Top 30 Most Common Salesforce Interview Questions You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Landing a role in the Salesforce ecosystem requires demonstrating proficiency across its vast capabilities, from core administration and declarative tools to advanced Apex development and complex integrations. Salesforce interview questions are designed to probe your understanding of the platform's fundamentals, your problem-solving skills, and your experience with real-world scenarios. Preparing thoroughly for these questions is crucial for success, allowing you to showcase your expertise and confidence to potential employers in this competitive field. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions, providing insights and examples to help you ace your next Salesforce interview.
What Are Salesforce Interview Questions?
Salesforce interview questions cover a broad spectrum of topics related to the Salesforce platform. They range from foundational concepts like objects and fields to complex areas such as Apex triggers, governor limits, integrations using APIs, and declarative automation tools like Flow Builder. These questions assess a candidate's technical knowledge, practical experience, and ability to apply Salesforce features to solve business problems. They evaluate understanding of the platform's architecture, data model, security features, development best practices, and integration patterns. Mastering common Salesforce interview questions is key to proving your readiness for a role.
Why Do Interviewers Ask Salesforce Interview Questions?
Interviewers ask Salesforce interview questions to gauge a candidate's depth of knowledge and practical experience with the platform. They want to ensure you understand core concepts and can discuss how you've applied them in real-world projects. These questions help assess your problem-solving approach, your understanding of best practices (like handling governor limits or ensuring code quality), and your ability to work within the Salesforce ecosystem's constraints and opportunities. Your ability to articulate clear, concise answers to typical Salesforce interview questions demonstrates technical competence and communication skills essential for a successful Salesforce professional.
Preview List
What is Salesforce?
What are objects in Salesforce?
What is a custom object?
What is a trigger in Salesforce?
What is SOQL?
How do you secure dynamic SOQL?
What are governor limits?
What is the difference between a workflow rule and a process builder?
What is a Lightning component?
How can you make Apex available for Lightning components?
What is REST API in Salesforce?
What is SOAP API in Salesforce?
What are the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?
What is OAuth and how is it used in Salesforce?
What is a Connected App?
What are the different OAuth 2.0 flows available in Salesforce?
What are named credentials?
What is Change Data Capture (CDC)?
What is a governor limit example you have faced?
What declarative tools do you use to customize Salesforce?
How do you approach building custom applications in Salesforce?
What strategies do you use to ensure code quality and security?
What steps are necessary to deploy Apex code to production?
How would you integrate an external system with Salesforce?
What is a WSDL?
What is the difference between Enterprise WSDL and Partner WSDL?
What is Tooling API?
What is Salesforce Connect?
Explain a complex problem you solved with Apex or Visualforce.
How do you stay current with Salesforce updates and ecosystem changes?
1. What is Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
This foundational question assesses your basic understanding of what Salesforce is and its purpose as a leading CRM platform in business.
How to answer:
Define Salesforce as a cloud-based CRM and mention its key functions like sales, service, and marketing, highlighting its role in customer relationship management.
Example answer:
Salesforce is the world's leading cloud-based CRM platform. It helps companies manage customer relationships, improve sales, enhance customer service, automate marketing, and develop custom applications.
2. What are objects in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of the core data structure within the Salesforce platform – how data is stored and organized.
How to answer:
Explain that objects are like database tables. Mention standard objects (Account, Contact) and custom objects for specific business needs.
Example answer:
Objects in Salesforce are database tables used to store specific types of organizational data. Standard objects like Account and Contact are built-in, while custom objects are created for unique business data requirements.
3. What is a custom object?
Why you might get asked this:
Follows up on objects to see if you understand how the platform can be extended beyond standard functionality.
How to answer:
Describe it as an object created by a user or administrator to store data specific to their company's processes or data not covered by standard objects.
Example answer:
A custom object is a database table created by a user to store business information unique to their organization, such as specific projects or assets not represented by standard Salesforce objects.
4. What is a trigger in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your knowledge of programmatic automation and when to use Apex code to execute logic on data changes.
How to answer:
Define triggers as Apex code that runs before or after DML operations (insert, update, delete, undelete) to perform custom logic like validation or automation.
Example answer:
A trigger is an Apex script that executes automatically before or after data manipulation language (DML) events occur on Salesforce records. It's used for complex logic workflows or data validations.
5. What is SOQL?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your ability to retrieve data from Salesforce objects programmatically, a fundamental skill for development.
How to answer:
Explain SOQL stands for Salesforce Object Query Language, used to query data from standard and custom Salesforce objects, similar to SQL for relational databases.
Example answer:
SOQL is the Salesforce Object Query Language. It's used to read data from the Salesforce database by querying records from objects, using syntax similar to standard SQL queries but specific to Salesforce.
6. How do you secure dynamic SOQL?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your understanding of security vulnerabilities in Apex development, specifically SOQL injection.
How to answer:
Explain that securing dynamic SOQL involves using bind variables for user-provided input instead of string concatenation to prevent injection attacks.
Example answer:
Dynamic SOQL is secured by using bind variables (:variableName) for any user-supplied input within the query. This prevents malicious code from being injected into the query string.
7. What are governor limits?
Why you might get asked this:
Crucial question assessing your awareness of multi-tenancy and the platform's runtime execution limits to ensure fair resource usage.
How to answer:
Define governor limits as resource limits enforced by the Salesforce platform on Apex transactions to prevent any single tenant from monopolizing shared resources.
Example answer:
Governor limits are runtime restrictions imposed by Salesforce to ensure efficient use of resources in the multi-tenant environment. They limit operations like SOQL queries, DML statements, CPU time, and heap size per transaction.
8. What is the difference between a workflow rule and a process builder?
Why you might get asked this:
Compares your knowledge of older versus newer declarative automation tools and their capabilities.
How to answer:
Workflow rules are simpler for single actions (field updates, email alerts). Process Builder is more powerful, handling multiple criteria, actions (Apex, flows, records), and branching logic.
Example answer:
Workflow rules perform basic automation like field updates or email alerts based on criteria. Process Builder is more robust, allowing multi-step processes, calling Apex/Flows, and creating/updating related records based on complex logic.
9. What is a Lightning component?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your knowledge of modern Salesforce UI development frameworks (Aura or LWC) used for building dynamic interfaces.
How to answer:
Describe Lightning components as reusable UI units built using the Aura or Lightning Web Components (LWC) frameworks, used to build dynamic applications in Lightning Experience and mobile.
Example answer:
A Lightning component is a building block for creating user interfaces in Salesforce Lightning Experience and mobile apps. They are reusable, modular units built with either the Aura or LWC frameworks.
10. How can you make Apex available for Lightning components?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of how server-side logic is exposed and called by client-side Lightning components.
How to answer:
Explain that you use the @AuraEnabled annotation on Apex methods within an Apex class to make them accessible and callable from Lightning components (Aura or LWC).
Example answer:
You make Apex methods callable from Lightning components by annotating them with @AuraEnabled. This exposes the method for client-side JavaScript in the component to invoke.
11. What is REST API in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your understanding of modern web service integration methods used for connecting Salesforce with external systems.
How to answer:
Define REST API as a web service based on REST principles, using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and supporting JSON or XML data formats for integration.
Example answer:
REST API is a web service interface in Salesforce that allows external applications to interact with Salesforce data using standard HTTP methods and RESTful principles, typically using JSON or XML for data exchange.
12. What is SOAP API in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your knowledge of an alternative, more structured web service protocol often used for enterprise integrations.
How to answer:
Describe SOAP API as a protocol-based web service using XML messaging, typically used for formal, transaction-based integrations requiring strict standards like WS-Security.
Example answer:
SOAP API is a web service that relies on XML-based messaging protocols. It's used for integrating with other systems, often for more complex, transaction-oriented interactions where formal standards are required.
13. What are the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?
Why you might get asked this:
Compares your understanding of two key integration technologies, assessing your ability to choose the right tool for a given scenario.
How to answer:
Contrast them: REST is lightweight, stateless, flexible (JSON/XML), uses HTTP methods; SOAP is protocol-heavy (XML), stricter standards (WS-Security), often stateful.
Example answer:
REST is generally simpler and lightweight, using HTTP and often JSON. SOAP is protocol-driven (XML), heavier, and supports formal standards like WS-Security, suited for enterprise-level integrations.
14. What is OAuth and how is it used in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your understanding of secure authorization mechanisms for API access without sharing credentials.
How to answer:
Explain OAuth as an authorization framework allowing third-party apps secure access to Salesforce data without sharing user passwords. It's used with Connected Apps.
Example answer:
OAuth is an open standard for authorization. In Salesforce, it's used by Connected Apps to grant external applications secure access to Salesforce data via tokens instead of passing user credentials directly.
15. What is a Connected App?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your knowledge of how external applications are configured to securely connect to Salesforce.
How to answer:
Define a Connected App as a framework in Salesforce that enables external applications to integrate with Salesforce using APIs and standard protocols like OAuth 2.0 for authentication and authorization.
Example answer:
A Connected App is a Salesforce framework that allows external applications to integrate with Salesforce. It uses standard protocols like OAuth to authenticate and authorize the external application's access to Salesforce data.
16. What are the different OAuth 2.0 flows available in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your awareness of the various methods for implementing OAuth based on the application type and integration needs.
How to answer:
Mention common flows like Authorization Code (web server), Username-Password (trusted clients), Client Credentials (system-to-system), and JWT Bearer Token (server-to-server).
Example answer:
Salesforce supports various OAuth 2.0 flows, including Authorization Code (common for web apps), Username-Password (for trusted clients), Client Credentials (system integration), and JWT Bearer Token (secure server-to-server).
17. What are named credentials?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your knowledge of a secure and simplified way to manage callouts to external services from Salesforce.
How to answer:
Explain Named Credentials store the endpoint URL and authentication settings for calling external services securely from Apex, bypassing complex authentication code in Apex.
Example answer:
Named Credentials store the endpoint URL and authentication parameters required for making callouts to external services. They simplify Apex code by handling authentication securely on the platform level.
18. What is Change Data Capture (CDC)?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your understanding of real-time data synchronization mechanisms for integration scenarios.
How to answer:
Describe CDC as a streaming API that publishes change events when records are created, updated, deleted, or undeleted in Salesforce, allowing external systems to receive near real-time updates.
Example answer:
Change Data Capture (CDC) is a streaming API that notifies external systems in near real-time when changes occur in Salesforce records, enabling efficient data synchronization across connected applications.
19. What is a governor limit example you have faced?
Why you might get asked this:
Requires you to provide a practical example of encountering governor limits and potentially how you resolved it.
How to answer:
Cite a specific limit like the SOQL query limit (100) or DML limit (150) in a transaction, explaining a scenario like bulk data processing where you hit it.
Example answer:
I've encountered the SOQL query limit (100 queries per transaction) when processing a large batch of records in a trigger. We resolved it by refactoring the code to use a single SOQL query outside the iteration loop.
20. What declarative tools do you use to customize Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your proficiency with point-and-click configuration options available in Salesforce without writing code.
How to answer:
List key declarative tools such as Flow Builder ( Flows), Process Builder, Workflow Rules, Validation Rules, and Schema Builder for data model customization.
Example answer:
I frequently use Flow Builder for complex automation, Process Builder for multi-step processes, Validation Rules for data integrity, and Schema Builder for visualizing and modifying the data model.
21. How do you approach building custom applications in Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your methodology for solution design and development on the platform.
How to answer:
Describe your process: requirements gathering, data modeling (objects/fields), choosing between declarative vs. programmatic tools, building UI (Lightning), writing Apex/integrations if needed, and thorough testing.
Example answer:
My approach involves understanding requirements, designing the data model, leveraging declarative tools first, then using Apex/Lightning for complex needs, ensuring security, and rigorous testing before deployment.
22. What strategies do you use to ensure code quality and security?
Why you might get asked this:
Probes your understanding of best practices for writing maintainable, secure, and efficient code on the Salesforce platform.
How to answer:
Mention code reviews, bulkification to avoid governor limits, proper exception handling, using CRUD/FLS checks for security, writing comprehensive test classes with assertions.
Example answer:
I ensure code quality through bulkification, error handling, and writing clear, documented code. Security is paramount, using with sharing/without sharing correctly and enforcing CRUD/FLS permissions in Apex.
23. What steps are necessary to deploy Apex code to production?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your knowledge of the deployment process and the crucial requirement for testing and code coverage.
How to answer:
Explain the need for at least 75% overall Apex code coverage, running all test classes successfully, using change sets or Metadata API/SFDX, and deploying first to a sandbox for validation.
Example answer:
Deploying Apex requires achieving at least 75% overall code coverage and ensuring all test classes pass in the target environment. I deploy via change sets or SFDX after validating in a sandbox.
24. How would you integrate an external system with Salesforce?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your breadth of knowledge regarding the various integration patterns and technologies available in Salesforce.
How to answer:
Discuss multiple options: using Salesforce APIs (REST, SOAP, Bulk) for data exchange, Salesforce Connect for real-time external data access, Platform Events/CDC for event-driven integration, and Named Credentials.
Example answer:
Integration options depend on requirements. For real-time, I consider REST/SOAP APIs or Salesforce Connect. For bulk, Bulk API. For event-driven, Platform Events or CDC. Named Credentials secure callouts.
25. What is a WSDL?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your familiarity with a key component used when working with SOAP web services for integration.
How to answer:
Define WSDL (Web Services Description Language) as an XML file describing a SOAP web service's operations, input/output messages, and location, used to generate client-side code.
Example answer:
WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language. It's an XML document that acts as a contract describing the functionality and structure of a SOAP web service, used to generate client code for integration.
26. What is the difference between Enterprise WSDL and Partner WSDL?
Why you might get asked this:
Distinguishes your understanding between two types of WSDL files used for SOAP integration, based on their typing and use cases.
How to answer:
Explain Enterprise WSDL is strongly typed and tied to a specific org's schema, changing if metadata changes. Partner WSDL is loosely typed, generic, and works across any org, more flexible for client applications.
Example answer:
Enterprise WSDL is strongly typed, specific to an org's schema, and changes with metadata. Partner WSDL is loosely typed, generic, and works with any org, often used by tools integrating with various Salesforce instances.
27. What is Tooling API?
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your knowledge of APIs used specifically for building development tools or interacting with Salesforce metadata programmatically.
How to answer:
Describe Tooling API as an API primarily used by developers and ISVs to build custom development tools, IDEs, or interact with metadata components like Apex classes, triggers, and Visualforce pages programmatically.
Example answer:
Tooling API provides access to metadata and tools within Salesforce. It's used mainly for building custom development tools, syncing IDEs, and interacting with code components like Apex classes and triggers programmatically.
28. What is Salesforce Connect?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of a feature that allows integrating external data sources without migrating the data into Salesforce.
How to answer:
Explain Salesforce Connect allows access to data from external systems in real-time without copying it into Salesforce. It uses external objects to represent external data within the Salesforce UI/API.
Example answer:
Salesforce Connect enables access to data stored outside Salesforce in real-time. It uses external objects, which behave like standard objects but point to data in external systems via OData or other protocols.
29. Explain a complex problem you solved with Apex or Visualforce.
Why you might get asked this:
Requires you to demonstrate practical problem-solving skills, technical depth, and the ability to explain a solution's architecture and challenges.
How to answer:
Describe a specific scenario requiring custom logic (e.g., complex calculations, multi-record updates, API callouts within automation), explain the Apex/Visualforce solution, challenges faced (governor limits, performance), and the outcome.
Example answer:
I developed an Apex trigger to calculate rolling commission splits across multiple related Opportunity splits, ensuring bulk compliance by processing records in batches and using trigger helper classes to manage logic complexity and governor limits.
30. How do you stay current with Salesforce updates and ecosystem changes?
Why you might get asked this:
Shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about the platform's frequent releases and evolving features.
How to answer:
Mention specific resources: following release notes, using Trailhead for new features, participating in the Salesforce community (forums, user groups), reading blogs (like SalesforceBen, Apex Hours), attending webinars/Dreamforce.
Example answer:
I stay current by diligently reviewing Salesforce release notes three times a year, completing relevant Trailhead modules, following key community figures and blogs, and attending webinars to learn about new features and best practices.
Other Tips to Prepare for a Salesforce Interview
Excelling in a Salesforce interview involves more than just memorizing answers. It's about demonstrating your practical experience, your ability to think through problems, and your passion for the platform. "Practice articulating your thought process out loud," advises a veteran Salesforce architect. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, explaining your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them using Salesforce tools. Think about how you've handled situations involving governor limits, data migration, or complex integrations. Utilizing an AI tool like the Verve AI Interview Copilot at https://vervecopilot.com can be incredibly beneficial. This Verve AI Interview Copilot provides mock interviews tailored to Salesforce roles, offering instant feedback on your answers and helping you refine your delivery. "The best preparation involves simulating the real experience," says an experienced hiring manager. Using a tool like the Verve AI Interview Copilot allows you to practice under pressure and improve your confidence, making your performance in the actual Salesforce interview much stronger. Don't just know the answers; know how to talk about your experience applying them. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer; it shows engagement. Leverage the Verve AI Interview Copilot to build muscle memory for structured, confident answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the most important skill for a Salesforce role?
A1: Problem-solving combined with a solid understanding of how to use Salesforce's declarative and programmatic tools effectively.
Q2: Should I focus on Admin or Developer questions?
A2: It depends on the role, but demonstrating knowledge across both areas is often beneficial in Salesforce interview questions.
Q3: How important is Trailhead for interviews?
A3: Trailhead badges show initiative and a grasp of concepts. Mentioning relevant trails can strengthen your answers to Salesforce interview questions.
Q4: How do I answer questions about my weaknesses?
A4: Be honest about a real area for growth, and focus on the steps you are taking to improve it, linking it to Salesforce skills if possible.
Q5: Is knowledge of integrations critical?
A5: Yes, integrations are vital for connecting Salesforce, so expect Salesforce interview questions on APIs and data exchange methods.
Q6: How much code coverage is required for production deployments?
A6: At least 75% overall Apex code coverage is required to deploy code or package changes to production.
