Mention specific RDBMS platforms you have worked with, such as MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, or PostgreSQL. Discuss your experience with database design, management, and optimization.

Define normalization and its purpose in organizing database tables to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. Discuss the various normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF) and their application.

Discuss strategies for securing a database, including user authentication, access controls, encryption, auditing, and implementing security patches. Mention specific tools or practices you've used.

Share your experience with creating, testing, and managing backups. Discuss different types of backups (full, incremental, differential) and recovery strategies, including point-in-time recovery.

Provide a specific example of a database problem, detailing the issue, your troubleshooting steps, the tools you used, and the outcome.

Discuss your approach to monitoring database performance, including the use of monitoring tools, performance tuning, indexing strategies, and query optimization.

Explain the key differences between SQL (relational) and NoSQL (non-relational) databases, including their data models, scalability, and use cases. Mention examples like MongoDB and Cassandra.

Describe techniques for ensuring database availability, including replication, clustering, and failover strategies. Mention tools or platforms you've used to implement these solutions.

Define indexing and discuss how indexes improve query performance. Explain the trade-offs, such as increased storage and potential slowdowns during write operations.

Discuss your experience with data migration, including planning, mapping, and executing migrations. Mention tools like ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes and data validation methods.

Share your experience with writing scripts for database administration tasks, such as automation of backups, maintenance, and monitoring. Mention scripting languages like SQL, Python, or PowerShell.

Define the ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) and explain their importance in maintaining data integrity and reliability in transaction processing.

Explain your approach to managing database security through roles and permissions, including the principle of least privilege and creating custom roles based on user needs.

Discuss your experience in designing databases, including creating Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams to model data relationships. Mention tools you've used, like Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart.

Describe techniques for maintaining data integrity, such as enforcing data validation rules, using constraints (primary keys, foreign keys), and implementing triggers.

Explain the role of documentation in database management, including schema documentation, change logs, and backup and recovery procedures. Discuss how it aids in maintenance and knowledge transfer.

Discuss your process for planning and implementing database upgrades and patches, including testing, scheduling, and minimizing downtime. Highlight the importance of staying current with security patches.

Define sharding and its use in distributing a database across multiple servers to improve performance and scalability. Discuss the challenges and benefits of implementing sharding.

Share your experience with cloud databases like Amazon RDS, Azure SQL Database, or Google Cloud Spanner. Discuss the advantages of cloud databases, such as scalability and managed services.

Discuss your experience with data warehousing solutions and BI tools. Mention your role in ETL processes, data modeling, and reporting to support business decision-making.

Explain your strategy for creating and implementing a disaster recovery plan, including backup strategies, recovery time objectives (RTO), and recovery point objectives (RPO).

Discuss the reasons for implementing data archiving and retention policies, including regulatory compliance, data lifecycle management, and optimizing database performance.

Share your methods for staying current with new database technologies, such as attending training, participating in professional communities, reading technical blogs, and experimenting with new tools.

Explain the differences between clustered and non-clustered indexes, including how they store data and their impact on query performance. Discuss scenarios where each type is appropriate.

Share your passion for data management, problem-solving, and ensuring the reliability and security of critical information. Highlight what you find rewarding about the role.