A competent data scientist has many skills and abilities that contribute to their success. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's awareness of their professional strengths. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to identify critical skills that contribute to success in the position
• Awareness of their professional strengths and weaknesses
• Understanding of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the position

A data scientist typically works within an office environment. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's preferred work environment for maximum productivity. What to look for in an answer:

• Self-awareness of preferred working environment
• Ability to focus on workload despite surroundings
• Interest in producing high-quality work effectively 

A data scientist needs to understand how to deal with data that lies outside the usual parameters. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's technical knowledge of outlier values. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to answer the question with professional confidence
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate the most appropriate method
• Understanding of various models and approaches

A data scientist uses the principles of root cause analysis to determine the reason for a specific occurrence. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's understanding of root cause analysis in data. What to look for in an answer:

• Technical understanding of root cause analysis
• Ability to adapt their experience to benefit the current situation
• Ability to provide a clear and concise description

The educational requirements for the role will depend on your company. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's academic background and ability to use their knowledge to benefit the success of their position. What to look for in an answer:

• Completion of company-specific educational requirements, such as a bachelor's or master's degree
• Ability to adapt their learned knowledge to the benefit of the position
• A solid foundational understanding of data science and best practises in the industry

Much of a data scientist's work is project focused. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's most recent work experience. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in contributing to the success of the project
• Ability to prioritise and remain organised within a complex project
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work successfully with others in a team

A data scientist needs to organise and work with large amounts of data proficiently. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to cleaning data and managing it for usability. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of possible value correction methods for outlier values
• Awareness of various automation tools that can be used successfully
• Ability to follow a scientific process for cleaning and organizing data

A data scientist is an integral member of an analytical team. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's professional contribution to their previous employers. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in producing high-quality work at all times
• Ability to remain objective and scientific in their approach to their duties
• Desire to make a significant contribution in their career

Unlike a data analyst who reviews and analyses data, a data scientist must determine their own questions and direction of their research. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to developing questions and theories in their work. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to follow a scientific process for developing theories
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to develop critical questions for research direction
• Understanding of the company they work for and the related industry

As in any career and industry, a data scientist must understand the best practises of their position's roles and responsibilities. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to practising data science with integrity and accuracy. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of data science best practises
• Desire to provide high-quality results with accuracy
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to determine areas of improvement in processes

Although a data scientist often works independently, they are part of a larger data team and need to work successfully with others. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to work productively within a team environment. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in resolving conflict independently without the need for mediation
• Communication skills to openly discuss professional disagreements
• Interpersonal skills to get along with others in a respectful manner

A successful data scientist needs to be passionate about their research and work. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's attitude about their career and contributions. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive and enthusiastic attitude about their job
• Self-awareness of their most enjoyable parts of their career
• Ability to identify their professional strengths and weaknesses

A data scientist must understand how to create and improve an algorithm. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to determine if an algorithm needs to be modified and what criteria they use to make their decision. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to follow an established process for evaluating the validity and accuracy of an algorithm
• Technical knowledge on modifying an existing algorithm without user interruption 
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess the algorithm objectively

A data scientist must have perspective and objectivity when reflecting on previous projects to assess areas of future improvement. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's ability to analyse their professional performance and provide self-evaluation. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to self-evaluate their performance objectively and learn from previous mistakes
• Interest in continuing to develop professional skills and abilities
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate past projects

A candidate wants to put forward their best qualities and characteristics during an interview. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's unique skills that they feel best represent them and contribute positively to the company. What to look for in an answer:

• A positive and enthusiastic attitude about the company and position
• Self-awareness of professional strengths and weaknesses
• Ability to adapt experience and skills to the benefit of the position