Quantify the impact: hours saved per week, errors eliminated, and what you did with the freed-up time. The last point is what makes automation strategic, not just technical.
Look for: identifying the repetitive work, choosing appropriate tools (Python, SQL, BI tool scheduling), ensuring reliability and error handling, validating automated output matches manual, and measuring time saved. Best candidates also mention how automation freed them to do higher-value analytical work.
Practical skill that reveals initiative and efficiency mindset. Analysts who do not automate repetitive work are not leveraging their technical skills. Ask: "How did you validate the automated output?"