Software Developer - Python AND AI - New York - Onsite

1. Python Development (Must Have)

Question:
Tell me about a Python-based analytics or automation project you've built. What libraries did you use, and what was your specific contribution?

Looking For:

• 1 3+ years of hands-on Python experience
• Pandas, NumPy, Requests, SQLAlchemy, OpenPyXL, etc.
• Automation, reporting, or ETL development
• Clean, maintainable production code

Red Flag: Candidate only used Python during training or for simple scripts.

2. SQL & Data Transformation (Must Have)

Question:
Can you describe the most complex SQL query you've written? Have you worked with joins, CTEs, window functions, or query optimization?

Looking For:

• Advanced SQL knowledge
• Data transformation
• Performance tuning
• Ability to explain business use cases

Red Flag: Only basic SELECT statements.

3. GraphQL Experience (Critical)

Question:
Have you worked with GraphQL APIs? What was the project, and how did you query or integrate data using GraphQL?

Looking For:

• Practical GraphQL experience
• API integration
• Query construction
• Understanding of GraphQL schema

Red Flag: No GraphQL experience or confusion between GraphQL and REST APIs.

4. Reporting, Dashboards & ETL

Question:
Describe a reporting dashboard or automated reporting solution you developed. How did data flow from the source to the final dashboard?

Looking For:

• ETL pipeline knowledge
• Dashboard development
• Data validation
• Automation experience
• Executive reporting

Red Flag: Candidate only consumed dashboards rather than building them.

5. Git & Collaboration

Question:
How do you use Git and GitHub in your daily development process? Have you worked with branches, pull requests, merge conflicts, or code reviews?

Looking For:

• Git workflow
• Pull Requests
• Branching strategy
• Code reviews
• Team collaboration

Red Flag: Only knows Git commands superficially.

6. Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

Question:
Tell me about a production issue or data quality problem you resolved. How did you identify the root cause and fix it?

Looking For:

• Logical troubleshooting
• Root cause analysis
• Debugging methodology
• Production support experience

Red Flag: Cannot explain a real troubleshooting example.

7. Generative AI & Process Improvement

Question:
Have you used Generative AI (ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Claude, Gemini, etc.) in your development or analytics work? Can you share a practical example?

Looking For:

• Practical AI usage
• Automation mindset
• Productivity improvements
• Interest in modern technologies

Red Flag: No interest in AI or no understanding of how it can improve workflows.

Bonus Questions (Good to Ask)

• Have you worked with HR, Human Capital, Compensation, or Workforce Analytics data?
• Which Python libraries do you use most frequently for analytics?
• How do you ensure data accuracy and quality in reporting pipelines?
• Have you built reusable Python packages or internal tools?
• Have you worked in Agile teams and participated in sprint planning?
• How do you handle confidential or sensitive employee data?

These questions should help you identify 80 90% of the technical fit within the first 20 30 minutes of a screening interview while also assessing communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.