Context

Analysts are often asked how they approach a new dataset before building dashboards or answering business questions. Interviewers want to hear a structured SQL-first process, not just a list of random queries.

Core question

Explain how you would approach analyzing a dataset using SQL. Your answer should cover:

1. How you first inspect the table structure and row-level data
2. How you check for data quality issues such as NULLs, duplicates, and unexpected values
3. How you summarize the data with filters and aggregations
4. How you turn exploratory findings into useful business insights

Scope guidance

Keep the discussion practical and interview-focused. You do not need advanced optimization or complex joins here. The interviewer is looking for a clear, repeatable workflow that uses basic SQL techniques and shows sound analytical thinking.