If you're reading this, it's probably because you're applying for a new job — and you know there will be SQL questions in the interview. For many folks, that's a scary prospect. Strong database skills are table stakes for landing a high-performing job in the tech sector. But SQL is complicated — and it can be tough to figure out what to focus on as you prepare.

As you get ready, you're probably asking yourself questions like these:

• "Do I have enough experience with SQL to qualify me for this job?"
• "What happens if the interviewer presents me with an SQL challenge that I can't solve?"
• "Where should I focus my studying for this interview?"
• "How do I practice in advance?"

If you find yourself thinking any of these things, don't worry:

You can beat this interview.

Imagine how you'd feel if you knew you were well-prepared for your SQL interview in advance:

• You would walk into the interview confident in your ability to knock it out of the park.
• You would be able to focus your time on other, more important things.
• You would be proud of your SQL skills and excited to show them off.
• You would know that you're qualified for the job.
• You would nail the interview and get the job!

Here's the crazy part: knocking your SQL interview out of the park could mean a difference of thousands of dollars in your starting salary. Job applicants with strong SQL skills are in high demand, and if you show your prospective employer you're a SQL master in the interview, it's very likely they'll be willing to up their salary offer to make sure you sign up.

So, let's get started.

This is all you need to begin:

Deskbright's SQL Practice Pack

Gorgeous code. Explained beautifully.

CREATE TABLE `customers` (
	`customer_id` int(11) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
	`first_name` varchar(255) NOT NULL,
	`last_name` varchar(255) NOT NULL,
	`email` varchar(255) NOT NULL,
	`address` varchar(255) DEFAULT NULL,
	`city` varchar(255) DEFAULT NULL,
	`state` varchar(2) DEFAULT NULL,
	`zip_code` varchar(5) DEFAULT NULL,
	PRIMARY KEY (`customer_id`)
);

CREATE TABLE `orders` (
	`order_id` int(11) NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
	`customer_id` int(11) NOT NULL,
	`order_placed_date` date NOT NULL,
	PRIMARY KEY (`order_id`),
	KEY `customer_id` (`customer_id`),
	FOREIGN KEY (`customer_id`) REFERENCES `customers` (`customer_id`)
);