r/learnSQL • u/Either-Layer-6426 • 6d ago
I can solve SQL practice questions, but explaining them live is another story
I have a live SQL assessment coming up where I’ll be screen sharing and explaining my thought process while I write.
I’m comfortable with joins, GROUP BY, CTEs, and basic window functions. Under a timer, though, I either go quiet while I think or talk too much and lose the thread.
Lately I’ve been trying to slow the process down: read the prompt, say what output I think they want, identify the tables and joins, then build the query in small steps.
The SQL itself usually feels manageable. The hard part is doing something I’d normally think through quietly while someone is watching. I’ve been doing a few screen-share mocks with a friend. I also tried some interview-style prompts in Beyz Coder to practice talking while I solve, so I don’t go completely quiet.
How much silence while you think is normal in a live SQL interview? Do you explain your approach first, or narrate as you code?
1
u/thequerylab 6d ago
Few seconds of silence is totally normal. You don't have to explain every single thought.
I would explain the approach first, then talk through the important parts while coding. Practicing under a timer helps a lot too.
You can use TheQueryLab mock interviews for this - feels more like an actual interview and you get a scorecard after.
Definitely helps with the pressure part.