Greythorn's Recruiting Manager for the Open Source & Big Data Team spoke at the Unstructured Data Science Pop-up in Seattle on October 7, 2015. During her lightning talk, she explained how companies can determine the kind of talent they need--and encouraged data scientists and engineers to find the right fit for their next job.

1. Looking for a Data Scientist
vs. a Data Engineer

2. Who We Are
Our Niche
Vaco Seattle places open source, big data, and other tech
professionals with companies in the greater Seattle area. If
that sounds familiar but you don’t recognize the name,
we’re the recruiters formerly known as Greythorn.
Presence in the Community
Our reputation is built on our passion. We sponsor local
meetups, attend national conferences, and most
importantly, learn and understand what’s being said.
The Unicorn
Our Unicorn logo goes all the way back to our
first client. After consistently finding them
Apache Committers, they kept emailing asking
for more Unicorns. Thus, the legend was born…
Seattle

3. 3
Is it a Data Scientist?
Too Many Options?
Is a Data Scientist a quant in finance, a
researcher in science, or a statistician in
industry? All of the above! There is no one-
size-fits-all definition.
In “Analyzing the Analyzers,” published by
O’Reilly, the authors argue that there are at
least 4 different types of Data Scientists:
• Data Business people
• Data Creatives
• Data Developers
• Data Researchers
Focus on Your Problem
Don’t get lost in titles and hype. Instead
focus on the skills you truly need. That’s
where your search will begin.
Seattle

4. 4
Understanding Your Needs
 Avoid the hype at all costs—hire for your needs and your needs alone.
 Knowing the bigger picture will help you identify your needs and attract the right
talent
Seattle

5. 5
Data Scientist: Typical Skills
 Pulls insights from data to
answer questions and solve
problems
 Creates models and tells a story
 Strong in the scientific process
and handling unknowns
 Typically advanced degrees
 Typically scripting versus coding
Seattle

6. 6
Data Engineer: Typical Skills
 Focuses on systems that store/retrieve data
 Builds robust databases
 Typically software engineer by
trade/education
 Strong engineering/programming skills
 Databases/data warehouse knowledge
 Experience with big data technologies,
tools, etc.
Seattle

7. 7
Although Data Scientist and Data Engineering skills can overlap, it’s rare to find someone
truly strong in both areas. Not to mention, someone who wants to do both.
Navigating the In-Between
Data Scientist Data Engineer
Asking the right
questions
Machine learning
Statistics
Find/import/transform data
Presentation skills
Portfolio project
Programming
Building a product
Streaming
Source: Dataconomy
Seattle

8. 8
Know the Position Before Interviewing
Where to Start
If you already have a data expert on staff, they will be key to your hiring.
If you aren’t a data expert, have never hired a data expert, or don’t already have data
experts on staff, find outside assistance:
 Consult a trusted friend or advisor
 Hire an agency
Never Wing It
Do not use your interview process to
determine who or what you need.
Seattle

9. 9
If You Choose an Agency
Interview Them!
If you are interviewing candidates to join your team, why wouldn’t you also interview the
agencies finding the candidates you are interviewing?
 Have they placed people in similar roles?
 Will you have one point of contact or multiple?
 Check their references!
 Does their personality mesh with your company’s personality?
 What’s their reputation in the industry?
Don’t Get Stuck on Terms
When you find the right agency, don’t get caught up on the terms. As always, you will get the
quality of the work you pay for, so pay for the quality you want and you won’t regret.
Limit the Number of Firms You Work With
Working with 10 agencies may get you 10x the resumes, but it harms the power of your
brand. Only entrust your story and reputation to a select few agencies because becoming old
news will limit your access to the talent pool you need.
Seattle

10. 10
In Short…
If You
 Know what you want
 Work with trusted resources
 Ensure you are not offending the
community
 Uphold your reputation
You’ll have better access to the type of
talent you want to hire and who want to
work with you.
Seattle

11. 11
Finding the Elusive Flying Rainbow-Unicorn-Cat
Whether you’re an active or passive
candidate, or part of a company
seeking hiring help, connect with
Open Source & Big Data Manager
Lindsey Thorne:
lthorne@vaco.com
Seattle