Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for Data Scientist at Databricks, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
Interview preparation mixed ML concepts with Python-focused design questions, with an option to use SQL as well. The difficulty was higher than expected, but the language flexibility reduced the uncertainty somewhat.
After an easy HR screen, the full interview loop felt highly disorganized and far from its prep materials. Rounds included deep econometrics theory and an extremely complex SQL coding problem, and the candidate felt the process emphasized showing interviewer strengths rather than fit.
The interview process typically includes multiple rounds, such as an HR screen, technical interviews, and a take-home assignment, often spanning several weeks. Candidates reported varying structures, with some experiencing up to ten interviews and a mix of technical and behavioral questions.
Candidates faced a range of technical challenges, including complex SQL coding problems, algorithm design, and ML fundamentals, with a strong emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving. The technical interviews were often described as difficult, requiring comprehensive knowledge of data science and machine learning concepts.
Behavioral questions were a significant part of the interview process, with a focus on assessing candidates' strengths and fit within the company culture. Candidates noted that interactions with interviewers were generally positive, although some felt the emphasis was more on showcasing strengths than on mutual fit.
Candidates reported receiving extensive preparation materials, which some found demanding to cover fully, and noted that the expectations for technical knowledge were high, particularly in ML and statistics. There were instances where the interview content did not align with the provided prep materials.
Several candidates experienced issues with communication, including delays, lack of clarity about the process, and instances of being ghosted. This contributed to a perception of disorganization within the interview process.
The overall difficulty of the interview process was reported as high, with some candidates not progressing past the technical rounds despite positive feedback. This suggests a disconnect between performance in interviews and final outcomes.