How to Answer: What are some of the databases you've used in your previous roles? How do you manage database query times?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Google job interview.
3. What are some of the databases you've used in your previous roles? How do you manage database query times?
How to Answer
Since site reliability engineers deal with a lot of data in their measurements and analysis, you need to be able to work effectively with database tools. Each organization has a preference for which databases and tools they use, so the SRE needs to be flexible and able to adapt to new environments. When answering this question, you should provide the interviewer with the names of the databases you've worked with. If they do not correspond to the databases used by Google, you should discuss your ability to apply your existing knowledge to rapidly learn the features of the new database.
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021
Answer Example
"During my career, I've worked with several different databases. These include Oracle Database, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and dbase. While each of these is unique in its features, commands, and structure, they are all fundamentally the same. I can quickly transition between database tools by applying the knowledge I already have and using guides and manuals to learn the new commands and database structures. There are several ways to improve database query times. These include avoiding wild card queries, choosing the appropriate data types, avoiding NULL in fixed-length fields, and other techniques to reduce the scope of queries."
Written by William Swansen on November 11th, 2021