written by Sujain Thomas
Learning Database Administration is one thing and practising DBA in a work set up is yet another completely different aspect. Handling a DBA post is quite a tricky venture, especially for junior workers with no prior experience. Most DBA posts require a couple of SQL server years of experience. What happens to applicants who are fresh from school but have the necessary capabilities to handle such tasks? You will need something more; incredible tips. To clinch the job, it is necessary to have in place some mind-blowing tips.
- Have Primal Responsibilities at Finger Tips
It might sound quite strange but not all the DBA posts applicants are well equipped with the knowledge of primary responsibilities of a junior Database Administrator. It is quite unlikely to go through an interview successfully without knowing what is expected of you as a junior DBA.
The job is all about handling data so you should have common data concepts at hand. For instance, as an interviewee, you should be well informed about the various data loss types. You will not deal with an entire database if you do not have at hand the various ways in which you can lose data in the course of your profession and how best to avoid that. How you handle data loss questions will greatly determine whether you are considered for the post or left to try elsewhere.
Apparently, you should also have in mind the essentials necessary in safeguarding data. Your responsibility is to not only handle the database but also ensure security of the data involved. As such, it becomes mandatory to have at your fingertips the various techniques necessary in ensuring the security of database systems.
- Take Data Backup Techniques with you
Before presenting yourself any DBA interview panel, ensure that you have at your fingertips the various tips necessary in ensuring sustainable data backup. The loss of a company’s critical data can be catastrophic. Before trusting you with their data, the employers must be sure that you can safeguard their essential information against permanent losses. This makes it necessary to grasp in-depth knowledge about SQL server backups.
In addition, you should have in mind the essence of such data backup techniques. Why is having such programs in place necessary besides the obvious fact of safeguarding data? Brainstorm this critical question before walking into any DBA interview room of gives you a better chance of securing the job at stake.
- Grant Easy Access to Previous Projects
You might not have the five years SQL server experience that most companies want. However, you need to have something that shows you are well conversant with practical skills in the market. The ideal way of showing this is providing access to your previous projects.
Do not wait to be surprised by the question of previous projects. You not only need to provide a list of successful projects but also concise details regarding the job. Most importantly, you must be able to demonstrate expertise in the previously handled projects. Nothing can be so embarrassing that being unable to handle a simple question on one of your previous projects.
- Be Ready to Provide Workable Solutions to Arising Challenges
If there is one thing you can be certain about, it is the possibility of being asked to solve a real life database challenge. In most cases, you will be presented with a SQL server problem and asked to find the most viable solution to it. How you handle such questions will determine whether you get the post or continue with the applications. You should be in a good position to provide deeper insights on the way forward from a professional’s point of view.
Your ability to do things differently and think on your feet will get you the job. While providing solutions to these real life problems, ensure you remain composed and highly motivated. Be sure to be in a good position of providing examples and reliable solutions in approaching common database problems.
- It goes down to a personal Development Plan
Every employer dreams of having a focused and goal oriented employee. In DBA Interviews, one of the essential aspects you should expect to meet is a personal development question.
Besides achieving critical success for the company, what are your plans? How do you envision yourself in the next couple of years? Are you planning to further your SQL server knowledge or are you content with your status? If the employer were to take you for further training, which database courses would be your top priorities?
These essential questions should seamlessly flow through your mind even as you walk into the interview room. It is only after convincing the interview about your personal visions that they can trust you with the challenging task of handling their company database.
- Do you Know your Limits?
No single individual can claim to know everything about SQL data servers. However knowledgeable you are, there are those database concepts that you might not be familiar with. As an interviewee and potential employee, you should take this to be strength rather than a weakness. Having in mind what you don’t know and admitting it shows that you are willing to learn.
It might not be possible getting all the SQL server questions right during the interviews. Simply admit your shortcomings and show enthusiasm and readiness to learn. It is not advisable fumbling over questions you do not know something about; it puts your credibility at stake. The secret is in knowing your limits and showing willingness to learn.
Conclusion
Getting that dream DBA post does not have to be a daunting task especially when you are applying for junior DBA posts. It does not have to be so challenging. All you need are basic interview tips and discerned knowledge of handling common interview questions. This way, you can be certain to secure your dream job of Database Administrator using the least of efforts.
Bio
Sujain Thomas is one of the leading database service professionals in town. She is also an author and offers a reliable platform for enthusiasts to learn more about database services. For deeper insight on databases and related topics, visit our website.
