Top 25 Exadata Interview Questions & Answers

1. Introduction

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, especially when it involves a robust system like Oracle Exadata. Our guide on exadata interview questions is designed to help aspiring IT professionals and database administrators get a grasp of the types of inquiries they might face. With a keen focus on Exadata’s intricate capabilities and features, this article provides a comprehensive overview to boost your confidence and readiness for that big career move.

Exadata and the Database Administrator’s Role

Oracle Exadata is a sophisticated database platform that offers a unique combination of software and hardware to optimize the performance, availability, and scalability of Oracle Database environments. As a database administrator (DBA) or an IT professional seeking to work with Exadata, understanding its architecture and capabilities is crucial. The role typically involves managing and configuring Exadata systems, ensuring high performance and maintaining robust security measures. Being proficient in Exadata can be a significant career advantage, as it is a testament to one’s expertise in handling high-end database systems. This section delves into the critical aspects of Exadata and what professionals can expect when working with this powerful data processing platform.

3. Exadata Interview Questions

1. Can you explain what Oracle Exadata is and its main components? (Oracle Exadata Knowledge)

Oracle Exadata is a database machine that provides a high-performance and highly available platform for running Oracle Database. It combines hardware and software designed to deliver speed and scalability for all types of database workloads.

Exadata’s main components include:

• Database Servers: These are high-performance servers that run Oracle Database software and handle SQL processing and database management tasks.

• Storage Servers (Cells): Storage servers are optimized for fast data retrieval and storage. They handle data-intensive tasks, such as Smart Scans, which offload processing from database servers to storage servers.

• InfiniBand Network: A high-speed networking technology that interconnects database servers with storage servers, ensuring low-latency and high-throughput communication.

• Exadata Storage Server Software: This software runs on each storage server and executes the Smart Scan and other storage optimization features.

• Exadata Smart Flash Cache: A flash memory-based cache that significantly improves I/O operations and data access times.

• Exadata Software: The software layer provides additional features and optimizations that leverage the integrated hardware components, including Hybrid Columnar Compression, Smart Flash Logging, and more.

2. Why are you interested in working with Oracle Exadata? (Motivation & Cultural Fit)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, you should express how your skills, experiences, and interests align with the high-performance capabilities of Exadata. Highlight your enthusiasm for tackling complex problems and your passion for technology.

My Answer:
I am interested in working with Oracle Exadata because it represents the cutting edge of database technology, combining advanced hardware and software to deliver exceptional performance and reliability. My background in database administration has given me a solid understanding of the challenges involved in managing large and complex databases, and I see Exadata as a platform that can not only meet but exceed those challenges. The opportunity to work on innovative features like Smart Scans, Hybrid Columnar Compression, and the flash cache technology is incredibly exciting to me.

3. How does Exadata enhance database performance compared to traditional database systems? (Performance Understanding)

Oracle Exadata provides a number of features that enhance database performance significantly compared to traditional database systems:

• Smart Scans: Reduce the amount of data transferred between storage and database servers by processing queries at the storage layer.

• Hybrid Columnar Compression: Allows more data to be stored in less space and reduces I/O by organizing data into a columnar format for efficient compression and retrieval.

• Smart Flash Cache: Caches frequently accessed data in flash memory, reducing latency for I/O operations.

• InfiniBand Networking: Offers low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity between servers and storage, which is superior to traditional networking solutions.

• Offloading: Offloads tasks such as query processing and backup to the storage cells, freeing up database server resources.

• Database Machine Optimization: Exadata is optimized at the factory, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly for optimal performance.

4. What is Smart Scan in Exadata and how does it work? (Feature Specific Knowledge)

Smart Scan is a feature unique to Oracle Exadata that enhances database performance by offloading data-intensive SQL operations to the storage servers. When a query is executed, Smart Scan determines if it can be processed more efficiently by the storage servers. If so, the relevant predicates and columns are sent to the storage layer, where the storage servers filter and return only the requested rows and columns to the database servers, reducing the volume of data transferred over the network.

How Smart Scan works:

• When a SQL operation is issued, the database server sends the operation to the storage server.
• The storage server processes the operation, applying any filters and column projections directly to the data.
• Only the relevant and requested data is sent back to the database server, minimizing I/O and CPU usage on the database servers.

5. Can you describe the different storage options available in Exadata? (Storage Knowledge)

Exadata offers various storage options to cater to different data types and usage patterns. Here are the key storage options available:

• High Performance (HP) Disks: These are traditional spinning disks suitable for a mix of random and sequential read/write operations with balanced performance and capacity.

• High Capacity (HC) Disks: Designed for large data warehouses and historical data storage, these disks provide a greater amount of storage space at the expense of lower performance compared to HP disks.

• Exadata Smart Flash Cache: This is a flash-based storage that provides extremely fast I/O for frequently accessed data. It can be used in two modes:

  • Write-Through Mode: Ensures data is written to disk and flash simultaneously, prioritizing data integrity.

  • Write-Back Mode: Data is written to flash first and later to disk, optimizing for performance.

• Exadata Persistent Memory (PMEM): A newer option that provides very low latency and high throughput, ideal for performance-critical databases and applications.

The following table summarizes the storage options:

Storage Type	Description	Use Case
High Performance Disks	Spinning disks with balanced performance	Mixed workloads
High Capacity Disks	Larger capacity spinning disks	Data warehousing, historical data
Smart Flash Cache	Flash-based storage for fast I/O	Frequently accessed data, OLTP
Persistent Memory (PMEM)	Extremely low latency, high throughput	Performance-critical applications

6. How do you monitor and manage Exadata’s health and performance? (Monitoring & Management)

To monitor and manage Exadata’s health and performance, one would generally:

• Use Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) to monitor Exadata hardware and software components, including database nodes, storage cells, and network switches.
• Implement Exadata-specific metrics and alerts in OEM for proactive monitoring.
• Use Exadata Storage Server Software (CellCLI) to manage storage cells and monitor cell performance.
• Monitor the Exadata Smart Flash Cache and Smart Scan features to optimize query performance.
• Regularly check system logs, AWR reports, and Exadata-specific reports like ExaCheck for a comprehensive health check.
• Take advantage of the Exadata Management Pack for advanced monitoring and tuning features.

For example, to monitor the storage cells using CellCLI, you might run:

CellCLI> LIST CELL DETAIL

To check the overall health of the Exadata machine:

CellCLI> LIST GRIDDISK ATTRIBUTES name, status WHERE status != 'active'

To monitor the Smart Flash Cache usage, one might use the following command:

CellCLI> LIST METRICCURRENT WHERE objectType = 'FLASHCACHE'

7. What are the benefits of Exadata’s Hybrid Columnar Compression? (Compression Techniques)

The benefits of Exadata’s Hybrid Columnar Compression (HCC) include:

• Improved Performance: HCC significantly improves performance for queries and reporting due to reduced I/O and increased efficiency in data retrieval.
• Reduced Storage Footprint: HCC provides a high level of compression, often much higher than traditional row-level compression, reducing the amount of storage required.
• Cost Savings: With reduced storage requirements, there may be cost savings on storage resources.
• Energy Efficiency: Less disk space usage translates into lower power and cooling requirements in the data center.
• Backup and Recovery: Compressed data results in faster backup and recovery times as there is less data to process.

8. How does Exadata handle high availability and disaster recovery? (High Availability & Disaster Recovery)

Exadata is built with several features to ensure high availability and facilitate disaster recovery. These include:

• Redundant Hardware Components: Exadata servers have redundant components such as power supplies, network interfaces, and storage disks.
• Real Application Clusters (RAC): Oracle RAC allows multiple database servers to operate as a single system, providing continuous service even if a server fails.
• Data Guard: Exadata integrates well with Oracle Data Guard, which provides data protection and ensures data is synchronized across locations.

A table summarizing some redundancy features:

Component	Redundancy Feature	Purpose
Network Interfaces	Multiple NICs	Network fault tolerance
Power Supplies	Redundant PSUs	Continuous power supply in case of failure
Disks	Mirrored or RAID	Data protection against disk failures
Servers	Oracle RAC	Ensure service continuity
Data	Oracle Data Guard	Synchronize data across locations

9. Can you discuss the security features integrated into Exadata? (Security)

How to Answer:
Discuss the various layers of security provided within an Exadata environment, including network security, access controls, data encryption, and auditing capabilities.

My Answer:
Exadata has robust security features that protect data at multiple layers:

• Network Security: Exadata provides network isolation capabilities and InfiniBand network encryption to protect data in transit.
• Access Controls: Exadata uses database access controls, resource management, and connection management to restrict and monitor user access.
• Data Encryption: Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is available to protect sensitive data at rest, with encryption keys managed through Oracle Key Vault.
• Auditing: Exadata can leverage Oracle Database’s comprehensive auditing features to track and monitor access and changes to data.

10. What is the purpose of Smart Flash Cache in Exadata? (Caching Mechanisms)

The purpose of Smart Flash Cache in Exadata is to improve database performance by providing a high-speed caching layer for frequently accessed data. It works as follows:

• Caches Frequently Accessed Data: Smart Flash Cache automatically stores frequently accessed data in flash memory, which is faster than reading from disk.
• Enhances Read Operations: Read-intensive operations benefit significantly from flash memory’s low-latency access compared to traditional spinning disks.
• Reduces Latency: By serving read requests directly from flash memory, Smart Flash Cache can significantly reduce the latency for I/O operations.
• Increases Throughput: High-speed access to flash memory allows for increased throughput for data retrieval.

Smart Flash Cache is a key component of Exadata’s performance-enhancing features and is particularly beneficial for read-heavy workloads such as data warehousing and reporting queries.

11. How do you approach patching and upgrades for an Exadata machine? (Maintenance Procedures)

When considering patching and upgrades for an Exadata machine, a holistic approach should be taken that ensures minimal downtime and adherence to best practices. Here is how I would approach it:

• Pre-Patch Planning: Carefully review the patch release notes provided by Oracle. Understand the impact of the patch and any prerequisites that must be met before applying it. Also, plan for a maintenance window that is agreed upon with stakeholders considering the possibility of a rollback if needed.
• Backup: Always take a full backup of the database and the Exadata machine configurations before applying any patch or upgrade. This is crucial to restore the system in case anything goes wrong.
• Staging: Download and stage the patch on the Exadata machine without applying it. Pre-patching checks can be performed at this stage.
• Patch Application: Apply the patch in a rolling manner, if supported, to ensure that the Exadata system remains available during patching. Use the patching tools provided by Oracle, such as opatch, to apply database patches, and use the Exadata-specific patching tools for the storage servers and InfiniBand switches.
• Validation: After patching, perform thorough testing to make sure that everything is running as expected. This should include functional, performance, and stress testing.
• Documentation: Document the patching process, including any issues encountered and how they were resolved, for future reference.
• Post-Patch Monitoring: Monitor the system closely for a period after the patching to ensure stability and performance are as expected.

12. Explain the role of InfiniBand networking in Exadata. (Networking)

InfiniBand is a high-speed networking technology used in Exadata to interconnect the different components within the machine. It provides a low latency, high bandwidth communication channel between the compute nodes (database servers) and the storage cells (storage servers). Here are some key points regarding the role of InfiniBand in Exadata:

• High Performance: InfiniBand provides bandwidth of up to 40 Gbps, which is significantly higher than traditional Ethernet networks. This is crucial for the performance of the Exadata database machine, as it allows for fast data movement between the servers and storage.
• Scalability: InfiniBand supports a scalable architecture, allowing more nodes to be easily added to the Exadata environment without a degradation in performance.
• Reliability: InfiniBand includes built-in redundancy and failover capabilities, ensuring high availability of the network.
• Smart Scan: InfiniBand enables the smart scan feature of Exadata, where query processing can be offloaded to the storage cells, reducing the volume of data transferred over the network and improving query performance.

13. What experience do you have with Exadata’s storage server software? (Experience)

I have extensive experience working with Exadata’s storage server software, which includes tasks such as:

• Configuration: Setting up storage cell parameters and creating cell disks and grid disks as per the best practices.
• Smart Scan: Implementing and troubleshooting Smart Scan operations to improve performance by offloading data-intensive tasks to the storage layer.
• Storage Optimization: Using features like Hybrid Columnar Compression (HCC) to optimize storage utilization and performance.
• Cell Monitoring and Management: Using CellCLI, I have monitored cell metrics for performance tuning and have been involved in proactive maintenance.
• Patching and Upgrades: Applying patches and updates to the storage server software to keep it up to date with Oracle’s recommendations.

14. How do you optimize SQL queries for Exadata environments? (SQL Optimization)

SQL query optimization in Exadata environments involves utilizing Exadata-specific features to enhance performance. Here are key strategies I use:

• Smart Scan: Ensure that the SQL queries are written in a way that maximizes the benefit of Smart Scan, which offloads data processing to the storage layer.
• Indexes: Evaluate the use of indexes and consider dropping unnecessary ones that may impede Smart Scan.
• HCC: Utilize Hybrid Columnar Compression for historical data to improve performance and reduce storage usage.
• Storage Indexes: Take advantage of storage indexes, which can reduce the amount of I/O by storing information about the data distribution on disk.
• Partitioning: Implement table partitioning to improve query performance and data management.
• Parallel Execution: Leverage parallel query execution to distribute the workload across multiple CPUs and storage cells.
• Resource Management: Use resource management features to prioritize critical workloads and manage system resources effectively.

15. What are CellCLI and DCLI in Exadata? (Exadata Management)

CellCLI and DCLI are command-line interface tools used for managing Exadata cell storage and executing commands on multiple Exadata cells or compute nodes, respectively.

• CellCLI: Stands for Cell Command Line Interface, which is used to manage Exadata storage cells. It allows administrators to perform tasks like creating grid disks, managing cell services, monitoring cell health, and executing cell-level management commands.

  Example usage of CellCLI:

  CellCLI> LIST GRIDDISK attributes name, size, status;
  

• DCLI: Stands for Distributed Command Line Interface, which is used to run commands across multiple Exadata database servers or storage cells in parallel. It simplifies the execution of repetitive tasks on multiple machines and helps in ensuring consistency in configurations or responses.

  Example usage of DCLI:

  dcli -g cell_group -l root "CellCLI -e list cell detail"
  

  | Tool | Purpose | Example Command |
  | — | — | — |
  | CellCLI | Manages storage cells | CellCLI> LIST CELL detail; |
  | DCLI | Executes commands on multiple nodes | dcli -g db_group -l oracle "ls -l" |

By using these tools, administrators can efficiently manage and monitor the Exadata environment.

16. Describe a challenging issue you resolved with an Exadata system. (Problem-Solving & Experience)

How to Answer:
When answering this question, you should aim to demonstrate your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and experience with Exadata systems. Outline the context of the problem, the steps you took to diagnose and resolve it, and the outcome of your actions.

My Answer:
A particularly challenging issue I resolved was when we encountered intermittent performance degradation on our Exadata system that was affecting critical reporting processes. The problem did not follow a pattern and would occur at random intervals, which made it difficult to diagnose.

• I started by reviewing the alert logs and traces to identify any errors or unusual behavior that coincided with the times of the performance issues.
• Next, I utilized Exadata’s built-in monitoring tools like ExaWatcher and ExaCLI to gather detailed performance metrics at the time of the issues.
• After analyzing the data, I identified that the issue was due to disk I/O contention caused by simultaneous heavy workloads running on the system.
• To address this, I worked on redistributing the workloads by rescheduling non-critical jobs and implemented I/O resource management (IORM) to prioritize critical workloads.
• I also engaged with Oracle support to ensure that all firmware and software were up to date, ruling out any known bugs as the cause.
• After implementing these changes, the system’s performance stabilized, and the intermittent degradation issues ceased.

17. How do you implement data warehousing on an Exadata platform? (Data Warehousing)

When implementing data warehousing on an Exadata platform, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Designing the Data Model:

   • Create a star or snowflake schema that supports your reporting and business intelligence requirements.
   • Utilize Exadata’s columnar compression features for efficient storage and retrieval of historical data.

2. Data Loading:

   • Use high-speed data loading methods like direct path insert or Oracle Data Pump, which are optimized on Exadata.
   • Schedule incremental ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) jobs to regularly update the warehouse with new data.

3. Optimization:

   • Take advantage of Exadata Smart Scan to offload SQL processing to the storage cells, reducing the amount of data transferred and improving query performance.
   • Use partitioning and indexing strategies that are aligned with query patterns to optimize performance.

4. Monitoring and Maintenance:

   • Regularly monitor system performance and optimize as needed.
   • Set up partition maintenance operations like partition exchange, which are highly efficient on Exadata.

5. Security and Compliance:

   • Implement security measures such as Oracle Database Vault or encryption to protect sensitive data.
   • Ensure that the data warehousing implementation complies with applicable regulations and data governance policies.

18. What strategies do you use for backing up and restoring Exadata databases? (Backup & Restoration)

To ensure the safety and recoverability of databases on Exadata, I use the following strategies:

• Regular RMAN Backups:

  • Implement a backup schedule using Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) for full and incremental backups.
  • Take advantage of RMAN’s integration with Exadata to perform optimized backups using features like block change tracking and parallel backup streams.

• Zero Data Loss Recovery Appliance (ZDLRA):

  • Utilize Oracle’s ZDLRA for a more robust and centralized backup solution that integrates seamlessly with Exadata and provides near-zero data loss protection.

• Data Guard:

  • Set up Oracle Data Guard for real-time data protection and disaster recovery. Maintain standby databases that can be quickly activated if the primary database goes down.

• Snapshot and Cloning:

  • Use Exadata’s snapshot technology to create quick point-in-time copies of databases, which can be useful for test/dev environments or for point-in-time recovery scenarios.

• Backup Validation:

  • Regularly validate backups to ensure they are corruption-free and recoverable. Use RMAN’s VALIDATE command to perform this task.

• Backup Storage:

  • Store backups on multiple storage solutions, including Exadata’s own storage servers, remote storage, and cloud storage options for redundancy.

19. Can you give examples of I/O resource management in Exadata? (Resource Management)

Certainly, I/O resource management (IORM) in Exadata is crucial for ensuring that critical workloads get the necessary resources and for preventing less important workloads from impacting system performance. Here are some examples:

• Applying IORM Plans:

  • Create and apply IORM plans that specify how I/O resources are to be allocated among databases and workloads. This involves categorizing workloads into different consumer groups and assigning them relative priorities.

• Dynamic IORM Adjustments:

  • Make real-time adjustments to IORM settings based on changing workload patterns to ensure optimal resource distribution.

• Managing Inter-Database I/O:

  • When multiple databases share the same Exadata infrastructure, IORM helps manage the I/O bandwidth each database consumes, preventing one database from monopolizing the resources.

• Monitoring I/O Usage:

  • Use Exadata’s monitoring tools to track I/O usage by different workloads and make informed decisions on IORM configuration changes.

20. How do you ensure the scaling of an Exadata database system? (Scalability)

Ensuring the scalability of an Exadata database system involves several considerations:

• Vertical Scaling:

  • Upgrade the existing hardware components such as adding more memory, CPU, or flash storage within the same database machine to improve performance.

• Horizontal Scaling:

  • Add more database servers or storage cells to the Exadata configuration to distribute workloads and increase capacity.

• Elastic Configurations:

  • Utilize Exadata’s elastic configurations to add or remove resources with minimal disruption to the existing system.

• Database Resource Management:

  • Implement Oracle Database Resource Manager to control CPU and I/O resource allocation among different databases and workloads, ensuring that critical systems are not starved for resources as demand grows.

• Capacity Planning:

  • Conduct regular capacity planning exercises to predict future growth and plan for scalability well in advance.

• Performance Optimization:

  • Continuously monitor performance and tweak database parameters, indexing strategies, and SQL queries to ensure the system is operating at peak efficiency.

By employing these strategies, an Exadata system can be scaled up or out to accommodate growing data volumes and workload demands.

21. Discuss any experience you have with Exadata X8M or X9M models. (Product Knowledge)

I have substantial experience working with Oracle Exadata Database Machines, particularly the X8M and X9M models. These models represent significant advancements in the Exadata lineup. My experience includes:

• Deployment and Configuration: Setting up Exadata X8M and X9M systems for high-availability environments, involving configuring the hardware, networking, and initial software stack.

• Performance Tuning: Fine-tuning databases to leverage the enhanced memory and I/O capabilities of the X8M and X9M, including optimizing InfiniBand network usage and leveraging the Persistent Memory (PMEM) cache.

• Capacity Planning: Assessing the requirements of various workloads and making recommendations on the appropriate Exadata configurations to support them.

• Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving hardware and software issues unique to the X8M and X9M, such as PMEM-related errors and InfiniBand networking challenges.

22. How do you handle partitioning in Exadata for large datasets? (Data Management)

Partitioning in Exadata is crucial for managing large datasets. Here’s how I handle partitioning:

• Assess Data Characteristics: Understand the data distribution, growth patterns, and query access paths.

• Choose Partitioning Strategy: Select an appropriate partitioning strategy (range, list, hash, or composite) based on the data and how it’s accessed.

• Implement Partitioning: Create partitions using DDL statements and consider using Oracle’s automatic data optimization features for managing the lifecycle of data across different storage tiers.

• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review partitioning effectiveness and make adjustments, such as splitting or merging partitions, as data access patterns evolve.

23. What is the significance of Smart Flash Logging in Exadata? (Logging Mechanisms)

Smart Flash Logging in Exadata enhances database logging by providing a quicker write response time, which is crucial for database recovery and redo log write performance. It uses both the on-board flash storage and conventional disk storage to maintain redo logs. During intense write periods, Smart Flash Logging can prevent bottlenecks by writing to the flash storage first, which is considerably faster than disk, thus preventing log writer (LGWR) wait events and enhancing overall database performance.

24. In your opinion, what sets Exadata apart from other data solutions? (Competitive Knowledge)

Exadata stands out for several reasons:

• Integrated Hardware and Software: Exadata is designed with tight integration between hardware components and the Oracle software stack, optimized for peak performance.

• Performance Features: Features like Smart Scan, Smart Flash Cache, and the use of InfiniBand networking contribute to its superior performance.

• Scalability: Exadata scales easily both vertically and horizontally, supporting the growth of databases without significant reconfiguration.

• High Availability: It offers RAC (Real Application Clusters) for high availability and robust disaster recovery options with Data Guard.

• Hybrid Columnar Compression: This allows for efficient storage of data and reduces the I/O required for analytics queries.

• Smart Features: Smart Scan, Smart Flash Cache, and Smart Flash Logging improve performance and reliability.

25. How would you manage a migration of a conventional database to an Exadata system? (Migration Strategies)

How to Answer:
When discussing migration strategies, it’s important to highlight a structured approach that minimizes risk and ensures data integrity.

My Answer:
To manage a migration of a conventional database to an Exadata system, I would follow these steps:

• Pre-Migration Planning: Conduct a thorough assessment of the current environment, workloads, and data. This includes assessing the size of the database, network bandwidth, and application compatibility.

• Test Migrations: Perform test migrations in a controlled environment to identify potential issues and ensure the migration process is robust.

• Data Transfer Method: Choose an appropriate data transfer method (such as Data Pump, Transportable Tablespaces, or RMAN backups) based on the database size and downtime requirements.

• Performance Optimization: Optimize the database to leverage Exadata features post-migration, including storage indexes, hybrid columnar compression, and smart scans.

• Cut-Over Planning: Plan the cut-over meticulously to minimize downtime, including all necessary scripts and rollback plans.

• Validation: After migration, validate the data and performance to ensure that the system functions as expected.

• Monitoring and Tuning: Monitor the system after migration and tune as necessary to optimize performance on the Exadata platform.

4. Tips for Preparation

When preparing for an Exadata interview, focus on reinforcing your technical knowledge, including the architecture, features, and performance capabilities of Oracle Exadata. Make sure to review key components such as Smart Scan, Hybrid Columnar Compression, and Smart Flash Cache.

In addition to technical expertise, brush up on soft skills that relate to problem-solving and teamwork. Being able to articulate your experiences with Exadata implementations, upgrades, or performance tuning will demonstrate your hands-on expertise. Familiarize yourself with leadership and collaborative scenarios to show your ability to manage and work within a team.

5. During & After the Interview

During the interview, present yourself confidently and communicate clearly. Interviewers are looking for candidates who not only have the technical know-how but also the ability to articulate complex concepts and work collaboratively.

Avoid overly technical jargon unless asked for specifics, and make sure to provide context for your answers. It is beneficial to ask thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and expectations, showing genuine interest in the role and the company.

After the interview, it’s good practice to send a personalized thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest. Typically, companies will inform you of the next steps and when you can expect to hear back regarding their decision. If this timeline passes, a polite follow-up email is appropriate to inquire about the status of your application.