Database Developer Interview Questions

Database Developer Interview Questions

When you interview for a job as a database developer, expect the interviewer to assess how you compile a database system that meets the company's needs while also troubleshooting potential issues. Employers seek candidates who have strong problem-solving and organizational skills as well as possess a strong understanding of database systems.

Top Database Developer Interview Questions & How To Answer

Question 1

Question #1: How would you handle data loss during a migration?

How to answer
How to answer: While this is an issue all database developers seek to avoid, it's not always guaranteed that data remains secure when migration occurs. Answering this question lets the interviewer know how you handle challenges and save a company from certain data disasters. You could also mention steps the company could take to prevent data loss before the migration.
Question 2

Question #2: When do you decide certain databases need upgrading?

How to answer
How to answer: With this open-ended question, interviewers will examine your expertise in the industry. You should know specifics about certain programs and how often they need upgrading. Discuss how you work collaboratively and communicate efficiently with management as to when upgrades need to occur.
Question 3

Question #3: How did you overcome challenges on a recent project?

How to answer
How to answer: Even if you have the best plans for a database project, you might come across issues. Give examples highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to handle a workload. The interviewer will learn how you operate under pressure and troubleshoot any issues.

5,613 database developer interview questions shared by candidates

Most all of the questions asked were not really relevent to day-to-day DBA/DBE operations. For example, one question asked was how the database model changed when a recovery was performed -- the model shouldn't change, it should be as the model was when the backup was done -- but he wouldn't accept that answer. Another asked how I would troubleshoot a performance problem. As I mentioned methodolgies and tools I would use, SQL Nexus, Profiler, DMVs, etc., the interviewer took all of them away until there was nothing practical left to use, then insisted that I tell him more. I think he may have been taken back a bit when I indicated that if he wasn't going to allow me to use any of the tools I know, that I would leave the client stuck with their own performance problem -- frankly, if the DBA/DBE and client can't work together, using tools that make sense and solve problems, why bother? I really do hope their work environment isn't that way...
avatar

Database Engineer

Interviewed at Savvis

3
Jan 24, 2013

Most all of the questions asked were not really relevent to day-to-day DBA/DBE operations. For example, one question asked was how the database model changed when a recovery was performed -- the model shouldn't change, it should be as the model was when the backup was done -- but he wouldn't accept that answer. Another asked how I would troubleshoot a performance problem. As I mentioned methodolgies and tools I would use, SQL Nexus, Profiler, DMVs, etc., the interviewer took all of them away until there was nothing practical left to use, then insisted that I tell him more. I think he may have been taken back a bit when I indicated that if he wasn't going to allow me to use any of the tools I know, that I would leave the client stuck with their own performance problem -- frankly, if the DBA/DBE and client can't work together, using tools that make sense and solve problems, why bother? I really do hope their work environment isn't that way...

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