The demand for data engineers continues to soar and the job openings for data engineering roles are on the rise. By 2029, the experts estimate this market will be valued at approximately $169.9 billion—a substantial increase from its current worth of around $75.55 billion in 2024.

Due to the tough competition around the domain, cracking interviews has become way more difficult. This guide to preparing for data engineer interviews will help you succeed in your next technical interview and secure the job you've always wanted.

Also, read about the data engineer salary trends in India 2024.

Getting Started with Core Technical Skills

As a data engineer, it's very important to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and master your core technical skills before planning to have an interview. Here is a checklist of some key skills that would certainly make you a competitive candidate to apply for a job.

1. Database Management

• Be proficient in SQL (Structured Query Language) and popular SQL dialects like MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.
• Learn about the NoSQL databases, since it has become the top choice as the go-to systems for Big Data and real-time applications.
• Understand the differences between NoSQL database types and their use cases.

1. Programming Languages

• Learn Python, since it has excellent compatibility with essential tools and frameworks in data engineering, such as Apache Airflow and Apache Spark.
• Python also helps with executing ETL jobs and writing data pipelines.
• Learning Java or Scala as well is a plus if your company works with frameworks like Apache Airflow

1. Distributed Computing Frameworks

• Gain expertise in distributed computing frameworks such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark, specifically designed for processing massive amounts of data.

1. Cloud Technology

• Having a decent knowledge of cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud for working with data workflows.

1. ETL & Stream Processing Frameworks

• Learn about ETL technologies and orchestration frameworks like Apache Airflow and Apache NiFi to create data pipelines.
• Learn about stream processing tools like Flink, Kafka Streams, or Spark Streaming to work with real-time data.

1. Shell Scripting

• Become comfortable with the terminal to edit files, run commands, and navigate the system using shell scripts

Research

When preparing for a data engineering interview, it’s essential to thoroughly research about the company and the role being offered. This boosts the confidence in your preparation, leading to narrowing down your list of fields you need to focus on majorly.

Read the Job Description

Start by carefully reading the job description provided by the company. This JD outlines the specific responsibilities and skills required for the position.

• Key Responsibilities: Understand what tasks you will be expected to perform, such as developing data pipelines, managing databases, collaborating with data scientists, etc.
• Required Skills: Note the technical skills and programming languages mentioned, such as SQL, and Python, or familiarity with cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud.
• Experience: Some of the companies may be partial to the candidates who have got decent experience in the related field. Hence, do not forget to mention your work experience, in any case.

Examine the Job Roles

Data engineering roles can vary significantly based on company’s requirement. their focus. Some of the most demanding positions in 2024 are:

• Data Engineer
• Big Data Engineer
• Cloud Data Engineer
• Data Architect
• ETL Developer
• Data Operations Engineer (DataOps)
• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Data Engineer

The job functions for each role are different and need specific skills to bring value to the table. Study the role you are applying for and prepare some commonly asked questions for the selected role.

Study the Company In and Out

It’s crucial to gather relevant information about the company to prepare effectively for your interview. Here are key points to research:

• Foundation: Keep a note of when the company was formed, it’s headquarters, and the CEO.
• Tech Stack: Learn about the technologies and tools the company uses, including programming languages, frameworks, and databases. This can help you discuss how your skills fit their needs.
• Company Size and Structure: Research whether the company is a startup, mid-sized, or large corporation.
• Industry Position: Investigate the company's position in its industry, including competitors and market trends that may impact its operations.
• Recent News: Stay updated on any recent news related to the company that could be relevant during your interview.

Look out for the companies hiring for Data Engineering Roles

Prepare for Common Data Engineer Interview Questions

Do not forget to study about the interviews held earlier by the companies. You can reach out to employees of the selected company on LinkedIn to make notes on some of the most commonly asked interview questions. It will help you to ease your workload and focus on more important areas. Some of the key preparation areas:

• Be ready to discuss your data engineering projects that align perfectly with the job role/job description
• Explain your thought process for choosing algorithms to write codes
• Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by breaking down complex problems
• Be prepared to design an ETL pipeline or data warehouse
• Practice answering questions about data quality, consistency, and security

Check out these top 50 data engineering interview questions and answers

Master Soft-Skills

Soft skills play a vital role in your selection in the interview round. Apart from the technical skills, and the conceptual & subjective knowledge, the interviewers also have a keen eye on your soft skills. This includes:

• How you walk in to the hiring chamber
• How you greet the panel
• How you sit in front of the panelist
• Personal attire
• How you follow up with any questions
• How do you conclude and leave

You can improve these soft skills by signing up for online soft-skill courses that are available on the internet.

Conclusion

Data engineering has become a challenging field, yet there are numerous job opportunities available for various roles offering competitive packages. Follow a prepared interview prep guide to ace the hiring process.

Check out how companies plan to hire data engineers for different roles worldwide.