Top Interview Questions for Database Administrator (DBA)
A Database Administrator is someone who sets up databases according to a company’s needs and makes sure they operate efficiently. They also upgrade and test modifications to the databases as required.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for DBA is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030.
Are you in a hurry to get started? Download the Database Administrator Interview Questions and Responses Toolkit.
Hard Skills
Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Soft Skills
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personality traits and cognitive skills
What to look for while interviewing for a Database Administrator?
Since the required skills for a Database Administrator require experience with SDLC. Therefore, look for a candidate who has knowledge of all these.
Here are some of the in-demand skills for a Database Administrator
Role-specific skills to look for: Knowledge of database queries, database theory, database design, DBMS, distributed computing architectures, operating system, storage technologies and networking, routine maintenance, recovery, and handling failover of a database
Soft skills to look for analytical, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
Pro Tip: Always screen before you interview. Use Online Assessment to screen applicants for a Database Administrator position before blocking your time for an in-person interview.
Questions to ask while interviewing a Database Administrator
We have compiled a set of questions with the help of 70+ hiring managers at different organizations.
Top Role-based interview questions for Database Administrator
What is the difference between a system database and a user database?
Purpose of this interview question:
Like the previous question, this question too is designed to test the candidate’s technical knowledge.
What to listen for:
- Listen for the specific terms which show the difference between a system database and a user database.
What types of data replication are supported in SQL servers?
Purpose of this interview question:
This is a technical question and can be asked to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic databases concepts and features.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would list out the three replications, how they work and what they are used for.
How do you handle data loss?
Purpose of this interview question:
Knowledge of how to troubleshoot and recover data is an important function of a Database administrator. Therefore this question can be asked to understand the test.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would explain their troubleshooting and recovery process and how they work under pressure.
How to screen Database Administrator for soft skills?
What are the interpersonal skills you have gained from your previous job as a Database Administrator?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is designed to learn about what types of interpersonal traits a candidate has that could enhance their job capabilities at their company.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would show evidence of self-awareness, by discussing their previous experiences.
What is one of your proudest moments as a DBA so far?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is designed to understand and gain insight into how a candidate thinks and feels within the context of their field.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would describe what was achieved in the project and how does it stack up with what your company does.
Is there any new technology that you have learned recently? And where did you imply them?
Purpose of this interview question:
Being updated with the latest trends in the market is a sign of a top candidate.
What to listen for:
- Look for evidence of the understanding of the new trends in the candidate.
Start Optimizing your Database Administrator Hiring today
Find and hire talent with confidence. If your candidate doesn’t know the answer to the above questions and you’re hiring for a Database Administrator position, then they’re probably not a great fit.
Read our additional hiring guides
