SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language used to manage and manipulate data in relational databases. 

It is used to insert, update, and retrieve data from a database and create and modify its structure. Common SQL commands include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. 

SQL can be used with relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

With the help of this article, you'll discover more about SQL technical screenings, the kinds of screenings you might experience, and some typical interview questions. 

A step-by-step tutorial for writing SQL code during your interview and success advice are also included. Let's get going.

What to expect from SQL technical screenings

During a SQL technical screening, you can expect to be given a set of questions or problems related to SQL and relational databases. 

These may include tasks such as writing SQL queries to retrieve data from a database, updating or inserting data into a database, and creating or modifying the structure of a database. 

You may be given a sample database or asked to create one for screening purposes.

Here are a few examples of what you might be asked to do during a SQL technical screening:

• Write a SQL query to retrieve specific columns from a table based on a particular condition
• Write a SQL query to join data from multiple tables
• Write a SQL query to group and aggregate data
• Write a SQL query to update or delete data from a table
• Create a database schema with tables and relationships
• Write a SQL query to create a new table with specific constraints

You may be asked to complete the task on a shared screen or by sharing your screen, and you might be given a time limit to complete the job.

It's essential to be familiar with the syntax and concepts of SQL and the specific RDBMS you'll use for the screening. 

Practising writing SQL queries and working with sample databases can help you feel more prepared for a SQL technical screening.

Types of SQL interview questions for data analysts

SQL interview questions for data analysts can cover a wide range of topics related to working with data in relational databases. Here are a few examples of types of questions you might be asked during a SQL interview for a data analyst role:

• Retrieval: You may be asked to write SQL queries to retrieve specific data from a database, such as retrieving all customers who have purchased in the last month.
• Joining: You may be asked to write SQL queries that join data from multiple tables, such as joining a table of customers with a table of orders to retrieve customer information and their order details.
• Aggregation: You may be asked to write SQL queries that group and aggregate data, such as calculating the total sales by month or the average purchase amount by the customer.
• Modification: You may be asked to write SQL queries that update or delete data from a database, such as updating the address for all customers in a particular state or deleting all orders placed more than a year ago.
• Data cleaning and transformation: You may be asked to write SQL queries to clean or transform data, such as removing duplicates, replacing null values, or converting data types.
• Optimisation: You may be asked about how to optimise SQL queries for performance, such as creating indexes and using the right join type.
• Data modelling and database design: You may be asked about the best practices for data modelling and database design, such as creating appropriate tables and relationships and enforcing constraints and data integrity.

It's essential to be familiar with the SQL syntax and concepts and the specific RDBMS you'll be using during the interview. Practising writing SQL queries and working with sample databases can help you feel more prepared for a SQL interview for a data analyst role.

Six-step strategy for your SQL interview

Here is a six-step strategy that you can use to prepare for your SQL interview:

• Review the basics: Brush up on the fundamentals of SQL, including the syntax, data types, and standard functions and operators. Ensure you understand how to write basic queries such as SELECT, FROM, WHERE, and JOIN statements.
• Practice with sample databases: Use sample databases and practice writing SQL queries to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data. This will help you get familiar with different types of data structures and relationships and how to navigate them.
• Review advanced concepts: Review advanced SQL concepts such as subqueries, aggregate, and window functions. Make sure you understand how to use these concepts to solve complex data analysis problems.
• Optimise your queries: Understand how to optimise your SQL queries for performance. Learn about techniques such as indexing, partitioning, and materialised views and understand how they can speed up your queries.
• Know the RDBMS you will use: Understand the specific RDBMS you will use during the interview, its specific features, such as built-in functions, and any limitations.
• Practice, practice, practice: Practice as much as possible by working on sample interview questions and real-world scenarios. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the actual interview.

SQL interview tips for success

• Understand the problem: Before you write your query, ensure you understand the problem or question you are trying to solve. Take your time to read the question carefully and ask for clarification. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in a SQL interview:
• Use a clear and consistent syntax: Write your queries using a clear and consistent syntax, and ensure you follow best practices for writing SQL code. This will make your questions more readable and easier to understand.
• Optimise your queries: Optimize your queries for performance using indexes, partitioning, and other techniques. Ensure you understand how to make your questions run as efficiently as possible.
• Test your queries: Test your queries on sample data to ensure they return the correct results. This will help you catch any errors or mistakes before the interview.
• Be prepared to explain your thought process: Be ready to explain your thoughts and reasoning behind the queries you write. This will demonstrate your understanding of the problem and ability to think critically about data analysis.
• Be flexible: Be open to feedback and suggestions from the interviewer. Show that you are willing to adapt your approach and consider other ways of solving the problem.
• Practice, practice, preparation as much as possible before the interview. This will help you become more comfortable writing SQL queries and help you feel more confident during the interview.
• Show enthusiasm: Show enthusiasm and interest in data analysis and how SQL can be used to solve complex problems.

Remember, an SQL interview is not only about the technical skills but also about the ability to explain your thought process and the reasoning behind the solution you came up with. Be confident and present your answer with clear examples and reasoning.