Microsoft Data Scientist interview: modeling and experiment design

The loop was intense and technically demanding, with work that felt closer to real modeling than trivia. After a recruiter-style step, I discussed an ML project and the trade-offs in evaluating it. We focused on classification with asymmetric costs, and I explained SHAP in the context of what I'd built. I was surprised to get a precision-and-recall question very close to one I'd practiced.

Later rounds covered designing an A/B test and a SQL-style user-retention question. Near the end, a system-design discussion had me sweating, although practicing similar problems had helped me prepare for the format.

I received and accepted an offer. The process was challenging but rewarding. The hardest moments called for clear reasoning and concise communication, and I was glad I'd kept going. It made the effort feel worthwhile.

Location: United States. Overall feedback: positive. Offer status: got offer.