Ethos Life Senior Data Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Interview preparation tips for other job seekers - I wanted to share my recent interview experience for a Senior Data Analyst position with Ethos Life.

The process started with a HackerRank test, which I passed, followed by an interview. During the interview, the panel, led by Mr. Ram Kishore Pasupathi, asked about my background and then gave me a question with a 15-minute time limit. The criteria for evaluation were:
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Readability
- Scalability

I solved the problem in 3-5 minutes and explained my approach step-by-step using a Google Sheet. The interviewer told me my solution was incorrect. I rechecked my work and insisted it was correct, offering to demonstrate it using PostgreSQL if given two minutes. He declined, stating he could read SQL.

I mentioned that there were multiple ways to solve the problem and offered to explain a few more approaches, but he didn't respond. Despite my confidence in my answer, the interview, which was scheduled for an hour, ended after just 15 minutes with only that one question.

After the interview, I created the table and applied my solution, which worked perfectly. I shared this with the hiring team, but I was ultimately not selected.

While not being selected is part of the process, interview panels should adhere to basic ethics. Candidates invest a significant amount of time preparing for tests and interviews. Experiences like this can severely impact a candidate's morale.

Note: My intention is not to damage the reputation of any individual or organization but to highlight how such incidents can affect candidates' morale.

I felt that the interviewer, Mr. Ram Kishore Pasupathi, might have taken my quick solution as a challenge to his ego. Although he gave me 15 minutes, I solved the problem in less than 3-5 minutes. It seemed he took my quick resolution personally.

I would advise the company and the interview panel to teach basic ethics to their employees on how to conduct interviews. If a candidate demonstrates knowledge that an employee may not have, it should be seen as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a blow to ego.

I also request that the company review with your team, as I have a Google Sheet with timestamps. Furthermore, please consider recording interviews and sharing these recordings with the candidate also for review.