Like many people I have taken the steps of acquiring a new job during the New Year merry go round. After a brief search I have been offered and accepted a position as a SQL DBA at a well known UK retailer.
There have been lots of posts on forums and mailing lists asking for hints and tips on interviews and sample questions, whilst I think it is unfair to list exact questions I would expect anyone going for a SQL job to have a thorough grounding in the following areas at the very minimum:
- The structure of a database.
- Backing up a database, recovery models and backup types.
- An understanding of the different indexes available.
- Detail the steps of a maintenance plan.
- Thorough understanding of T-SQL querying commands.
Other roles such as a BI Analyst or SQL Developer may be more specialised and so could include the following:
- SSIS/DTS
- SSAS
- SSRS
If you are looking for a new job at the moment either through choice or as a victim of the recession then it would be worth having professional help with your CV. Since handing in my notice I have seen first hand at how people look at resume’s whilst managers have been looking for my replacement and from the comments I have heard basic mistakes will put potential employers off. There are a number of companies offering free advice just a click away with your favourite search engine.