Tableau is different than QlikView or IBM Cognos for various reasons:

• Tableau is an intuitive data visualization tool simplifying the story creation by simple drag and drop techniques. On the other hand, BI TOOLS like QlikView or Cognos convert data into metadata to let the users explore data relations. If your presentation runs around presenting data in aesthetic visualizations then opt for Tableau. If not, and might need a full BI PLATFORM then go for Cognos/QlikView
• The EASE of use or extracting data details is easier in Tableau than compared to extensive BI tools like Cognos. With Tableau, your team members, be it a guy from sales can easily read the data and give insights. But with Cognos, only members with extensive tool knowledge are appreciated and welcomed.

To clear interview for Tableau, follow these tips:

• Focus on the fundamentals: What is Tableau and its working. How calculations work or how a query is processed when visualization is created.
• Thoroughly know about Dimensions and Measures because that is one of the important concepts in Tableau.
• Get acquainted with the best practices of creating dashboards and visualizations and also DISCRETE and continuous views.
• Explain why you like Tableau or how it differs from other similar tools like QlikView or IBM Cognos. Your interest in BI tools will put you ahead in the competition.
• What are the scenarios where you’ll use Live connection or Data extract in Tableau?
• How dashboards are deployed on the Server.
• What was the maximum amount of data you have handled in Tableau? If you are learning Tableau, while practicing, check the size of your visualization or the TDE file.
• Create some visualization stories for sample work.
• How you will take requirements before creating a dashboarding application.
• What was your development methodology: WATERFALL or Agile?
• How much time it takes you to create a dashboard.