Skip to contentSkip to footer

Data Scientist Interviews

Salaries
Interviews

Data Scientist Interview Questions

In a data scientist interview, expect employers to ask questions that assess your data modeling, problem-solving, and programming skills. Be prepared to answer general questions that test your knowledge of statistics and data science. You should also be ready to answer open-ended questions that test your creativity, communication skills, and formal education in data modeling and programming.

Top Data Scientist Interview Questions & How to Answer

Question 1

Question #1: Which data modeling techniques do you prefer and why?

How to answer
How to answer: Turning data into understandable and actionable information is a critical part of the data scientist's job. This question allows employers to understand your data modeling skills and background. List and discuss your preferred data modeling techniques, including benefits such as ease of use, flexibility, etc.
Question 2

Question #2: How would you detect bogus Instagram accounts used for scamming consumers?

How to answer
How to answer: Questions like this one allow an employer to test your problem-solving skills. When answering open-ended questions such as these, feel free to ask clarifying questions and use whiteboards to demonstrate your coding and diagramming skills. Share your thought process as you work through the problem.
Question 3

Question #3: Describe circumstances that require a list, tuple, or set in Python.

How to answer
How to answer: Interviewers will use questions such as this one to test your Python programming skills. Review Python basics such as lists, tuples, and sets before your interview. You should be able to explain when and how each tool is used by data scientists.

54,294 data scientist interview questions shared by candidates

I was given a story problem, and asked to design a database (on the whiteboard) that would store the needed data and explain why I chose to design it that way. Then I was asked to write out a SQL statement that would select a specific data set that met three criteria (date range, age and medical diagnosis). Then I defended my position based on a series of questions from the panel.
avatar

Data Scientist

Interviewed at Explorys

2.9★
Jun 9, 2016

I was given a story problem, and asked to design a database (on the whiteboard) that would store the needed data and explain why I chose to design it that way. Then I was asked to write out a SQL statement that would select a specific data set that met three criteria (date range, age and medical diagnosis). Then I defended my position based on a series of questions from the panel.

Q: What was one thing that they asked you? Asked if I was approved by USFWS for three species to do a habitat survey (not part of the position description but they made it seem I was deficient if I did not have this approval)
avatar

Environmental Scientist

Interviewed at Resource International

5★
Apr 19, 2016

Q: What was one thing that they asked you? Asked if I was approved by USFWS for three species to do a habitat survey (not part of the position description but they made it seem I was deficient if I did not have this approval)

Viewing 671 - 680 interview questions

Glassdoor has 54,294 interview questions and reports from Data scientist interviews. Prepare for your interview. Get hired. Love your job.