Preparation for Horizon Media requires a balance of technical rigor and clear communication. You should approach your preparation by focusing on the "why" behind your analytical choices, not just the "how."

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate mastery of data analysis tools and research methodologies. Interviewers will look for your ability to select the right analytical approach for a specific media problem.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your logical progression when faced with ambiguous or incomplete data. Be prepared to talk through your thought process out loud, as interviewers are interested in your mental framework.

Communication and Influence – Since this role supports client-facing teams, you must be able to translate data into a compelling narrative. Practice simplifying your technical insights so they are accessible and persuasive to a general business audience.

The interview process at Horizon Media is designed to be thorough yet efficient, typically moving from initial screenings to a multi-tiered team interaction. You will likely start with a brief phone screen to verify your interest and background. If successful, you will proceed to a series of interviews involving various levels of the team, ranging from peers to leadership.

The process is distinctive for its inclusion of practical assessments. Expect to demonstrate your skills through both a writing assignment and a math-based test. This structure ensures that candidates are not only a good cultural fit but also possess the concrete skills necessary to hit the ground running.

The timeline above represents a typical progression from initial contact to final decision. You should use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you are ready for the technical hurdles early in the process. Remember that the pace can be quick—some candidates have reported receiving an offer on the same day as their final round.

Analytical Rigor and Methodology

This area is the cornerstone of your evaluation. It covers your ability to manipulate data and draw statistically sound conclusions.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Validation – How you ensure the accuracy and integrity of your inputs.
• Statistical Significance – Knowing when a trend is actionable versus when it is noise.
• Advanced concepts – Familiarity with predictive modeling and media mix modeling.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How do you handle outliers in a dataset that could skew your media performance report?"
• "Describe a time you discovered an error in your analysis; how did you fix it?"

As a Research Analyst, your day-to-day work centers on supporting the media planning and buying teams. You will spend a significant portion of your time cleaning data, running queries, and building reports that track campaign performance.

Beyond individual tasks, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine research questions and set project goals. You act as the "truth-teller" for the team, using data to validate or challenge assumptions about media placement and audience engagement. Success in this role means consistently delivering accurate, timely, and insight-rich reports that help Horizon Media maintain its competitive edge.

A strong candidate for this position should possess a solid foundation in data analysis and a genuine interest in the media landscape.

• Must-have skills – Proficiency in Excel (including pivot tables and advanced formulas), experience with data visualization tools, and strong written/verbal communication skills.
• Nice-to-have skills – Familiarity with SQL, experience with media research platforms (e.g., Nielsen, Comscore), and a background in statistics or economics.
• Experience level – While specific years can vary, most successful candidates demonstrate 1–3 years of experience in an analytical or research-heavy role.

Q: How difficult are the math and writing assessments? The assessments are designed to test real-world application rather than abstract theory. If you are comfortable with intermediate statistics and business writing, you should be well-prepared.

Q: What is the company culture like at Horizon Media? The culture is known for being collaborative and fast-paced. They value team members who are proactive and willing to contribute across different functions.

Q: How long does the entire interview process take? While it varies, the process is generally streamlined, often occurring over the span of a few weeks.

• Structure your answers – Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your behavioral answers concise and impactful.
• Show your work – During technical discussions, always explain the "why" behind your methodology.
• Ask informed questions – Prepare questions about the team’s current research focus or how they use data to influence client strategy to show you have done your homework.
• Be ready for personality questions – The team at Horizon Media values fit; expect a few questions aimed at understanding your working style and temperament.

Securing a position as a Research Analyst at Horizon Media is an excellent opportunity to influence the media strategies of major brands. By focusing on your analytical foundations, practicing your communication of complex ideas, and preparing for both behavioral and technical assessments, you will be well-positioned to succeed.

Take the time to review your past projects and identify specific instances where your research led to a tangible business outcome. With focused preparation and a clear understanding of the Horizon Media mission, you can confidently navigate the interview process and demonstrate the value you bring to the team. Explore additional insights and resources on Dataford to refine your strategy even further. You have the skills to excel—approach your interviews with confidence.

The salary data provided represents the competitive compensation landscape for this role. Use these figures to gauge the market value of your experience and to help inform your expectations during the negotiation phase.