If you're reading this, you might find yourself in the same situation I was a few months ago. You poured your heart and soul into your first dashboard and final interview but fell just short. Fortunately, The Data School has invited you back for another shot at glory, or perhaps you're considering going through the process again even without that invitation.
Either way, I wanted to share a few lessons I learned from my first final interview that I applied the second time around.
Before anything else, take a moment to celebrate what you achieved the first time. Getting to the final interview stage is no small feat. It shows you already have strong Tableau skills and some refinement is all that’s needed.
Lesson 1: Don’t get too absorbed in the project, quality over quantity
Receiving the final dataset for the first time can feel overwhelming, and it's easy to get stuck in a hole of trying to perfect every detail. During my first interview, I found myself chasing perfection, spending too long tweaking the project and going round in circles searching for new ideas.
The second time around, I approached things differently. I created a clear plan for how I would use my time and made sure to schedule more breaks. Stepping away from the screen and giving your mind time to reset is incredibly valuable. Go for a walk, get outside, and switch off for a few hours each day. You’ll find that your best ideas appear the next morning.
Lesson 2: Speak with your buddy early
One of the most valuable resources you have during the final interview process is your buddy (a current TIL consultant).
Even if you don’t yet have a draft dashboard or a clear direction for your project, arranging a call within the first few days of receiving the dataset is hugely helpful. In my second interview, I set up a meeting early on simply to talk through the data and bounce around ideas.
Discussing the dataset with someone experienced can open new perspectives, spark ideas you hadn’t considered, and settle those early nerves.
Lesson 3: Research TIL and the consulting role
This is probably my number one tip and something I didn't do first time around.
It’s important to remember that the final interview isn’t just about producing a beautiful dashboard. The role requires you to be both an analyst and a consultant, and your interview will reflect that.
Spend time reading Data School blogs about consulting, understanding how TIL consultants work with clients, and practice common interview questions. It’s easy to focus all your attention on the dashboard itself, but neglecting the consulting side can leave you underprepared for the conversation that follows.
Managing your time between both aspects is key.
So, if you're preparing for a second final interview, I hope these tips help. It can feel daunting going through the process again but try to stay relaxed and confident in your abilities.
Think like a consultant, trust the work you’ve put in, and remember it will never feel as scary as the first time.
Good luck…