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Systems administrator interview questions can cover systems updates to cybersecurity to time management skills, so it's a good idea to prepare for your interview. Read through the following common job interview questions for a systems administrator position to help you do this.
Key Takeaways:
As a systems administrator job candidate, brush up on your technical knowledge before your interview.
As an interviewer for a systems administrator position, assess candidates' interpersonal skills as well as their technical skills.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Most interviews begin with some form of an introduction to ease into the more complex lines of questioning. One of the most popular ways to do this is by asking the applicant to tell a little about themselves.
While this is an open-ended request, you should keep it focused on your relevant career life. It’s okay to allow a little bit of your personality to slip through, but overall, talk about your professional self.
There’s no need to go into too much detail with this first question. Just provide a brief overview.
Example answer:
“My name is Jeremiah Anderson, and I’m a systems administrator with about five years of professional experience. I spent the majority of my career working for a large-scale retailer to integrate and monitor their headquarter’s software.
I consider myself a very organized and driven person in my work and personal life. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending spare time with my family and shooting nature photography.”
How did you become a system administrator?
Unlike many careers that have a straightforward path towards being qualified, the road to becoming a systems administrator is a little more ambiguous.
Varying educational focuses and experiences result in a career as a systems administrator. An interviewer wants to know which route you took to understand your expertise better.
Break down the steps you took to become a systems administrator from the beginning of your education up until your first job.
Example answer:
“I began my journey to becoming a systems administrator by getting my bachelor’s degree in computer science from New York University. After graduating, I also acquired a CompTIA Security+ certificate to enhance my skills further.
I worked as a network technician for three years before gathering enough field experience to get hired for my first systems administrator position in 2018.”
Do you have experience working with hardware?
In addition to configuring software systems and networks, a systems administrator often has to handle hardware concerns as well.
For most systems administrator positions, hardware installation is essential to the job responsibilities. Be honest about your experience in this area because exaggerating your skills could end up badly, even if you get hired.
Example answer:
“Yes, I do have experience working with computer hardware. Assisting in the installation, fixing, and replacement of hardware was part of the responsibilities in my last two roles.”
What is the difference between a router and a gateway?
Many of the questions that come up during a systems administrator interview are about testing a candidate’s technical knowledge that they’ll use on the job.
This question is an example of one of those. It’s a tidbit of technical expertise that many companies would expect a systems administrator to know.
Simply respond with the textbook answer to technical questions.
Example answer:
“The difference between a router and a gateway lies in the network’s traffic. A gateway would regulate traffic between different networks. Alternatively, a router organizes the traffic of similar networks.”
What methods do you use to protect your system from getting hacked?
Network system security is of grave importance to a company. Weak security can lead to breaches of sensitive business and customer information, which nobody wants.
Expect to receive a couple of questions about your security measures when working on a computer system during an interview for this position. To respond, list out the specific methods that you use to keep your systems secure and why you choose those tactics.
Example answer:
“There are a few tactics that I use to secure the systems that I work on. First of all, I always install updated anti-malware software to create an initial line of defense. My personal favorite is Bitdefender.
Additionally, I always encrypt the company's data using software like CryptoForge and NordLocker. I also like to create a system for managing hardware security to avoid these types of attacks as well.”
What is LVM?
This is another question that evaluates a candidate’s systems administrator knowledge. To prepare for technical interview questions, review the material that a hiring manager is likely to ask about. Your answer doesn’t need to be too fancy when responding to technical questions — just cover the basic information.
Example answer:
“LVM stands for Logical Volume Manager, which works in Linux. It is a framework that handles logical volume management for the Linux kernel. LVM awards a few advantages, such as increased control over logical volumes.”
What are a few qualities that make someone a good systems administrator?
The qualities that an applicant deems as the most important for being a systems administrator shows which skills they put effort into. It also shows their perspective on their field of work.
When answering this question, make sure you’re mentioning qualities or skills that you possess. It’s less impressive for a candidate to mention the most important skills for being a good system administrator only to follow it up by saying that they don’t have any of them.
Example answer:
“I think there are many skills that can be useful for a career in systems administration, but a few that are absolutely crucial. The three most important qualities to being a successful systems administrator are problem-solving, cloud computing, and communication.
These characteristics establish a systems administrator who knows how to handle their responsibilities, and how to react when something goes wrong.”
Tell me about a time you took the initiative at work.
System administrators are responsible for a company’s software installation and monitoring, and this requires quite a bit of drive.
You need to be able to take charge as a systems administrator to do what’s right for the network system. Explaining a time you took the initiative in a former job shows that you’re capable of doing it if hired.
Example answer:
“A time when I took the initiative at work was when I worked in my first job in 2015. While working as a technical support specialist, I had never been a full-blown systems administrator before. I was given a lot of freedom to do my work without supervision, which was great but unfamiliar to me.
At one point, I had a lot of questions about how I should do things, but I knew it was up to me to figure it out. I ended up making the best judgment calls that I could, which I needed to as an administrator. I took the initiative to troubleshoot and solve security issues without company assistance.”
How do you handle the pressure of being a systems administrator?
As with many high-ranking positions, being a systems administrator comes with a lot of responsibilities. This inherently brings more pressure to the role.
A hiring manager wants to assess how a candidate will handle that added stress during the interview phase of the hiring process. The best way to respond to this question is by listing out the methods of handling pressure. If you’ve never thought about your mechanisms for coping with stress before, give it some thought.
Example answer:
“I try to use a few different coping mechanisms to handle the pressure of being a systems administrator. On my days off, I like to do some exercise like running and hiking to burn off the stress that I’ve accumulated during the week.
Additionally, I practice breathing exercises during work if there’s ever a time that I get overwhelmed by the pressure. I think that when you’re working in a stressful position, it’s important to take time to do things for yourself when it’s possible.”
How would you help a remote employee who's struggling to join a video-call meeting?
This is an example of a situational question that an applicant might ask during a systems administrator interview.
A candidate’s answer illuminates both their technical abilities and their communication skills. Work through the series of steps that you would take during this situation in your answer. A systematic answer shows experience in handling common tasks of the job, like technical support.
Example answer:
“The first action I would take when trying to help an employee who was struggling to join a video call would be communicating directly with them. I would explain the functions of the software and troubleshoot the issue on their end to make sure the problem isn’t anything fixable.
If this didn’t work, I would attempt to see if there was a network issue on the organization’s end. If all else failed, and everyone else was able to attend the meeting, I would prompt the employee to make a new account or create one for them.”
How do you keep yourself motivated when doing monotonous technical tasks?
The technical responsibilities of network installation and repair that are up to a systems administrator can often be tedious after a while on the job.
Despite this, an employer wants to ensure that the systems administrator they hire will be able to keep themselves driven to do every task associated with the position, even if it’s monotonous.
This is a question that’s best answered by doing some introspection into your work habits. As a successful systems administrator, you must have at least a couple of motivation tools handy for repetitive responsibilities. Explain these honestly.
Example answer:
“While the technical duties of a system administrator can often be a little repetitive at times, especially during repairs, I have a few tricks to keep myself motivated when handling these responsibilities.
I like to take breaks during my workday to make sure that my mind starts fresh and I don’t make any errors. During these breaks, I read or drink a cup of tea, and it gives me the energy to follow through with the more tedious tasks of being a systems administrator.”
How do you prioritize tasks at work?
Systems administrators have a lot of tasks to juggle when they’re in charge of a company’s entire software and hardware system. Managing these responsibilities requires an acute sense of prioritization to ensure that everything is getting done according to plan.
While this is another aspect of your work habits that you may not have thought about before, try to flesh out definitive mechanisms for prioritizing.
Example answer:
“I go through a series of steps when I’m prioritizing my work as a systems administrator. The initial consideration I make is about which tasks have hard deadlines and doing those first. I accomplish those tasks in order of the nearest due date.
For responsibilities without defined deadlines, I organize them by which tasks are the most impactful to the system as a whole. There is no sense in doing an insignificant job if more influential tasks need to be done first. Usually, this system of organization works well for me, and all my responsibilities as a systems administrator get handled.”
Tell me about a time that you didn’t know how to solve a problem and how you handled it.
While many candidates are inclined to only present their positive attributes and accomplishments during an interview, a hiring manager will likely ask about instances when your efforts fell short at work too.
A lot of a system administrator’s job is analyzing technical problems and solving them. Potential employers want to see how you handle the common administrator situation of getting stumped.
While this question asks for a time you didn’t know how to solve a problem, it doesn’t state you need to have failed. Choose an experience that ended positively.
Example answer:
“When I was working in my last systems administrator position, I was unsure about why our security measures were flagging certain employees as potential threats.
It seemed like a simple problem to overcome, but every method that I used to try and fix the problem left me at a dead end. It frustrated me for over a week, and I tried very hard to solve it on my own.
After days of stress, I ended up consulting a colleague who was more familiar with data security encryption, and he was able to help me figure it out in a heartbeat. The experience taught me to always seek out help from my professional network when I’m left confused by an issue.”
What is your ideal work environment?
The work environment of a system administrator can vastly differ between organizations. Some systems administrators are expected to coordinate directly with the employees at financial firms or government offices. Others work with companies on a schedule with more freedom.
During an interview for this type of versatile position, a hiring manager usually asks about an applicant’s preferred type of work environment. Be truthful about the work environment you’re looking for because the employer might be willing to work within your preferences.
Example answer:
“My ideal work environment is a healthy mix of collaboration and independence. I enjoy working with a team directly to coordinate and inform them about software installations and updates. I also prefer the benefits that a flexible schedule gives me.”
A company that’s hiring for a system administrator position wants the best candidate possible for the job, and they’ll probably ask why you believe that’s you. While many applicants gulp with fear when they hear this question, look at it as an opportunity to demonstrate confidence in your work and skills.
Example answer:
“When I was reading through the requirements for this system administrator position on the Zippia job board, I noticed that you were looking for an applicant who is organized, communicative, and had at least five years of technical experience.
Not only do I meet all of these requirements for the role, but I also think that I display other qualities that will foster my success as a systems administrator for your organization. For instance, my critical thinking skills and knowledge of several programming languages like Python, PHP, and Swift.”
How do you ensure data backup and disaster recovery plans are implemented and tested regularly?
A large part of a systems administrator's job is making sure all of the organization's data won't disappear if something goes wrong. Be as specific as possible when you answer this question to show your expertise.
Example answer:
"I regularly schedule system backups that I store off-site, and I conduct periodic drills to test how well my recovery procedures work. I then use the results of those checks to see what areas we need to improve."
Share an example of a complex system upgrade or migration project you were involved in and explain your role in its successful execution.
Systems administrator behavioral interview questions like this one allow interviewers to get a glimpse of your past work and the skills you'd bring to their company. Make sure you explain the circumstances surrounding your actions and the results of your efforts when you answer.
Example answer:
"At my last role, my team was migrating our email infrastructure from on-site to a cloud-based platform. I assessed and planned the migration process, communicated and coordinated with the employees and leaders it would affect, and completed the migration. Thanks to the tests and user training we performed beforehand, the migration went off without a hitch."
How do you enforce and maintain compliance with industry regulations and security best practices?
Systems administrators have to keep their companies' technology and data secure and compliant, so it's important that you demonstrate your capabilities in this area in your interview.
Example answer:
"I make sure I'm updated with the latest regulations and security standards and conduct regular audits and tests to identify any security gaps so that we can fix them. I also make sure I keep stakeholders aware and trained in how to uphold security policies such as data encryption."
Can you explain your approach to managing software updates and patch management for a large-scale environment?
Companies want to hire systems administrators they can rely on to keep their company's network and data secure and up-to-date. Because of this, you'll likely encounter an interview question like this one.
Example answer:
"I am systematic and proactive in managing software updates and patches by first inventorying our software assets and then closely monitoring multiple resources for patch releases. After I test the patches in non-productive area, I perform updates in the least disruptive way possible."
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in system administration?
As a systems administrator, you know full well that technology is advancing quickly. Companies want to know that you'll take the initiative to stay up-to-date with these advancements, so add this to your list of common systems administrator interview questions.
Example answer:
"I make industry publications, blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts I subscribe to a part of my daily routine so that I know I'm fully up-to-date on any new technology or best practices. I also attend one to two conferences a year and take at least one professional development course or webinar a quarter. "In addition to that, I'm a part of several online forums and professional networks where I can get ideas and ask for help."
Can you explain the steps you take to secure and harden a server or network infrastructure?
How do you handle system failures or outages? Share an example of a critical incident you managed successfully.
Can you discuss your experience with virtualization technologies and your ability to deploy and manage virtual machines?
Describe your experience in managing Active Directory, including user and group administration, permissions, and Group Policy.
Can you discuss your experience in monitoring system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing optimizations?
How do you handle security incidents, such as malware infections or unauthorized access attempts?
Describe your experience with managing and configuring network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.
Share an example of a time when you implemented automation or scripting to streamline repetitive tasks.
Can you discuss your experience in managing and troubleshooting email systems, such as Microsoft Exchange or other platforms?
Describe your experience in managing and maintaining server hardware, including RAID configurations and hardware monitoring.
How do you handle capacity planning and ensure scalability for growing infrastructure needs?
Share an example of a time when you collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement a new system or technology.
Can you discuss your experience with cloud technologies and your ability to manage hybrid or multi-cloud environments?
How do you handle user support requests and ensure timely resolution of technical issues?
Describe your experience in managing and securing remote access technologies, such as VPN or remote desktop services.
Can you explain your approach to implementing and managing network and system monitoring tools?
Share an example of a time when you identified and resolved a major security vulnerability in a system or network.
How do you approach documentation and knowledge sharing to ensure efficient system administration and support?
Describe your experience in managing storage systems, such as SAN or NAS, and implementing data redundancy and disaster recovery strategies.
Can you discuss your experience in managing and troubleshooting Linux/Unix-based systems?
As a Candidate:
Brush up on the basics. Many interview questions for a systems administrator position will be designed to test your foundational knowledge of your field. You might not have dealth with some of these basic topics in a while, so pull out a textbook and give your brain a refresh.
Highlight your interpersonal skills. While a large part of your work as a systems administrator will be independent, you still need to know how to work with others in and outside of your deaprtment. Think of examples of how you've done this in the past so you have them ready to go in your interview.
Showcase your problem-solving skills. Much of being a systems administrator is knowing how to solve problems effectively. Be ready for interview questions along this line by having several anecdotes about problems you've solved in the past ready to share.
As an Interviewer:
Assess candidates' technical skills. Whether it's by literally giving them a test or simply asking technical interview questions systems administrators should know, make sure your candidates' have a solid foundation of knowledge in their field.
Check candidates' interpersonal skills. When coming up with questions to ask in a systems administrator interview, communication and relational skills might not be first on your list, but they're important to to include. This way, you make sure you hire someone who is easy to work with.
Evaluate candidates' problem-solving skills. Many skills are easier to teach than problem-solving, so make sure you hire someone who is already strong in this area.