Seatgeek Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

SeatGeek is a technology company that focuses on providing a user-friendly platform for buying and selling event tickets.

As a Data Scientist at SeatGeek, you will play a crucial role in leveraging data to enhance the customer experience and drive business decisions. Key responsibilities include analyzing large datasets, developing predictive models, and conducting A/B testing to assess the impact of various strategies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to interpret data insights and translate them into actionable recommendations that align with the company's mission to create a seamless ticketing experience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in statistics, machine learning, and data visualization techniques, paired with proficiency in SQL and programming languages such as Python or R. A solid understanding of product metrics and user behavior analytics will be essential, as the role requires not only technical acumen but also the ability to communicate findings effectively to non-technical stakeholders. Traits such as curiosity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment are highly valued at SeatGeek.

This guide aims to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the Data Scientist role at SeatGeek and the interview process, ensuring you can confidently present your skills and experiences.

The interview process for a Data Scientist role at SeatGeek is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. The process typically unfolds over several weeks and consists of multiple stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The first step in the interview process is an initial phone screen with a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 30 minutes and serves as an opportunity for the recruiter to introduce the company and the role. Candidates can expect to discuss their background, motivations for applying, and general fit for the company culture. This stage is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the interview process.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screen, candidates typically undergo a technical assessment. This may involve a coding challenge or a take-home assignment that tests SQL skills, data interpretation, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical skills through practical exercises that reflect real-world scenarios relevant to SeatGeek's business.

3. Technical Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates will participate in a technical interview, often conducted via video call. This interview focuses on coding and analytical skills, including SQL queries and metric interpretation. Candidates may be asked to solve problems in real-time, showcasing their thought process and technical proficiency.

4. Onsite Interviews

The final stage usually consists of onsite interviews, which can last several hours and involve multiple rounds with various team members, including senior management. These interviews often include a mix of technical questions, system design discussions, and behavioral assessments. Candidates should be ready to discuss their past projects, approach to problem-solving, and how they would contribute to the team at SeatGeek.

Throughout the process, candidates may also have opportunities to ask questions about the company culture and team dynamics, which can provide valuable insights into the work environment at SeatGeek.

As you prepare for your interviews, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage.

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

Embrace the Collaborative Spirit

During your interviews at SeatGeek, expect a collaborative atmosphere, especially in technical assessments. Interviewers may shift from a traditional Q&A format to a more interactive problem-solving session. Approach these opportunities with an open mind and a willingness to engage. Demonstrating your ability to work through problems collaboratively can leave a positive impression.

Prepare for Technical Depth

Given the emphasis on SQL and data interpretation, ensure you are well-versed in SQL queries, including joins, aggregations, and subqueries. Familiarize yourself with real-world business scenarios that may require you to analyze metrics or interpret A/B test results. Practicing these skills will not only help you answer questions effectively but also showcase your analytical capabilities.

Showcase Your Product Sense

SeatGeek values candidates who can connect data insights to product decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your previous projects or experiences relate to product development and decision-making. Think about how data can drive user experience improvements or business strategies, and be ready to articulate these connections during your interviews.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Prepare to discuss your motivations for wanting to join SeatGeek, your career aspirations, and how you handle challenges. Reflect on past experiences where you demonstrated problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, as these qualities are highly valued.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Throughout the interview process, clear communication is key. Whether discussing technical problems or your past experiences, articulate your thought process and reasoning. If you encounter a challenging question, take a moment to think before responding. This not only shows your analytical skills but also your ability to remain composed under pressure.

Engage with Your Interviewers

SeatGeek interviewers are often described as kind and engaged. Use this to your advantage by asking thoughtful questions about the company, team dynamics, and the role itself. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, consider sending a thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. This small gesture can help you stand out and reinforce your interest in joining the team.

By preparing thoroughly and approaching the interview with a collaborative mindset, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Scientist role at SeatGeek. Good luck!

Experience and Background

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Scientist interview at SeatGeek. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills in data analysis, SQL proficiency, and your ability to interpret data insights. Additionally, expect questions that gauge your understanding of the company's products and your fit within their culture.

Machine Learning

1. Can you explain a machine learning project you have worked on and the impact it had?

This question aims to assess your practical experience with machine learning and your ability to communicate its significance.

How to Answer

Discuss the project’s objectives, the algorithms you used, and the results achieved. Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Example

“I worked on a recommendation system for an e-commerce platform that increased user engagement by 20%. I utilized collaborative filtering and deep learning techniques to analyze user behavior and preferences. The project taught me the importance of data quality and user feedback in refining the model.”

2. How do you handle overfitting in a machine learning model?

This question tests your understanding of model evaluation and optimization techniques.

How to Answer

Explain the concept of overfitting and discuss methods to mitigate it, such as cross-validation, regularization, or pruning.

Example

“To handle overfitting, I typically use cross-validation to ensure the model generalizes well to unseen data. Additionally, I apply regularization techniques like L1 or L2 to penalize overly complex models, which helps maintain a balance between bias and variance.”

3. What metrics do you use to evaluate the performance of a machine learning model?

This question assesses your knowledge of model evaluation metrics relevant to the business context.

How to Answer

Discuss various metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and AUC-ROC, and explain when to use each.

Example

“I evaluate model performance using metrics like accuracy for balanced datasets, while precision and recall are crucial for imbalanced datasets. For instance, in a fraud detection model, I prioritize recall to minimize false negatives, ensuring we catch as many fraudulent transactions as possible.”

4. Describe a time when you had to choose between multiple models. How did you decide?

This question evaluates your decision-making process in model selection.

How to Answer

Discuss the criteria you used for comparison, such as performance metrics, interpretability, and computational efficiency.

Example

“When selecting a model for customer segmentation, I compared K-means clustering and hierarchical clustering. I chose K-means due to its faster computation time and scalability, which was essential given our large dataset. I validated the choice by analyzing silhouette scores to ensure the clusters were well-defined.”

SQL and Data Analysis

1. How would you write a SQL query to find the top 10 products by sales?

This question tests your SQL skills and ability to manipulate data.

How to Answer

Outline the SQL syntax and logic you would use to retrieve the required data.

Example

“I would use a query like: SELECT product_id, SUM(sales) AS total_sales FROM sales_data GROUP BY product_id ORDER BY total_sales DESC LIMIT 10; This retrieves the top 10 products based on total sales.”

2. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN?

This question assesses your understanding of SQL joins and their applications.

How to Answer

Define both types of joins and provide examples of when to use each.

Example

“An INNER JOIN returns only the rows with matching values in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and matched rows from the right table, with NULLs for non-matching rows. For instance, if I want to list all customers and their orders, I would use a LEFT JOIN to ensure all customers are included, even those without orders.”

3. Describe a complex SQL query you have written. What was the challenge?

This question evaluates your ability to handle complex data queries.

How to Answer

Discuss the complexity of the query, the logic behind it, and how you overcame any challenges.

Example

“I wrote a complex query to analyze customer purchase patterns over time, which involved multiple joins and subqueries. The challenge was optimizing the query for performance, so I used indexing and analyzed the execution plan to identify bottlenecks, ultimately reducing the runtime by 30%.”

4. How do you approach data cleaning and preprocessing?

This question assesses your data preparation skills, which are crucial for accurate analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss your typical steps in data cleaning, including handling missing values, outliers, and data normalization.

Example

“I start by assessing the dataset for missing values and outliers. I use imputation techniques for missing data and apply z-score analysis to identify outliers. Additionally, I normalize the data to ensure consistency across features, which is essential for accurate modeling.”

Behavioral and Cultural Fit

1. Why do you want to work at SeatGeek?

This question gauges your interest in the company and its mission.

How to Answer

Discuss your alignment with the company’s values and how you can contribute to its goals.

Example

“I admire SeatGeek’s commitment to making live events accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I believe my data-driven approach can help enhance user experiences and optimize ticket sales, aligning perfectly with the company’s mission.”

2. Describe a time you faced a significant challenge in a project. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on the challenge, your actions, and the outcome.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a data integrity issue that threatened our timeline. I organized a team meeting to identify the root cause and delegated tasks for data validation. By collaborating closely, we resolved the issue within a week, allowing us to meet our deadline without compromising quality.”

3. How do you prioritize your tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, often using the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize them. I also set weekly goals and use project management tools like Trello to track progress, ensuring I stay focused on high-impact tasks while managing deadlines effectively.”

4. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your approach to communication and conflict resolution.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss our project goals and listened to their concerns. By fostering open communication, we found common ground and improved our collaboration, ultimately leading to a successful project outcome.”