Understanding the Question

When an interviewer asks, "How do you approach solving a new problem that you have not encountered before?", they are interested in probing your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and creative thinking as they pertain to unfamiliar challenges. This question is particularly relevant in the field of Applied Data Science, where professionals frequently face new and complex data-related problems. Understanding the intricacies of this question is key to crafting a response that showcases your skills effectively.

Interviewer's Goals

The interviewer is looking for several key points in your answer:

• Problem-solving skills: How you break down complex, unfamiliar problems into manageable components.
• Learning agility: Your ability to learn new technologies or methodologies quickly.
• Innovative thinking: How you leverage creativity to approach problems.
• Resilience: Your persistence in the face of challenging problems.
• Collaboration: How you utilize the knowledge and expertise of others to solve problems.

How to Approach Your Answer

Your response should demonstrate a structured and methodical approach to problem-solving, highlighting your analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Consider the following framework:

1. Define the Problem: Start by explaining how you would clearly define and understand the problem at hand.
2. Research: Mention how you would gather information on similar problems or solutions, including academic research, industry case studies, or discussions with experts.
3. Hypothesize: Describe how you would formulate hypotheses based on your knowledge and the information gathered.
4. Experiment and Analyze: Discuss how you would test your hypotheses through experiments, data analysis, or prototype development, and how you would analyze the results.
5. Iterate: Highlight the importance of iterating on your approach based on feedback and what you learn from your experiments.
6. Collaborate: Emphasize the value of seeking input from team members or other experts and how collaboration can lead to better solutions.
7. Learn and Document: Finally, explain how you would document the problem-solving process and the solution, and how you would learn from the experience to apply to future problems.

Example Responses Relevant to Applied Data Scientist

"I approach unfamiliar problems by first defining the problem in as much detail as possible, ensuring I understand its scope and the desired outcome. Next, I conduct a literature review and consult with colleagues to gather insights and potential approaches. Once I have a solid understanding, I formulate a hypothesis and design experiments to test it, using relevant data science tools and techniques. I analyze the results critically and iterate on the approach as needed. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with stakeholders and team members to leverage collective knowledge and adjust the strategy based on feedback. Finally, I document the entire process and solution, ensuring that the knowledge gained is accessible for future projects."

Tips for Success

• Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach to problem-solving.
• Show Versatility: Highlight your ability to use different tools, techniques, and resources, demonstrating your versatility and adaptability.
• Emphasize Learning: Make it clear that you view challenges as learning opportunities and that you continuously seek to expand your knowledge and skills.
• Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience, which are crucial in a data science context.
• Be Concise: While providing detail is important, ensure your answer is focused and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon.

Approaching your answer with these guidelines in mind will not only help you provide a comprehensive and compelling response but also demonstrate your value as an Applied Data Scientist capable of tackling new and challenging problems.