I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Instacart (San Francisco, CA) in Sep 2018
Interview
Instacart automates as much as possible. This is respectable from an efficiency perspective but often leads to candidates not feeling valued. SQL hackerRank followed by recruiter screen and then take home data challenge. Without giving away the challenge I can say that I assume they were looking for more of a linear programming algorithm then the simple arithmetic I used to solve the problem. Did not ask for feedback but assumed it would be denied based on the automated rejection email. I understand companies cannot provide each candidate specific feedback but once a candidate gets to a specific point valuable feedback should be considered. The only way to really learn from ones errors is advice on how to think more effectively about problems.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
SQL query and then an employee optimization dataset.
I applied through other source. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Instacart in Oct 2025
Interview
First there was Tech screening followed by a Take home Assessment where we had to review an experiment and make a recommendation. The Virtual on-site (4 rounds) included one round to review the assessment from before, and other standard rounds (stats, bar raiser, hiring manager).
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Talk me through a project you've done in the past.
Some ab test and casual ml
Lots of cases, sometimes the interviewer does not seem prepared
SQL as well
Requires solid framing of problems especially in the relevant space
Practical ml and ab testing questions
Don’t have a track for metrics versus modeling for DS
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Instacart check out experience with 4 screens, purpose
I applied online. I interviewed at Instacart (California City, CA) in May 2025
Interview
Straightforward even though the process is pretty lengthy. It requires a lot time including a take home that is expected to take 5 hours but you know it usually requires 2 times as much.
