The interview process is unique but great.
It’s broken down into 3 phases and lasts about 4-6 weeks
In the first phase you’re tasked to create a tableau dashboard using any dataset you like within 2 weeks, though I think it’s longer but I applied after the opening was available. They say you don’t need prior experience using tableau and whilst that’s true, it’s a lot easier with experience and many applicants would have applied before or taken time a few months before to learn.
In my case I had never even heard about tableau. I’ve seen people here talking about how it’s difficult etc but in all honesty it just comes down to how many hours you want to put in learning, how determined you are and what you show. I spent the first week learning how to use it and learning about how to visualise data using different graphs, the second was my project. The fact you chose your own data makes it quiet fun and easier to learn.
Whilst they don’t make it clear to ask for feedback, it’s an option they have that I would 100% use as not only does it show you want to improve but that you really want the job.
Once you submit this viz it’s then checked and decided if you’re to be given an interview/opportunity to present your dashboard and have an initial interview, this is pretty fast and you know within days of submitting. This is done via video call and lasts around 30-45minutes. I’ve heard that they can be pretty blunt about any mistakes or errors you’ve done but this is mainly to see your reaction and how you take it. Make sure you’ve done research on your interviewer and ask questions that AREN’T explained in the job brief. Ask about their previous jobs or opportunities etc.
If you impress them they invite you to create another presentation, this time using a data set of their choice so everyone is in an equal playing field and will also present in person to a panel of 6.
This data can be on anything and in my case I was not familiar with the topic so had to do my own research, as you would if you were a consultant.
This will most likely be a lot longer and more detailed than the first one. Expect to spend more time and don’t leave it to the last minute as many people will be working very hard on this. They give you access to a current employee and I highly recommend getting feedback from them and asking away. Make sure you’re comfortable with everything and practice the presentation as they will pick up on inconsistencies or lack of knowledge. If you don’t know what it means, don’t include it.
The in person presentation will be just that plus actual interview questions that you’d expect in any competency based interview. They will again be blunt and ask why you did x instead of y and why your method is wrong. Just take it on the chin and if you have your own opinion then speak up and explain why you did something a certain way.
There are around 40 applicants by this final stage and you’re told whether you’re successful or not within a week after the final interview.
Overall the process is a little lengthy but gives you a great insight into what it’s going to be like. If you didn’t enjoy the interview then chances are you won’t enjoy the job. Remember to think outside the box and ask different questions about the data instead of just analysing it like the other 39 candidates. Make sure it stands out and it’s not just the same obvious analysis or question that everyone else is asking. Data can be interpreted in so many ways you’ll always find new questions to ask.
People are extremely friendly and welcoming so whilst it is a professional interview, don’t make it boring, smile, be friendly and make them smile/laugh they really look for personality as much as skills, no one likes to spend 8 hours working with uptight boring people