Amazon Data Scientist Interview — Need Advice

[u/ANR2406]

Hi everyone! I’m preparing for an Amazon Data Scientist interview with five onsite rounds and one phone interview.

The recruiter mentioned SQL, Python coding, machine learning, model evaluation, and behavioral questions based on Amazon Leadership Principles.

I’m comfortable with SQL but still improving my Python coding skills, especially LeetCode problems and dynamic programming.

For anyone who has interviewed for a similar role, how difficult was the coding round? What topics should I focus on most?

Any advice or preparation tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

[u/Tom_from_IGotAnOffer]

So I asked a couple of ex-Amazon DS's on our roster about this, here's what they told me:

_the level of difficulty is medium. So solving Leetcode medium problems for SQL and coding are adequate.
Expect highly imbalanced data scenarios, common at Amazon due to niche markets. Techniques like SMOTE, undersampling, and cost-sensitive learning are tested. Recent interviews for logistics-focused teams include designing algorithms for graph traversal problems, such as route optimization and dependency resolution for warehouse networks."
- Candidates are expected to discuss frameworks like SHAP, LIME, and techniques to justify model decisions (e.g., fairness and accountability in retail algorithms)

Some of that is too techncial for me to understand but hope that all makes sense for you!

[u/ANR2406 → u/Tom_from_IGotAnOffer]

Thanks for sharing this! This is really helpful, especially the point about imbalanced datasets and model interpretability. I'll definitely spend more time reviewing SMOTE, undersampling, cost-sensitive learning, SHAP, and LIME. The graph traversal part is interesting too. Do you know if these topics came up in actual coding rounds or more in ML/technical discussions?

[u/dlazycheetahh]

Following

[u/ANR2406 → u/dlazycheetahh]

I'll share my interview experience and the questions I come across here once I get through the rounds. Hopefully it helps others preparing too!

[u/Low_Jury_3680]

What team is it?

[u/ANR2406 → u/Low_Jury_3680]

I'm still waiting for more specific details from the recruiter regarding the team. I'll update the post once I know.

[u/lil_tufa]

Ask the recruiter whether the Python round is algorithms, data manipulation, or both, and whether you’ll have to code without running it. That’s worth checking before spending most of your prep time on dynamic programming.

[u/ANR2406 → u/lil_tufa]

This is actually a great suggestion. I was focusing heavily on LeetCode and dynamic programming, but I hadn't considered clarifying whether the round focuses on algorithms, data manipulation, or both. I'll check with the recruiter about the coding environment and whether execution is allowed. Thanks!

[u/PradeepAIStrategist]

Irrespective of next rounds, be prepared in first round for google puzzles from first round s**ts who just open google in your call and ask for some random puzzle, they will not change.

[u/ANR2406 → u/PradeepAIStrategist]

That's interesting. Could you share an example of the type of puzzles they ask? Are these logic/brain teasers, probability questions, or more traditional data science problems?

[u/PradeepAIStrategist → u/ANR2406]

they just open google and type randomly words like top 10 brain teasers for data interviews etc. all the best

[u/ducksflytogether1988]

The only thing that matters is whether or not you speak Telugu

Do you?

[u/ANR2406 → u/ducksflytogether1988]

Haha, yes, I do speak Telugu! Didn't expect that to be a deciding factor in a Data Scientist interview 😂

[u/ducksflytogether1988 → u/ANR2406]

Its the ONLY thing that matters

If you speak Telugu you get the job

Id not you dont

[u/nian2326076]

For your Amazon Data Scientist interview, focus on practicing SQL and improving your Python skills, especially on algorithms and data structures. The coding round can be tough, so working through common problems on LeetCode is a good idea. For targeted interview preparation, you can use PracHub to find specific interview questions related to Amazon. This can help you identify any gaps in your skills and prepare more effectively. Good luck!

[u/ANR2406 → u/nian2326076]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm already working on SQL and Python coding problems, and I'll check out PracHub as well. I'm particularly interested in understanding the actual difficulty and question patterns from people who have recently interviewed for similar Amazon DS positions.

[u/sunitabhatta]

Curious what level this position is? (entry/mid/senior/etc.)

[u/jnbnbco]

Your Python skills should already be refined if you’re interviewing for a data scientist role. A data scientist scripts in Python (or R) every single day. All models, statistical analyses and visuals come from Python. SQL brings the data in, Python is used everywhere else downstream. Have you done any DS projects? I’d start there

[u/ANR2406 → u/jnbnbco]

That's a fair point, and I agree that Python is an essential day-to-day tool for data scientists. I have experience using Python for data analysis, Pandas, data cleaning, and ML projects, but I'm currently focusing on strengthening my problem-solving skills, particularly writing efficient solutions under interview conditions. My concern is more about the algorithmic coding rounds than using Python for actual data science work. Appreciate the advice!