

List the tools you have experience with and provide examples of how you used them.

Example

"I am proficient in Tableau and Power BI. I used Tableau to create interactive dashboards that visualized key performance indicators for our sales team, enabling them to track their progress in real-time."

2. How do you approach creating a data report for stakeholders?

This question evaluates your communication and presentation skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your process for gathering requirements, analyzing data, and presenting findings.

Example

"I start by meeting with stakeholders to understand their needs and objectives. After analyzing the data, I create a report that highlights key insights and recommendations, ensuring it is visually appealing and easy to understand."

3. Describe a time when you had to present complex data to a non-technical audience.

This question tests your ability to communicate effectively.

How to Answer

Explain how you simplified the data and what techniques you used to engage the audience.

Example

"I once presented a complex analysis of market trends to a group of executives. I used visual aids like charts and graphs to simplify the data and focused on the implications of the findings rather than the technical details, which helped them grasp the key points."

4. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question assesses your project management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and time management.

Example

"I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and the impact of the projects on business objectives. I use project management tools like JIRA to track progress and ensure that I allocate my time effectively across all projects."

5. Can you give an example of how your analysis led to a significant business decision?

This question evaluates your impact on the organization.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where your analysis influenced a decision.

Example

"My analysis of customer retention rates revealed a significant drop among a specific demographic. I presented my findings to the management team, which led to the development of targeted marketing strategies that ultimately improved retention by 15%."