DENSE_RANK handles ties: SELECT salary FROM (SELECT salary, DENSE_RANK() OVER (ORDER BY salary DESC) AS rk FROM employees) t WHERE rk = 3. Subquery MAX approach: nested 3 levels. **Why DENSE_RANK**: Ties get same rank; RANK skips (two 2nd → next is 4th). **Edge case**: Fewer...
This medium-level SQL question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like LTIMindtree. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates.
Break this problem into components. Identify the core trade-offs involved, then walk the interviewer through your reasoning step by step. Demonstrate awareness of edge cases and production considerations - this is what separates good answers from great ones.
DENSE_RANK handles ties: SELECT salary FROM (SELECT salary, DENSE_RANK() OVER (ORDER BY salary DESC) AS rk FROM employees) t WHERE rk = 3. Subquery MAX approach: nested 3 levels. Why DENSE_RANK: Ties get same rank; RANK skips (two 2nd → next is 4th). Edge case: Fewer than 3 distinct salaries returns empty. Parameterize: Replace 3 with variable for Nth.
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Analyze My Answer — FreeAccording to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked SQL interview questions, reported at 1 company. DataEngPrep.tech maintains a curated database of 1,863+ real data engineering interview questions across 7 categories, verified by industry professionals.