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Data Manager Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Data Manager interview questions and answers.

  1. Why are you a data manager? See answer
  2. How do you back up and store media as a data manager? See answer
  3. Can you tell me about your work experience as a data manager? See answer
  4. What procedures do you follow when developing and implementing new data systems? See answer
  5. How do you manage safe data sharing between authorised personnel? See answer
  6. What factors do you consider when recommending new technologies? See answer
  7. Why is having a disaster recovery plan important? See answer
  8. Imagine there was a data breach in our company. What would you do? See answer
  9. Can you tell me about a major challenge you faced in your role? See answer
  10. What data management software packages and programmeming languages are you familiar with? See answer
  11. As a data manager, what motivates you? See answer
  12. How would you grade your ability to work within a team? See answer
  13. How do you stay up-to-date with data management developments? See answer
  14. Why do you want this data manager job? See answer
  15. Why are you the best data manager for this role? See answer
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Data Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Why are you a data manager?

Candidates have various reasons for becoming data managers. For example, some candidates became data managers because it's a decent-paying job. Ask this question to find out whether a candidate is passionate about data management. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to work with data
  • What motivates a candidate
  • In-depth understanding of a data manager's role

Example:

"I became a data manager because I enjoy analyzing data and making conclusions. In high school, I loved math and science. I also have an interest in programmeming. I knew I wanted to work with data, but I was unsure of which path to take. Before graduating, I attended a community programme, and the speaker advised me to consider becoming a data manager since I had these various interests. I think I made an excellent choice by selecting this career path."

How do you back up and store media as a data manager?

Data managers maintain confidential files that your company generates. A good candidate understands the importance of backing up files and ensuring they are safe. By asking this, you can find out how a candidate would keep your media data safe. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of data security and IT standards
  • Familiarity with disaster recovery practises
  • Experience backing up and storing media

Example:

"I build backup systems that automatically store media data in a cloud-based security system. Doing this ensures you won't lose changes made on workstations. I also use security measures to ensure only authorised personnel can access these files."

Can you tell me about your work experience as a data manager?

Data manager positions are typically leadership roles. A candidate needs work experience as a data technician, data designer, or similar position to succeed. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant experience as a data manager or similar position
  • Ability to connect work experience to the data manager position
  • Commitment to applying lessons learned or skills acquired from experience

Example:

"My first data manager role was for a research organisation in Saskatchewan. I secured the company's database systems, ensured compliance with regulatory standards, and developed procedures for data management. Five years later, I moved to a different city and changed jobs. My new role helped me develop excellent leadership skills. I'm eager to join your company and oversee your data systems."

What procedures do you follow when developing and implementing new data systems?

The purpose of this question is to determine whether a candidate has experience developing and implementing new data systems. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the best practises for developing and implementing data systems
  • Knowledge of all security standards, regulations and laws
  • Excellent technical skills

Example:

"Before I start building or implementing a new data system, I confirm from the upper management team that it's necessary. I first research the infrastructure required for the new data system. Then, I test the data infrastructure and ensure it is what we need. Next, I build and deploy the data system and then test-run it to ensure it is secure. I make sure my development and implementation procedures comply with all regulations."

How do you manage safe data sharing between authorised personnel?

Aside from monitoring data systems, data managers also need to make sure employees follow your company's standard procedures for file sharing. This question helps you understand how a candidate would enforce safe data sharing procedures. What to look for in an answer:

  • Technical skills for monitoring data system access
  • Knowledge of safe data sharing protocols
  • Work experience as a data manager

Example:

"I collabourate with network administrations to ensure employees follow authorization and authentication procedures. I also track access to data systems and develop a system that blocks unauthorised employees from sharing or accessing files."

What factors do you consider when recommending new technologies?

Data managers evaluate existing data systems and recommend alternatives to meet a company's business needs. This question helps you understand what factors a candidate considers when making recommendations. What to look for in an answer: 

  • Strong critical-thinking, analytical and research skills
  • Experience with IT systems
  • Focus on meeting your company's needs

Example:

"Before I recommend new hardware, software, or data storage options, I make sure I understand the business's needs. Then, I research the available options, keeping the company's budget constraints in mind. I also compare the new technology to the existing one. Finally, I create a report that upper management can use to decide."

Why is having a disaster recovery plan important?

Data managers develop disaster recovery plans, such as backing up files after changes to prevent data loss. This question helps you understand whether a candidate sees data recovery plans as crucial. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of the importance of protecting data
  • Experience implementing disaster recovery plans
  • Knowledge of protocols to follow during disaster recovery

Example:

"I believe having a disaster recovery plan helps to reduce the risk associated with data loss. It also enables companies to protect their data from theft and corruption. I take it seriously and always implement either a cloud-based or a network-based disaster recovery plan."

Imagine there was a data breach in our company. What would you do?

Ensuring data security is one of the primary responsibilities of data managers. This question tests a candidate's ability to act swiftly after security breaches. An ideal candidate has an action plan for such emergencies. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience handling data breaches
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to respond appropriately to security breaches
  • Understanding of the importance of preventing data breaches

Example:

"If there were a data breach at your company, I'd first address the issue that led to the breach. Then I'd create an action plan to prevent future data breaches. Once I restored the system's safety, I'd start researching the extent of the breach and find out what information was lost. I'd create a report for upper management and discuss my action plan to prevent future breaches with affected employees."

Can you tell me about a major challenge you faced in your role?

The goal of this question is to find out more about a data manager's experience. Use their answer to assess their ability to overcome challenges. What to look for in an answer:

  • Effective communication strategies
  • Attitude towards data-related challenges
  • Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

Example:

"At my last role, I noticed a computer malware affected our database and deleted records from it. I spotted the issue while performing my daily database assessments. Since we used on-site database systems, I had to recommend halting file storage across all departments while I worked on solving the problem. I collabourated with cybersecurity and network management experts to create a custom antivirus, which we used to get rid of the malware."

What data management software packages and programmeming languages are you familiar with?

Data management software packages are computer programmes for managing data from numerous data sources. The purpose of this question is to find out more about a candidate's expertise. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of various data management software packages and programmeming languages
  • Understanding of when to use each computer programme
  • Attitude to learning about new computer programmes

Example:

"I'm experienced with Oracle, MySQL, NoSQL, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access. I'm also proficient in Python and Java. I use Tableau for data visualisation and Microsoft Azure for building and managing services through Mircosoft-managed data centres."

As a data manager, what motivates you?

This behavioural question helps you understand how a data manager candidate stays focused and interested in their work. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strategies to stay motivated
  • Effective stress-management strategies
  • Passion for working with data

Example:

"Ensuring data systems are always organised and secure motivates me. I find my job very exciting, and each day is unique. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take breaks to re-energize and continue putting in my best. So far, this strategy helps me stay focused at work and ensure I meet all deadlines."

How would you grade your ability to work within a team?

Depending on your organisation's size, a data manager may work with technical employees, such as network administrators, IT specialists, and other professionals. A good candidate should know how to work as part of a team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Good teamwork skills
  • Positive attitude to helping others and asking for help
  • Enthusiasm for working in a teamwork environment

Example:

"I'd say nine out of 10. My teamwork skills are excellent, and I'd be happy to assist my colleagues with data-related tasks. I also comfortable asking for help and reaching out to more experienced data managers."

How do you stay up-to-date with data management developments?

Data managers need to stay up-to-date on safety procedures to prevent data attacks and breaches. By asking this question, you can evaluate how important a candidate takes learning and staying current. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to network with other professionals
  • Strategies to keep skills relevant
  • Effective communication and good interpersonal skills

Example:

"I stay current by reading blogs and taking data management courses online. I also network with my peers and go through technical papers. Recently, I joined a Slack channel for data managers, data administrators and other professionals who work with data. Learning from others is exciting."

Why do you want this data manager job?

This question helps you understand why a candidate applied for your data manager position. Pay attention to their long-term goals and whether they align with those of your organisation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Drive to ensure data management best practises
  • Commitment to adding value to your organisation as a data manager

Example:

"I want to work for a company that embraces technological advancements. I see this position as an opportunity to help your organisation develop and implement computerised databases while gaining valuable work experience. I'm eager to join your technical team and work under the supervision of an experienced senior data manager."

Why are you the best data manager for this role?

Use this question to determine whether a data manager is the best candidate for the position. Pay attention to how data managers position themselves as a good fit for your organisation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant data management skills, experience and training
  • Excitement for the position
  • Personality traits or natural abilities that set a candidate apart

Example:

"My skill set is a good match to your job requirements, and I think I have relevant work experience to take up this role. I'm looking for exciting challenges to apply my data management training and skills, and I feel your organisation can help me grow. In particular, my technical and problem-solving skills make me a good fit for this position."

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