When your job requires you to be immersed in data, you can discover some interesting patterns or trends. What is the most interesting learning you discovered through the mining/exploration of data?
The Microsoft interviewer may ask this type of question to learn more about you rather than explore your technical skills. People hire people, and one of the primary purposes of an interview, besides confirming your qualifications for the job, is to determine if you would be a good fit for the organization. This question will provide some insight into both your personality and your ability to communicate your ideas.
"Being immersed in the data is one of my favorite parts of being a Data Scientist. I often discover things I didn't expect or wasn't even looking for. Once, while parsing data to determine how consumers shop for a new car, I discovered that the most important criteria most people used was color. Respondents to the survey we use listed this more often than make, model, features, or even price. This enabled the organization to redesign its marketing campaign to emphasize the variety of color options available for its vehicles. I anticipate discovering similar trends about Microsoft's business if selected for this position."
