Cracking the Code: Different Types of Technical Interviews for Data & Analytics Professionals
As the field of data and analytics continues to grow, so too does the demand for skilled professionals who can handle the complexities of the working environment. One of the key ways that employers assess candidates' abilities is through technical interviews, which can take many different forms. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common types of technical interviews you might encounter when applying for a position in the data industry.
1. Logical Coding Challenges
Coding challenges are a popular way for employers to assess candidates' technical skills. These can range from simple exercises designed to test your understanding of basic programming concepts, to more complex challenges that require you to work with data structures and algorithms. These challenges can be completed online or in-person, and may involve using a specific programming language or platform. A common example is the FizzBuzz Challenge.
FizzBuzz Coding Challenge Question
2. Data Modeling Exercises
Data modeling exercises are another common type of technical interview in data and analytics. These exercises typically involve analysing a data set and designing a database schema that can store and retrieve the data efficiently. They may also require you to write SQL queries to extract specific data from the database. These exercises can be a good way to demonstrate your understanding of data modeling principles and your ability to work with databases. For example:
"Select the most popular client_id based on a count of the number of users who have at least 50% of their events from the following list: ‘video call received’, ‘video call sent’, ‘voice call received’, ‘voice call sent’."
Dataset Example for Data Modelling Question
3. Business Intelligence Dashboard Design Challenge
The test question may include instructions or requirements such as using specific visualisation types, connecting to external data sources, or applying advanced features such as drill-through and cross-filtering. The interviewer may also ask follow-up questions to assess your understanding of key concepts and your ability to troubleshoot issues. An interview test question could look something like this:
Using the provided dataset, create a Power BI dashboard that answers the following questions:
What is the total revenue for each product category in the last quarter?
How has revenue for each product category changed over the last year?
What is the trend of revenue over the last 12 months?
Which region has the highest revenue and how does it compare to the other regions?
How does revenue for each product category compare across regions?
4. System Design Exercises
System design exercises are another type of technical interview that you might encounter when applying for a data or analytics role. These exercises typically involve designing a system architecture that can handle a given set of requirements, such as processing large amounts of data or serving a high volume of requests. Employers may assess your understanding of distributed computing principles, your ability to work with cloud computing platforms like AWS or Google Cloud, and your ability to design fault-tolerant systems.
An example may be designing a 'URL Shortening Service' including front end, input, transformation, output and storage components.
5. Case studies
Case studies are a less technical type of interview that you might encounter in data and analytics. These exercises typically involve presenting you with a real-world data problem and asking you to come up with a solution. Employers may assess your ability to think critically and creatively, your ability to communicate your ideas effectively, and your ability to work in a team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technical interviews for data and analytics roles can take many different forms. By familiarising yourself with these different types of interviews, you can better prepare yourself for the interview process and increase your chances of success. Good luck!
I'm Douglas Robertson. As a former data analyst and experienced recruitment professional I've 'inner joined' these two skillsets to form DR Analytics Recruitment, an agency specialising in the recruitment and acquisition of data professionals involved in the ETL process.
