Technical screening questions
Ask for one example per question and listen for specifics.
- How do you tune a slow mapping? A good answer: Pushdown, partitioning, lookup caching and reducing transformations.
- When do you use a connected versus unconnected lookup? A good answer: Pipeline use versus on-demand calls.
- How do you implement slowly changing dimensions? A good answer: Type 1 and Type 2 logic and effective dates.
- How do you handle a failed session? A good answer: Read logs, find the failing step and restart safely.
- Which version and tools have you used? A good answer: PowerCenter or IICS versions with specifics.
Quick screening questions
Use these when you have only a few minutes.
- PowerCenter, IICS or both?
- How do you tune a slow mapping?
- Describe a data warehouse load you owned.
What separates the levels
Match the level to the requirement before you submit.
- Junior: builds simple mappings.
- Mid: owns workflows and tuning.
- Senior: designs the ETL architecture and standards.
Red flags
Any of these is a reason to probe further.
- Cannot describe a mapping they built.
- No tuning experience.
- Only monitoring jobs.
Tools you should hear mentioned
An Informatica developer with real experience usually names several of these without prompting.
- Informatica PowerCenter or IICS
- Mappings and workflows
- SQL
- Oracle or SQL Server
- Scheduling tools
- Data quality tools
Run the call well
Ask for the last project first, then dig into the second or third question. Take notes on versions, team size and outcomes, and record them with the submission so the vendor’s later technical interview does not surprise you.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an Informatica developer screening call take?
Fifteen to twenty minutes is enough to cover the project, three technical questions and availability, rate and work authorization.
Do recruiters need to know the technology?
Working vocabulary is enough. Use the sourcing guide for the role and listen for specifics instead of judging technical depth yourself.