Agoda Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Agoda is a leading online travel platform, specializing in booking accommodations, flights, and more, with a mission to bridge the world through travel. As a Data Scientist at Agoda, based in Bangkok, you’ll have the opportunity to work with advanced machine learning and big data platforms, solving challenges like dynamic pricing, customer intent prediction, and personalized recommendations.

This role involves designing algorithms, mining large datasets, and collaborating with developers and business teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Ideal candidates should have 4+ years of experience in data science, strong skills in AI/ML/DL, and proficiency in languages like Python, PySpark, or Scala.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? In this guide, we’ll break down the interview process, including essential skills, responsibilities, and commonly asked Agoda data scientist interview questions to help you prepare and succeed. Let’s dive in!

The interview process usually depends on the role and seniority; however, you can expect the following on a Agoda data scientist interview:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Agoda Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the Agoda hiring manager stays present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also indulge in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the Agoda data scientist role usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conference and screen sharing. Questions in this 1-hour long interview stage may revolve around machine learning, statistics, and certain programming languages relevant to the role like Python or SQL.

In the case of data scientist roles, take-home assignments regarding data manipulation, machine learning models evaluation, or algorithm challenges are incorporated. Apart from these, your proficiency against data structures, probability distributions, and coding challenges may also be assessed during the round.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the Agoda office. Your technical prowess, including programming, machine learning modeling capabilities, and system design, will be evaluated against other finalized candidates throughout these interviews.

During the onsite interview, a presentation round regarding the take-home assignments may also be a part of the evaluation for the data scientist role at Agoda.

Technical Assessments

Agoda incorporates multiple rounds of technical assessments focusing on coding, algorithms, and statistical knowledge. You may encounter:

• An online coding assessment, which may include questions ranging from easy to hard levels on platforms like Codesignal.
• A technical discussion round focusing on your solution to the programming assignment, tackling probability and statistics questions.
• Additional rounds focusing on advanced technical aspects like architecture and platform-specific discussions.

Final Interview and Cultural Fit

Agoda values cultural fit along with technical expertise. The final round involves interaction with senior management where behavioral and cultural fit questions are predominant. This round aims to ensure that you align with Agoda’s core values and the collaborative nature of their team.

Practice for the Agoda data scientist interview with these recently asked interview questions.

Agoda Data Scientist Coding and Algorithms Interview Questions

Case studies appear in 97% of Agoda job interviews. They are predominantly asked during software engineer (97%) interviews.

1. Write a function to return the sum of the elements in a matrix.

Suppose you are given a matrix of integers. Your task is to write a function that returns the sum of the elements in the matrix. The function should handle both positive and negative integers and return the sum as an integer.

Example 1:

Input:

matrix = [[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], [7, 8, 9]]

Output:

matrix_sum(matrix) -> 45

Example 2:

Input:

matrix = [[-1, -2, -3], [-4, -5, -6], [-7, -8, -9]]

Output:

matrix_sum(matrix) -> -45

2. Create a function to add together all combinations of adjacent integers in a string of integers.

Write a Python function that adds together all combinations of adjacent integers of a given string of integers named int_str.

Example 1:

Input:

int_str = '12'

Output:

def int_str_addition -> 1 + 2 + 12 = 15

Example 2:

Input:

int_str = '123'

Output:

def int_str_addition(int_str) -> 1 + 2 + 3 + 12 + 23 + 123 = 164
#in this case, 13 is not part of our sum as 1 and 3 are not adjacent in '123'

To practice Algorithms interview questions, consider using the Python learning path or the full list of Algorithms questions in our database.

Agoda Data Scientist Analytics and Experiments Interview Questions

Case studies are present in 2% of Agoda job interviews. They are most frequently encountered during software engineer (2%) interviews.

3. How would you set up an A/B test to optimize button color and position for higher click-through rates?

A team wants to A/B test multiple changes in a sign-up funnel. For instance, they want to test if changing a button from red to blue and/or moving it from the top to the bottom of the page will increase click-through rates. How would you design this test?

To prepare for analytics and experiments, consider using the product metrics learning path and the data analytics learning path.

Agoda Data Scientist Statistics and Probability Interview Questions

There is no data available for Agoda job interviews. Therefore, it is not possible to determine how often specific types of questions come up or which positions they are most frequent for.

4. How would you explain what a p-value is to someone who is not technical?

Explain the concept of a p-value in simple terms to someone without a technical background. Use analogies or everyday examples to make the explanation clear and understandable.

To prepare for statistics and probability interview questions, consider using the A/B testing and statistics learning path and the comprehensive probability learning path.

Agoda Data Scientist Machine Learning Interview Questions

There is no data available for Agoda job interviews. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the frequency or the specific positions for which certain types of questions are most common.

5. When should you use regularization versus cross-validation in machine learning?

Regularization and cross-validation are techniques to improve machine learning algorithms. Explain when to use regularization and when to use cross-validation.

To get ready for machine learning interview questions, we recommend taking the machine learning course.

Here are some quick tips on how you can ace your Agoda data scientist interview:

1. Focus on brushing up your algorithm skills. Agoda’s technical assessments emphasize proficiency in solving challenging algorithms.

2. Prepare for a diverse range of questions from machine learning algorithms to advanced statistical concepts. Make sure you understand the theory and can apply it practically.

3. Be prepared for behavioral and cultural fit questions. Highlight examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you align with Agoda’s values of diversity, experimentation, and collaboration.

What is the average salary for a Data Scientist role at Agoda?

According to Glassdoor, data scientists at Agoda earn between 114K SGD to 180K SGD per year, with an average of 147K SGD per year.

What job openings are available in Agoda?

At Interview Query, we compile some of the roles that are open in Agoda. Check these out as this might be your next career!

The role of a Data Scientist at Agoda presents a unique combination of technical challenges and real-world impact. You’ll have the chance to work with advanced machine learning algorithms, tackle large-scale data problems, and deliver solutions that enhance customer experience.

If you want more insights about the company, check out our main Agoda Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. Additionally, explore our interview guides for other roles such as business analyst and data analyst to learn more about Agoda’s interview process for different positions.

Good luck with your interview!