Live technical interview by an AI

Summary

In this interview, Aaron discusses his background in computer science and data science, showcasing his skills in Python and statistical analysis. He answers technical questions about Python tuples and lists, explaining the differences and providing a real-world example of using tuples as dictionary keys. Aaron also shares his approach to testing a hypothesis about stock price fluctuations when a CEO resigns, using statistical methods like T-tests. Lastly, he inquires about salary expectations, revealing his competitive offers. The conversation highlights Aaron's strong technical knowledge and analytical thinking.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aaron has a background in computer science from Brown University and is passionate about software engineering and data science.
• 😀 Aaron is a dual citizen of the United States and the UK, making him eligible to work in London.
• 😀 Python is a key technology for the role, and Aaron demonstrates an understanding of the difference between tuples and lists in Python.
• 😀 Aaron explains that tuples are immutable, while lists in Python are mutable.
• 😀 Aaron provides an example where tuples are preferred, such as using them as keys in a dictionary due to their immutability.
• 😀 The interview shifts to a hypothesis testing question where Aaron suggests using a statistical approach to test if a CEO's resignation affects stock price.
• 😀 Aaron proposes gathering data on stock price changes within 24 hours of a CEO resignation to analyze the impact.
• 😀 Aaron outlines the null hypothesis as no change in stock price and the alternative hypothesis that the stock price will decrease.
• 😀 Aaron emphasizes ensuring the validity of the results by checking the P-value and ensuring clean data, along with cross-referencing and running regression analysis.
• 😀 The interviewer shares the salary range for the role, which is between $125,000 and $175,000, not including additional compensation such as bonuses or benefits.
• 😀 Aaron asks about salary expectations due to having competing offers, showing a proactive approach to understanding compensation before making decisions.

Q & A

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your background?

Aaron studied computer science at Brown University and is passionate about software engineering and data science.

Are you able to work in London for this role?

Yes, Aaron is a dual citizen of the United States and the UK, so he can work in London without any issues.

What is the main difference between a tuple and a list in Python?

A tuple is immutable, meaning its values cannot be changed after creation, whereas a list is mutable and can be modified.

Can you explain what 'immutable' and 'mutable' mean in this context?

In this context, 'immutable' refers to objects that cannot be altered after they are created, like tuples, whereas 'mutable' objects like lists can be changed.

Can you give an example of when you would use a tuple over a list?

A tuple would be used as a key in a dictionary, as it is immutable and can be hashed, while lists cannot be used as dictionary keys.

How would you test the hypothesis that a CEO’s resignation causes a company’s stock price to fall?

Aaron would collect data on stock price changes whenever a CEO resigns, then perform a statistical test, like a T-test, to analyze the data.

What specific data points would you collect to test this hypothesis?

Aaron would collect the stock price changes 24 hours after a CEO's resignation and analyze the percentage change in stock price.

What would be your null hypothesis in this scenario?

The null hypothesis would state that there is no change in stock price (i.e., the change is zero), while the alternative hypothesis would suggest a decrease in price.

How would you ensure the validity of your results in this statistical test?

To ensure validity, Aaron would check if the p-value is less than 0.05 to determine statistical significance, ensure the data is clean, and cross-reference it with other sources.

What is the salary range for this position?

The base salary range for the role is between $125,000 and $175,000, not including bonuses or benefits.