Question: The recruiter asked how I would handle unclear stakeholder requests and communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
Round 2: Hiring Manager
Question: The hiring manager spent a lot of time explaining the team's work and asked about my priorities for my next job.
Round 3: SQL
Question: I completed four SQL questions in one hour, including a confusing question about the number of products sold in all stores. I ran out of time on the last question due to misinterpreting the prompt.
Details
Preparation Tips & Key Takeaways
What I Learned
It's important to clarify ambiguous problem statements with the interviewer immediately.
Understanding stakeholder communication is a key skill assessed even in technical roles.
Recommended Preparation
SQL Practice
Practice using window functions like dense_rank, row_number, and sum.
Focus on calculating percentages and aggregations using SQL.
Behavioral Questions
Prepare examples of how to effectively communicate with stakeholders who have varying levels of technical understanding.
Practice clarifying ambiguous requirements before diving into a solution.
Resources I Recommend
Review common SQL window function use cases.
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Misinterpreting the problem statement without seeking clarification.
Rushing through the questions without fully understanding the requirements.