Computer Systems Analyst Interview Questions & Answers

Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Creative skills
• Analytical skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for computer systems analyst positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Analytical skills

Why interviewers are interested in your analytical skills:

Analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project. They must also figure out how changes may affect the project.

Related: What Does an IT Intern Do?

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Analysts work as a go-between with management and the IT department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand.

Related: Troubleshooting Interview Questions & Answers

Creative skills

Why interviewers are interested in your creative skills:

Because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important.

Learn more about creative thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

(source: bls.gov)

Computer Systems Analyst Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Computer Systems Analyst Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Computer Systems Analyst Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Describe a time you went above and beyond to get the job done as a computer systems analyst.
2. Tell me about a time you faced an obstacle while working on a project. How did you solve this challenge?
3. Describe a time you had to gather information from multiple sources. How did you determine which information was relevant?
4. Tell me about a time when you successfully shared a difficult piece of information with a colleague.
5. What do you consider the main responsibilities of a computer systems analyst?
6. What is the most challenging project you have worked on as a computer systems analyst?
7. How do you research and evaluate new technologies?
8. What is your experience with creating systems documentation in the past? Why do you think it’s important to maintain documentation?
9. Walk me through the process of how you identify problems and then evaluate alternative solutions to determine which one works best.
10. Which types of requirements do you gather first when you begin a new project? Can you give me an example?
11. Why is creating and enforcing software usage policies important? Tell me about your experience with creating them.
12. What is your experience with data modeling?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.