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Database Administrator (DBA) interview questionsDatabase Design Test round

A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Database Design, Normalization, ER Diagrams, Data Modeling, Schema Creation.

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Introduction

5 min
•

Hi, I’m [YOUR_NAME], and I’m a [YOUR_TITLE] at [COMPANY_NAME]. I’m excited to learn more about your experience today.

•

Could you briefly introduce yourself and share what attracted you to apply for this position?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess communication skills, alignment with the role, and initial confidence.

Signals to score

  • Clear introduction provided
  • Relevant experience mentioned
  • Motivations for applying explained
  • Alignment with team values
  • Specific skills highlighted
  • Response is concise and organized
  • Understanding of role requirements

Follow-up questions

  • What excites you most about this position?
  • How does your background align with our team’s work?
•

Great, thank you for sharing! In the next 50 minutes, we’ll focus on a database design challenge. After that, you can ask any questions you have about the role or the company.

Database Design Challenge

50 min
•

Design a database schema for a library management system. The system should handle books, authors, members, and loans. Consider relationships, normalization, and constraints.

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess the candidate's ability to design a normalized database schema, create ER diagrams, and apply data modeling principles.

Signals to score

  • Clear understanding of entities and relationships
  • Proper use of normalization
  • Logical and structured approach
  • Considers constraints and keys
  • Efficient schema design
  • Explains thought process
  • Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly

Follow-up questions

  • What entities do you think are necessary for this system?
  • How would you define the relationships between these entities?
  • Can you explain your thought process on normalization?
  • How would you ensure data integrity in this schema?
•

If you had more time, what would you change in your design?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Signals to score

  • Recognizes limits in their original design
  • Points out clear areas to improve
  • Suggests specific changes
  • Talks about how changes could help performance
  • Shares ideas clearly and logically
  • Shows a desire to learn and improve

Follow-up questions

  • How could you improve the scalability of your design?
  • Are there any additional constraints you would consider adding?
  • What potential issues could arise with your current design?
•

Great job on the database design challenge!

Closing

5 min
•

Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.

Signals to score

  • Thoughtful questions asked
  • Interest in company culture
  • Curiosity about growth expressed
  • Questions about role raised
  • Inquiries about team challenges
  • Engagement with responses shown
  • Desire to learn next steps
  • Focus on company values expressed

Follow-up questions

  • What interests you most about this team?
  • Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?
•

Thank you for your time today. We’ll be in touch soon regarding the next steps.

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Interview Template
Position
Database Administrator (DBA)
Round
Database Design Test for 60 min
Key skills
Database Design, Normalization, ER Diagrams, Data Modeling, Schema Creation

Database Administrator (DBA) interviews — common questions

Who is this Database Administrator (DBA) interview plan for?
It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Database Design Test round for a Database Administrator (DBA) role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 4 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
What does the Database Design Test round assess?
This round is focused on: Database Design, Normalization, ER Diagrams, Data Modeling, Schema Creation. It works through Introduction, Database Design Challenge and Closing, scoring against 28 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on all 4 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
How is the 60 min split up?
Introduction (5 min), Database Design Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
What other rounds should I run for a Database Administrator (DBA)?

A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Database Administrator (DBA):