Scribd
Upload
207 views

Database Administrator Dba Interview Questions

The document provides sample interview questions for a Database Administrator (DBA) position. It includes 10 questions that assess candidates' knowledge of data migration, database testing practices, security measures, storage planning, SQL, database types, relationships, and server monitoring. Additional questions could evaluate experience with specific projects, solutions to improve data storage, and how candidates stay up-to-date on new applications. The questions are divided into operational, role-specific, and behavioral categories to evaluate technical skills and troubleshooting abilities.

Uploaded by

Adil Anwer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
207 views

Database Administrator Dba Interview Questions

The document provides sample interview questions for a Database Administrator (DBA) position. It includes 10 questions that assess candidates' knowledge of data migration, database testing practices, security measures, storage planning, SQL, database types, relationships, and server monitoring. Additional questions could evaluate experience with specific projects, solutions to improve data storage, and how candidates stay up-to-date on new applications. The questions are divided into operational, role-specific, and behavioral categories to evaluate technical skills and troubleshooting abilities.

Uploaded by

Adil Anwer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Database Administrator (DBA) interview questions and

answers
Use these sample Database Administrator (DBA) interview questions during your hiring process
to assess candidates’ database administration skills and select the best fit for your company.

10 good database administrator (DBA) interview questions


1. How would you transfer data from MySQL to Microsoft SQL Server?
2. Would you run a test on a live database? Why or why not?
3. What measurements would you take to protect our databases from external threats?
4. We are building a new database for our employee records. How do you define system
storage requirements?
5. How regularly would you perform tests to ensure data privacy?
6. Are you familiar with SQL? Name the most useful SQL queries and their roles.
7. What is the difference between navigational and relational databases?
8. Can you provide an example of where you can or should use a foreign key?
9. What is the difference between T-SQL and PL/SQL?
10. How can you identify if a database server is running properly?

Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates
for this role.

1. How would you transfer data from MySQL to Microsoft SQL Server?

This question assesses the candidate's experience and knowledge in data migration between
different database systems.

Sample answer:

"I would use a combination of tools like SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) and scripts to
transfer data. First, I'd analyze the schema in both databases to identify any compatibility issues.
Then, I'd proceed with the data transfer, ensuring data integrity is maintained."

2. Would you run a test on a live database? Why or why not?

This question gauges the candidate's understanding of best practices in database management.

Sample answer:

Try Workable for free, for 15 days: www.workable.com, no downloads or credit card required
"No, running tests on a live database is risky and not recommended. I would use a staging
environment that mimics the live database for all testing purposes."

3. What measurements would you take to protect our databases from external
threats?

This question evaluates the candidate's expertise in database security.

Sample answer:

"I would implement multiple layers of security such as firewalls, encryption, and regular audits. I'd
also restrict user permissions to limit data exposure."

4. We are building a new database for our employee records. How do you
define system storage requirements?

This question tests the candidate's ability to plan and implement new databases.

Sample answer:

"I would start by estimating the volume of data, considering growth over time. Then, I'd look into the
types of queries and transactions to determine the required performance. Based on these factors,
I'd define the storage requirements."

5. How regularly would you perform tests to ensure data privacy?

This question assesses the candidate's commitment to maintaining data privacy.

Sample answer:

"I would perform regular audits and tests, at least quarterly, to ensure that all security measures
are effective and up-to-date."

6. Are you familiar with SQL? Name the most useful SQL queries and their
roles.

This question assesses the candidate's familiarity with SQL, a fundamental skill for any DBA.

Sample answer:

"Yes, I am familiar with SQL. The most useful queries include SELECT for data retrieval, INSERT

Try Workable for free, for 15 days: www.workable.com, no downloads or credit card required
for adding new records, UPDATE for modifying existing data, and DELETE for removing records.
These are the CRUD operations essential for database management."

7. What is the difference between navigational and relational databases?

This question tests the candidate's understanding of different types of database models.

Sample answer:

"Navigational databases use pointers to navigate through data, while relational databases use
tables to define relationships between data. Relational databases are more flexible and easier to
query."

8. Can you provide an example of where you can or should use a foreign key?

This question evaluates the candidate's understanding of database relationships and integrity.

Sample answer:

"A foreign key is used to establish a relationship between two tables. For example, in a database
containing 'Employees' and 'Departments' tables, the 'DepartmentID' in the 'Employees' table could
be a foreign key referencing 'Departments.'"

9. What is the difference between T-SQL and PL/SQL?

This question gauges the candidate's familiarity with database-specific SQL extensions.

Sample answer:

"T-SQL is an extension of SQL for Microsoft SQL Server, while PL/SQL is for Oracle databases.
Both offer procedural programming features, but they have different syntax and capabilities."

10. How can you identify if a database server is running properly?

This question assesses the candidate's ability to monitor and maintain database health.

Sample answer:

"I would look at several factors like CPU usage, memory usage, and query performance. Regular
logs and alerts also provide valuable information. If all these are within optimal levels, the server is
likely running properly."

Try Workable for free, for 15 days: www.workable.com, no downloads or credit card required
What does a good Database Administrator (DBA) candidate look
like?
A good DBA candidate should have a strong technical background, including expertise in SQL and
various database systems. They should also have a deep understanding of database security and
be able to communicate effectively with non-technical team members.

Database Administrator (DBA) Interview Questions


Database Administrators (DBA) ensure the company’s databases are secure and run smoothly,
and that information flows seamlessly between all employees, including front-end and back-end
users.

During your hiring process, look for candidates with experience in database administration who are
familiar with data privacy and recovery procedures. An academic background in Computer Science
and knowledge of statistical analysis packages are pluses.

These interview questions will help you identify potential hires who combine a passion for IT with
solid troubleshooting skills. Keep an eye out for candidates who understand your company’s
needs. They will be able to contribute to the design and implementation of new database systems.

Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.

Operational and Situational questions

How would you transfer data from MySQL to Microsoft SQL Server?
Would you run a test on a live database? Why or why not?
What measurements would you take to protect our databases from external threats?
We are building a new database for our employee records. How do you define system
storage requirements?
How regularly would you perform tests to ensure data privacy?

Role-specific questions

Are you familiar with SQL? Name the most useful SQL queries and their roles.
What is the difference between navigational and relational databases?
Can you provide an example of where you can or should use a foreign key?
What is the difference between T-SQL and PL/SQL?
When do you use “CHAR” and when do you use “VARCHAR”?
How can you identify if a database server is running properly?

Try Workable for free, for 15 days: www.workable.com, no downloads or credit card required
Behavioral questions

What’s the most challenging project you worked on? Describe your role in the project.
Have you ever implemented a solution that improved data storage? If so, what was your
role, and what was the solution?
How do you learn about new applications?

Try Workable for free, for 15 days: www.workable.com, no downloads or credit card required
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

You might also like