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Preparing for Data Science Interviews

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Interviewing for a new job can be a long, difficult and stressful process. In this tutorial, we'll discuss some strategies to prepare for data science interviews.

Data Science Interview Preparation Guide

Understanding the Employer's Perspective

Employers hate conducting interviews as much as candidates hate taking them. But they're a necessary evil: interviewing is the most efficient process for determine if someone is fit for a job role.

The more evidence you can provide that you're fit for a role, the more likely you are to clear an interview.

Why employers conduct interviews:

  • Employers are looking for someone who can reliably solve problems using data science.
  • Solving problems requires some basic aptitude, some technical skills & prior experience.
  • Interviews are necessary because there's no test to assess these skills easily & reliably.
  • Interviews are also used to decide if other employees will enjoy working with the candidate.
  • Interviews also offer a chance for the candidate to learn more about the role & company

Contrary to popular belief, there are generally aren't many trick questions in interviews. Most interviewers ask questions simply with the intention of knowing more about your or testing whether you have the skills required for the job.

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How to do well in an interview:

  • Have a normal relaxed conversation
  • Offer clear, concise & honest answers
  • Share your experience & skills in a matter-of-fact way (without exaggerating or diminishing)
  • Request clarifications when needed & ask thoughtful questions

20 ways to stand out in the hiring process: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom/status/1399375061111382022

Data Science Hiring Process

  1. Company announces a data science job listing
  2. Candidates apply with Resume & cover letter
  3. Recruiters shortlist eligible candidates (10%)
  4. Candidates are pre-screened & given a coding assignment
  5. Strong candidates are invited for interviews (20%)
  6. Multiple interview rounds: technical, non-technical
  7. Company makes an offer and candidate(s) negotiate terms (25%)
  8. Candidate(s) sign the offer & join the company

Typical Timeline: 1.5 - 2 months

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Pre-Screening Calls & Non Technical / Behavioral Interviews

Non Technical Interviews are 30-45 minutes long, covering the following:

  • Introductions: 5-10 minutes
  • Interviewer asks 3-5 questions: 20-30 minutes
  • Candidate asks questions: 5-10 minutes

The purpose of these interviews is to:

  • check if you are the person you claim to be on your Resume,
  • get to know you (your background, your experience, your skills, your career goals)
  • determine if the company should conduct a technical interview.

Resources:

At the end of an interview, remember to ask some thoughtful questions.

Companies also conduct non-technical / behavioral interviews after technical rounds (the interviewer is typically your future manager) to tell you more about the role, better understand your expectations from the job and pitch the company/role to you.