Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for SSRS Developer Roles – 2025

As companies rely more and more on data, the demand for skilled SSRS developers continues to grow. If you're interviewing for a role as an SSRS developer, be prepared to showcase your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in designing, developing, and deploying reports using SQL Server Reporting Services. To help you out, here are 20 up-to-date interview questions with simple answers that will effectively evaluate your skills and experience in this field.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience with SSRS and why you decided to become an SSRS developer.
  Answer: I have been working with SQL Server Reporting Services for the past 5 years. I have always been interested in data and how it can be used to drive business decisions, and SSRS allows me to do just that by creating visually appealing and interactive reports. I also enjoy the challenge of constantly learning and improving my skills in this constantly evolving technology.
• 2. Can you walk us through the process of creating a basic SSRS report?
  Answer: Sure. First, I would connect to the data source and retrieve the data needed for the report. Then, I would design the report layout and add any necessary formatting or interactive elements. After that, I would test the report and make any needed adjustments. Finally, I would deploy the report to the reporting server for others to access.
• 3. How do you handle reporting requirements that are constantly changing?
  Answer: I prioritize flexibility in my report design to handle any potential changes. This includes creating parameterized reports that allow for easy filtering and adding interactive elements like drill-downs and drop-down menus. In addition, I make sure to communicate with stakeholders and gather feedback to ensure the final report meets their needs and can adapt to any changes in requirements.
• 4. Can you give an example of a challenging reporting project you have worked on and how you overcame it?
  Answer: I worked on a project where I had to create a custom report for a client that required data from multiple data sources. It was challenging to combine and format this data in a way that was easily understandable for the client. To overcome this, I created a SQL view that consolidated and formatted the data and then used this view as the data source for the report. This not only made the report more efficient, but also easier to maintain and update in the future.
• 5. How do you ensure that your reports are accurate and error-free?
  Answer: I have a thorough testing process in place where I verify the data in the report matches the data in the source system and check for any formatting or other errors. In addition, I collaborate with team members and stakeholders to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments before the final report is deployed.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What is SSRS and how does it differ from other reporting tools?
  Answer: SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is a server-based reporting platform that allows for the creation, management, and delivery of reports. Unlike other reporting tools, SSRS uses a proprietary language called RDL (Report Definition Language) and integrates seamlessly with SQL Server and other Microsoft products.
• 7. Can you explain the difference between shared data sources and embedded data sources in SSRS?
  Answer: A shared data source is a single source of data that can be used by multiple reports. An embedded data source is specific to a report and is stored within the report itself. Shared data sources allow for easier management and maintenance of data connections.
• 8. Have you used any third-party tools with SSRS? If so, which ones and for what purposes?
  Answer: Yes, I have used Tableau for data visualization and Power BI for interactive dashboards. I have also used SQL Sentry to monitor report performance and analyze query execution plans.
• 9. How do you handle performance issues with SSRS reports?
  Answer: I first analyze the query execution plan for any inefficiencies and make necessary adjustments to improve performance. Additionally, I can set up caching and scheduling options to reduce the time it takes to access and retrieve data for the report.
• 10. Can you explain the difference between a tabular and matrix report in SSRS?
  Answer: A tabular report presents data in a simple table format, while a matrix report allows for data to be displayed in a cross-tabular format, typically with grouped rows and columns. Matrix reports offer more flexibility and customization options for data presentation.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. How do you handle disagreements with team members or stakeholders during a project?
  Answer: I believe in open and effective communication to resolve any conflicts. I listen to the other person's perspective and try to find a compromise that benefits both parties and ultimately leads to the successful completion of the project.
• 12. How do you prioritize and manage your tasks when working on multiple projects at once?
  Answer: I make sure to clearly understand the deadlines and requirements of each project and prioritize my tasks accordingly. I also use project management tools to track my progress and stay organized.
• 13. Can you give an example of how you have improved a reporting process in a previous role?
  Answer: In my previous role, I noticed that manually refreshing a report for the data to be up-to-date was time-consuming and prone to errors. I suggested implementing automated data refreshes and scheduled report deployments, which greatly improved the efficiency and accuracy of the reporting process.
• 14. How do you stay updated on the latest features and updates in SSRS?
  Answer: I actively participate in online communities and forums, attend webinars and training sessions, and regularly read industry blogs and articles to stay updated on new features and best practices in SSRS.
• 15. Can you tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a new technology or tool?
  Answer: In my current role, I had to learn a new reporting tool that was different from what I had experience with. I spent extra time studying and practicing with the tool to become proficient, and ultimately, I was able to successfully use it for multiple reporting projects.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a report is not functioning as expected?
  Answer: I would first review the report and verify that all data sources and connections are correct. If the issue persists, I would track down the error message and troubleshoot accordingly. If needed, I would also consult with team members for their input and suggestions.
• 17. How would you approach improving the performance of a complex SSRS report?
  Answer: I would start by analyzing the query execution plan to identify any potential issues. I would also review the report design and suggest changes to make it more efficient, such as reducing the number of data sets, filtering data, or setting up caching options.
• 18. What steps would you take if a scheduled report is not delivered to a recipient?
  Answer: I would first check if the recipient has any spam filters or security settings that may be blocking the report. If the issue persists, I would review the report subscription settings and troubleshoot any errors that may have occurred during the delivery process.
• 19. How would you handle a request for a report that exceeds the capabilities of SSRS?
  Answer: I would first try to find a solution within SSRS by using advanced features or custom code. If that is not possible, I would consult with team members to explore other tools or techniques that may be able to fulfill the request.
• 20. How do you ensure report security and protect sensitive data?
  Answer: I ensure report security by setting up appropriate user permissions, data source credentials, and data encryption. I also make sure to adhere to data privacy regulations and company policies regarding data handling and access.