Staff-Level Database Administrator Interview Preparation Guide (FAANG Standards)
Database Administrator
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025
This guide is based on general FAANG interview practices and may not reflect specific company procedures.
Staff-level Database Administrator interviews at FAANG companies typically follow a rigorous multi-round process designed to assess deep technical expertise, system design thinking, architectural decision-making, and leadership capabilities. The process emphasizes hands-on technical knowledge, ability to design and optimize complex database systems at scale, mentoring ability, and strategic thinking about database technologies and infrastructure.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screen
20 min3 focus topicsculture fit
2
Technical Screen - SQL and Query Optimization
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
3
Technical Screen - Database Administration Fundamentals
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
4
System Design - Database Architecture
90 min5 focus topicssystem design
5
Technical Deep Dive - Performance Tuning and Troubleshooting
90 min5 focus topicstechnical
6
Behavioral and Leadership Interview
60 min5 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Bar Raiser Round - Advanced System Design
90 min4 focus topicssystem design
Additional Information