Power BI Developer Interview Questions

Power BI Developers are the data visualization maestros who turn numbers into actionable insights. In this guide, we've compiled 25 interview questions to help you identify the Power BI Developer who will illuminate your data. These questions explore a candidate's expertise in data modeling, their proficiency in Power BI tools, and their ability to create compelling visualizations. Find the Power BI Developer who will empower your data-driven decisions.
Can you explain the process of data modeling in Power BI? Answer: Data modeling in Power BI involves transforming raw data into a structured format suitable for analysis. This includes defining relationships between tables and creating calculated columns and measures.
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How do you handle large datasets in Power BI to ensure performance and responsiveness? Answer: Techniques like data filtering, summarization, and data model optimization are used to improve the performance of Power BI reports when dealing with large datasets.
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What is a DAX formula, and why is it important in Power BI? Answer: DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) is a formula language used in Power BI to create custom calculations and aggregations. It's essential for creating meaningful insights from data.
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Have you worked with Power BI's data transformation capabilities? Can you provide examples? Answer: Yes, I've used Power Query Editor to clean, transform, and shape data from various sources. For example, I've merged tables, removed duplicates, and applied transformations like pivoting.
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How do you create interactive dashboards and reports in Power BI for end-users? Answer: I design interactive dashboards and reports using visualizations, slicers, drill-through pages, and bookmarks to create a seamless user experience.
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Can you explain the difference between a calculated column and a measure in Power BI? Answer: A calculated column computes a value for each row in a table, while a measure provides aggregated results based on user-defined expressions. Measures are dynamic and can be used in multiple visuals.
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What is the Power BI Service, and how does it complement the Power BI Desktop? Answer: Power BI Service is a cloud-based platform for publishing, sharing, and collaborating on Power BI reports and dashboards created in Power BI Desktop.
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How do you handle data security and access control in Power BI? Answer: I implement row-level security using roles and filters to restrict access to specific data for different user groups in Power BI.
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Have you used custom visuals or created custom visuals in Power BI? Answer: Yes, I've used custom visuals from the Power BI marketplace and have experience creating custom visuals using the Power BI developer tools.
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What data sources have you connected to in Power BI, and how did you ensure data accuracy and consistency? Answer: I've connected to various data sources, including databases, web services, and Excel files. Data profiling, data cleansing, and data validation are used to ensure accuracy and consistency.
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Can you describe a challenging Power BI project you've worked on and how you overcame obstacles? Answer: In a project with complex data transformations, I collaborated with data engineers to optimize the data pipeline and create efficient Power BI models, improving report performance.
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How do you keep up-to-date with Power BI's latest features and updates? Answer: I regularly follow Microsoft's Power BI blog, attend webinars, and participate in the Power BI community to stay informed about new features and best practices.
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What is Power BI Paginated Reports, and when would you use them? Answer: Power BI Paginated Reports are designed for delivering printable, paginated reports suitable for exporting and printing. They are used when pixel-perfect reports are required.
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How do you troubleshoot issues or errors in Power BI reports? Answer: I use the Power BI Service's built-in tools, review error messages, and check data sources and transformations to identify and resolve issues.
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Can you explain the benefits of using Power BI for real-time analytics and reporting? Answer: Power BI's integration with real-time data sources like Azure Stream Analytics allows for instant insights and monitoring of changing data.
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Have you integrated Power BI with other Microsoft tools or third-party applications? Answer: Yes, I've integrated Power BI with tools like Azure Data Factory, SharePoint, and various databases to create end-to-end analytics solutions.
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How do you ensure data governance and compliance in Power BI projects? Answer: I adhere to data governance policies, implement encryption, and regularly audit user access and permissions to maintain data security and compliance.
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Can you share examples of complex DAX calculations or custom functions you've created in Power BI? Answer: Certainly, I've created complex DAX calculations for scenarios like cohort analysis and predictive modeling, enhancing the depth of insights in Power BI reports.
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How do you handle version control and collaboration when working on Power BI projects with a team? Answer: I use version control systems like Git and collaborate through platforms like Microsoft Teams to ensure smooth collaboration and code management.
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What strategies do you employ to optimize Power BI reports for mobile devices? Answer: I design responsive reports with mobile layout settings, hide unnecessary visuals, and use slicers and buttons for easy navigation on mobile devices.
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How do you approach data storytelling in Power BI to make reports more engaging and informative? Answer: I use data storytelling techniques like annotations, tooltips, and custom visuals to guide users through the narrative of the data in the report.
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Can you explain the importance of data lineage and documentation in Power BI projects? Answer: Data lineage and documentation help ensure transparency, traceability, and maintainability of Power BI solutions, making it easier to manage changes and troubleshoot.
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What considerations do you take into account when choosing between DirectQuery, Import, or Live Connection in Power BI? Answer: I consider factors like data size, real-time requirements, and data refresh frequency to determine the appropriate connection mode for each dataset.
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How do you handle data refresh failures in Power BI, and what steps do you take to prevent them? Answer: I monitor data refresh schedules, review error logs, and address issues with data sources, credentials, or query optimizations to prevent and resolve refresh failures.
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Hiring an Power BI Developers With Braintrust

In your pursuit of Power BI Developers, we stand ready to assist in finding top talent swiftly. With our services, you can expect to be matched with five highly-qualified Power BI Developers within just minutes. Let us streamline your recruitment process and connect you with the skilled professionals you seek to meet your needs effectively.

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Marcin Wylot, PhD

Marcin Wylot, PhD

Data Scientist
Warsaw, NC, USA
  • AI
  • Data Science

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Sarah King

Sarah King

Data Scientist
Sanford, FL, USA
  • Data Science
  • SQL

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Joe Heyob

Joe Heyob

Sr. Data Engineer
Cincinnati, OH, USA
  • Python
  • SQL

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