Success at Closer Consulting hinges on your ability to combine technical competence with a strong, professional personality. Your preparation should be balanced; do not let your focus on technical mastery overshadow your ability to communicate your motivations and cultural alignment clearly.

Role-Related Knowledge – Ensure you can discuss your previous projects with clarity and depth. While not every interview will feature a rigorous technical exam, you must be prepared to articulate the "why" and "how" behind your technical decisions.

Problem-Solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your logical approach to ambiguous problems. Practice structuring your thoughts using frameworks that demonstrate how you break down complex requests into manageable, data-driven steps.

Communication and Stakeholder Management – As a consultant, your ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms is paramount. Practice articulating your ideas to a non-technical audience, as you will likely be interacting with clients who prioritize business outcomes over model complexity.

Culture Fit and Values – Closer Consulting values a young, proactive, and professional mindset. Research the company’s mission and be ready to demonstrate why you are a good fit for their specific team culture.

The interview process at Closer Consulting is generally described as straightforward, professional, and efficient. The timeline is often compressed, with candidates reporting a quick turnaround between stages. You can expect a series of conversations that begin with human resources, move toward team and management fit, and may culminate in a technical discussion, particularly if the role involves direct client placement.

The philosophy here is to identify individuals who are not only technically capable but are also "client-ready." The process is designed to be friendly and conversational, which allows the interviewers to gauge your soft skills, adaptability, and professional maturity.

The visual timeline above illustrates the typical progression from initial screening to final management or client-facing interviews. Use this to pace your study; prioritize your behavioral stories early, as these are constant across all phases, and reserve your technical review for the latter stages where specific project requirements are discussed.

Behavioral and Cultural Fit

This is the most critical evaluation area. Interviewers look for candidates who are enthusiastic, professional, and capable of representing the firm well. A strong performance involves demonstrating a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the company’s growth.

Be ready to go over:

• Your long-term career aspirations.
• Examples of teamwork and conflict resolution.
• Your ability to adapt to new environments or shifting priorities.

Technical Proficiency and Project Experience

While not always the focus of every interview, you must be prepared to defend your technical choices. You are expected to be competent in the tools and methods listed on your resume.

Be ready to go over:

• The lifecycle of your past data science projects.
• Challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.
• The impact your models or analyses had on your previous organization.

As a Data Scientist, your primary responsibility is to translate business needs into technical solutions. You will work closely with other team members to analyze data, build predictive models, and extract insights that guide client strategy. You will often act as a consultant, meaning you must be able to manage client expectations while delivering high-quality technical output.

You will be expected to handle the full scope of a project, from data cleaning and exploration to model development and presentation. Collaboration is key; you will frequently share your findings with non-technical stakeholders, requiring you to distill complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

A strong candidate for Closer Consulting demonstrates both technical fluency and the interpersonal skills necessary for consultancy.

• Must-have skills: Proficient in Python or R, strong understanding of statistical modeling, ability to communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with cloud platforms, knowledge of machine learning deployment, and prior experience in a consulting or client-facing environment.
• Experience level: While entry-level candidates are considered, a clear demonstration of practical application—whether through internships, personal projects, or previous roles—is essential.

Q: How difficult are the interviews? A: Most candidates describe the difficulty as easy to average. The focus is more on your personality and potential than on grueling technical tests.

Q: How long does the process take? A: The process is generally quick, often concluding within 3 weeks. You can expect fairly rapid feedback after each stage.

Q: Should I prepare for technical questions? A: Yes. Even though some candidates report no technical questioning, you should be fully prepared to discuss your technical background, as this is a core component of your professional profile.

Q: Will I be working with clients? A: Yes, the role is highly client-focused. Your ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders is a major factor in the hiring decision.

• Be Concise: When answering behavioral questions, get to the point. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your stories focused.
• Show Genuine Interest: Research Closer Consulting and mention specific aspects of their business that excite you.
• Prepare Questions: Always have 2–3 thoughtful questions for your interviewer about the team culture or the nature of their client projects.
• Be Professional: Even in a friendly, "young" environment, maintain a professional demeanor throughout every interaction.

The Data Scientist position at Closer Consulting offers an excellent opportunity to apply your technical skills in a dynamic, client-facing environment. By focusing on your behavioral storytelling and ensuring you can clearly articulate your technical past, you will be well-positioned for success. Remember that this firm values the person behind the data as much as the data itself.

Prepare thoroughly, stay confident, and approach each interview as a conversation between peers. You can find additional insights and refine your preparation strategy using the resources available on Dataford. With the right focus, you are well-equipped to navigate this process and secure your place at Closer Consulting.

The salary module above provides insights into the compensation landscape for this role. Use these figures to gauge market expectations, keeping in mind that total compensation packages may vary based on your specific experience level and the local market conditions in Lisbon.