Machine Learning Scientist Interview Experience - Tokyo
Process
As a PhD candidate nearing graduation, I initially applied through Rakuten's new graduate program and was immediately rejected.
I then attempted the mid-career recruitment route, also resulting in an instant rejection.
Even after being recommended by a recruiter and later referred by a friend, I received the same outcome—automatic rejection at the initial stage.
On one occasion, Rakuten acknowledged that the rejection was due to a system issue, but the result remained unchanged.
Across several applications, only once did I reach the online coding test stage.
It remains unclear whether the company is actively considering PhD candidates.
In contrast, other companies in the same industry have consistently provided at least a coding test opportunity.
Questions
There are only online code tests.
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Interview Statistics
The following metrics were computed from 1 interview experience for the Rakuten Machine Learning Scientist role in Tokyo.
Success Rate
Rakuten's interview process for their Machine Learning Scientist roles in Tokyo is extremely selective, failing the vast majority of engineers.
Experience Rating
Candidates reported having very negative feelings for Rakuten's Machine Learning Scientist interview process in Tokyo.
Rakuten Work Experiences
- 3.0Good Learning, Low PayEngineer • Current EmployeeTokyo, JapanDecember 26, 2024Pros: Nice office. Good for learning and growing.Cons: Not the highest grade paying. Difficult to ask for a salary hike.
- 4.0Good place to work, also for foreigners!Senior DevOps Engineer • Former EmployeeBamberg, Bavaria, GermanyDecember 5, 2019Pros: Remote work is possible, offering an international atmosphere with many development opportunities. You'll have the ability to pick technologies of your choice to work with, and then propose proof of concept for approval (a bottom-top driven flow). You'll find friendly, skilled, and very cooperative colleagues from whom you can learn a lot. There are frequent travel opportunities, even to distant places, and many trainings, conferences, and events.Cons: The above pros highly depend on the team you join. It could be a totally opposite experience as well. Besides that, you can find time-consuming processes, sometimes a lack of cooperation between teams or blockers, and a lack of understanding at the senior management level. Too frequent employee goals/performance evaluation processes (every 3 months). Work-life balance could be better.
- 3.0Variable Workload, Long HoursSenior DevOps Engineer • Current EmployeeBengaluru, Karnataka, IndiaMay 28, 2025Pros: Workload depends on the team.Cons: Sometimes long working hours and heavy load.
Rakuten Interview Questions
