Zalando SE Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Zalando SE is a leading European e-commerce platform that connects customers, brands, and partners across various markets, with a mission to be the starting point for fashion.

In the role of Business Intelligence Analyst, you will play a crucial part in driving business growth by unlocking the potential of data within the organization. This position involves collaborating with various teams to enhance data and analytics capabilities, ensuring that insights derived from data are effectively utilized for decision-making processes. You will be responsible for optimizing the analytics and reporting environment, particularly through the use of Tableau, and establishing a robust data governance framework. Additionally, you will engage with stakeholders to identify data requirements and translate these into functional specifications for data engineers. A solid understanding of SQL and data modeling is essential, as is the ability to educate and empower end-users in making data-driven decisions.

This guide will help you prepare for an interview by providing insights into the key competencies and expectations for the role, enabling you to present yourself as a strong candidate aligned with Zalando's values and business processes.

The interview process for the Business Intelligence role at Zalando is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the dynamic environment of the company. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, typically conducted by a recruiter over a phone call. This conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Zalando. The recruiter will also gauge your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the company’s needs.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates will undergo a technical assessment. This may be conducted via video call and will focus on your proficiency in SQL and data visualization tools, particularly Tableau. Expect to demonstrate your ability to analyze data, create dashboards, and discuss your previous projects that involved data management and reporting. You may also be asked to solve a case study or a practical problem relevant to the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step is a behavioral interview, where you will meet with a hiring manager or team lead. This interview will explore your past experiences, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle various workplace scenarios. Be prepared to discuss your approach to collaboration, project management, and how you’ve contributed to data-driven decision-making in previous roles.

4. Onsite Interview (or Final Round)

The final round typically involves an onsite interview or a series of video interviews with multiple team members. This stage may include a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about your fit within the team and the company culture. You may also be asked to present a case study or a project you’ve worked on, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to communicate insights effectively.

5. Reference Check

If you successfully navigate the previous stages, the final step will be a reference check. Zalando will reach out to your previous employers or colleagues to verify your experience and skills, particularly focusing on your contributions to business intelligence and analytics.

As you prepare for these interviews, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific skills and competencies required for the role, particularly in SQL and Tableau, as well as your ability to drive data-driven insights. Next, let’s delve into the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

Zalando Business Intelligence Interview Questions

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Zalando Business Intelligence interview. The interview will focus on your ability to analyze data, create visualizations, and support decision-making processes across various teams. Be prepared to demonstrate your knowledge of SQL, Tableau, and data governance, as well as your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate insights effectively.

SQL and Data Management

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

Discuss the purpose of each join type and provide examples of when you would use them in a business context.

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 matched rows from the right table, filling in NULLs where there are no matches. For instance, if I were analyzing customer orders, an INNER JOIN would show only customers who made purchases, while a LEFT JOIN would show all customers, including those who haven't made any purchases."

2. How do you optimize a slow-running SQL query?

Performance optimization is key in business intelligence roles.

How to Answer

Mention techniques such as indexing, query restructuring, and analyzing execution plans.

Example

"I would start by examining the execution plan to identify bottlenecks. Then, I might add indexes to frequently queried columns or rewrite the query to reduce complexity. For example, using subqueries instead of multiple joins can sometimes improve performance significantly."

3. Describe a situation where you had to clean and prepare data for analysis.

Data preparation is a critical step in the analytics process.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the challenges faced and the methods used to clean the data.

Example

"In a previous project, I encountered a dataset with missing values and inconsistent formats. I used SQL to identify and fill in missing values based on the mean of the column and standardized date formats to ensure consistency. This preparation allowed for more accurate analysis and reporting."

4. What are some best practices for data governance?

Data governance ensures data quality and compliance.

How to Answer

Discuss the importance of data quality, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.

Example

"Best practices for data governance include establishing clear data ownership, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and regularly auditing data quality. Engaging stakeholders in the governance process ensures that data management aligns with business needs and compliance requirements."

5. How do you handle data discrepancies when reporting?

Addressing discrepancies is vital for maintaining trust in data.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies.

Example

"When I encounter data discrepancies, I first verify the source of the data and check for any recent changes in data collection methods. I then collaborate with relevant teams to understand the root cause and make necessary adjustments to the reporting process to prevent future issues."

Data Visualization and Reporting

1. How do you approach building a dashboard in Tableau?

Creating effective dashboards is a key responsibility in this role.

How to Answer

Outline your process for understanding user needs, selecting metrics, and designing the dashboard.

Example

"I start by consulting with stakeholders to understand their specific needs and the key metrics they want to track. Then, I design the dashboard layout in Tableau, ensuring it is intuitive and visually appealing. I focus on using appropriate charts and filters to allow users to interact with the data effectively."

2. Can you give an example of a KPI you have developed and how it impacted the business?

KPIs are essential for measuring success.

How to Answer

Describe the KPI, its relevance, and the results it produced.

Example

"I developed a KPI to track customer retention rates by analyzing repeat purchase behavior. By presenting this data in a dashboard, the marketing team was able to identify trends and implement targeted campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in retention over six months."

3. What techniques do you use to ensure your visualizations are effective?

Effective visualizations communicate insights clearly.

How to Answer

Discuss principles of good design and user engagement.

Example

"I adhere to principles such as simplicity, clarity, and relevance. I avoid clutter and focus on key insights, using color and layout strategically to guide the viewer's attention. Additionally, I gather feedback from users to continuously improve the visualizations."

4. How do you ensure that your reports are aligned with business objectives?

Alignment with business goals is crucial for impactful reporting.

How to Answer

Explain your process for understanding business objectives and translating them into reporting metrics.

Example

"I regularly engage with stakeholders to understand their objectives and how they measure success. I then align my reporting metrics with these goals, ensuring that the insights provided are actionable and relevant to the business strategy."

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

Communication skills are essential for a Business Intelligence Analyst.

How to Answer

Share your approach to simplifying complex data and engaging the audience.

Example

"I once presented sales data to a group of marketing professionals. I focused on key trends and used visual aids to illustrate the data, avoiding technical jargon. By relating the data to their marketing strategies, I ensured they understood the implications and could make informed decisions."