Question 1

How should I prepare for a data engineering interview?

Accepted Answer

Data engineer interviews at top tech companies typically focus on these core areas:

Coding. You'll need to demonstrate strong SQL and Python skills, as well as your understanding of data structures and algorithms. You may be asked to write code live, solve optimization problems, or analyze datasets.
Data modeling & architecture. Expect questions on designing scalable data pipelines, building data warehouses, and structuring databases. You should be comfortable explaining tradeoffs and justifying design choices.
System design. Some roles require deeper knowledge of distributed systems, data processing frameworks (like Spark or Hadoop), and real-time vs. batch processing. You may be asked to design end-to-end solutions for data ingestion or transformation.
Behavioral. Interviewers will assess your communication, collaboration, and ownership. Be ready to talk through past projects, challenges, and how you work with cross-functional teams.

Problem-solving is a key aspect of the data engineering role. It's best to present multiple possible solutions to interviewers, as they will be looking out for how you "compare and contrast different options and justify the rationale behind your decisions," according to Coach Karthik, ex-Meta data engineer. Doing mock interviews with an expert can help you hone this skill.

To prepare for your interview, make sure you:

Practice SQL and Python questions, especially under time pressure
Review core concepts in data modeling, ETL pipelines, and system design
Prepare clear, structured stories about your past data projects and their impact
Practice mock interviews with experienced data engineer interviewers

Studying the interview process and question types for your target company is also crucial. For example, Meta’s data engineer interviews place heavy emphasis on SQL and system design. Other tech companies may differ slightly.

To dig deeper, read our data engineer interview guides for Meta, Google, and Amazon.

Question 2

What are {{page.skill.name}} mock interviews?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

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Accepted Answer

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Question 4

How much do {{page.skill.name}} mock interviews normally cost?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

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Accepted Answer

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