Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper
Hey everyone – Chandra and Paul here!
In this episode of The JDE Connection, we’re back with Part 2 of our conversation on interviewing business analysts (BAs). If you thought Part 1 covered a lot, wait until you hear this one. We dive deeper into the real skills that make a BA not just qualified on paper, but invaluable on a team. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about knowing JD Edwards inside and out – though that certainly helps.
Documentation – Love It or Tolerate It
One thing that kept coming up in our discussion with guests Peggy Christensen, Rachelle Fettig, and Darren Young was documentation.
- Not just the “write it down because we have to” kind of documentation.
- We’re talking about clear, useful, searchable records that help the next person pick up where you left off.
It’s teamwork in written form – and a skill that sets great BAs apart.
Of course, everyone says they’re good at documentation in an interview. The trick is finding ways to verify that claim without making the candidate feel like they’re on trial for “Crimes Against Word Docs.”
Handling Unhappy Customers
We also covered how important it is to gauge emotional intelligence. Whether you’re working with end users, project stakeholders, or a fellow team member having a rough day, a BA’s ability to actively listen, de-escalate tension, and keep things productive is gold.
Paul may joke that his customers are always happy (sure, Paul…), but the rest of us know that being calm and empathetic in the heat of the moment is a core part of the BA role.
The Pet Question – More Than Small Talk
Peggy admitted she sometimes asks candidates whether they’re a dog or cat person. Sounds like a fun icebreaker, right? It is – but it also hints at cultural fit. A close-knit BA team that shares pet photos in chat is looking for people who’ll join in the camaraderie, not just deliver on deadlines.
Curiosity Counts
We all agreed that intellectual curiosity is non-negotiable. BAs need to dig deeper, ask why (and then why again), and genuinely enjoy problem-solving. You can often spot curiosity by how candidates light up when telling a story about solving a tricky issue – enthusiasm that’s contagious in the best way.
Icebreakers and Interview Atmosphere
Interviewing can be intimidating – especially with a panel. We talked about how to set the tone, keep it relaxed, and get to genuine answers instead of rehearsed ones. Whether it’s joking about documentation (Rachelle’s go-to) or starting with a lighthearted pet question, a little humanity goes a long way.
Questions BAs Should Ask Employers
We didn’t just focus on hiring managers. If you’re a BA interviewing for a role, you should ask about things like:
- Training and conference support
- How the company stays current with JDE enhancements
- Whether they invest in their team’s professional growth
The answers tell you a lot about whether the organization will help you succeed – or hold you back.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re hiring a BA or interviewing for a BA role, the goal is the same: find a match that goes beyond the job description. Skills like documentation, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and cultural fit can make the difference between a good hire and a great one.
So, grab your headphones and listen in for stories, tips, and yes – a few tangents about football teams and corn sweat (you’ll just have to hear it to believe it).
Until next time, let’s keep learning, sharing, and laughing together.
Toodles!
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