TL;DR
What Sql Questions Are Asked In A Linkedin Data Scientist Interview
The average base salary for a data scientist at LinkedIn is $141,000, with a range of $115,000 to $170,000 according to Levels.fyi.
What Sql Questions Are Asked In A Linkedin Data Scientist Interview
Most SQL questions in a LinkedIn data scientist interview test the candidate's ability to write efficient queries and think critically about data analysis, with a focus on problems like handling missing values and data normalization.
In a recent interview for a data scientist role at LinkedIn, the candidate was asked to write a SQL query to retrieve the top 10 most active users on the platform, with the requirement that the query should be able to handle a large volume of data. The candidate's response was to use a combination of the LIMIT and ORDER BY clauses to achieve this, demonstrating their ability to think critically about data analysis.
According to Glassdoor, the average interview process for a data scientist role at LinkedIn takes around 28 days, with 4-5 rounds of interviews, including a technical screening, a SQL skills assessment, and a final round with the hiring manager.
How To Prepare For Sql Questions In A Linkedin Data Scientist Interview
To prepare for SQL questions in a LinkedIn data scientist interview, it's essential to practice writing efficient queries and thinking critically about data analysis, using resources like the PM Interview Playbook which covers SQL fundamentals with real debrief examples.
A good starting point is to review the basics of SQL, including data types, queries, and indexing, and then practice writing queries to solve real-world problems, such as data analysis and data visualization.
It's also crucial to be familiar with LinkedIn's data science interview process, which typically includes a technical screening, a SQL skills assessment, and a final round with the hiring manager, with a total compensation package ranging from $200,000 to $300,000, including base salary, bonus, and equity.
📖 Related: Wharton students breaking into LinkedIn PM career path and interview prep
What Are The Most Common Sql Questions Asked In A Linkedin Data Scientist Interview
The most common SQL questions asked in a LinkedIn data scientist interview include writing efficient queries, handling missing values, and data normalization, with a focus on problems like retrieving the top 10 most active users on the platform.
According to LinkedIn's official careers page, the company is looking for data scientists who can analyze complex data sets, develop predictive models, and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders, with a strong background in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau.
In a recent interview, a candidate was asked to write a SQL query to retrieve the average salary of employees in a given department, with the requirement that the query should be able to handle a large volume of data, demonstrating their ability to think critically about data analysis.
Can I Get A Data Scientist Job At Linkedin Without Knowing Sql
While it's possible to get a data scientist job at LinkedIn without knowing SQL, it's highly unlikely, as SQL is a fundamental skill required for data analysis and data science roles, with most data scientists at LinkedIn using SQL to analyze complex data sets and develop predictive models.
According to Levels.fyi, the average salary for a data scientist at LinkedIn is $141,000, with a range of $115,000 to $170,000, and the company typically looks for candidates with a strong background in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau.
In a recent interview, a candidate was asked to write a SQL query to retrieve the top 10 most active users on the platform, and was unable to do so, demonstrating a lack of fundamental SQL skills, and was subsequently rejected from the process.
📖 Related: LinkedIn PgM hiring process and interview loop 2026
Preparation Checklist
- Review the basics of SQL, including data types, queries, and indexing
- Practice writing efficient queries to solve real-world problems, such as data analysis and data visualization
- Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn's data science interview process, which typically includes a technical screening, a SQL skills assessment, and a final round with the hiring manager
- Use resources like the PM Interview Playbook to practice SQL fundamentals with real debrief examples
- Review data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI
- Practice communicating insights effectively to stakeholders
Mistakes to Avoid
BAD: Not practicing SQL fundamentals before the interview, resulting in a lack of confidence and ability to write efficient queries.
GOOD: Practicing SQL fundamentals before the interview, using resources like the PM Interview Playbook, to build confidence and ability to write efficient queries.
BAD: Not being familiar with LinkedIn's data science interview process, resulting in a lack of preparation and poor performance.
GOOD: Being familiar with LinkedIn's data science interview process, including a technical screening, a SQL skills assessment, and a final round with the hiring manager, to prepare and perform well.
FAQ
Q: What is the average salary for a data scientist at LinkedIn?
A: The average salary for a data scientist at LinkedIn is $141,000, with a range of $115,000 to $170,000 according to Levels.fyi.
Q: How many rounds of interviews are there in the LinkedIn data scientist interview process?
A: According to Glassdoor, the average interview process for a data scientist role at LinkedIn takes around 28 days, with 4-5 rounds of interviews, including a technical screening, a SQL skills assessment, and a final round with the hiring manager.
Q: What are the most common SQL questions asked in a LinkedIn data scientist interview?
A: The most common SQL questions asked in a LinkedIn data scientist interview include writing efficient queries, handling missing values, and data normalization, with a focus on problems like retrieving the top 10 most active users on the platform.
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