FAANG-Standard Data Scientist Interview Preparation Guide: Staff Level
Data Scientist
Staff
8 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025
This guide is based on general FAANG interview practices and may not reflect specific company procedures.
Staff-level Data Scientist interviews at FAANG companies typically follow a comprehensive multi-round format designed to evaluate deep technical expertise, system design thinking, leadership capability, and strategic impact. The process emphasizes not just technical proficiency but also the ability to influence cross-functional teams, drive data-driven decisions, and architect solutions for complex business problems at scale. Candidates are assessed on their ability to balance technical depth with business acumen, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to organizational strategy.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
30 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
2
Technical Phone Screen - SQL and Data Manipulation
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
3
Statistics and Experimental Design Round
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
4
Machine Learning and Modeling Round
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
5
Product Sense and Business Analytics Round
60 min5 focus topicscase study
6
System Design and ML Architecture Round
60 min5 focus topicssystem design
7
Behavioral and Leadership Round
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral
8
Bar Raiser / Hiring Manager Round
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral
Additional Information