Data Sciences Interview Process: What to Expect and How to Prepare

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At Data Sciences, when we interview, we want to get to know the real you, who you genuinely are with all your quirks and talents. Our interview process can be long but we don’t want to make it hard, which is why we’ve built this guide to help you know what to expect and how to prepare – so that you can put your best foot forward! 

Interviews at Data Sciences typically span 30 days from application to signed offer but could be longer for leadership roles. This guide is focused on individual contributor roles. While we’ve highlighted the usual interview formats, it’s worth noting that the process may shift based on the specific role, time of year, and team you’re applying to join. 

The Interview Process at Data Sciences

The Quick Phone Call: Let’s talk about the basics

Following email communication about DS’ interest in your application, your first touch point with DS will be a phone call from the hiring manager. 

Here’s what to expect from this call:

• The call will last approximately 15 minutes.
• The hiring manager will describe Data Sciences and the role in more detail.
• They will ask you about yourself and why you’re a good fit for the role and the company.
• They will run through some basic yes/no questions, such as eligibility to work in your location.
• They will explain the hiring process, including planning the technical exercise.
• Lastly, they will ask if you have any questions for them. This is a good moment to ask anything that’s non-negotiable for you or questions that you have about the role.

The hiring manager assesses the basic qualifications during the phone call. If basic requirements such as work eligibility are met, they will schedule next steps such as sending over a test or assessment by email to complete.

Technical Exercise

At Data Sciences, we solve difficult problems with data. It takes a special kind of person to have the right balance of analytical problem-solving and people skills. Those are the kind of people we like! 

You’ll be given an exercise that tests your ability to do basic work on the team. Ideally, the exercise won’t take longer than an hour. This exercise allows the recruiter to assess your skill level and attention to detail. If you’re unsure how to solve something, it’s more than okay to ask questions. Please reach out to the individual who sent you the exercise to ask any clarifying questions.

Your 2nd Interview

We like to work in a hybrid capacity at Data Sciences, so your second interview may be done in person or virtually. If you’re applying for a role that is located in one of our office areas, you may then be invited for an in-person interview at our office. However, given the hybrid nature of Data Sciences, your interview may be virtual so remote team members can be present as well. This interview will take approximately one hour where you’ll meet with the hiring manager and other colleagues. 

Spend some time before your interview thinking about your career and what has brought you to apply to join Data Sciences. Here are some questions that you may be asked during the interview: 

• Tell me a little about you – who are you aside from what I read in your resume? 
• When do you feel most energized and passionate in work and life?
• What unique skills and experiences have prepared you for the role you’re going after?
• How have you handled giving awkward feedback to a colleague?

Get to know our values that we look for during the in-person interview, and consider how you can frame your conversation using these topics: ​

• Innovation and transformation;
• Leaving things better than you found it;
• Tackling hard problems;
• Working with rigour and integrity;
• Putting people first.

One of the main things we value most in an interview is honesty and transparency. We want to hear your real answers, not just the answers Google advises you to give.

At Data Sciences, we surround ourselves with people that have ideas and can make those ideas happen. Make sure to come prepared with your set of questions for us! It shows initiative and curiosity. 

Coffee with a Colleague

If you’re applying to a senior role you might be asked to go for coffee with a colleague that you’ll be working with closely. This meeting is equally as important to you as it is for us. It allows you to assess if you’ll enjoy working with your team and if there’s a good synergy. 

What will you talk about? Everything and anything! This is a casual conversation over coffee where you can share any lingering questions and get to know the people at Data Sciences in a more relaxed environment. 

Reference Checks

Last but not least, every candidate will have their references checked. You will want to pick individuals that you worked with closely and know you well. If you don’t think your current supervisor would be a good fit, you can ask a current co-worker or client for a reference. Please come prepared with a list of references that we can contact on your behalf. 

We might ask the following questions:

• Tell me about how you and X worked together
• For this position, we need someone who can __________ [fill in the most important things]. How would you rate X on each?
• What are X’s greatest strengths?
• What are X’s biggest weaknesses? Is there any area where they would need additional support in their first 90 days?
• Was X a good communicator and listener?
• Would you recommend X for a role at our company?

So, now that you know, Apply!

We’re really excited to meet you and get to know you. If you really want to nail your application, send the hiring manager a cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit and how much this role would mean to you. We love go-getters and thrive on initiative. Thanks for reading and see you soon!