Preparing for an interview at Maersk requires a balanced approach. You must demonstrate sharp technical capabilities while showing that you can collaborate effectively within a massive, multinational corporate structure.

To stand out, focus on these critical evaluation criteria:

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate deep familiarity with data analysis tools, particularly Excel and SQL. Maersk expects you to understand how to structure databases, clean messy operational data, and build reliable models that support business decisions.

Structured Problem Solving – Interviewers want to see how you think, not just your final answer. When presented with a case study or situational question, break the problem down logically, state your assumptions clearly, and walk the interviewer through your analytical framework.

Stakeholder Communication – A great analysis is useless if stakeholders cannot understand it. You will be evaluated on your ability to write professional emails, present clearly to panels, and defend your data-driven recommendations under questioning from senior leaders.

Cultural Alignment – Maersk values collaboration, constant improvement, and accountability. Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals, your expectations for growth, and how you handle professional challenges with resilience.

The interview process for a Business Analyst at Maersk is thorough and designed to evaluate both your technical execution and your communication style. While the exact sequence can vary slightly by location and team, most candidates experience a structured, multi-stage pipeline that takes between three weeks and a month and a half to complete.

The journey typically begins with an initial screening round or an automated aptitude test. This test often assesses your logical reasoning, situational awareness, and basic mathematical capabilities. In some offices, this stage also includes a written essay or a quick email-writing exercise to evaluate your professional communication skills right from the start.

Following the initial screens, you will face a dedicated technical assessment. This often takes the form of a timed, monitored Excel test or a take-home business case study that you must complete and return within 48 hours. Once your technical submission is cleared, you will move on to virtual or face-to-face interviews with hiring managers, peer analysts, and senior department heads (HODs) to discuss your resume, your case study approach, and your compatibility with the team.

The visual timeline above outlines the typical progression of stages you will navigate. Use this roadmap to pace your preparation, ensuring you dedicate enough time to practicing Excel and case analysis before your technical rounds, while saving energy for behavioral and stakeholder discussions toward the end.

To succeed at Maersk, you must perform consistently across several core evaluation areas. Understanding what interviewers look for in each area will help you tailor your preparation.

Analytical & Excel Proficiency

Data is the foundation of every decision at Maersk. You will be tested on your ability to manipulate data accurately and efficiently. Some locations require a live, monitored Excel test where your screen is shared, while others use a structured written test.

Be ready to go over:

• Data manipulation – Using advanced formulas such as XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and nested logical statements.
• Data aggregation – Creating dynamic pivot tables, grouping data, and generating clean summary metrics.
• Data cleaning – Handling missing values, removing duplicates, and parsing text strings from raw logistics logs.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Basic VBA/macros, power query, or SQL integrations for handling larger datasets.

Example scenarios:

• "You are given a raw dataset of 10,000 container shipments. Find the average transit time for a specific shipping route and isolate the top 5% of delayed shipments."
• "Create a dynamic summary dashboard that allows a regional manager to filter port performance by country and month."

Case Study Analysis & Written Communication

Many candidates are asked to complete a case study task, either as a take-home assignment with a 48-hour deadline or as an interactive panel discussion. This exercise tests your business acumen and written communication skills.

Be ready to go over:

• Root cause analysis – Identifying why an operational bottleneck or financial variance is occurring.
• Structured recommendations – Proposing actionable solutions backed by the data provided in the case.
• Professional email writing – Drafting a concise, clear email summarizing your findings for a busy executive.
• Advanced concepts (less common) – Presenting your slides live to a panel of three or more team members and answering unexpected follow-up questions.

Example scenarios:

• "Analyze a provided dataset regarding terminal congestion and write a 300-word email to the Operations Director explaining your recommendations to resolve the bottleneck."
• "Review a case study on warehouse capacity constraints and outline a 48-hour action plan to optimize storage layout."

Stakeholder Management & Behavioral Fit

Maersk operates in a highly collaborative environment. As a Business Analyst, you will interact with managers, peers, and department heads across different time zones and cultures.

Be ready to go over:

• Conflict resolution – Handling disagreements regarding data interpretations or operational priorities.
• Managing expectations – Discussing salary alignment, career growth opportunities, and tenure expectations openly.
• Resume deep-dives – Explaining the "how" and "why" behind the projects listed on your resume in a concise manner.

Example scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult manager or colleague. How did you ensure the project's success despite the friction?"
• "What are your expectations regarding career growth, and how do you plan to contribute to the team's goals during your first year?"