Top 50 Frequently Asked Q&A with Latest Trends
The role of a Salesforce Administrator is pivotal in optimizing CRM processes, ensuring data integrity, and driving user adoption. As organizations increasingly rely on Salesforce, interviewers seek candidates who combine technical expertise with problem-solving skills. Below is a curated list of 50 Salesforce Admin interview questions, aligned with 2023 trends, including declarative automation, Lightning Experience, and security best practices.
Core Concepts & Security
- Q: Explain the difference between Profiles and Permission Sets.
A: Profiles control baseline permissions (object/field access, tabs, and login hours). Permission Sets extend privileges without altering profiles (e.g., granting temporary access to a custom object). - Q: How does a Role Hierarchy impact record visibility?
A: It enables hierarchical data access. Users in higher roles inherit access to records owned by subordinates, unless restricted by sharing rules. - Q: What are the types of Sharing Rules?
A:- Criteria-Based: Share records meeting specific conditions.
- Owner-Based: Share records owned by certain users/groups.
- Q: When would you use a Public Group vs. a Queue?
A: Public Groups organize users for sharing rules. Queues manage unassigned records (e.g., Leads) for teams. - Q: What is the purpose of Field-Level Security (FLS)?
A: FLS restricts field visibility/edit access at the profile/permission set level.
Data Management & Validation
- Q: How do Validation Rules differ from Workflow Rules?
A: Validation Rules block invalid data during entry. Workflow Rules automate actions (emails, field updates) after data is saved. - Q: What is a Lookup Relationship vs. a Master-Detail Relationship?
A:- Lookup: Child record exists independently if the parent is deleted.
- Master-Detail: Child records are deleted if the parent is removed; ownership inherits from the parent.
- Q: How do you handle duplicate records in Salesforce?
A: Use Duplicate Management tools (Matching Rules, Duplicate Rules) or third-party apps like DemandTools. - Q: Explain the use of External IDs.
A: External IDs uniquely identify records for data integration (e.g., syncing with an ERP system). - Q: What are Junction Objects?
A: They create many-to-many relationships between two objects (e.g., relating Students to Courses).
Automation (Flow, Process Builder, Workflows)
- Q: Why is Flow replacing Process Builder and Workflow Rules?
A: Flow offers advanced logic, screen components, and bulk processing. Salesforce recommends Flow for all new automation (2023 roadmap). - Q: Describe Flow types.
A:- Screen Flow: Guides users through UI screens.
- Record-Triggered Flow: Runs when records are created/updated.
- Schedule-Triggered Flow: Executes at specified times.
- Q: How do you debug an autolaunched Flow?
A: Use Debug Mode with sample inputs or check Flow Interviews in Setup. - Q: What’s a Decision Element in Flow?
A: It evaluates conditions to route logic (e.g., if Opportunity Amount > $10K, assign to Enterprise team). - Q: When would you use a Before Save vs. After Save record-triggered Flow?
A:- Before Save: Modify fields before saving (no DML needed).
- After Save: Perform actions post-save (e.g., send email).
Reporting & Analytics
- Q: What’s the difference between a Report Type and a Dashboard?
A: Report Types define data sources for reports. Dashboards visualize report data via charts/metrics. - Q: How do Cross-Filters enhance reports?
A: They filter records based on related objects (e.g., “Accounts with Opportunities in Closed-Won stage”). - Q: What are Bucket Fields?
A: They categorize report data without custom fields (e.g., grouping Opportunities by Amount ranges). - Q: Explain Joined Reports.
A: They combine multiple report blocks (e.g., Leads vs Opportunities) in a single view. - Q: How do you control dashboard access?
A: Dashboards inherit permissions from underlying reports and folders. Use Dashboard Folder Sharing.
Integration & Deployment
- Q: What is Change Sets?
A: A deployment tool to migrate metadata between Salesforce orgs (e.g., sandbox to production). - Q: When would you use Salesforce DX over Change Sets?
A: Salesforce DX (CLI) supports version control, CI/CD pipelines, and scratch orgs for complex deployments. - Q: What are Platform Events?
A: They enable real-time communication between Salesforce and external systems via event-driven architecture. - Q: How does REST API integrate with Salesforce?
A: REST API allows CRUD operations on records using HTTP methods (GET, POST) and OAuth 2.0 authentication. - Q: What is an Apex Trigger?
A: Code that executes before/after specific DML events (e.g., updating related records when an Account is modified).
Lightning Experience & Customization
- Q: How do you customize Lightning Pages?
A: Use Lightning App Builder to drag-and-drop components like Lists, Charts, or custom LWCs. - Q: What is a Dynamic Form?
A: It conditionally displays fields on record pages based on user criteria (built via Lightning App Builder). - Q: How do you enable Lightning Experience for users?
A: Assign the “Lightning Experience User” permission in profiles/permission sets. - Q: What are Quick Actions?
A: They let users perform tasks (e.g., log a call, create a record) from the Salesforce header or record page. - Q: What is a Lightning Web Component (LWC)?
A: A modern JavaScript framework for building reusable, performant UI components compatible with Aura.
Scenario-Based Questions
- Q: A user can’t view a record despite having “Read” access. Why?
A: Check OWD settings, sharing rules, role hierarchy, and manual sharing. - Q: How would you automate a renewal process for Contracts?
A: Use a Record-Triggered Flow to create a renewal Opportunity 30 days before Contract expiry. - Q: Users complain about slow dashboards. How do you optimize?
A: Filter reports, use summary formulas, avoid complex joins, and schedule dashboard refreshes. - Q: A validation rule blocks a legitimate update. How to troubleshoot?
A: Review error message, check rule criteria, and use Debug Logs to trace user context. - Q: How to migrate 50,000 records without hitting governor limits?
A: Use Data Loader in bulk mode, batch processing, or Salesforce APIs with error handling.
Advanced Topics
- Q: What is Salesforce CPQ?
A: A tool for configuring quotes, pricing, and subscriptions (requires separate licensing). - Q: Explain Einstein Analytics.
A: Salesforce’s AI-driven analytics platform for predictive insights and data visualization. - Q: What are Custom Metadata Types?
A: Reusable application configurations deployable across environments (e.g., feature toggles). - Q: How do you enforce GDPR compliance?
A: Use Data Mask, PII fields, and Individual Object to track consent and data deletion. - Q: What is a Connected App?
A: A framework to integrate external apps with Salesforce using OAuth 2.0.
Soft Skills & Best Practices
- Q: How do you prioritize competing requests from stakeholders?
A: Align with business impact, ROI, and Salesforce best practices (avoid over-customization). - Q: Describe your approach to user training.
A: Tailor sessions to user roles, use Trailhead, and provide post-training support. - Q: How do you stay updated on Salesforce releases?
A: Attend Trailhead webinars, review Release Notes, and join Salesforce communities. - Q: What metrics do you track to measure admin success?
A: User login rates, report/dashboard usage, automation efficiency, and case resolution time. - Q: How do you handle pushback from users on new processes?
A: Communicate benefits, gather feedback, and iterate based on their pain points.
Troubleshooting & Governance
- Q: Why am I getting “Insufficient Access” on a related record?
A: The user lacks access to the parent object/field or the record’s sharing settings are restrictive. - Q: How to resolve “Too Many SOQL Queries” error?
A: Optimize loops, use bulkification, and leverage collections (e.g., Maps) to reduce queries. - Q: What causes “Duplicate Value in Field” errors?
A: Unique field constraints or duplicate rules blocking the save operation. - Q: How to audit field history?
A: Enable Field History Tracking on the object and view data in Field History Related Lists. - Q: What’s the purpose of Health Check?
A: It scans org security settings (password policies, session settings) and recommends improvements.
Final Tips for Success
- Practice Hands-On: Use Trailhead Playgrounds for real-world scenarios.
- Know the Ecosystem: Understand integrations with tools like MuleSoft or Tableau.
- Think Declarative First: Prioritize clicks-over-code unless complexity demands code.
- Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
By mastering these questions and concepts, you’ll demonstrate both technical depth and strategic thinking—key traits of a standout Salesforce Admin.
Good luck! 🚀
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