Interview Process:
The interview process consisted of 4 rounds over several weeks:
Recruiter Screen – Initial call with HR to discuss background, role expectations, and logistics.
Hiring Manager Interview – Conversation with the Senior Manager of Data Science. Focused on my experience, projects, and fit for the team. STAR-format behavioral questions were asked.
CoderPad Technical Round – Live coding session covering SQL, Python, and statistics. Expect questions on window functions, CTEs, pandas data manipulation, regression, and A/B testing. Time pressure is significant — be prepared to work quickly.
Technical & Optimization Round – Discussion with a Lead Data Scientist focused on optimization concepts, formulation approaches (MILP, constraints, objective functions), and how I'd approach assortment optimization problems at scale.
Advice to Candidates:
Brush up on SQL window functions and CTEs — the CoderPad round moves fast
Be ready to explain optimization formulations clearly (objective functions, constraints, trade-offs)
Prepare STAR stories for behavioral questions
Research CVS's assortment challenges (9,000+ stores, localization)
Overall:
The interviewers were professional and the questions were relevant to the role. Communication from HR was responsive throughout. Received rejection via automated Workday email after completing all rounds.
