Behavioral + Mini-Case: Persuading with Data and Responding to a KPI Drop

Context

You are a Data Scientist interviewing onsite for a role focused on product/business impact. The interviewer wants to assess your ability to influence stakeholders using data and your structured response to a sudden metric decline.

Assumptions for the mini-case:

• Critical KPI example: Checkout conversion rate (but you may choose another meaningful product KPI).
• “20% drop” is a relative decline over the past 24 hours versus a recent baseline (e.g., 7-day hourly average), unless you clarify otherwise.
• Time constraint: Outline what you would do in the first 60 minutes.

Part A — Behavioral (STAR)

Tell me about a past experience where you had to persuade stakeholders with data. Use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Highlight how you diagnosed the problem, aligned incentives, handled objections, and communicated clearly to drive a decision.

Part B — Mini-Case

Yesterday a critical KPI suddenly dropped 20%. What are your first steps within the next hour? Demonstrate a structured diagnosis and communication plan.