Database Admin Interview Questions
A database administrator (DBA) is in charge of maintaining the data inside a company's database. The database can store any type of data, whether it's client contact information or the company's sales transactions. As you apply for a new position as a database administrator, you'll be asked some tough questions about the career. Practice sample questions and answers before your interview to increase your chances of gaining the position as a database administrator.
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Are You Available On Weeknights Or Weekends?
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As a database administrator, employers will come to you whenever there's a problem with the database. Hiring managers ask this question to determine if you'll be available in emergencies. If you want to be contacted on off-hours only if it's necessary, convey this in your answer. Example: "Yes, if there is an emergency with the database software, I'd be happy to come down on off-hours to fix the problem."
Do You Work Primarily With Development Systems Or Production Systems?
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Development systems are databases that are in production while production systems are previously created databases already in use. As a database administrator, you should be able to handle both of these while on the job. Answer truthfully that you work with both systems equally and you'll surely impress the hiring manager.
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What Are The Two Different Types of Database Synonyms?
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Synonyms, alternative names for an object in a database, are just one of many technical subjects you'll be quizzed on in your interview. While the answer to this question is "private and public," prepare for other technical questions. The hiring manager will ask many questions about creating and maintaining databases. Wait a few seconds after each question to properly formulate your answer. It's okay if you get some questions wrong. Just answer to the best of your ability. If you have experience already as a database administrator, you should know most of them anyway.
Why Did You Choose This Career?
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Most database administrators enter the career because of the pay; administrators earn $81,000 annually on average as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although this would be an honest answer to the question, it may not sound good to the hiring manager. Instead, briefly list the aspects that you like about the job. Example: "I started working as a database administrator in 2001 because of my love for structure, organization and software programming."
What Are Your Strengths?
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Although this question may sound vague, the hiring manager isn't looking for a personal answer. Instead, list your strengths as they relate to database administration. Stick to only one or two strengths and give an example of how you used these strengths in a previous database position. Example: "I am good at maintaining volatile databases and fixing mistakes. In my previous position, I prevented a three terabyte client database from crashing over the holiday shopping season."
What Are Your Weaknesses?
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List one weakness that you have regarding your career. Keep your weakness something that could be considered acceptable and mention what you're doing to reduce its effect. Example: "Although I've had a hard time remembering all of the many SQL database commands in the past, I now keep an SQL code book next to my desk to keep me updated on the terms."
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References
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