NBC Universal Salesforce Interview Questions

NBC Universal Salesforce Interview Questions

On October 21, 2025, Posted by , In Salesforce Interview Questions, With Comments Off on NBC Universal Salesforce Interview Questions

Table Of Contents

When preparing for a Salesforce interview at NBC Universal, you need to be ready for a challenge. Their questions are designed to dig deep into your knowledge of Salesforce development, administration, and integration. From Apex coding to Salesforce Lightning Web Components (LWC) and third-party system integrations, you’ll face a mix of technical questions and real-world scenarios. I’ve found that the focus is not only on your technical skills but also on how well you can apply those skills to solve complex business problems. You’ll likely encounter questions on automation tools like Flows and Process Builder, testing your ability to optimize business processes within Salesforce.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common NBC Universal Salesforce interview questions and provide insights that will help you shine during your interview. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, this content will prepare you for all the tough questions that could come your way. I’ll share practical examples and key strategies to help you tackle the interview with confidence and demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit for their Salesforce team. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel fully equipped to showcase your expertise and land the job.

Beginner-Level Questions

1. What is Salesforce, and what are its key features?

Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to streamline business processes related to sales, marketing, customer service, and analytics. It provides a range of tools and features such as sales automation, marketing automation, customer service, and detailed reporting. I’ve found that one of the key features of Salesforce is its ability to be customized to meet any business need, allowing organizations to track their customer interactions in one place, making it highly efficient for improving communication and productivity.
Another notable feature is Salesforce Lightning, which enhances the user experience with a more modern interface compared to the classic version. Lightning also offers enhanced features such as improved dashboards and more intuitive data management. Additionally, Salesforce offers the AppExchange, where you can access thousands of third-party apps that integrate seamlessly with Salesforce to extend its functionality. This flexibility is particularly useful for businesses that want to tailor the platform to their specific needs.

2. Explain the difference between a standard object and a custom object in Salesforce.

In Salesforce, standard objects are pre-defined by the platform, and they come with predefined functionality. Examples of standard objects include Account, Contact, Lead, and Opportunity. These objects are ready to use out-of-the-box, and I typically use them for handling common business processes like managing sales pipelines or tracking customer information.
On the other hand, custom objects are created by users to meet specific business needs. These objects don’t come with predefined fields or behaviors, so I create them to store data that doesn’t fit into standard objects. For example, if a business needs to track a custom project or inventory item, I would create a custom object. In this case, I can define custom fields, page layouts, and create relationships with standard objects. Below is an example of creating a custom object in Salesforce:

CustomObject__c newObject = new CustomObject__c();  
newObject.Name = 'New Project';  
insert newObject;

This code creates a new CustomObject and inserts it into Salesforce. The insert operation saves the newly created record into the Salesforce database.

3. What is a workflow rule, and how is it used in Salesforce?

A workflow rule in Salesforce is an automated process that triggers an action based on a set of conditions. For example, I use workflow rules to send email alerts, update fields, or create tasks automatically when certain criteria are met. Workflow rules help automate repetitive tasks and ensure that processes are followed consistently.
When creating a workflow rule, I define criteria (conditions for when the rule should run) and actions (what happens when the criteria are met). For instance, I often use workflow rules to automatically update a Lead Status when certain conditions are met or send a notification when a case is assigned to a support team member. Here’s a sample code for a simple workflow rule that updates a custom field when an opportunity is marked “Closed Won”:

trigger UpdateOpportunityStatus on Opportunity (before update) {  
    for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.new) {  
        if (opp.StageName == 'Closed Won') {  
            opp.Status__c = 'Completed';  
        }  
    }  
}

This trigger automatically updates the custom Status field to “Completed” when the Opportunity’s Stage is set to “Closed Won”. The code executes before the Opportunity record is updated, ensuring the field is modified before it’s saved.

4. What are the different types of relationships in Salesforce?

Salesforce supports several types of relationships that define how objects relate to one another. The three main types I frequently work with are Lookup Relationships, Master-Detail Relationships, and Many-to-Many Relationships.

  1. Lookup Relationship: In this relationship, one object has a reference to another, but both objects can exist independently. For example, a Contact can have a lookup relationship with an Account, meaning a contact is related to an account but does not depend on it for existence.
  2. Master-Detail Relationship: This is a stronger relationship where the child object is dependent on the parent. If the parent record is deleted, the related child records are also deleted. For example, I might set up a Case object to have a master-detail relationship with an Account, meaning when the Account is deleted, all related Cases will be deleted as well.
  3. Many-to-Many Relationship: This type of relationship involves creating a junction object that links two objects. For example, if I need to create a relationship between Contacts and Campaigns, where a contact can belong to multiple campaigns and a campaign can have multiple contacts, I create a junction object like CampaignMember.

5. Can you explain what Apex is and its primary use in Salesforce?

Apex is Salesforce’s proprietary programming language that allows developers to implement custom business logic and functionality on the Salesforce platform. Apex is similar to Java and is object-oriented, which means I can create classes and objects to structure my code. One of the primary uses of Apex is in the creation of triggers, which allow me to automate processes when records are created, updated, or deleted.
Apex is also commonly used for tasks that require complex logic, such as batch processing, web services, or data integration. For example, I can use Apex to perform an integration with an external system and process the data before updating records in Salesforce. Here’s a small example of an Apex class that calculates the Opportunity discount based on certain criteria:

public class DiscountCalculator {  
    public static Decimal calculateDiscount(Opportunity opp) {  
        Decimal discount = 0;  
        if (opp.Amount > 10000) {  
            discount = opp.Amount * 0.1;  
        }  
        return discount;  
    }  
}

In this code, the DiscountCalculator class contains a method to calculate a discount for an opportunity if its amount exceeds $10,000. This allows businesses to dynamically calculate discounts for sales opportunities based on certain thresholds.

6. What is Salesforce Lightning, and how does it differ from Salesforce Classic?

Salesforce Lightning is a modern user interface (UI) that provides a more intuitive and streamlined experience compared to Salesforce Classic. It comes with advanced features like customizable dashboards, drag-and-drop functionality, and a component-based architecture, allowing for easier app development and automation. In my experience, Lightning’s user-friendly design and focus on productivity enhancements make it a better choice for most organizations.
On the other hand, Salesforce Classic is the older version of the Salesforce UI, which, while still functional, lacks the modern features and flexibility offered by Lightning. Classic has a more traditional layout and fewer options for customization. For example, while working with reports in Classic, I found that creating dynamic dashboards was more challenging, whereas in Lightning, the process is much more intuitive with advanced visualization options.

7. What is SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language), and how is it different from SQL?

SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) is a query language used to retrieve data from Salesforce objects, similar to SQL (Structured Query Language) used in traditional relational databases. However, SOQL is specific to Salesforce and is designed to work within its cloud-based environment. I use SOQL when I need to fetch records from Salesforce objects like Account, Contact, or Opportunity. The key difference is that SOQL is more tightly integrated with Salesforce’s object-oriented nature, and it doesn’t support complex joins or full relational operations.
For instance, in SQL, you might write a query like:

SELECT Name, Amount FROM Opportunities WHERE Stage = 'Closed Won';

In SOQL, the equivalent query would look like:

SELECT Name, Amount FROM Opportunity WHERE StageName = 'Closed Won';

The main difference here is that SOQL doesn’t support traditional joins like SQL. Instead, you would use relationship queries to retrieve related data in Salesforce, which is handled by looking at relationship fields.

8. What is the purpose of the Record Types feature in Salesforce?

The Record Types feature in Salesforce is used to create different business processes, picklist values, and page layouts for different users based on the type of record they are working with. For example, I’ve used record types to create separate processes for Opportunities in different sales stages. In this case, I can set up unique page layouts for each stage, making it easier for users to focus on the information that’s relevant to them.
Record types help segment data for different departments or users. For instance, if I have a Case object, I can create record types like Technical Support and Customer Service, each with its own workflow, picklist values, and page layouts. By customizing the experience for each type of record, I can streamline the user interface and ensure that team members are working with the right fields and processes.

9. Explain the difference between Page Layouts and Lightning Record Pages in Salesforce.

Page Layouts are used to control the arrangement of fields, sections, and related lists for a particular object’s record page in both Classic and Lightning. I often use page layouts to manage which fields are visible or editable to users, depending on their role. For example, I might design a page layout for the Contact object where certain fields, like Phone Number or Email, are displayed, while others are hidden.
On the other hand, Lightning Record Pages are part of Salesforce’s modern Lightning UI. They offer more advanced functionality, including custom components and dynamic actions. Lightning Record Pages allow me to customize the layout for individual user profiles, so I can create tailored experiences for different teams. The key difference is that while Page Layouts are static, Lightning Record Pages are more dynamic and customizable, allowing for a greater level of flexibility.

10. How do you create and manage Reports in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, creating and managing reports is straightforward. First, I go to the Reports tab and select the type of report I want to create—whether it’s a summary report, matrix report, or tabular report. I then use filters to narrow down the data I want to include in the report, such as selecting records that meet specific criteria or belong to certain date ranges. I also have the option to group data by fields like Opportunity Stage or Account Name.
To make a report even more insightful, I often include charts and graphs to visually represent data. Additionally, reports can be scheduled to run at regular intervals, and I can share the results with relevant stakeholders. For example, I might create a report to track Closed Opportunities, which automatically runs every Monday to give the sales team a clear view of their weekly goals.

11. What is a formula field, and how can you use it in Salesforce?

A formula field in Salesforce is a custom field that calculates a value based on other fields, functions, or operators within Salesforce. In my experience, formula fields are useful for automating certain processes and displaying calculated data without needing to manually update records. For example, I often create formula fields to calculate the Opportunity Discount based on a custom formula that uses the Amount field.
Here’s an example of a simple formula field:

IF(Amount > 10000, Amount * 0.1, 0);

This formula checks if the Amount is greater than 10,000 and, if so, calculates a 10% discount. If the condition is false, it returns 0. This way, the formula field automatically calculates the discount without requiring any manual intervention from the user.

12. What is Process Builder, and how does it help in automation within Salesforce?

Process Builder is a powerful tool in Salesforce that allows me to automate business processes by creating processes that trigger actions based on predefined criteria. For example, I use Process Builder to automate tasks like sending email alerts, updating field values, or creating new records when certain conditions are met. I often rely on Process Builder for tasks like automatically updating the Opportunity Stage when an associated Lead is converted into a customer.
One of the key benefits of using Process Builder is its easy-to-use graphical interface, which lets me design and manage processes visually. For example, I might create a process that automatically sends an email notification to a manager when a Case is closed, keeping everyone in the loop without requiring manual effort.

13. Can you explain the concept of Profiles and Permission Sets in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, Profiles and Permission Sets are used to control user access to objects, fields, and various Salesforce features. Profiles are a user’s primary access control mechanism and define what they can view, edit, and create. For example, as an Administrator, I can assign a profile to a user that determines their access to Accounts, Opportunities, and other objects. Profiles can be customized to fit different roles within the organization.
Permission Sets, on the other hand, are additional access controls that grant permissions beyond what is set by a user’s profile. I typically use permission sets when I need to provide additional access to a user without changing their profile. For example, if a user needs access to a custom object or field that their profile doesn’t allow, I create a permission set to grant the necessary access.

14. What is a trigger in Salesforce, and when would you use it?

A trigger in Salesforce is a piece of Apex code that automatically executes before or after specific operations (such as insert, update, or delete) on Salesforce records. Triggers are often used when I need to perform actions such as data validation, creating related records, or updating fields based on certain conditions. For example, if I need to ensure that the Close Date of an Opportunity is always populated when an Opportunity is updated, I can use a trigger to enforce this rule.
Here’s an example of an Apex trigger:

trigger OpportunityCloseDate on Opportunity (before update) {  
    for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.new) {  
        if (opp.StageName == 'Closed Won' && opp.CloseDate == null) {  
            opp.CloseDate = Date.today();  
        }  
    }  
}

This trigger automatically sets the CloseDate to today’s date when an Opportunity’s Stage is updated to “Closed Won,” ensuring that the field is always populated correctly. Triggers are essential when working with complex logic that cannot be handled through standard declarative tools.

15. What is the AppExchange, and how can it be beneficial for Salesforce users?

The AppExchange is Salesforce’s marketplace for third-party applications and solutions that can be easily integrated into the Salesforce platform. In my experience, it is a great resource for finding apps that extend Salesforce’s functionality, such as tools for marketing automation, data analytics, and project management. I often explore AppExchange to find apps that fit specific business needs and can save time and resources.
For example, if I need a tool for automated email marketing, I might find an app on the AppExchange that integrates with Salesforce and offers advanced features like A/B testing and personalized email content. By leveraging these apps, I can customize Salesforce to better meet the unique requirements of my organization.

Advanced-Level Questions

16. What are the best practices for writing efficient Apex code in Salesforce?

In my experience, writing efficient Apex code is crucial to ensure performance and scalability in Salesforce. One of the key best practices is to minimize the number of queries and DML statements inside loops. For example, instead of querying inside a loop, I fetch all the necessary records before entering the loop and then process them. This approach prevents hitting the Governor Limits for SOQL queries and DML statements, which can lead to errors and performance issues.
Another best practice is to use bulkification—ensuring that code can handle multiple records at once. I write my triggers to handle collections of records (like lists or maps) rather than handling one record at a time. Here’s an example of bulkifying a trigger to update Opportunities:

trigger UpdateOpportunityCloseDate on Opportunity (before update) {  
    List<Opportunity> opportunitiesToUpdate = new List<Opportunity>();  
    for (Opportunity opp : Trigger.new) {  
        if (opp.StageName == 'Closed Won' && opp.CloseDate == null) {  
            opp.CloseDate = Date.today();  
            opportunitiesToUpdate.add(opp);  
        }  
    }  
    update opportunitiesToUpdate;  
}

Code Explanation: This trigger bulkifies the process of updating the CloseDate for Opportunities when the StageName is ‘Closed Won’ and CloseDate is not already set. The list of Opportunities is gathered and updated in one DML operation, ensuring efficient handling of large datasets and avoiding Governor Limits.

17. Can you explain the Governor Limits in Salesforce, and why are they important?

Governor Limits are a set of runtime limits that Salesforce enforces to ensure fair use of resources across its multi-tenant architecture. These limits are critical to prevent any single user or process from consuming too many resources and affecting other tenants. In my experience, understanding these limits is essential for writing efficient Apex code and maintaining optimal performance. For example, there’s a limit on the number of SOQL queries you can execute per transaction, typically set to 100. If I exceed this limit, my transaction will fail.
To avoid hitting these limits, I always make sure to bulkify my code and handle collections of records efficiently. I also use limits to monitor how close I am to reaching these limits in my Apex code. Here’s an example of checking the number of SOQL queries in a transaction:

System.debug('SOQL queries executed: ' + Limits.getQueries());

Code Explanation: The Limits.getQueries() method retrieves the number of SOQL queries executed in the current transaction. By using this code, I can monitor how close I am to the Governor Limit for SOQL queries, helping to optimize the code before hitting the limit and avoiding errors.

18. How does Salesforce Integration work, and what are some common methods for integrating external systems with Salesforce?

Salesforce offers several methods for integrating with external systems, allowing me to connect Salesforce to other applications, databases, or services. One common method is using REST APIs, which are ideal for integrating with modern web services. I can use REST APIs to send data between Salesforce and an external system in real-time. For example, I have worked on integrations where I used RESTful services to pull data from an external financial system into Salesforce.
Another common integration method is SOAP APIs, which are often used for more complex integrations with legacy systems. Salesforce also supports Outbound Messaging and Platform Events for event-driven architecture, where an event in Salesforce triggers an integration with an external system. For instance, I might use an outbound message to automatically notify an external inventory system when an Opportunity is marked as “Closed Won.”

19. Explain the Custom Metadata Types in Salesforce and how they differ from Custom Settings.

Custom Metadata Types in Salesforce allow me to store configuration data that can be deployed between Salesforce environments, making it easier to maintain consistency across different orgs. The key difference from Custom Settings is that Custom Metadata Types can be deployed with changesets, which is something that custom settings cannot do. For example, I’ve used custom metadata types to store API keys or configuration options that can be referenced across different parts of Salesforce, including Apex code, validation rules, and formula fields.
While Custom Settings provide a way to store user-specific or org-wide configuration data, they are not deployable and can’t be used across environments easily. Custom metadata types also allow for better version control. Here’s an example of accessing a custom metadata type in Apex:

List<MyMetadataType__mdt> metadataRecords = [SELECT MasterLabel, Field1__c FROM MyMetadataType__mdt];  
for (MyMetadataType__mdt record : metadataRecords) {  
    System.debug('Field Value: ' + record.Field1__c);  
}

Code Explanation: The query retrieves records from the custom metadata type MyMetadataType__mdt. Each record contains a field called Field1__c, and the code loops through these records, logging the values for Field1__c. This approach is helpful when referencing configuration data stored in custom metadata types for use in Apex code.

20. What is the role of Salesforce DX in modern development and deployment workflows?

Salesforce DX (Developer Experience) is designed to modernize the way Salesforce applications are developed, tested, and deployed. It brings a more streamlined development process that integrates version control, continuous integration, and improved testing frameworks. In my experience, Salesforce DX is incredibly helpful for managing source code in Git repositories and working in scratch orgs—temporary Salesforce environments used for development and testing. This makes it easier to collaborate with teams and maintain the codebase in a more organized and efficient way.
Salesforce DX also introduces the concept of unified source control and metadata management, allowing developers to work with Salesforce metadata in a way similar to traditional software development. For example, I can push and pull metadata to/from my scratch org using the Salesforce CLI. Here’s an example of pushing changes from a local environment to Salesforce:

sfdx force:source:push

Code Explanation: The sfdx force:source:push command pushes the local changes from the Salesforce DX project to the connected scratch org. This is part of a modern, source-driven development workflow that allows developers to easily integrate with version control systems, improving collaboration and ensuring consistency across development environments.

Scenario-Based Questions

21. How would you handle a situation where a user needs to update a field automatically whenever a record is updated, but you must ensure the update doesn’t exceed the governor limits?

In my experience, when I need to update a field automatically on a record, I always consider bulkification and trigger optimizations to avoid exceeding Salesforce governor limits. For example, I use a trigger that executes only when necessary and ensures that the update operation is processed efficiently for multiple records at once. By using collections such as lists or maps, I can ensure that I avoid updating a record in each loop iteration, which would lead to excessive DML operations and exceed limits.
For example, to update the field Auto_Updated__c on a list of Account records whenever they are modified, I can use the following approach:

trigger UpdateFieldOnAccount on Account (before update) {  
    List<Account> accountsToUpdate = new List<Account>();  
    for (Account acc : Trigger.new) {  
        if (acc.Status__c == 'Active' && acc.Auto_Updated__c == false) {  
            acc.Auto_Updated__c = true;  
            accountsToUpdate.add(acc);  
        }  
    }  
    if (!accountsToUpdate.isEmpty()) {  
        update accountsToUpdate;  
    }  
}

Code Explanation: In this trigger, we check if the Status__c is ‘Active’ and if the Auto_Updated__c field is not already updated. The records are added to a list, and then we perform the DML update operation outside the loop, thus avoiding exceeding the governor limits.

22. You have a complex business process that requires automating several steps, including approval processes, field updates, and email notifications. What tools would you use, and why?

In my experience, for a complex business process involving approvals, field updates, and email notifications, I rely on a combination of Process Builder, Flow Builder, and Approval Processes. I use Process Builder to automate simple actions like updating fields or creating tasks. For more complex logic and multi-step processes, I would use Flow Builder, which allows me to build guided workflows that can handle conditional logic, loops, and user interactions. Finally, Approval Processes would be used to automate approvals and enforce business rules in a standardized way.
For example, I might set up a Process Builder process to automatically send email notifications when an opportunity is closed won, while a Flow Builder process could guide the user through multi-step approvals. Here’s an example of a Process Builder action to send an email notification:

[Opportunity].StageName == 'Closed Won'  
// Send an email notification
Action Type: Email Alerts

Code Explanation: In this Process Builder, I configure an action to send an email alert whenever the Opportunity reaches the ‘Closed Won’ stage. This process simplifies automating the email notification without writing complex code, improving the efficiency of business operations.

23. If a user reports that a page layout is not displaying the expected fields, how would you troubleshoot and resolve the issue?

When a user reports that a page layout is not displaying the expected fields, my first step would be to check if the field is included in the correct page layout and whether any field-level security settings are hiding it. In my experience, sometimes fields are hidden due to security settings even though they are added to the layout. I would then verify that the user’s profile has access to the field, ensuring that no permissions are restricting visibility.
Next, I would check if the field is part of the record type associated with the layout. Salesforce allows different layouts for different record types, and the issue could arise from using the wrong record type for the record being viewed. Here’s how I would check for visibility using Field-Level Security:

FieldLevelSecurity fLS = FieldLevelSecurity.readableField('Opportunity', 'CloseDate');  
System.debug('Field Visibility: ' + fLS);

Code Explanation: This example checks if the CloseDate field on Opportunity is visible for the current profile. It uses FieldLevelSecurity to check the field’s accessibility, ensuring the field is not hidden due to profile restrictions.

24. A company needs to track leads from different sources and assign them based on specific criteria. What solution would you implement using Salesforce automation tools?

To track leads from different sources and assign them based on specific criteria, I would use a combination of Lead Assignment Rules and Process Builder. First, I would set up Lead Assignment Rules to automatically assign leads to the appropriate sales rep based on predefined criteria, such as Lead Source or Geography. This would ensure that every lead is automatically routed to the right person without manual intervention.
In addition, I would use Process Builder to automate any additional steps, such as updating custom fields or sending email notifications based on the source of the lead. For example, if a lead comes from a Referral, I would trigger a custom field update and send a thank-you email to the referrer. Here’s an example of using Process Builder to send an email:

[Lead].LeadSource == 'Referral'  
// Send thank-you email to referrer
Action Type: Email Alerts

Code Explanation: This Process Builder condition checks if the LeadSource is ‘Referral’, and if true, it triggers an email alert. This ensures that follow-up actions like sending thank-you emails can be automated and personalized.

25. Imagine that your organization is experiencing performance issues with a large report that pulls data from multiple objects. How would you go about improving the performance of that report in Salesforce?

When dealing with performance issues related to large reports that pull data from multiple objects, I would first review the report filters and ensure they are as efficient as possible. For example, I would limit the number of records by using more restrictive filters, such as dates or specific fields, to reduce the volume of data being processed. Additionally, I would check if the report is pulling too many columns or complex fields, which can slow down performance.
Another solution is to use Custom Report Types to streamline the data model and only include the necessary objects. In cases where performance issues persist, I might consider creating Summary Reports or Matrix Reports that aggregate data in smaller chunks. Here’s an example of optimizing a report query by reducing columns:

SELECT Name, AccountId, CloseDate FROM Opportunity WHERE StageName = 'Closed Won'

Code Explanation: This SOQL query is optimized to only retrieve the essential fields: Name, AccountId, and CloseDate, instead of pulling unnecessary fields, which could slow down report performance. By focusing on the necessary data, the report runs more efficiently and faster.

Conclusion

To stand out in your NBC Universal Salesforce interview, it’s crucial to go beyond just understanding the basics. Mastering key Salesforce features like Apex, SOQL, Lightning, and automation tools such as Process Builder and Flow will give you the technical edge. But more than that, the ability to think critically and solve complex business problems using Salesforce’s capabilities will set you apart. The interview process will challenge your practical skills, so it’s essential to demonstrate both your knowledge and your ability to deliver results under real-world conditions.

The scenario-based questions will test your problem-solving abilities, and preparing for them can be a game-changer. By honing your practical experience and knowing how to troubleshoot, automate, and improve processes in Salesforce, you’ll show that you can contribute value to the team from day one. With the right preparation, you’ll walk into the interview with confidence, ready to tackle any challenge, and increase your chances of securing a role at NBC Universal. Take the time to study, practice, and refine your skills, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

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