13 data governance interview questions

What is data governance?

Data governance is the process of managing an organization’s data so it stays accurate, secure, and accessible to the right people. 

It sets the rules for how data is collected, stored, shared, and used while meeting legal, ethical, and security requirements. Good data governance prevents errors, reduces security risks, and helps businesses make better decisions based on reliable information.

General data governance interview questions 

Before diving into role-specific questions, start with general ones. Look for answers that demonstrate an understanding of key concepts, problem-solving skills, and real-world application of governance principles.

1. What are the key ingredients of a strong data governance strategy?

What this question assesses: If the candidate understands what makes governance work at a high level

Strong answer example:

Good data governance starts with clear ownership – who’s responsible for what. It also needs rules for keeping data clean and consistent, security measures for protecting data, and policies for helping teams access the right data without creating risks. The best strategies are flexible and can evolve as the company grows.

2. Why does data governance matter, no matter what industry a company is in?

What this question assesses: If the candidate understands the universal value of governance

Strong answer example:

Every business relies on data. A retailer needs accurate customer info for marketing, a hospital needs reliable patient records, and a finance company must follow strict data regulations.

If data is messy or insecure, companies lose stakeholders’ trust, make bad decisions, or even face legal trouble. Good governance keeps data in all industries useful and protected.

3. What are the biggest challenges companies face with data governance, and how would you tackle them?

What this question assesses: Whether the candidate can recognize and solve real-world governance issues

Strong answer example:

One challenge? People don’t always see governance as a priority – until something goes wrong. To fix this, companies need leadership buy-in and real examples of how poor data quality or security risks cause problems.

Another challenge is inconsistency – different teams might use the same data differently. A solution is setting clear data standards and having someone responsible for keeping them in place.

4. How do data governance policies help companies follow regulations like GDPR or CCPA?

What this question assesses: If the candidate understands the role of governance in compliance

Strong answer example:

Regulations set the rules for handling personal data, but it’s up to a company’s data governance team to put internal policies in place that make sure those rules are followed.

These policies define who can access sensitive data, how long it’s stored, and how people can request changes or deletions. Without them, companies end up scrambling to meet compliance deadlines. These policies help keep data secure and regulators happy.

Role-specific data governance questions

Here are some questions that cover the nitty-gritty of data governance, with specific roles highlighted so you can tailor your interview to the right expertise and skills needed for the job.

5. How would you develop and enforce data quality standards across different departments in an organization?

Who this question is useful for: Data stewards, data governance managers, chief data officers (CDOs)

What this question assesses: Candidates’ ability to set and maintain data quality policies while working across teams

Strong answer example:

First, I’d define clear data quality metrics – like accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness – so everyone is aligned on what “good” data looks like. 

Then, I’d work with department leads to ensure data entry standards are documented and followed. Automated data validation rules and regular audits would help maintain consistency. 

Finally, I’d establish a feedback loop so teams can flag issues and refine processes over time.

6. What steps would you take to create a data governance policy that balances security with accessibility?

Who this question is useful for: Data governance managers, compliance officers, data architects

What this question assesses: Candidates’ ability to write and implement policies that protect data while ensuring usability

Strong answer example:

A good data governance policy needs to protect sensitive data while enabling employees to do their jobs efficiently. I’d start by creating data categories – like public, internal, confidential, and restricted – so the right security measures can be applied to each. 

Role-based access controls would help ensure that employees see only the data relevant to their work. I’d also establish an approval process for special data access requests and regularly review policies to adapt to changing business needs.

7. How would you ensure an organization stays compliant with evolving data regulations like GDPR and CCPA?

Who this question is useful for: Compliance officers, CDOs, data governance managers

What this question assesses: Candidates’ knowledge of compliance frameworks and ability to adapt governance policies to regulatory changes

Strong answer example:

To ensure compliance, I’d: 

• Stay updated on regulatory changes through industry sources, compliance teams, and legal counsel

• Create clear data retention and deletion policies, implement audit trails to track data access, and regularly review vendor contracts for compliance requirements 

• Use employee training to ensure teams understand their data-handling responsibilities 

• Conduct regular compliance audits to identify gaps before they become risks

Hard skills interview questions for data governance professionals

Here are some helpful hard skills questions to gauge your candidates’ technical chops. Look for answers that demonstrate that candidates understand data management frameworks like DAMA-DMBOK, can perform basic data analysis and interpretation, know how to enforce data quality standards, and stay updated on regulatory compliance requirements.

8. How would you implement a data governance framework based on DAMA-DMBOK principles in an organization with no existing governance structure?

What this question assesses: Candidates’ understanding of data governance frameworks, ability to structure policies from scratch, and strategic thinking

Strong answer example:

I’d start by identifying key data governance goals, like improving data quality, security, or compliance. Then, I’d map out roles and responsibilities, making sure there’s clear ownership for data assets. 

Using DAMA-DMBOK principles, I’d focus on core components like data stewardship, metadata management, and data quality standards. I’d use a phased rollout, beginning with high-impact areas like regulatory compliance and business-critical data before expanding governance policies across the organization.

9. How do you ensure accurate data lineage tracking, and why is it important for regulatory compliance?

What this question assesses: Candidates’ knowledge of data lineage, metadata management, and compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA

Strong answer:

Data lineage helps track where data comes from, how it moves through systems, and how it's transformed along the way. 

This is crucial for compliance because regulations often require companies to prove data accuracy and show how personal data is handled. I’d ensure accurate data lineage by implementing automated tracking tools, maintaining metadata repositories, and documenting key data flows. 

Regular audits and cross-functional collaboration with IT and compliance teams would also help keep lineage accurate and current.

Soft skills interview questions for data governance professionals

The best data governance professionals don’t just enforce rules –  they create a culture where data is trusted, well-managed, and actively supports business goals. They need various soft skills, including the following:  

• Stakeholder collaboration is useful for getting different departments on the same page, training teams on best practices, and balancing security and business needs. 

• Communication skills help these pros turn complex data policies into something everyone can understand and follow. 

• Situational judgment, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills can help them navigate tricky situations – like resolving conflicts over data access, adapting policies to meet new regulations, or ensuring governance frameworks stay practical instead of becoming bureaucratic red tape. 

Here are two questions that test your candidates’ soft skills. Look for detailed, specific answers that demonstrate possession of these skills and that align with your organization’s culture and approach to data governance.

10. How would you handle resistance from business teams that see data governance policies as unnecessary red tape?

What this question assesses: Candidates’ communication, verbal reasoning, and influencing skills

Strong answer example:

I’d start by understanding their concerns – are they worried about extra work, slower processes, or limited access to data? 

Then, I’d focus on framing governance as a way to help them rather than a burden. For example, I’d show how clear data policies reduce duplicate work, prevent costly errors, and speed up decision-making. Using real examples – like a past data issue that caused delays or compliance risks – can make the benefits more tangible. 

If needed, I’d also adjust policies to balance governance with operational efficiency so the concerned teams feel like partners in the process rather than just rule-followers.

11. Can you describe a time when you had to mediate a conflict between departments over data access or ownership? How did you resolve it?

What this question assesses: Cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and policy enforcement

Strong answer example:

In a previous role, two teams –  marketing and product – wanted full access to customer data but had conflicting priorities. Marketing needed it for targeted campaigns, while product wanted to analyze user behavior. 

To resolve this, I met with both teams to understand their needs and concerns. Then, I proposed a role-based access model where each team got the insights they needed while sensitive customer data remained protected. 

By focusing on business needs rather than ownership disputes, we found a compromise that worked for both sides while maintaining security and compliance.

Self-development and personal motivation questions

You should also gauge how your candidates approach their own growth and their outlook on the field as a whole. Look for specific answers that demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and an optimistic outlook. Consider using these questions.

12. How do you stay up to date with evolving data governance regulations and emerging technologies?

What this question assesses: Candidates’ commitment to continuous learning, ability to adapt to industry changes, and awareness of regulatory updates

Strong answer:

I keep up with industry news, regulatory updates, and webinars from groups like DAMA International. I also connect with professional communities, attend conferences, and pursue certifications. 

13. What excites you most about working in data governance, and how do you see your career evolving in this field?

What this question assesses: Candidates’ motivation, long-term career vision, and passion for data governance

Strong answer example:

I love that data governance connects technology, compliance, and business strategy. The ability to improve data quality and security while helping companies make better decisions excites me most. 

I see myself eventually growing into a leadership role where I can shape enterprise-wide data strategies and drive governance at a higher level. I’m also interested in mentoring and helping teams build a strong data culture.

Combine interviews with skills tests to hire strong data governance professionals 

Data governance interview questions give you a chance to see candidates’ skills, reasoning, and attitudes up close. But how can you ensure you aren’t wasting time interviewing unqualified candidates? 

The answer: Use a platform like TestGorilla. Our test library contains hundreds of tests that cover hard and soft skills, cognitive abilities, personality, and more. You can combine tests into a single assessment you use to screen all your applicants – far more reliable than resume screening. Test-takers are ranked automatically, and you can shortlist the strongest for your interview.

Here are some relevant tests to get you started: 

• Data Security and Compliance test

• Working with Data test

• Database Management and Administration test

Get started today by signing up for a free TestGorilla account.