Demystifying the Technical Interview

class: inverse, middle

# <svg aria-label="Laptop Code" role="img" viewBox="0 0 640 512" style="height:1em;width:1.25em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Laptop Code</title><path d="M255.03 261.65c6.25 6.25 16.38 6.25 22.63 0l11.31-11.31c6.25-6.25 6.25-16.38 0-22.63L253.25 192l35.71-35.72c6.25-6.25 6.25-16.38 0-22.63l-11.31-11.31c-6.25-6.25-16.38-6.25-22.63 0l-58.34 58.34c-6.25 6.25-6.25 16.38 0 22.63l58.35 58.34zm96.01-11.3l11.31 11.31c6.25 6.25 16.38 6.25 22.63 0l58.34-58.34c6.25-6.25 6.25-16.38 0-22.63l-58.34-58.34c-6.25-6.25-16.38-6.25-22.63 0l-11.31 11.31c-6.25 6.25-6.25 16.38 0 22.63L386.75 192l-35.71 35.72c-6.25 6.25-6.25 16.38 0 22.63zM624 416H381.54c-.74 19.81-14.71 32-32.74 32H288c-18.69 0-33.02-17.47-32.77-32H16c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16v16c0 35.2 28.8 64 64 64h512c35.2 0 64-28.8 64-64v-16c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16zM576 48c0-26.4-21.6-48-48-48H112C85.6 0 64 21.6 64 48v336h512V48zm-64 272H128V64h384v256z"/></svg> Demystifying the Technical Interview
<br>

<span style = 'font-size: 130%;'>Sam Csik | Data Training Coordinator</span>

National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis<br>

<br>

<span style = 'font-size: 130%;'>Master of Environmental Data Science | Spring 2021</span>

Slides & source code available on [<svg aria-label="GitHub" role="img" viewBox="0 0 496 512" style="height:1em;width:0.97em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>GitHub</title><path d="M165.9 397.4c0 2-2.3 3.6-5.2 3.6-3.3.3-5.6-1.3-5.6-3.6 0-2 2.3-3.6 5.2-3.6 3-.3 5.6 1.3 5.6 3.6zm-31.1-4.5c-.7 2 1.3 4.3 4.3 4.9 2.6 1 5.6 0 6.2-2s-1.3-4.3-4.3-5.2c-2.6-.7-5.5.3-6.2 2.3zm44.2-1.7c-2.9.7-4.9 2.6-4.6 4.9.3 2 2.9 3.3 5.9 2.6 2.9-.7 4.9-2.6 4.6-4.6-.3-1.9-3-3.2-5.9-2.9zM244.8 8C106.1 8 0 113.3 0 252c0 110.9 69.8 205.8 169.5 239.2 12.8 2.3 17.3-5.6 17.3-12.1 0-6.2-.3-40.4-.3-61.4 0 0-70 15-84.7-29.8 0 0-11.4-29.1-27.8-36.6 0 0-22.9-15.7 1.6-15.4 0 0 24.9 2 38.6 25.8 21.9 38.6 58.6 27.5 72.9 20.9 2.3-16 8.8-27.1 16-33.7-55.9-6.2-112.3-14.3-112.3-110.5 0-27.5 7.6-41.3 23.6-58.9-2.6-6.5-11.1-33.3 2.6-67.9 20.9-6.5 69 27 69 27 20-5.6 41.5-8.5 62.8-8.5s42.8 2.9 62.8 8.5c0 0 48.1-33.6 69-27 13.7 34.7 5.2 61.4 2.6 67.9 16 17.7 25.8 31.5 25.8 58.9 0 96.5-58.9 104.2-114.8 110.5 9.2 7.9 17 22.9 17 46.4 0 33.7-.3 75.4-.3 83.6 0 6.5 4.6 14.4 17.3 12.1C428.2 457.8 496 362.9 496 252 496 113.3 383.5 8 244.8 8zM97.2 352.9c-1.3 1-1 3.3.7 5.2 1.6 1.6 3.9 2.3 5.2 1 1.3-1 1-3.3-.7-5.2-1.6-1.6-3.9-2.3-5.2-1zm-10.8-8.1c-.7 1.3.3 2.9 2.3 3.9 1.6 1 3.6.7 4.3-.7.7-1.3-.3-2.9-2.3-3.9-2-.6-3.6-.3-4.3.7zm32.4 35.6c-1.6 1.3-1 4.3 1.3 6.2 2.3 2.3 5.2 2.6 6.5 1 1.3-1.3.7-4.3-1.3-6.2-2.2-2.3-5.2-2.6-6.5-1zm-11.4-14.7c-1.6 1-1.6 3.6 0 5.9 1.6 2.3 4.3 3.3 5.6 2.3 1.6-1.3 1.6-3.9 0-6.2-1.4-2.3-4-3.3-5.6-2z"/></svg>](https://github.com/UCSB-MEDS/technical-interviews)

---
### <svg aria-label="Question" role="img" viewBox="0 0 384 512" style="height:1em;width:0.75em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Question</title><path d="M202.021 0C122.202 0 70.503 32.703 29.914 91.026c-7.363 10.58-5.093 25.086 5.178 32.874l43.138 32.709c10.373 7.865 25.132 6.026 33.253-4.148 25.049-31.381 43.63-49.449 82.757-49.449 30.764 0 68.816 19.799 68.816 49.631 0 22.552-18.617 34.134-48.993 51.164-35.423 19.86-82.299 44.576-82.299 106.405V320c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24h72.471c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-5.773c0-42.86 125.268-44.645 125.268-160.627C377.504 66.256 286.902 0 202.021 0zM192 373.459c-38.196 0-69.271 31.075-69.271 69.271 0 38.195 31.075 69.27 69.271 69.27s69.271-31.075 69.271-69.271-31.075-69.27-69.271-69.27z"/></svg> Technical interviews: what even are they?

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> They are a way for potential employers to assess a candidate's hard skills, knowledge of the field, and *how a candidate approaches technical problems/challenges*</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> They can be coding-based (live, take-home, whiteboarding), presentations, or answering questions about tools, methodologies, approaches, etc. out loud</span>

<br>

.center[
<img src="media/tech_interview_zoom.png" width="50%" height="50%" />
]

.center[
<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'>Image source: [Technical interview resources](https://markodenic.com/resources-to-crush-the-technical-interview/) by Marko Denic</span>
]

---

### <svg aria-label="Flushed Face" role="img" viewBox="0 0 496 512" style="height:1em;width:0.97em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Flushed Face</title><path d="M344 200c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24 24-10.7 24-24-10.7-24-24-24zm-192 0c-13.3 0-24 10.7-24 24s10.7 24 24 24 24-10.7 24-24-10.7-24-24-24zM248 8C111 8 0 119 0 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S385 8 248 8zM80 224c0-39.8 32.2-72 72-72s72 32.2 72 72-32.2 72-72 72-72-32.2-72-72zm232 176H184c-21.2 0-21.2-32 0-32h128c21.2 0 21.2 32 0 32zm32-104c-39.8 0-72-32.2-72-72s32.2-72 72-72 72 32.2 72 72-32.2 72-72 72z"/></svg> Technical interviews can be intimidating

.center[
<img src="media/godzilla_top.png" width="50%" height="50%" />
]

.center[
<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'>Source: This [tweet](https://twitter.com/catballar/status/1499036814044286977) by [@catballer](https://twitter.com/catballar)</span>
]

---
### <svg aria-label="Brain" role="img" viewBox="0 0 576 512" style="height:1em;width:1.12em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Brain</title><path d="M208 0c-29.9 0-54.7 20.5-61.8 48.2-.8 0-1.4-.2-2.2-.2-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64 0 4.8.6 9.5 1.7 14C52.5 138 32 166.6 32 200c0 12.6 3.2 24.3 8.3 34.9C16.3 248.7 0 274.3 0 304c0 33.3 20.4 61.9 49.4 73.9-.9 4.6-1.4 9.3-1.4 14.1 0 39.8 32.2 72 72 72 4.1 0 8.1-.5 12-1.2 9.6 28.5 36.2 49.2 68 49.2 39.8 0 72-32.2 72-72V64c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64zm368 304c0-29.7-16.3-55.3-40.3-69.1 5.2-10.6 8.3-22.3 8.3-34.9 0-33.4-20.5-62-49.7-74 1-4.5 1.7-9.2 1.7-14 0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64-.8 0-1.5.2-2.2.2C422.7 20.5 397.9 0 368 0c-35.3 0-64 28.6-64 64v376c0 39.8 32.2 72 72 72 31.8 0 58.4-20.7 68-49.2 3.9.7 7.9 1.2 12 1.2 39.8 0 72-32.2 72-72 0-4.8-.5-9.5-1.4-14.1 29-12 49.4-40.6 49.4-73.9z"/></svg> But you likely know more than you think!

.center[
<img src="media/godzilla.png" width="50%" height="50%" />
]

.center[
<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'>Source: This [tweet](https://twitter.com/catballar/status/1499036814044286977) by [@catballer](https://twitter.com/catballar)</span>
]

<span style = 'font-size: 90%;'>Some very general examples:</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Can you explain the difference between statistical test A and statistical test B?</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Given task X, explain your workflow and how you would collaborate with others.</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Here is a data set. Using your preferred programming language, please answer question X.</span>

<br>

<span style = 'font-size: 90%;'>The type, length, and difficulty of technical questions may vary with:</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> job classification (e.g. junior vs. senior-level data scientist)</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> stage of the interview process (e.g. you may have an entire interview stage dedicated to showcasing your technical skills via a coding/analytical challenge)</span>

---
### <svg aria-label="Book Reader" role="img" viewBox="0 0 512 512" style="height:1em;width:1em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Book Reader</title><path d="M352 96c0-53.02-42.98-96-96-96s-96 42.98-96 96 42.98 96 96 96 96-42.98 96-96zM233.59 241.1c-59.33-36.32-155.43-46.3-203.79-49.05C13.55 191.13 0 203.51 0 219.14v222.8c0 14.33 11.59 26.28 26.49 27.05 43.66 2.29 131.99 10.68 193.04 41.43 9.37 4.72 20.48-1.71 20.48-11.87V252.56c-.01-4.67-2.32-8.95-6.42-11.46zm248.61-49.05c-48.35 2.74-144.46 12.73-203.78 49.05-4.1 2.51-6.41 6.96-6.41 11.63v245.79c0 10.19 11.14 16.63 20.54 11.9 61.04-30.72 149.32-39.11 192.97-41.4 14.9-.78 26.49-12.73 26.49-27.06V219.14c-.01-15.63-13.56-28.01-29.81-27.09z"/></svg> There are ways to prepare:

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Research the role (e.g. analyze the job posting and organization's website)</span>

* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>identify what type of data science work/analyses you might be embarking on should you land/accept the job</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>review the types of tools, methodologies, and approaches you might use to address the work/problems outlined in the employer's materials</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>identify any areas you may not have direct experience in -- have an understanding of the landscape of tools available for working in that space and be able to reference a few (but be honest about your experience)</span>

* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>Some technical questions or tasks are more open-ended (e.g. see Example 1 on [slide 12](https://ucsb-meds.github.io/technical-interviews/#7)). Be prepared to talk clearly and succinctly about your goals and contributions to a project.</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Practice coding challenges -- there are a number of online resources/platforms including:</span>

* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>[Kaggle competitions](https://www.kaggle.com/competitions), which are designed to provide challenges for competitors at all different stages of their machine learning careers</span> 
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>[stratascratch](https://www.stratascratch.com/), a data science platform with >1000 real interview questions (new questions added each month)</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>[Confetti AI](https://www.confetti.ai/), a question bank covering core ideas in statistics, data science, and full-stack machine learning (new questions added each week)</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>[LeetCode](https://leetcode.com/), a platform for enhancing your skills, expanding your knowledge and preparing for technical interviews (primarily geared towards software developers, rather than data scientists)</span>

---
class: inverse, middle, center

### <svg aria-label="Ship" role="img" viewBox="0 0 640 512" style="height:1em;width:1.25em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Ship</title><path d="M496.616 372.639l70.012-70.012c16.899-16.9 9.942-45.771-12.836-53.092L512 236.102V96c0-17.673-14.327-32-32-32h-64V24c0-13.255-10.745-24-24-24H248c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v40h-64c-17.673 0-32 14.327-32 32v140.102l-41.792 13.433c-22.753 7.313-29.754 36.173-12.836 53.092l70.012 70.012C125.828 416.287 85.587 448 24 448c-13.255 0-24 10.745-24 24v16c0 13.255 10.745 24 24 24 61.023 0 107.499-20.61 143.258-59.396C181.677 487.432 216.021 512 256 512h128c39.979 0 74.323-24.568 88.742-59.396C508.495 491.384 554.968 512 616 512c13.255 0 24-10.745 24-24v-16c0-13.255-10.745-24-24-24-60.817 0-101.542-31.001-119.384-75.361zM192 128h256v87.531l-118.208-37.995a31.995 31.995 0 0 0-19.584 0L192 215.531V128z"/></svg> Example 1: Fisheries Data Scientist and Coordinator @ Environmental Market Solutions Lab (emLab), UC Santa Barbara

This technical component was provided to interviewees at interview round 2 (of 3). Check out the take-home task and associated job description [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YxnLkj-IAD7ht4F8B91ExkjSsLnijFiW7dWgWx-UWbg/edit?usp=sharing).

---
class: inverse, middle, center

### <svg aria-label="Fish" role="img" viewBox="0 0 576 512" style="height:1em;width:1.12em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Fish</title><path d="M327.1 96c-89.97 0-168.54 54.77-212.27 101.63L27.5 131.58c-12.13-9.18-30.24.6-27.14 14.66L24.54 256 .35 365.77c-3.1 14.06 15.01 23.83 27.14 14.66l87.33-66.05C158.55 361.23 237.13 416 327.1 416 464.56 416 576 288 576 256S464.56 96 327.1 96zm87.43 184c-13.25 0-24-10.75-24-24 0-13.26 10.75-24 24-24 13.26 0 24 10.74 24 24 0 13.25-10.75 24-24 24z"/></svg> Example 2: Data Scientist (exact title unknown) @ Global Fishing Watch

Candidates were given a choice of two different take-home challenges. Check them both out [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OuewBioyncbnchWqLu-r-mGAJmj6uPPk7zTYO95cypU/edit?usp=sharing).

---
class: inverse, middle, center

### <svg aria-label="Tree" role="img" viewBox="0 0 384 512" style="height:1em;width:0.75em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Tree</title><path d="M378.31 378.49L298.42 288h30.63c9.01 0 16.98-5 20.78-13.06 3.8-8.04 2.55-17.26-3.28-24.05L268.42 160h28.89c9.1 0 17.3-5.35 20.86-13.61 3.52-8.13 1.86-17.59-4.24-24.08L203.66 4.83c-6.03-6.45-17.28-6.45-23.32 0L70.06 122.31c-6.1 6.49-7.75 15.95-4.24 24.08C69.38 154.65 77.59 160 86.69 160h28.89l-78.14 90.91c-5.81 6.78-7.06 15.99-3.27 24.04C37.97 283 45.93 288 54.95 288h30.63L5.69 378.49c-6 6.79-7.36 16.09-3.56 24.26 3.75 8.05 12 13.25 21.01 13.25H160v24.45l-30.29 48.4c-5.32 10.64 2.42 23.16 14.31 23.16h95.96c11.89 0 19.63-12.52 14.31-23.16L224 440.45V416h136.86c9.01 0 17.26-5.2 21.01-13.25 3.8-8.17 2.44-17.47-3.56-24.26z"/></svg> Example 3: Data Specialist @ Bureau of Land Management

Candidates are asked a series of interview questions, some of which required discussion about experience using particular data science tools and methodologies. Find all the interview questions [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uX3Jg8iDtmceKCslmjk9nMrhhL4jRbYE-fKfdcwxCiQ/edit?usp=sharing).

---
class: inverse, middle, center

### <svg aria-label="Database" role="img" viewBox="0 0 448 512" style="height:1em;width:0.88em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Database</title><path d="M448 73.143v45.714C448 159.143 347.667 192 224 192S0 159.143 0 118.857V73.143C0 32.857 100.333 0 224 0s224 32.857 224 73.143zM448 176v102.857C448 319.143 347.667 352 224 352S0 319.143 0 278.857V176c48.125 33.143 136.208 48.572 224 48.572S399.874 209.143 448 176zm0 160v102.857C448 479.143 347.667 512 224 512S0 479.143 0 438.857V336c48.125 33.143 136.208 48.572 224 48.572S399.874 369.143 448 336z"/></svg> Example 4: Database Specialist @ Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Candidates were given 48 hours to complete [this technical exercise](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XMMUwnq5DblgbqLlh6C9_kPMVeLnqNGNz_Wk4RrGPps/edit?usp=sharing).

---
### Some closing thoughts:

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Remember that many technical interview questions may not even have a correct answer -- interviewers want to see you reason and create solutions. Help them understand your thought processes by breaking down complex questions and talking out loud.</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Save your job postings (as pdfs, not just the URL) and any associated technical questions/challenges you may get during the interview process -- this not only helps you ensure that you highlight the skills they want see in a candidate but also allows you to review/practice past problems</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> You can learn a lot from the experiences of others (i.e. talk with one another!)</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'><svg aria-label="angle-right" role="img" viewBox="0 0 256 512" style="height:1em;width:0.5em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#05859B;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>angle-right</title><path d="M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z"/></svg> Technical questions are often just one part of the overall interview process -- don't ignore the other interview skills you've learned!</span>

---
class: center, middle

## Now go crush those interviews!
<img src="media/michael_scott.gif" width="50%" />

Slides created via the R packages:

[**xaringan**](https://github.com/yihui/xaringan)<br>
[**gadenbuie/xaringanthemer**](https://github.com/gadenbuie/xaringanthemer)

<span style = 'font-size: 75%;'>*If you see mistakes or want to suggest changes, please create an [issue](https://github.com/UCSB-MEDS/technical-interviews/issues) on the source repository.*</span>

---
class: inverse, middle, center

## <svg aria-label="Brain" role="img" viewBox="0 0 576 512" style="height:1em;width:1.12em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;font-size:inherit;fill:#93C6C2;overflow:visible;position:relative;"><title>Brain</title><path d="M208 0c-29.9 0-54.7 20.5-61.8 48.2-.8 0-1.4-.2-2.2-.2-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64 0 4.8.6 9.5 1.7 14C52.5 138 32 166.6 32 200c0 12.6 3.2 24.3 8.3 34.9C16.3 248.7 0 274.3 0 304c0 33.3 20.4 61.9 49.4 73.9-.9 4.6-1.4 9.3-1.4 14.1 0 39.8 32.2 72 72 72 4.1 0 8.1-.5 12-1.2 9.6 28.5 36.2 49.2 68 49.2 39.8 0 72-32.2 72-72V64c0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64zm368 304c0-29.7-16.3-55.3-40.3-69.1 5.2-10.6 8.3-22.3 8.3-34.9 0-33.4-20.5-62-49.7-74 1-4.5 1.7-9.2 1.7-14 0-35.3-28.7-64-64-64-.8 0-1.5.2-2.2.2C422.7 20.5 397.9 0 368 0c-35.3 0-64 28.6-64 64v376c0 39.8 32.2 72 72 72 31.8 0 58.4-20.7 68-49.2 3.9.7 7.9 1.2 12 1.2 39.8 0 72-32.2 72-72 0-4.8-.5-9.5-1.4-14.1 29-12 49.4-40.6 49.4-73.9z"/></svg> Practice questions

Find a partner and practice responding to these technical (albeit silly) questions.

A primary goal is to gain confidence in talking through your thought processes out loud as you attempt to answer these questions. You should feel free to ask explicit, clarifying questions (like you might do in an interview).

Pick one at random to keep things interesting :)

---
### Practice questions

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'>The "interviewee" should try answering one of the following questions:</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**1.** How many tennis balls can you fit inside the NCEAS first floor classroom?</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**2.** How long would it take for you to walk across the Santa Barbara Channel from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage.</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**3.** Explain, in detail, the process of making a cup of coffee.</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**4.** How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**5.** You have 8 pennies and a scale. One penny weighs more than the others. Determine which penny weighs more in three or fewer steps. </span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**6.** Given a number 1 to 1000, what is the minimum number of guesses you would need to find that particular number if you are only given the hints "higher" or "lower" after each of your guesses.</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**7.** How would you describe the taste of a cheeseburger (alternatively, substitute a different food here)?</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**8.** How many keystrokes does it take to wear the letters off your keyboard?</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**9.** Why don't whales have tails that are oriented in the same direction as those of sharks?</span>  
<span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>**10.** Why are doors rectangular instead of round or square?</span>

<span style = 'font-size: 80%;'>The "interviewer" should make note of the following:</span>

* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>Does the interviewee ask targeted follow-up questions?</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>How does the interviewee break down the question/problem?</span>
* <span style = 'font-size: 70%;'>Does the interviewee talk through his/her/their thought processes and reasoning *out loud*?</span>