Skyscanner Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, dedicated to making travel planning easier and more accessible for users around the world.

As a Data Scientist at Skyscanner, you will play a critical role in analyzing vast amounts of travel-related data to extract insights that inform product development and improve customer experiences. Key responsibilities include building and validating algorithms to enhance search functionality, conducting A/B testing to evaluate product features, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support data-driven decision-making. A strong foundation in SQL and algorithms is essential, as you will be tasked with extracting insights from complex datasets and implementing statistical models to drive business outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills, a passion for travel and data, and a collaborative mindset to thrive in Skyscanner's dynamic environment. Experience with real-world data applications and a keen understanding of product metrics will set you apart.

This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by highlighting the competencies valued by Skyscanner and providing insight into the types of questions you may encounter.

The interview process for a Data Scientist role at Skyscanner is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and alignment with Skyscanner's values.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening call, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation is primarily focused on cultural fit and provides an opportunity for candidates to discuss their background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Skyscanner. The recruiter will also gauge how well the candidate aligns with the company's values and work environment.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are typically required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve a coding challenge or a case study, often administered through an online platform. The technical assessment is designed to evaluate the candidate's problem-solving abilities and familiarity with relevant technologies. However, candidates have noted that the challenges may not always directly relate to the specific role, which can be a point of frustration.

3. Onsite Interviews

The final stage of the interview process usually consists of onsite interviews, which can span an entire day. During this phase, candidates will engage in multiple discussions with various team members, including HR representatives, managers, and technical staff. These interviews will cover a range of topics, including the candidate's past projects, technical expertise, and how their experience can contribute to Skyscanner's goals. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their favorite projects and how they envision applying their skills within the company.

Throughout the process, candidates may encounter both behavioral and technical questions, with an emphasis on how their experiences align with Skyscanner's mission and projects.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to be ready for the specific questions that may arise during these discussions.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Scientist interview at Skyscanner. The interview process will assess both your technical skills and cultural fit within the company. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to data analysis, and how you can contribute to Skyscanner's mission.

Experience and Background

1. Describe your last project and the impact it had.

This question aims to understand your hands-on experience and the significance of your work.

How to Answer

Focus on the project’s objectives, your specific contributions, and the outcomes. Highlight any metrics or results that demonstrate the project's success.

Example

“In my last project, I developed a predictive model to forecast customer demand for a travel service. By analyzing historical booking data, I was able to improve accuracy by 20%, which helped the marketing team optimize their campaigns and ultimately increased sales by 15%.”

2. How might your experience be relevant for Skyscanner, and which projects could you imagine working on?

This question assesses your understanding of the company and how your skills align with their needs.

How to Answer

Discuss specific aspects of your experience that relate to Skyscanner’s goals. Mention potential projects that excite you and how they could benefit the company.

Example

“My background in analyzing user behavior data aligns well with Skyscanner’s focus on enhancing customer experience. I envision working on projects that leverage machine learning to personalize travel recommendations, which could significantly improve user engagement.”

Technical Skills

3. Can you explain a technical challenge you faced in a previous project and how you overcame it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

How to Answer

Describe the challenge, your thought process in addressing it, and the solution you implemented. Emphasize any tools or methodologies you used.

Example

“In a previous project, I encountered issues with data quality that affected model performance. I implemented a data cleaning pipeline using Python, which included outlier detection and imputation techniques. This improved the model’s accuracy by 30%.”

4. What technologies and tools do you typically use in your data analysis work?

This question gauges your familiarity with relevant technologies.

How to Answer

List the tools and technologies you are proficient in, and provide context on how you have used them in your work.

Example

“I regularly use SQL for data extraction and manipulation, along with Python for data analysis and machine learning. I also utilize visualization tools like Tableau to present insights effectively to stakeholders.”

Cultural Fit

5. Describe a time when you had to work in a team with diverse perspectives. How did you handle it?

This question assesses your ability to collaborate and embrace diversity.

How to Answer

Share an example that highlights your teamwork skills and your approach to fostering an inclusive environment.

Example

“I worked on a cross-functional team with members from different cultural backgrounds. I encouraged open communication and made sure everyone’s ideas were heard, which led to a more innovative solution that combined various perspectives.”

6. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change? How did you manage it?

This question evaluates your adaptability and resilience.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you faced change and how you navigated it successfully.

Example

“When our team shifted to remote work, I quickly adapted by implementing regular check-ins and using collaboration tools to maintain communication. This helped us stay aligned and productive despite the change in our work environment.”