Top 20+ Salesforce Integration Interview Questions

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Salesforce integration allows smooth data exchange between Salesforce and other systems like ERPs, databases, or third-party apps. It improves workflow automation and keeps data consistent across platforms. As businesses rely more on connected systems, understanding integration has become a key skill for Salesforce professionals. That’s why interviewers often focus on this area. In this blog, we have listed the top 20+ Salesforce integration interview questions to help you prepare and understand what topics you are likely to be tested on.

Fun Fact – Over 70% of Salesforce projects involve at least one system integration.

Basic Level Salesforce Integration Interview Questions

Here are the basic-level Salesforce integration interview questions to help you understand the fundamentals and prepare for beginner-level roles.

1. What is Salesforce integration and why is it needed?

Salesforce integration connects Salesforce with other apps or databases. It helps keep data in sync and automates workflows across platforms. Businesses use it to avoid manual updates and work faster.

2. What are the most common integration patterns in Salesforce?

The main patterns are request and reply, fire and forget, batch data sync, and remote call-in. Each pattern fits a specific need based on speed, direction, and volume of data.

3. How does Salesforce connect with external systems?

Salesforce connects using APIs like REST, SOAP, or tools like MuleSoft. You can also use middleware platforms or outbound messaging to send data to external services.

4. What is an API in the context of Salesforce integration?

An API lets Salesforce talk to other systems. It’s like a digital messenger that carries data between Salesforce and other platforms using rules and formats they both understand.

5. What is the difference between real-time and batch integration?

Real-time integration sends data instantly. Batch runs on a schedule. Use real-time for urgent updates and batch for large data sets that don’t need immediate sync.

6. What tools can be used for point-and-click integration in Salesforce?

Tools like Salesforce Flow, MuleSoft Composer, and AppExchange connectors allow integration without writing code. I’ve used Flow for simple tasks like sending lead data to external tools.

Intermediate Level Salesforce Integration Interview Questions

These are intermediate-level Salesforce integration interview questions that test your practical knowledge of APIs, data flow, and real-time integration concepts.

7. What is the difference between REST API and SOAP API in Salesforce?

REST API is lightweight and uses JSON. SOAP is XML-based and more structured. REST is best for mobile or web apps. SOAP is preferred when strict rules or advanced security are needed.

8. How do you use Named Credentials in Salesforce integration?

Named Credentials store authentication details for external services. They simplify callouts by handling URL and credentials in one place. I use them to keep API keys secure and avoid hardcoding.

9. What is the use of External Objects in Salesforce?

External Objects let you view data from outside systems in real time. You don’t store the data inside Salesforce. It’s useful for large datasets, like inventory or product catalogs.

10. How do you manage authentication when integrating with third-party systems?

You can use OAuth 2.0, basic auth, or API tokens. Salesforce supports several methods, depending on the external system. I always check which method the API supports before setting up a callout.

11. What is the role of Middleware in Salesforce integration?

Middleware acts as a bridge between Salesforce and other systems. It helps route data, apply logic, and manage failures. Tools like MuleSoft or Dell Boomi are often used.

12. What is an Apex callout and when would you use it?

An Apex callout is code that sends a request from Salesforce to an external service. Use it when point-and-click tools won’t work.

Also Read - Top 20+ Salesforce Testing Interview Questions and Answers

Advanced Level Salesforce Integration Interview Questions for Experienced Professionals 

Let’s go through some advanced-level Salesforce integration interview questions and their answers. 

13. How do you handle large data volumes in an integration project?

Use Bulk API for high-volume data. It processes records in batches, reducing load. Also, avoid real-time sync for millions of records. Filter data before sending and use external IDs for mapping.

14. What are the key considerations when integrating Salesforce with a legacy system?

Check the legacy system’s API capabilities and data formats. Some older systems may not support REST or modern auth methods. You may need middleware for format conversion or scheduled jobs.

15. How would you handle error logging and retries in a Salesforce integration?

I log errors using custom objects or Platform Events. For retries, I use retry queues or scheduled batch jobs. I also include error messages from the external system for easy tracking.

16. What are the governor limits that impact Salesforce integrations?

Key limits include the number of callouts per transaction (100), CPU time, heap size, and total API calls per day. I always keep these in mind when writing integration code or designing flows.

17. How do you monitor and troubleshoot live integrations in Salesforce?

I use debug logs, Event Monitoring, and setup audit trails. For async jobs, I check failed batches in Apex Jobs. Middleware tools also offer dashboards to monitor API failures and timeouts.

Also Read - Top 25+ Apex Interview Questions and Answers

Other Important Salesforce Integration Interview Questions

Here are additional Salesforce integration interview questions that cover tricky cases, real-world scenarios, and key API-related topics.

Tricky SFDC Integration Interview Questions

These are some complex SFDC integration interview questions you might face in tough technical interviews. 

1. Can you make a callout from a trigger in Salesforce? Why or why not?
2. What happens if a REST callout fails due to timeout?
3. How would you prevent duplicate records during integration?
4. What is a callback URL and where is it used in Salesforce integrations?
5. How would you integrate Salesforce with a system that has no APIs?

Also Read - Top 15+ Salesforce Interview Questions On Triggers

Salesforce Integration Scenario Based Interview Questions

1. A client wants real-time updates from Salesforce to their ERP – how would you design this?
2. How would you sync contact records between Salesforce and an external database every hour?
3. What would you do if the third-party API you rely on becomes unstable?
4. How do you integrate a mobile app with Salesforce for real-time lead capture?

REST API Integration Salesforce Interview Questions

1. What are the key HTTP methods supported by Salesforce REST API?
2. How do you authenticate a REST API request in Salesforce?
3. How do you handle pagination in REST API responses?
4. What are the limits of REST API calls in Salesforce?

Salesforce API Integration Interview Questions

1. When would you use SOAP API instead of REST API?
2. What is Bulk API and when should it be used?
3. How do you manage API rate limits in high-volume integrations?
4. What is Metadata API used for in Salesforce?

Tips to Prepare for Salesforce Integration Interview Questions

Follow these tips to effectively prepare for Salesforce integration interview questions. 

• Learn how REST, SOAP, and Bulk APIs work.
• Study common integration patterns and their use cases.
• Practice Apex callouts and error handling.
• Review governor limits that affect integrations.
• Use tools like MuleSoft and Named Credentials.

Also Read - Top 30+ Salesforce Interview Questions and Answers

Wrapping Up

These 20+ Salesforce integration interview questions cover the most important topics asked in real interviews. Knowing how Salesforce connects with other systems can really boost your chances. Keep practicing with real examples and stay updated with the latest tools.

Looking for Salesforce integration jobs? Check out Hirist – India’s leading job portal for IT professionals. 

Also Read - Top 25+ Salesforce Developer Interview Questions and Answers

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