First Horizon Bank Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

First Horizon Bank is a leading financial institution committed to delivering exceptional banking services and innovative financial solutions to its clients.

As a Data Scientist at First Horizon Bank, you will be responsible for analyzing complex datasets to derive actionable insights that drive strategic business decisions. Key responsibilities include developing predictive models and algorithms, collaborating with various stakeholders to understand their data needs, and translating findings into clear, impactful recommendations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in statistics and probability, along with proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL. A successful Data Scientist at First Horizon Bank should also have excellent communication skills, as you will be required to present complex information in a digestible format to both technical and non-technical audiences. Furthermore, experience in machine learning and a collaborative mindset are essential traits to thrive in this role, aligning with the bank's emphasis on teamwork and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing an understanding of the role’s expectations and the skills required to excel at First Horizon Bank.

The interview process for a Data Scientist role at First Horizon Bank is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place over the phone. This conversation is conducted by a member of the HR team and focuses on your resume, professional background, and general fit for the role. Expect to discuss your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Data Scientist at First Horizon Bank. This stage is also an opportunity for you to ask preliminary questions about the company and the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing tools like Webex. During this interview, you will be asked to elaborate on specific projects listed on your resume, particularly those that demonstrate your proficiency in statistics, algorithms, and programming languages such as Python. While technical questions may not be heavily emphasized, be prepared to discuss your analytical approach and problem-solving skills in detail.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next stage often involves a behavioral interview, which may include multiple interviewers, such as team managers or senior leadership. This round focuses on situational questions that assess your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. You might be asked to provide examples of past experiences, such as working with stakeholders or resolving conflicts within a team. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your soft skills and alignment with the company culture.

4. Final Interview

The final interview typically involves a more senior-level discussion, possibly with the market president or other high-ranking officials. This stage may include a mix of behavioral and situational questions, as well as discussions about your vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the team in the short and long term. Be prepared to articulate your career goals and how they align with the objectives of First Horizon Bank.

Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.

Now, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their journey.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at First Horizon Bank typically involves multiple stages, starting with a phone screening followed by in-person or virtual interviews with team managers and possibly senior leadership. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Be ready to discuss your resume in detail and highlight relevant experiences that align with the role of a Data Scientist.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and how you handle various situations. Questions may include scenarios about teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and personal development. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your thought process and the impact of your actions clearly.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

While the interviews may not heavily focus on technical assessments, it’s crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in key areas such as statistics, probability, algorithms, and Python. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills, and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving in data-related tasks. Tailor your examples to reflect the requirements of the role.

Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders

Given the emphasis on working with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborating with different teams. Highlight instances where you successfully communicated complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between data science and business needs.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews at First Horizon Bank are described as laid-back, so take advantage of this atmosphere to engage with your interviewers. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and how the Data Scientist role contributes to the bank's strategic goals.

Reflect on Personal Qualities

Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, as interviewers may ask about your personal qualities. Reflect on how your unique traits can add value to the team and the organization. Consider framing your weaknesses in a way that shows your commitment to personal growth and improvement.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only reinforces your interest in the position but also allows you to reiterate key points from your discussion that align with the role.

By following these tailored tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Scientist position at First Horizon Bank, demonstrating both your technical expertise and your fit within the company culture. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Scientist interview at First Horizon Bank. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, experience with data analysis, and ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, your approach to problem-solving, and how you can contribute to the team.

Experience and Background

1. Can you take us through your resume and highlight your most relevant experiences?

This question allows the interviewer to understand your career trajectory and how your experiences align with the role.

How to Answer

Provide a concise summary of your professional background, focusing on experiences that are most relevant to the data science role. Highlight specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills and contributions.

Example

“I have over five years of experience in data analysis and machine learning. At my previous job, I led a project that utilized predictive modeling to improve customer retention, resulting in a 15% increase in our retention rate. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement data-driven strategies that enhanced operational efficiency.”

Technical Skills

2. How comfortable are you with SQL, and can you provide an example of a complex query you’ve written?

SQL proficiency is crucial for data manipulation and analysis in this role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with SQL, including the types of databases you’ve worked with and the complexity of queries you’ve written. Provide a specific example that showcases your skills.

Example

“I am very comfortable with SQL and have used it extensively for data extraction and analysis. For instance, I wrote a complex query that joined multiple tables to analyze customer behavior patterns, which helped our marketing team tailor their campaigns effectively.”

3. Describe a project where you used Python for data analysis. What libraries did you use?

Python is a key tool for data scientists, and familiarity with its libraries is essential.

How to Answer

Mention a specific project where you utilized Python, detailing the libraries you used and the outcomes of the project.

Example

“In a recent project, I used Python with libraries such as Pandas and NumPy to clean and analyze a large dataset. I also employed Matplotlib for data visualization, which helped stakeholders understand trends and make informed decisions.”

Teamwork and Collaboration

4. Can you tell me about a time that you worked on a team? What was your role?

Collaboration is vital in a data science role, especially when working with stakeholders.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a team project, your contributions, and how you facilitated collaboration among team members.

Example

“I worked on a cross-functional team to develop a new customer segmentation model. My role involved analyzing data and presenting insights to the team. I organized regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned and encouraged open communication, which led to a successful project outcome.”

5. How would you build a relationship with your team?

Building relationships is essential for effective teamwork and collaboration.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to fostering relationships within a team, emphasizing communication and trust.

Example

“I believe in establishing open lines of communication from the start. I would take the time to understand my team members’ strengths and preferences, and I would encourage regular check-ins to discuss progress and challenges. This approach helps build trust and ensures everyone feels valued.”

Personal Development

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s goals.

How to Answer

Share your professional goals and how they relate to the role you are applying for, demonstrating your commitment to growth.

Example

“In five years, I see myself as a senior data scientist, leading projects that drive strategic decisions. I aim to deepen my expertise in machine learning and contribute to innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences at First Horizon Bank.”

7. What makes you interested in this position?

Understanding your motivation for applying helps the interviewer gauge your fit for the role.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company, linking your skills and interests to the job description.

Example

“I am excited about the opportunity to work at First Horizon Bank because of its commitment to leveraging data for better customer service. I believe my background in data analysis and my passion for using data to drive business decisions align perfectly with the goals of this position.”