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Hiring data analysts in 2026
What to test, what to skip, and what to ignore. The hiring rubric we wish we'd had three years ago.
BAI Editorial·April 16, 2026·1 min read
Hiring data analysts in 2026
The market has changed. Here's a leaner rubric.
Skills to test
- SQL beyond joins (windows, CTEs, query plans)
- Reading a query plan
- Writing a clear paragraph in plain English
Skills to skip
- Trivia about specific BI tools
- Whiteboard SQL with no IDE
Skills to ignore
- Memorized stats formulas
- Tool-specific shortcuts
Hire for taste, narrative, and the ability to ship the third draft.
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