Describe an analysis project you have worked on where the results were the most surprising to you and those involved in the project.

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When launching an analysis, most analysts have a prediction of the outcome based on learnings from past projects. However, there will likely be times when the results are unexpected. The interviewer seeks to understand how you react to unexpected results. They hope to learn that you keep an open mind and use this type of situation as a learning experience or an opportunity to explore a new track for your analysis.

Your answer to this question will give the interviewer a glimpse of the type of analytical projects you have worked on and your enthusiasm for them. When describing your project, be sure to show some passion for the lessons you drew from it. Also, consider including what action was taken by you and the other stakeholders due to the unexpected results.

"In my experience working with customer profiling projects, analyses usually do not show notably surprising results, particularly for established brands. However, while conducting one routine analysis, I was able to identify a customer subsegment that had the potential to provide additional value to the company if it was offered the right product and services with a relevant message. For me, it felt as if I struck gold--the opportunity to add value to a subset of an existing customer base through new products and services was invaluable. It was surprising to everyone involved that we could identify a subsegment from this customer base. From there, we began strategizing with product development and brand managers to develop a plan for this new subsegment."

Anonymous Answer

"In one of my data analysis projects where I worked on medical insurance. I performed the linear regression analysis and one of the insight was the southeastern part of United States pay a lot more premiums as compared to other areas of the United States. And the price of medical insurance premium increase by $350 if you smoke as compared to nonsmokers."

Marcie's Feedback

Those are definitely some interesting results! Consider adding some more details about why these results surprised you and/or any reasons you or team members found for the higher premiums. The more information you can provide, the more memorable your answer will be to the interviewer.

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Anonymous Answer

"In my last role, I worked on a project where we had to merge seven databases together for one of our clients. The company wanted to combine these databases to send targeted emails to their customers based on previous orders. However, there were many instances of inaccurate information in one of the databases which had customer information. They were missing customer phone numbers and emails. I communicated with the client and we spent time verifying each piece of information before combining the databases. As a result, the company had an updated and accurate database and could send out the emails to their customer."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It sounds like you were able to help the client, and the interviewer will appreciate your attention to detail. Don't forget, however, that the question asks about a project with surprising results, which doesn't seem to be the case here. Is there another example you can cite that had results that surprised you and/or the client? Or is there a way you can bring an element of surprise into this example? Good job!