xsevensinzx (1/31/2015)
Regardless, I've experienced simple questions like that in my past as a new guy to SQL Server. I think my last one is whether or not I knew what a CTE was. I just smiled and said, "Yeah, I know common table expressions and use them all the time." Then I shut my trap.
So what happened to the "outgoing personality" there? 😉
That's just my opinion though. I kept it simple and fun. Most of my interviews in the past outside of the database world have been pretty much the same. I actually focus more on my fun attitude and outgoing personality most of the time because I'm not applying to be a master at SQL (which I almost always say to the interviewer that I'm no master, but I love SQL and growing in knowledge every day). I'm applying to be a team player, someone is able to learn from my work and someone who knows enough to succeed or better. 😎
Opinion respected and all of that is greatly appreciated but if the interviewer has to pull everything out of you rather than you volunteering some extra information to show that you really have what it takes in SQL or as a system's DBA, it's not going to be that much fun for either side. Use that wonderful outgoing personality to shine for the thing they're trying to hire for.
It broke my heart during an interview the other day. Some guy had all the right qualities to be a perfect fit for the team but we just don't have the time to teach someone how to be an SQL Developer. Admittedly, that's a bit different than your case. This poor guy knew squat about SQL and I'm not sure why his recruiter even sent him for that well advertised requirement for the job.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.