Preparing for a data warehouse position isn’t always easy. You never truly know what questions they’re going to ask or how you should answer. That’s why researching the top data warehouse interview questions, and how to answer them, is so important.
We compiled a list of the top questions so that you can get prepared ahead of your interview. In some cases, it helps to sit down with a friend and have a mock interview.
But if you don’t have the opportunity to do that, write down the answer to each question to help you memorize your response.
What is the query manager responsible for?
If you’re going into data warehousing, you should know what each position is responsible for and how you’ll work alongside them. Consider who you’re most likely to be working with, and come prepared with an understanding of each role.
You should also be aware of how you fit into the puzzle. The more you know about a data team structure, the better off you are in an interview situation.
Why are you interested in data warehousing?
In almost any interview, you’ll be asked why you’re interested in the field. This is the interviewer’s chance to get to know you and understand why this position speaks to you.
If you have an interesting story about what sparked your interest in data warehousing or an inspiring story about how it’s affected your life, tell it. When you make a personal connection to what you do for a living, you’re more likely to make a personal connection with the interviewer.
How many years of experience do you have with SQL coding?
The important thing when it comes to experience questions is to be honest. Everyone comes from a different background, and no matter where you are in your career, there’s a company looking for you.
Your previous experience is a huge selling point. What did that look like? How have you learned from your various experiences? And if you have none, how have your previous experiences prepared you for a job working with SQL coding?
There are many ways to position yourself as a great candidate, even when you don’t have the most experience.
How do data warehouses and operational databases differ?
Showcasing knowledge is the cornerstone of any interview. Even those with little experience should be able to showcase that they’ve taken the time to learn about the field from the inside out.
Like when you were in school, it can help to make flashcards around the most frequently asked informational questions. Don’t get caught off guard without an answer.
And if you don’t know the answer, or simply forgot, answer what you can. Clearly, you know what a data warehouse is, so make that clear to your interviewer. That’s the whole point of data warehouse interview questions.
The bottom line is that in any interview you must show up prepared. When you are confident and clear in your answers, it’s hard for an interviewer to say you didn’t know what you were doing. Practice and write down answers ahead of time. The prep will leave you feeling ready for anything!