Databricks Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Databricks Interview Process

At Databrikcs, the hiring process commences with a thorough resume screening, focusing on relevant skills and experience to match the job role. Candidates who advance face an Online Assessment (OA) testing coding and problem-solving skills, designed to gauge technical abilities relevant to the position.

Successful candidates are then invited to one or two phone screens followed by an onsite interview, which comprises multiple rounds. These rounds delve deeper into technical acumen, problem-solving capabilities, and cultural fit. With a reputation for maintaining a high difficulty bar, Databricks ensures that its engineers are top-tier.

Initial Screen

Databricks typically begins its hiring process with a resume screening focused on candidates' experience in big data technologies and software engineering. Relevant projects and skills must be evident.

Selected candidates may then face an Online Assessment (OA) focusing on coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and a basic understanding of data handling principles relevant to Databricks’ operations.

Phone Screen

At Databricks, the interview process typically begins with a phone screen, generally one or two, depending on the specific role and team requirements. This initial screening focuses on assessing your technical skills and cultural fit through a mix of coding challenges and behavioral questions.

During these phone interviews, candidates might be asked to solve programming problems or discuss their previous projects and experiences. This step is crucial for determining whether the applicant progresses to the more in-depth technical interviews onsite or virtually.

Onsite Rounds

Databricks typically includes onsite rounds that consist of four to five interviews, focusing on areas like coding, system design, and behavioral skills. Each session is crafted to evaluate both technical prowess and cultural fit within the company.

The onsite interviews are generally conducted back-to-back and incorporate a mix of coding challenges, design problems, and situational discussions. Applicants might be asked to code on a whiteboard, discuss past projects, or solve hypothetical problems that reflect real-world scenarios.

Final Rounds, Negotiation, Offer

After completing the interview rounds at Databricks, candidates may undergo team matching and meet with executives before receiving and negotiating the final job offer. This ensures a good fit for both the candidate and the company.

Databricks Technical Interview Questions and Patterns

The Databricks coding interview is standard with very few surprises, and is frequently labelled "medium" by recent Leetcode users. Unlike many other companies where Dynamic Programming, DFS or Basic DSA dominate, Databricks distinguishes itself by frequently integrating Binary Search problems into their assessments. Like other big tech companies, the difficulty level at Databricks demands thorough preparation, especially in mastering complex algorithmic concepts.

Sample Classical Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a team that had differing opinions or skills to deliver a project.

  • Focus on delivering a balanced view of interpersonal and technical competency. Share steps on how consensus was reached or compromises made. Highlight communication, project management, and coding skills if relevant, showing an ability to drive projects to completion while maintaining team harmony.

Tell me about a challenging problem you solved in one of your previous projects.

  • Outline the technical specifications of the problem, what made it challenging, and the steps taken to resolve it. Showcase your analytical skills and proficiency with technologies relevant to Databricks, such as Apache Spark or machine learning frameworks. Emphasize result-oriented strategies and innovative solutions that led to successful outcomes.

Can you give an example of how you managed a tight deadline?

  • Illustrate priority setting and time management skills. Describe the project briefly, the constraints faced, and specifically how tasks were prioritized and resources were managed. Highlight any use of Databricks technologies to expedite processes and emphasize communication across the team to keep everyone aligned with the deadline.

Sample Teamwork Behavioral Questions and Answers

Tell us about a time when you collaborated on a project where multiple stakeholders had conflicting ideas. How did you navigate to a successful outcome?

  • In your response, focus on demonstrating your ability to facilitate discussions, mediate conflicts, and drive towards consensus-building. Highlight your communication skills and ability to stay focused on the project’s goals, which align with Databricks’ commitment to teamwork and innovation.

How would you describe your role in ensuring the success of a cross-functional team, especially when working on complex projects?

  • Describe how you leverage diverse skills and viewpoints in a team, emphasizing your understanding of various technical and non-technical roles. Reflect your capability to integrate solutions that meet broad needs, illustrating alignment with Databricks’ interdisciplinary approach.

Datablocks often involves collaboration across different geographies and time zones. Can you share an experience where you effectively managed a project in such an environment?

  • Discuss how you used communication tools and project management strategies to synchronize the work despite geographical and temporal barriers. Mention your proactive approach to anticipating challenges and your adaptability, underscoring qualities that are crucial for success at a global company like Databricks.

Sample Role Specifc Behavioral Questions and Answers

Describe a time when you had to use your knowledge of Apache Spark or large-scale data processing to solve a complex problem.

  • Discuss a specific project or task focusing on the challenge faced, the solution implemented using Apache Spark or a similar framework, and the impact of the solution, including any quantifiable improvements. Highlight skills like problem-solving, innovation, and technical proficiency.

How do you ensure the quality of your code, especially when working on large teams?

  • Talk about specific practices such as code reviews, unit testing, integration testing, or any continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) systems used. Emphasize communication and collaboration within the team, as well as commitment to high-quality, maintainable code.

Databricks operates in a fast-paced industry that requires continuous innovation. Can you provide an example of how you have stayed up-to-date with emerging technologies and applied them effectively in your projects?

  • Mention specific resources used to stay informed (e.g., online courses, seminars, webinars, or industry publications). Explain how learning about a new technology led to its implementation in a project, and detail the benefits it brought to the project’s outcome or process efficiency.