Tableau is a breakthrough analytics platform that visualizes the data used for BI (business intelligence) and analysis. If you are a Tableau developer, you probably have all the practical skills you need to land a dream job in this field. But having the right skills is only half the battle. While excellent Tableau skills will impress recruiters, you need to impress them, too. You can do exactly that using the following tips for your next interview.
1. Make Sure You Know All There Is to Know About Tableau
If you want to make a lasting impression during your interview, you must show the recruiter or employer that you know more about Tableau than just creating charts or dashboards. Explain to them how you would use calculated fields and data blending to simplify complex data. Demonstrate how you can use Tableau for mobile optimization and cloud connectivity. Prove that you understand how NLP (natural language processing) supports Tableau features. It is easy to add a bunch of skills to a resume, but if you can show a recruiter that you know your way around Tableau, it will make a far better impact.
2. Ask About the Company’s Data Culture
Every company handles data differently. Ask questions about the data culture in the company you want to work for. Indicate how your Tableau skills can contribute to improving this culture. Show how your experience can help build a better data platform for the company. Also, ask about the role you are applying for to determine whether your expertise will fill the talent gap the company is trying to fill.
3. Create a Portfolio of Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios
Use your extensive Tableau experience to create a portfolio that appeals to the recruiter. Use visuals that show how your skills solved data-related problems or streamlined tasks. Use a mock platform to recreate specific scenarios during your interview and demonstrate how your diverse skills come into play. Ensure that your skills are up to date by reading up on Tableau’s latest features and functions. Test these before going to your interview and mention them during.
4. Do Your Research
It is crucial to do some research about the company and its history. Read through the company’s website and familiarize yourself with its vision and mission. Show genuine interest in the challenges the company may face with its current data setup. During the interview, ask about the team you will be working with and the current tools and systems they use. Having all this information at your disposal will help you answer questions while showcasing how your skills align with the company’s immediate requirements.
You can also demonstrate your problem-solving skills if you know exactly what type of problems the company deals with. Explain your approach to solving data challenges and what you would do if you encountered data issues. Show the recruiter that you understand the company’s business needs and that your analytical thinking and Tableau skills can fulfill these requirements.
5. Use the STAR Method to Your Advantage
The STAR method is a popular strategy used during interviews. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You can use this strategy to answer typical recruiter questions. These questions usually start with “Tell me about a time when,” or “Give me an example of.” Consider the scenario that the recruiter uses when asking these questions. Provide the context you can apply to the situation in your own experience by describing a previous task you were assigned. Describe the actions you took to resolve the situation or fix a problem. Highlight the positive outcome. Your STAR answer should focus on your Tableau skills and your collaboration with colleagues to overcome challenges.
6. Ask Questions of Your Own
Ask a range of questions about your position and how you will be expected to use your Tableau skills. Ask about the possibility of promotion and show initiative to work hard to earn such a promotion. Recruiters want to see candidates excited about the prospect of working for a company.
In the same vein, your body language makes a huge difference during interviews. Posture, eye contact, and articulation are all things that recruiters look for during an interview. Positive body language shows that you want to be there and that you want the opportunity to work for the company.
If interviews are not your strong suit, try to practice answering questions in the mirror. Analyze your body language and the quality of your responses. Doing this will make you less nervous during the interview and improve your chances of success.
Visualize Success During Your Interview
Emulate the Tableau platform by visualizing success during your interview. Stay confident even if you stumble over a word or two. Recruiters are human, just like you. Stumbling over a sentence won’t make you lose the job. The recruiter simply wants to see that you have the skills you listed on your resume and that you can deal with real-world data issues. This is ultimately what will set you apart from other candidates.
