From assessing your skills and qualifications to reviewing your experiences with Tableau, here are seven answers to the question, “What’s an interview question that might be asked in a job interview for a Tableau-related position?”
- Be Able to Say Why You’re the Best Candidate
- Know How to Do a Tableau Walkthrough
- Explain the Difference Between .twbx and .twb
- Think About Data Visualization
- Familiarize Yourself With Tableau’s Dashboard Creation Process
- Look Beyond Tech to Successful User Adoption
- Reference Your Personal Use-Case Scenario
Be Able to Say Why You’re the Best Candidate
“What makes you the best candidate for this role?” This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to assess your skills and qualifications, enabling them to make an informed decision on whether you are suitable for the job.
The interviewer will also look out for specific examples of how you have used Tableau in previous roles and how you can use it to benefit the company. It’s important that you provide detailed examples of your experience with Tableau so the interviewer can understand your level of expertise.
Aviad Faruz, CEO, FARUZO
Know How to Do a Tableau Walkthrough
“Can you walk me through your process for creating a Tableau dashboard?” This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of Tableau and their ability to create effective data visualizations.
The interviewer may look for specific steps the candidate takes in their process, such as connecting to data sources, designing the layout and visualizations, adding interactivity, and optimizing performance.
The candidate’s answer should show their understanding of the best ways to construct effective dashboards, such as selecting suitable visuals, using color wisely, and making sure the dashboard is simple to use and interpret. They should also be able to discuss their experience working with different data types and sources, as well as their ability to troubleshoot and optimize performance.
Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, PitchGrade
Explain the Difference Between .twbx and .twb
“What is the difference between .twbx and .twb?” The answer to this question is that a .twb file is an XML representation of the native Tableau workbook, whereas a .twbx file includes both the workbook and any external files used in the workbook, such as data extracts.
Additionally, .twbx files are smaller than .twb files because they are compressed to reduce file size. It is important to answer questions like this in an interview setting, as it shows an in-depth knowledge of Tableau’s features and capabilities.
Mariusz Michalowski, Community and Career Expert, Spacelift
Think About Data Visualization
“How do you approach data visualization in Tableau?” In your response, you might discuss your understanding of different chart types and their use cases in Tableau.
Also, share how you use Tableau’s built-in features to customize visualizations based on the needs of the audience. They will probably ask you both technical and non-technical questions during your Tableau-related interview.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed
Familiarize Yourself With Tableau’s Dashboard Creation Process
“Can you walk me through your process for creating a complex Tableau dashboard from start to finish?” The interviewer may look for an understanding of how the candidate approaches data visualization, including data preparation, design, and implementation.
The candidate may talk about their knowledge of different data, how they turn data into useful information, and how they explain difficult data analysis to people who don’t understand technology. The interviewer may also look for an understanding of how to use Tableau well, such as searching data quickly and improving performance.
Ben Basic, CMO, Get It Cleaned
Look Beyond Tech to Successful User Adoption
Companies hiring Tableau experts typically invest in digital transformation, modernizing their analytics, and enabling informed business decisions. One of the top challenges they face isn’t integrating the technology, creating dashboards, or expediting the reporting process: it is managing organizational change.
Be prepared to answer tech-adjacent questions like: “Users have resisted deploying modern BI tools without adequate communication and training. What are your recommendations for improving user acceptance and adoption?”
Candace Barr, Owner, Executive Resume Writer, and Job Search Consultant, Strategic Resume
Reference Your Personal Use-Case Scenario
“How would you describe your experience with Tableau and how you have used it to create meaningful visualizations for clients or stakeholders?” This question allows the interviewer to assess the candidate’s level of proficiency in working with Tableau, as well as their ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
Scott Orn, Chief Operating Officer, Kruze Consulting
