CIBC Data Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

CIBC is dedicated to building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world, focusing on the needs and experiences of its clients.

As a Data Engineer at CIBC, you will be an integral part of the U.S. Data Strategy team, working in a fast-paced environment to design and develop applications across various technology platforms. Your key responsibilities will include creating custom ETL solutions, coding data quality and transformation logic, and developing SQL Server data objects. This role demands proficiency in data management solutions and requires you to collaborate closely with stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver quality solutions. A strong background in programming languages such as Python and SQL, along with experience in cloud technologies like Azure, is essential. You will also be expected to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills, leveraging your understanding of data dynamics to provide impactful technical guidance.

CIBC values teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to client service, meaning your ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with both technical teams and business partners will be crucial for success. This guide will help you prepare not only to address technical questions but also to showcase your alignment with CIBC’s core values during your interview.

The interview process for a Data Engineer position at CIBC is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative and dynamic environment of the organization.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process typically begins with a phone interview conducted by a recruiter. This initial screen lasts about 15-30 minutes and focuses on your resume, general background, and motivations for applying to CIBC. Expect to discuss your technical skills, particularly in SQL and programming languages like Python, as well as your experience with data applications and ETL processes.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screen, candidates who progress will participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video call. This interview usually lasts around 30-60 minutes and involves a mix of technical questions and coding challenges. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of SQL, data ingestion pipelines, and data quality assurance. Be prepared to solve problems on the spot, showcasing your analytical thinking and coding skills, particularly in Python and SQL.

3. Behavioral Interview

After the technical assessment, candidates typically engage in a behavioral interview with the hiring manager and possibly other team members. This round focuses on your past experiences, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Expect questions that explore your relationship management skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you align with CIBC's values of trust, teamwork, and accountability. This interview may also include situational questions to gauge your response to real-world scenarios.

4. Final Interview

The final stage often involves a more in-depth discussion with senior management or directors. This interview may cover your long-term career goals, your understanding of the role, and how you can contribute to the team. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the team dynamics and ongoing projects. This round may include discussions about your previous projects and how they relate to the work at CIBC.

5. Offer and Follow-Up

If successful, candidates will receive an offer, typically communicated via phone. The process may also include discussions about salary expectations, benefits, and other employment terms. Throughout the process, CIBC emphasizes timely communication, so candidates can expect updates regarding their application status.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and past experiences.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Role and Company Culture

Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with CIBC's mission and values. As a Data Engineer, you will be expected to contribute to a relationship-oriented banking environment. Emphasize your understanding of how data engineering supports business objectives and enhances client experiences. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with CIBC's focus on trust, teamwork, and accountability.

Prepare for Technical and Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions during your interview. Brush up on your SQL and Python skills, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss your experience with ETL processes, data warehousing, and cloud technologies like Azure. Additionally, prepare for behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you work within a team. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively.

Showcase Your Projects and Experience

CIBC values candidates who can demonstrate their technical expertise through real-world applications. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving data ingestion, transformation, and analysis. Highlight any experience you have with Azure DataBricks, Apache Spark, or similar tools. If you have side projects or contributions to open-source initiatives, mention these as they can set you apart from other candidates.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, focus on clear and concise communication. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can articulate their thoughts and technical concepts effectively. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Remember to listen actively and engage with your interviewers, as building rapport can positively influence their perception of you.

Emphasize Collaboration and Relationship Management

CIBC places a strong emphasis on collaboration and relationship management. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders, and how this has contributed to project success. Highlight your ability to navigate challenges and resolve conflicts in a team setting.

Be Ready for a Structured Interview Process

The interview process at CIBC may involve multiple rounds, including phone screens and in-person interviews with various team members. Stay organized and be prepared to discuss your resume in detail. Familiarize yourself with the job description and be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the requirements. If you encounter any unexpected questions, take a moment to think before responding, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.

Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the role and briefly mention a key point from your discussion that reinforces your fit for the position. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you top of mind for the interviewers.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Engineer role at CIBC. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Engineer interview at CIBC. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and your fit within the team and company culture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data technologies, SQL, and your approach to data engineering challenges.

Technical Skills

1. How do you create a dashboard?

This question assesses your ability to visualize data and present it effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools you use for dashboard creation, your approach to data visualization, and how you ensure the dashboard meets user needs.

Example

“I typically use Tableau or Power BI to create dashboards. I start by understanding the key metrics that stakeholders want to track, then I design the layout to ensure clarity and ease of use. I also incorporate filters and interactive elements to allow users to explore the data more deeply.”

2. Can you explain the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases?

This question tests your understanding of database technologies.

How to Answer

Highlight the key differences in structure, use cases, and performance characteristics of SQL and NoSQL databases.

Example

“SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data, making them ideal for complex queries and transactions. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are non-relational and can handle unstructured data, which makes them suitable for big data applications and real-time web apps.”

3. Describe your experience with ETL processes.

This question evaluates your hands-on experience with data extraction, transformation, and loading.

How to Answer

Provide specific examples of ETL tools you’ve used and the types of data you’ve worked with.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ETL processes using Azure Data Factory. In my previous role, I developed pipelines to extract data from various sources, transform it to meet business requirements, and load it into our data warehouse for analysis.”

4. What is your approach to data quality and validation?

This question assesses your understanding of data integrity and quality assurance.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to ensure data quality and how you handle data discrepancies.

Example

“I implement data validation checks at various stages of the ETL process. This includes using automated scripts to check for duplicates, missing values, and outliers. I also conduct regular audits to ensure the data remains accurate and reliable over time.”

5. How do you optimize SQL queries for performance?

This question tests your knowledge of SQL performance tuning.

How to Answer

Explain the techniques you use to improve query performance, such as indexing and query restructuring.

Example

“I optimize SQL queries by analyzing execution plans to identify bottlenecks. I often use indexing to speed up data retrieval and rewrite complex joins into simpler subqueries when possible. Additionally, I ensure that I only select the necessary columns to reduce the amount of data processed.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge in a project.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Example

“In a previous project, we faced a major data migration issue due to unexpected data format discrepancies. I quickly organized a team meeting to assess the situation, and we developed a plan to clean and transform the data before migration. As a result, we completed the migration on time, and the project was a success.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and any tools or methods you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their impact and deadlines. I use project management tools like Jira to track progress and ensure that I’m focusing on high-priority items first. Regular check-ins with my team also help me adjust priorities as needed.”

3. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a difficult team member.

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

How to Answer

Share how you approached the situation and what you learned from it.

Example

“I once worked with a team member who was resistant to feedback. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand their perspective and shared my thoughts on how we could improve our collaboration. This open dialogue helped us find common ground and ultimately led to a more productive working relationship.”

4. What motivates you in your work?

This question helps the interviewer understand your values and work ethic.

How to Answer

Share what drives you and how it aligns with the company’s mission.

Example

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions that positively impact the business. I believe that data has the power to drive meaningful change, and I’m excited to contribute to a team that values innovation and collaboration.”

5. How do you handle tight deadlines?

This question assesses your ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing stress and meeting deadlines.

Example

“When faced with tight deadlines, I focus on clear communication with my team to ensure everyone is aligned on priorities. I break down tasks into manageable steps and set mini-deadlines to keep us on track. This approach helps me maintain quality while meeting project timelines.”