Interview question that's been bugging me.

asim18 · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:46

"If you modified something in a database and noticed a few weeks down the line that someone had fiddled with it and had broken it, what would you do?".

In the heat of the interview, I got confused whether she meant intentional sabotage or spontaneous data corruption.

So I replied "I'd tell my manager and work with them to figure out who did it". She replied with a massive grin "That's exactly the answer I was looking for

"

Now I'm thinking she meant that sarcastically and she thought I was a right pillock?

[TW]Fox · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:48

What an oddly worded question. Was she talking about the database or the change you made?

Did it really get asked?

asim18 · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:50

The database & that "someone".

Nitefly · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:52

Doesn't sound like a bad answer to me?

jimjamuk · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:54

what would your alternatives be

ignore it and let the database corrupt itself?
try to fix it yourself and root out the sabatour?

the answer you gave was probably the right one

asim18 · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:58

In hindsight, my other answer would have been "The first thing I'd do is check the validation. In my experience it's the most popular cause of database errors." Or something to that effect.

Castiel · 22 Nov 2011 at 23:58

Nitefly said:
Doesn't sound like a bad answer to me?

J-FRO · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:00

I think the way to look at it is like this:

1) You make a modification to a database and somebody then later fiddles with your modification and messes everything up, what would you do?

2) You make a few mods to a database and somebody then later fiddles with a few things on the database and it all gets messed up, what would you do?

I think the answer to both situations would require exactly what you said anyway. I agree it could have been a more specific question and it could be perceived as a trick to see if you try and come with an answer which is purely defensive to cover your own back. Your answer though makes it seem like you're being honest and upfront about, if you had broken the database, you'd hardly be encouraging your boss to make a concerted effort to find out who damaged it.

cm1179 · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:00

what was the level of the position you were interviewed for?

piggeh · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:03

I would refer to company policy for guidance

Rich_L · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:04

Lunesta · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:13

piggeh said:
I would refer to company policy for guidance

Love it! Always referring to the "Company Policy" will get you the brownie points, they love that kinda thing.

Matt-Page · 23 Nov 2011 at 00:57

I would check the logs to find out who did it and when. I would then advise my manager and speak to the individual to find out why and report back. It may be completely innocent and getting people into trouble can effect inter-work relationships and moral.