Have you ever been in a situation where you’re the only data scientist or machine learning engineer in your company, and suddenly, you’re tasked with interviewing candidates for a similar role? I know I have, and it can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re new to the industry.
Recently, I found myself in a similar situation, and I was determined to conduct a successful interview that would help me find the perfect colleague. But, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had some questions in mind, but I felt underprepared and worried about the ‘blind interviewing the blind’ phenomenon.
So, I turned to the data science community for help, and the response was overwhelming. Here are some valuable tips and strategies that I learned from experienced data scientists and machine learning engineers.
First and foremost, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in a candidate. What are the must-haves, and what are the nice-to-haves? Make a list of the skills and qualities you want to see in the ideal candidate.
Next, prepare a set of questions that will help you assess the candidate’s technical skills. This can include basic questions like classification vs. clustering, what is r^2, and so on. But, don’t stop there. Ask them to solve real-world problems that you’re currently working on. This will give you an idea of how they think and approach complex problems.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to the candidate’s thought process, their ability to communicate complex ideas, and their willingness to learn. These soft skills are often overlooked, but they’re essential in a data science or machine learning role.
Another important aspect is to create a comfortable and relaxed environment during the interview. Make the candidate feel at ease, and encourage them to ask questions. This will help you assess their curiosity and enthusiasm for the role.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re unsure about a particular topic or need guidance on how to conduct the interview, don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues or mentors.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to conducting a successful data science interview that will help you find the perfect colleague for your team.