Red Flags to Look Out for When Joining a Data Team

Eugene Yan · 4 years ago · 55

This article provides guidance for data science job candidates on identifying problematic workplace situations before accepting offers, covering seven areas: insufficient or poorly organized data infrastructure, lack of clear business value delivery plans, misaligned role expectations between job titles and actual work, incompetent management, outdated proprietary tools, unusual organizational reporting structures, and iteration speed mismatches. The article emphasizes that candidates should ask specific questions about each area rather than relying on job titles, and notes that finding a role without any red flags is unrealistic so candidates should prioritize what matters most to them. The advice applies broadly to most technical roles beyond data science, and recommends conducting reverse interviews with multiple team members to thoroughly evaluate cultural and structural fit before committing.