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External Mock Interviews
External Mock Interviews
External Mock Technical Interviews
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External Mock Interviews

Intro

At
Sigma Labs
⁠
, we work with graduates to set them up for high-performing careers in technology. Many of our trainees do not have experience of professional environments or a network of friendly advisors who do, to help them prepare for and navigate an interview process.
Our current trainees are nearing the end of their course, which means we will soon be putting them forward for roles with our clients. Whilst they have plenty of interview practice with Sigma Labs staff and their peers, we know it would be hugely valuable for them to have a more 'real world' mock interview, too - which is where we'd love your help. We hope this will be an enjoyable and interesting experience for you too, to meet a high-potential junior and polish your interviewing skills!

Our ask of you

We ask for about an hour 45 minutes of your time per trainee (if you’re able to interview 2, we’d be extra grateful, but also understand entirely if you can only offer one slot), roughly comprising the following:
~430 mins to run a non-technical mock interview
Allowing for 250-3025 mins of questions, and
5-10 mins of on-the-spot feedback
1~10-15 mins to enter some written feedback in a simple form (see the bottom of this form)
Below is a mock job description which will provide context for your interview. Trainees will have prepared for their interview with this job description in mind.
Please note: you do not need to have any experience with the technologies or concepts this mock role entails - feel free to focus more on the topics and questions which would be relevant for any junior role if you are more comfortable in that realm (e.g. teamwork skills, communication, motivations, etc)
We have also included a suggested interview script for your use, but if you have an approach to competency or ‘get to know you’ type interviews which you’re comfortable using instead, we’d love if you did so - this will expose our trainees to the most ‘real world’ experience, and therefore be the most useful for them.
Please note that all interviews are automatically recorded for the benefit of the trainee and used solely for that purpose. We are very happy to share the recording with you too, if you’d like it.

Role - Mock Job Description

You do not need to have any experience with the technologies or concepts this mock role entails.
Feel free to focus more on the topics and questions relevant for any junior role if you are more comfortable in that realm (e.g. teamwork skills, communication, motivations, etc.)

Junior Data Engineer - DataFusion Inc.

About the Company:
DataFusion Inc. is a vibrant tech startup that has disrupted the personal finance industry with its consumer-facing product, "MoneyMatters." We believe in harnessing the power of data to empower users in managing their finances efficiently and achieving their financial goals.
About the Role:
As a Junior Data Engineer at DataFusion Inc., you will be an integral part of our data team, contributing to the design and maintenance of our data infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless data integration and processing to enhance the overall user experience of "MoneyMatters."
Essential Experience:
Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and database management systems.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Scala.
Familiarity with SQL and experience in querying and optimising databases.
Knowledge of data modelling and data warehousing concepts.
Basic understanding of cloud platforms, like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Desired Experience:
Experience with big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka.
Familiarity with data pipelines and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
Knowledge of data visualisation tools, such as Tableau or Power BI
Understanding of machine learning concepts and frameworks.
Working at DataFusion Inc.:
We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, valuing open communication and diverse perspectives.
Our company culture encourages innovation, allowing employees to explore creative solutions and implement new ideas.
As an employee in London or remote, you will have access to professional development opportunities and continuous learning.
DataFusion Inc. provides a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and career advancement.

Suggested questions

We would like our trainees to get the most ‘real-world’ experience possible, so if you would take a different approach in a general/competency interview, please feel free to do so. If you do not have a preferred approach of your own, below is a short list of suggested questions (feel free to pick and choose 1-2 from each category, or start with these and go off-script from there!):
Background:
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background.
What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in technology?
Can you tell me about a challenge you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Skills & capabilities:
Can you tell me about a time when you had to clearly explain something complex or technical?
What is a technology project that you are particularly proud of, and can you tell me a bit about it?
What strengths do you believe make you well-suited to a technical role?
More technical/specific to job description (optional - for interviewers comfortable with these topics)
Tell me about your experience with data visualisation so far.
Can you explain the importance of version control and collaborative coding practices within a data engineering team?
How might you go about designing a data pipeline to process and analyze real-time financial data for "MoneyMatters" users?
How would you handle a situation where data from different sources needs to be transformed and integrated into a cohesive dataset for analysis?
Motivation & interests:
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in technology, and what sources do you rely on for information?
What do you find most exciting about working in technology or software, and how do you maintain that excitement?
What is your dream role or project, looking 5-10 years into the future?
What motivates you?
Team:
Can you tell me about a piece of feedback you’ve received recently - what was it, and how have you responded to it?
Tell us about a time when you collaborated with a team to solve a complex problem. What role did you play in the team, and how did you contribute to the team's success?
How do you approach working with someone who has a different technical background than you do?
What broader skills and qualities would you bring to a team that you joined?

Your Interviewee

You will be interviewing a Junior Technologist who is studying Data Engineering. The specifics of the discipline matter less for this interview as you’ll be interviewing in a non-technical capacity. If Data Engineering aligns with what you know or have experience with, you’re welcome to ask some high-level questions.

Feedback for Trainee

After the interview, please fill in this form with some brief feedback for the trainee:
⁠
Mock Interview Feedback Form
⁠
⁠
You are also encouraged to give feedback with your initial thoughts and feedback at the end of the interview.

Feedback for You

We also give feedback on your interviews upon request - check the box in the Feedback Form to get feedback on your interview.
Please note that all interviews are automatically recorded for the benefit of the trainee and used solely for that purpose. We are very happy to share the recording with you too, if you’d like it.
Intro
Our ask of you
Role - Mock Job Description
Junior Data Engineer - DataFusion Inc.
Suggested questions
Your Interviewee
Feedback for Trainee
Feedback for You
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