Indeed Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

Indeed is a global leader in online job search, renowned for its expansive reach and dedication to connecting more people with job opportunities worldwide. As the number one job site, Indeed is committed to innovating and providing the best platforms for both job seekers and employers.

The Data Scientist position at Indeed is a critical role within the company, involving the development of machine learning models and data-driven solutions to enhance user experience and software delivery.

This guide by Interview Query will navigate you through the interview process, detailing key stages, common Indeed data scientist interview questions, and essential preparation tips to succeed in securing this pivotal role. Let’s dive in!

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

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the Indeed 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 Indeed Data Scientist 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 recruiter call typically takes about 30 minutes.

Technical Screening with Karat

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round, which is conducted through Karat. The technical screening is a 1-hour long session where you’ll be required to solve two out of three problems. This includes live coding exercises and memory-based questions said to test your skills in topics like operating systems, algorithm challenges, and general coding prowess.

Full Virtual Interview

Following the technical interview, you’ll be scheduled for a full interview loop, often divided over one or two days. Expect a combination of interviews focusing on different aspects, including:

1. Manager Call + Interviews: This will include a manager interview and two rounds of whiteboard problem-solving or additional coding challenges. Questions may probe your past projects and the challenges faced.

2. SQL and Marketing Evaluation: One round may focus on assessing your SQL abilities, potentially with a nested query or data manipulation task, and your marketing analytical skills.

3. Resume Deep Dive: An in-depth discussion around your resume to explore your past work, projects, and decisions made during those ventures.

4. System Design and Code Review: A system design interview to assess how you would approach designing scalable software systems, and a code review round to evaluate your code quality, understanding, and optimization methods.

Onsite Interview Rounds

If you’ve successfully navigated the virtual rounds, you’ll move on to onsite interviews, which may be virtual depending on circumstances. These usually involve multiple sessions assessing your diverse skill set. Bear in mind, this could be an 8-hour long rigorous process where you demonstrate your parallels with Indeed’s work culture and skills needed for their projects. A presentation round could also be included if you had take-home assignments.

Typically, interviews at Indeed vary by role and team, but commonly, Data Scientist interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. How can PG&E model the electricity supply needed for a town?

PG&E needs to forecast the exact amount of electricity to supply a town each year. Supplying too little causes outages, while supplying too much wastes money. What is one way to model the required electricity supply?

To help you succeed in your Indeed data scientist interviews, consider these tips based on interview experiences:

1. Brush Up on Mathematical and Analytical Skills: Indeed places a strong emphasis on analytic and mathematical capabilities. Be sure to review concepts related to probabilities, statistics, and basic math problems.
2. Be Prepared for Technical Interviews: Indeed uses platforms like Karat for technical screenings, which involve solving coding problems and discussing your thought process. Practice extensively with tools such as Interview Query to bolster your readiness.
3. Know Your Projects Well: During resume deep dives and manager interviews, your previous projects will be scrutinized. Be ready to discuss the technical details, challenges you faced, and the impact your work had.

What is the average salary for a Data Scientist at Indeed?

What technical skills are required for a Data Scientist role at Indeed?

You should have strong skills in data extraction, cleansing, feature engineering, and machine learning. Proficiency in Python or Java is essential, along with experience in SQL. Familiarity with tools like Spark, Presto, AWS (Athena, SageMaker), and data visualization techniques is highly beneficial.

What kind of projects will I work on as a Data Scientist at Indeed?

As a Data Scientist, you will work on building machine-learning solutions to improve software delivery efficiency. This includes designing algorithms for quicker regression testing, automating root cause analysis, and enhancing overall code quality. You’ll engage in data extraction, analysis, and modeling to make impactful business decisions.

What is the company culture like at Indeed?

Indeed is known for its inclusive and innovative culture. The company emphasizes improving people’s lives through better job search experiences. You’ll work with diverse teams across global engineering hubs, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.

If you want more insights about the company, check out our main Indeed Interview Guide, where we have covered many interview questions that could be asked. We’ve also created interview guides for other roles, such as software engineer and data analyst, where you can learn more about Indeed’s interview process for different positions.

At Interview Query, we empower you to unlock your interview prowess with a comprehensive toolkit, equipping you with the knowledge, confidence, and strategic guidance to conquer every Indeed data scientist interview question and challenge.

You can check out all our company interview guides for better preparation, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Good luck with your interview!