Application Process & Interviews at The Data School

Task with possibility to get feedback and iterate

The process is relaxed, technical and iterative - providing candidates with the ability to be themselves, show off their prowess with the software that we use, and give candidates a taste of the role if successful. No CVs was super refreshing - why do so many employers still insist on them?!

Presentation of the project built with the software we use and sell, few personal questions.

The first step is to create a visualization of some data you choose. You publish this online and the company will give you feedback which you can take on board if you want. After this there is a phone screen interview which felt quite informal - where you talk through your visualisation and give and gain some context. Then they send everyone the same dataset and get them to create a visualisation based on that. Next you come into the office to present that to the company and also have another interview.

The first round of the hiring process was to submit a visualization on Tableau Public and speak with the head coach. For the second round, everyone was given the same data set and asked to design a viz, and the interview was 15 minutes of presenting your viz and 15 min traditional questions.

It's really good. No CVs, no cover letters. You have to create a data visualisation, submit it for feedback, and iterate on it. Then you're invited in for an interview to present what you made.

It's a very practical process. Applicants design a visualisation and send this in for the head coach and others to review, followed by an interview.

You'll be asked to submit a piece of work in Tableau Public. From there, you may be asked to iterate and improve. Then you may be advanced to 2 rounds of interviews.

I was asked to download the 15 days Tableau trial and to pick any dataset I was interested in and send it to the indicated email. I wrote a few lines on the email introducing myself and I attached my Tableau workbook. I then had an interview with Andy on the phone and I was invited to the second part of the process. I was sent a dataset that was the same as everyone else. I was asked to build a dashboard with it and to present it in front of three people. I then changed the room and had another interview where I was asked more specific questions about the job and myself

Initially, rather than give a CV you submit a tableau data visualisation. If the visualisation shows relevant potential you are phone screened and if you are deemed suitable you move onto the final stage. For the final stage, you are given a dataset to analyse, visualise and present to 3 or 4 company members. After the presentation, you are then critiqued as well as given standard interview questions

Tableau dashboard on data you choose. Tableau dashboard on data they give you, present that back and small interview. No CV!

No focus on the CV at all. It's all about passion, wish to learn and improve, effort and interest.

The interview process tests what you can do, not what you have done in the past, although past achievements are also an opportunity to demonstrate your aptitude and attitude. The process helps you demonstrate your ability to learn, as well as your curiosity and your passion for data.

Skills based assessment using the tool you will be trained on. Proves dedication and interest level

standard questions on top of the presentation

Why you want to work here?

How well I work in teams. To give an example of a time I was working in a team and things didn't go to plan - how did I deal with that. To go through and explain the work I had created. To talk a bit about myself and my background - what I enjoy, what I'm passionate about.

Tell me about a time you failed.

A lot of the standard ones. The main thing that matters is how you present the data project you worked on.

The focus is on your motivation to work in this field

What would you like to do in the future with your analytical training?

Why I wanted to work with data. How do I see myself in a few years. Where would I want to work in a few years. My biggest passions. And what data manipulation software I knew.

How has data played a role in your education/career/hobbies? Several questions in relations to your presentation to see if you understood the work you created. Life outside of work

Questions surrounding my motivation for a career in data, experience of using the software, and previous working experience.

Why are you interested in analytics

Invest time in recruitment process

It's hard to give tips to 'prepare' because you are either passionate about data and visualisation or not. If you are, think about how you can show/prove this.

If you pick something you're genuinely interested in outside work, then you'll be more motivated to work on it and you'll create something really good.

If you're able to enjoy the Tableau Public exercise, you'll probably enjoy the job. They are looking for people who exhibit passion, determination and curiosity.

Download Tableau and if you love it then it's all you really need.

Be confident and fully understand the data you are presenting. As a company looking for trainee consultants the company doesn't expect to be completely blown away by your visualisation and presentation instead they are looking for a certain level of competence and character that would work well with their clients.

Example your passion for data, interact with people already at the company, and make it clear that you have the ability to be a consultant using examples.

Inform yourself as much you can about the industry and the company itself. Be very motivated and spend time to prepare.

Spend time on the details of your work. Be prepared to talk about the reasons behind the choices you made. Be happy to defend your actions, but also be willing to take on the feedback you are given. Know what you have made thoroughly.

Find a data set you're passionate about for your initial viz, it's always easier if you are interested in the topic. There are a lot of videos and blogs online to teach yourself the basics of Tableau. They are looking for passion and potential.

Spend time learning by yourself. If you like what you have to do to apply and have fun learning, then you are in the good path.

Practice in Tableau, ask for feedback.

Read the data school blog to understand what the training involves as well as to learn about the software that you will use to prepare your application. Look at other people's work on Tableau Public for ideas and inspiration.

Be yourself, be enthusiastic