How do you create custom objects in Salesforce?

 Theme: Customization  Role: Salesforce Administrator  Function: Sales

  Interview Question for Salesforce Administrator:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Salesforce Administrator: Manages and maintains the Salesforce CRM system for the sales team. This role falls within the Sales function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Customization with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Creating Custom Objects: To create a custom object in Salesforce, follow these steps:1. Go to Setup and search for 'Objects and Fields'.2. Click on 'Objects and Fields' and then select 'Object Manager'.3. Click on 'Create' and choose 'Custom Object'.4. Enter the object name, label, and plural label.5. Choose the object's data type, such as standard or custom.6. Set the object's visibility and sharing settings.7. Define the object's fields by adding custom fields or using existing fields.8. Configure the object's page layout and related lists.9. Save the custom object to create it in Salesforce
  •  Custom Fields: To add custom fields to a custom object:1. Open the custom object in the Object Manager.2. Click on 'Fields & Relationships' and then 'New'.3. Choose the field type, such as text, picklist, or date.4. Enter the field details, including label, length, and help text.5. Set the field properties, such as required, unique, or external ID.6. Define field-level security and visibility settings.7. Save the custom field to add it to the custom object
  •  Relationships: To create relationships between custom objects:1. Open the custom object in the Object Manager.2. Click on 'Fields & Relationships' and then 'New'.3. Choose the relationship type, such as lookup or master-detail.4. Select the target object for the relationship.5. Define the relationship name, label, and cardinality.6. Set the relationship properties, such as cascade delete or reparentable.7. Configure field-level security and visibility settings.8. Save the relationship to establish it between custom objects
  •  Validation Rules: To create validation rules for custom objects:1. Open the custom object in the Object Manager.2. Click on 'Validation Rules' and then 'New Rule'.3. Enter a rule name and description.4. Define the rule criteria using formula expressions.5. Specify the error message to display when the rule fails.6. Set the rule's error location and behavior.7. Activate the validation rule to enforce it on the custom object
  •  Workflows & Automation: To automate processes for custom objects:1. Go to Setup and search for 'Workflow Rules'.2. Click on 'Workflow Rules' and then 'New Rule'.3. Select the custom object as the rule's object.4. Define the rule criteria using formula expressions.5. Choose the rule's evaluation criteria and trigger conditions.6. Configure the rule's immediate or time-dependent actions.7. Activate the workflow rule to automate processes for the custom object

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Technical knowledge: Assessing the candidate's understanding of Salesforce platform and ability to create custom objects
  •  Experience: Determining if the candidate has hands-on experience in creating custom objects in Salesforce
  •  Problem-solving skills: Evaluating the candidate's ability to analyze business requirements and translate them into custom object design
  •  Attention to detail: Assessing the candidate's ability to configure custom object settings accurately and efficiently

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of knowledge: If the candidate is unable to provide a clear and concise explanation of the steps involved in creating custom objects in Salesforce, it may indicate a lack of knowledge or experience in Salesforce administration
  •  Inability to explain use cases: If the candidate cannot provide examples or use cases where creating custom objects in Salesforce would be beneficial, it may indicate a lack of understanding of the practical applications of custom objects
  •  Not mentioning data model considerations: If the candidate does not mention the importance of considering the data model and relationships between objects when creating custom objects, it may indicate a lack of understanding of the underlying structure and design principles in Salesforce
  •  Ignoring security & access control: If the candidate does not mention the need to define security settings and access controls for custom objects, it may indicate a lack of awareness of the importance of data security in Salesforce
  •  Not discussing customization options: If the candidate does not mention the ability to customize fields, page layouts, and related lists for custom objects, it may indicate a lack of understanding of the full range of customization options available in Salesforce

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Salesforce Administrator in Sales function. View details for the Salesforce Administrator here