Failed a Platform Engineer Interview Over a DB Migration Question – How Faulty Was My Response?

Data and Databases
1

I’m a Full-Stack developer focusing on front-end. My interview had a whiteboard session on migrating an SQL database to the cloud with minimal downtime. Did my answer lack depth?

2

Based on my own experience with complex infrastructure migrations, an often overlooked element is conducting a pre-migration validation phase that involves both load testing and a comprehensive reconciliation process. In my previous projects, I emphasized verifying data integrity through parallel runs and simulations to identify possible bottlenecks before the actual migration. This approach not only minimizes downtime but also provides stakeholders with measurable benchmarks of device performance. Prioritizing such preliminary tests demonstrates both proactive risk management and a methodical approach to problem solving.

3

Drawing from personal experience with similar technical interviews, it appears that your response might have missed emphasizing a comprehensive strategy. A well-rounded answer involves not only outlining the steps for migrating the database but also discussing replication mechanisms, handling potential data discrepancies, and ensuring an effective rollback plan. In my cases, detailing how to manage connections during the migration and explaining load balancing considerations provided a clearer picture of both strategic planning and tactical execution. This level of detail can better communicate your expertise and systematic approach in similar scenarios.

4

hey silvia, i think you could’ve dug deeper on risk mgmt. maybe mention backup/rollbacks in case of faily issues during migration. a bit more nuance on data reliability could have given a stronger vibe

5

hey silvia, i think your answer was on track but maybe you could’ve threw in realtime monitoring in the mix. did u consider how automation might manage issues like network bottlenecks? curious what other nuances u thought of in your plan

6

hey silvia, consider mentioning phase by phase traffic switchover and a shadow db for backups. it shows u’re really prepapring for the unexpected and adds more tangible risk control. small real-world nuances can sometimes make all the diff.