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Data Scientist Interviews

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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.

54,300 data scientist interview questions shared by candidates

Without going into detail, they wanted both Python code for transforming raw data into data in some form from which one could make predictions, as well as a written description of what was done, why, and the modeling approach one would take.
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Data Scientist

Interviewed at DICK'S Sporting Goods

3.8★
Feb 18, 2022

Without going into detail, they wanted both Python code for transforming raw data into data in some form from which one could make predictions, as well as a written description of what was done, why, and the modeling approach one would take.

(The only numerical question requiring Excel/Calculator) Finally, gave me a probability based, expected default rate question. The exact question was that the company has to calculate the expected default rate given the minimum return they look for is 15% over lease value. The given lease value was $1000, and the scaling factor (lease cost) was 60% of lease value. Another cost, the cost of service that the company bears is $50, which is taken from customer while making the deal. Now, to simplify there were only 2 possible outcomes mentioned which is full payment over 12 months or default before the payments start.
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Data Scientist

Interviewed at Progressive Leasing

3.6★
Jan 27, 2025

(The only numerical question requiring Excel/Calculator) Finally, gave me a probability based, expected default rate question. The exact question was that the company has to calculate the expected default rate given the minimum return they look for is 15% over lease value. The given lease value was $1000, and the scaling factor (lease cost) was 60% of lease value. Another cost, the cost of service that the company bears is $50, which is taken from customer while making the deal. Now, to simplify there were only 2 possible outcomes mentioned which is full payment over 12 months or default before the payments start.

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Glassdoor has 54,300 interview questions and reports from Data scientist interviews. Prepare for your interview. Get hired. Love your job.