Top 77 Interview Questions For IT Professionals

Top 77 Interview Questions for IT Professionals
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Get Your Dream IT Job! 77 Questions You Need to be Ready For

By Gosia Grabowska April 16, 2008 Are you still looking for the IT job of your dreams? Dont give up, its out there! Im lucky enough to have one, and so can you! Finding an opening for an awesome job is hard enough; once you get the call for an interview, you need to make sure that youll make a good impression. So before you walk in for your interview, here are the top 77 questions that you need to be ready for.
Top Interview Questions for IT Pros

First youll find interview questions by position type: Entry Level and Help Desk for those who are starting out in the IT field
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Network Administrator and System Administrator for more advanced positions The last set of questions includes general HR questions, some of which you might be familiar with. As youll notice, there arent any answers, but thats because I want YOU to come up with them. Do some research if you have to and maybe youll even learn a thing or two. The most important thing is that you will be fully prepared! You will be ready for anything theyll throw at you, and you will get the job! I would also suggest that you practice answering these questions until you feel confident. Make sure your answers reflect your knowledge, skills and personality in other words, the real you not what you think the person interviewing you wants to hear. Now before we get started, I would like to encourage you to add your own interview questions in the comments below so that others can benefit from them. Try to stick to IT related questions, but general HR questions are fine too.
Entry-Level and Help Desk Positions

These questions are mostly for Help Desk positions but I wouldnt be surprised if an entry-level candidate was asked any one of these questions. If you dont know the answer, find it, memorize it and then practice explaining it in your own words. 1. What is the difference between a hub and a switch? 2. What is a network? 3. What is Active Directory? 4. What is TCP/IP and what does it stand for? 5. What is a default gateway? 6. What does DHCP stand for? 7. What is an IP Address? 8. What is the significance of the IP address 255.255.255.255? 9. What are the 3 major classes of an IP network? 10. What is a Class D IP address? 11. What is OSPF? 12. A user is complaining of delays when using the network. What would you do?
Network Administrator Positions

Some of these questions may also be included in the previous category for Help Desk Technician positions. In either case, theyre worth preparing for.
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13. What is the difference between layer 2 and layer 3 in the OSI model? 14. What is the difference between a hub, switch, and router? 15. What is a VLAN? 16. What is the difference between TCP and UDP? 17. How do you distinguish a DNS problem from a network problem? 18. What are a runt, Giant, and collision? 19. What is a broadcast storm? 20. What is the purpose of VRRP? 21. What is a VPN? 22. What is a default route? 23. How do you set a default route on an IOS Cisco router? 24. What is a metric? 25. What is a MAC address? 26. What is ARP/RARP? 27. Describe a TCP connection sequence. 28. What is MTU? 29. What other TCP setting can you modify besides MTU to shorten packets?
System Administration Position

Here are a few more questions that are a little bit more difficult. System Admins should know all these answers by heart in addition to the Network Administrator questions. 30. What is the difference between layer 2 and layer 3 devices? 31. What is the subnet for a class C network? 32. Have you configured a NIS server/client before? If so, describe what you did. 33. Have your configured a NFS server? 34. What are RAID 1 and RAID 5? 35. What are the required components of Windows Server 2003 for installing Exchange 2003? 36. What must be done to an AD forest before Exchange can be deployed?
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37. What Exchange process is responsible for communication with AD? 38. What connector type would you use to connect to the Internet, and what are the two methods of sending mail over that connector? 39. How would you optimize Exchange 2003 memory usage on Windows Server 2003 with more than 1Gb of memory? 40. What are the standard port numbers for SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, RPC, LDAP and Global Catalog? 41. Name the process names for the following: System Attendant, Information Store, SMTP/POP /IMAP/OWA. 42. What is the maximum amount of databases that can be hosted on Exchange 2003 Enterprise? 43. What are the disadvantages of circular logging? 44. >What is Active Directory schema? 45. What are the domain functional levels in Windows Server 2003? 46. What is the default domain functional level in Windows Server 2003? 47. What are the forest functional levels in Windows Server 2003? 48. What is a global catalog server? 49. How can we raise domain functional and forest functional levels in Windows Server 2003? 50. What is the default protocol used in directory services? 51. What is IPv6? 52. What are the physical & logical components of ADS? 53. In which domain functional level, we can rename a domain name? 54. What is multimaster replication? 55. What is a site? 56. Which is the command used to remove active directory from a domain controller? 57. What is the file thats responsible for keeping all Active Directory databases?
General HR Questions
These general questions can be the toughest ones to get through. They might sound easy, but they require a lot of thought and preparation. I would suggest writing down your answers first, then reading them over a few times so that youre comfortable in answering them.
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Some of these questions are very tricky and can get you in trouble. So if you run into problems finding a good answer, check out these 64 Interview Questions for some help. 58. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 59. What are your greatest strengths? 60. What are your greatest weaknesses? 61. What do you like about your current job or what did you like about your last job? 62. Give us an example of when you handled a stressful situation. 62. Give us an example of one of the toughest problems you had to face, and how did you deal with it? 63. Why do you think you should get this position? 64. Do you think you are the best person for this job? If so, why? 65. Why did you apply for this position? 66. Why did you apply for a position with our company and what do you know about us? 67. Why should we hire you? 68. Tell us about your short and long term goals? 69. Where do you see yourself five years from now? 70. Please explain, what does customer service mean to you? 71. What does being a team player mean to you? 72. Give us an example of how you handled a conflict with another employee? 73. What are your salary expectations? 74. What would you consider your most important accomplishment? 75. How would you define success? 76. At your last review, what improvements did your manager suggest you make? 77. What would your coworkers say about you? I hope these are helpful! As I mentioned above, feel free to post your own interview questions in the comments below.
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3. Windows Server 2008 Certifications Death to the MCSE 4. New Training Release: Small Business Server 2003 Training 5. Microsoft TechNet: Exchange Server TechCenter You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
About the Author Gosia Grabowska (CCNA, Network+, MOS) is an experienced Network Support Specialist and an expert in Windows Server support. She graduated from DePaul University, Chicago with a Bachelor degree in Network Technologies with highest honors. Gosia has over 8 years of technical and support experience and has worked as Systems Administrator for a high profile law firm, where she managed the Backup and Disaster Recovery plan. Gosia has been a part of the Train Signal team since 2006 as the Product Manager and has written many articles on a variety of topics, including Exchange Server 2007, Windows Vista, Small Business Server, and more.
Discussion
61 comments and trackbacks for Get Your Dream IT Job! 77 Questions You Need to be Ready For
Comments
1. Posted by Johan on April 17, 2008, 11:29 am Thanks a lot Gosia. Very good article ! This will certainly help a lot of us. My top tip of the day is: * Make sure you read through your CV/Resume when you go for an interview. If you cant talk about what you have written in your own CV, how do you expect anyone to take you serious !! Trust me, I have seen so many people make this mistake !!
2. Posted by Alvin on April 18, 2008, 10:43 am

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Hi! Im very glad I found this site =) Well, Id like to add my own interview questions for Entry-level & Help Desk positions. My question is: What is the difference between computers within a Domain and computers within a Workgroup? Thanks! ALviN
3. Posted by deepak garg on April 23, 2008, 8:31 am thanks .. i found this site , this is really proved helpful to me. can u provide answers with them
4. Posted by Jerry on April 24, 2008, 11:56 am How about a short summary answer for each question, please
5. Posted by WUI on April 24, 2008, 12:10 pm Thank you very much !! Do you also have a guide on how to write a prefect resume?
6. Posted by Lee Ann on April 24, 2008, 12:45 pm Very nice write-up. and a good review for everyone even if we already have a good job. I had to think a bit on how Id explain some of these concepts that we work with everyday!
7. Posted by Brian on April 24, 2008, 4:39 pm Very good questions, How about answer for each question, as jerry said
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Thank you yery much.
8. Posted by Ali on April 24, 2008, 11:41 pm if she answers them then the next request will be; can you please take my place during the interview?
9. Posted by Mohit Juneja on April 25, 2008, 12:49 am Hy, thanks for these exclusive interview questions, basically i am sr. technical trainer, these questions will help my students a lot. Mohit Juneja Sr. Technical Trainer NICE College (Microsoft IT Academy), Bareilly
10. Posted by Ramnath2k on April 25, 2008, 2:02 am I think you guys rock..! Not only with your Quality Training products these types of small small tips really help me to improve my skills are preparation for the interview. Keep up the good work keep mailing these types of reviews and interview tips. It would be great if you provide some personality development skills. Thanks you train signal Ramnath Rajagopalan
11. Posted by Olajide on April 25, 2008, 2:05 am Wow! This is great. this is just what i need Jide
12. Posted by syed on April 27, 2008, 12:19 am
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sir, this are very good and important question. but i like if you give us answer too. hope you do the same next time thankyou,
13. Posted by Mohammed on April 28, 2008, 12:54 am Hats off to you. Excellent tips to fight the interview. Answers to those questions will be appreciated. Keep it up.
14. Posted by Dwayne on April 28, 2008, 9:45 am I am a Systems Administrator. I love my job. And if you dont research and find the answers to these excellent questions on your own, then you dont deserve a job. Dont be afraid to say I dont know to some questions. Sometimes an employer will ask questions specific to their companys network. And there is no way you could know the answer. But, they want to see if you will admit it and ask for help or make up some crap. They want to see if your a team player and not a I know it all type of person.
15. Posted by Isaac Kumah on April 29, 2008, 6:03 am This is great,this is what ihaving looking for.please can you provide ansers to the quastions. thank u
16. Posted by Isaac Kumah on April 29, 2008, 6:11 am You poeple are fantastic
17. Posted by armyadera on May 22, 2008, 5:10 am

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wow Excellent tips to fight the interview. Answers to those questions will be appreciated thank u
18. Posted by David Agbenyega on July 9, 2008, 7:40 am wow, this is very a productive tips appreciated, please kip it up thank u
19. Posted by Oyetunji Olayinka on July 21, 2008, 6:41 am keep this up, it is fantastic, thank you.
20. Posted by Vijay on July 23, 2008, 2:36 am wll according to the above response.. i wanna to go diffnt way.. u have to add some server HW,TS server,Raid configuration, Myself Vijay working as a system admin. keep it up guys
21. Posted by Kato Lubega on July 27, 2008, 5:52 am This is fantastic-thumbs up for Train Signal Training. Am trying to open my door to IT industry,and i believe my reading will be based on your questions at some crucial point in time!!! Any ones support and mentorship is highly considered and welcome! Thanx. Kato Lubega
22. Posted by Nana007 on July 31, 2008, 3:48 pm
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Great Stuff! I agree that one has to do the research in order to grasp the answers to these questions, however, can you suggest a web-site or a good IT publication as a guide. Thanks a bunch! BTW I have bought a few training videos from you and they are worth the bucks! 23. Train Signal Team Member
Posted by Kasia Grabowska on July 16, 2008, 3:54 pm In response to: WUI Says: April 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm Thank you very much !! Do you also have a guide on how to write a prefect resume? Now we do! Check out Zachs 10 Tips to Writing an IT Resume that Sells /resume-tips/2008-06-16/
24. Posted by bandu on August 2, 2008, 5:01 am This is great,this is what I having looking for.please can you provide ansers to the quastions. thank you
25. Posted by umesh on August 12, 2008, 4:10 pm thanks .. i found this site , this is really proved helpful to me. can u provide answers with them
26. Posted by Avi R on August 20, 2008, 8:23 am Thank you! Great list..
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Ill add my own http://www.kreslavsky.com/2008/08/active-directory-interview-questions.html
27. Posted by Kurt T on November 6, 2008, 1:38 pm People, people, people First off, she says right at the beginning, if you dont know the answer, find it. When you are at school, does the teacher give you the answers??? No. This is your career we are talking about. If you stumble upon something in your job that you dont know, most of the time it will be up to you to find the answer and fix it. And by researching and finding the answer on your own, it will most likely stay with you longer, and you will probably have learned other things along the way Great article Gosia!!!
28. Posted by Rohan Shinde on November 7, 2008, 8:06 am Thanks Kurt T, I liked ur opinion.. N heartly thanks to my babe Gosia.. Gr8 Work.. Cheers!!! like to hear more..
29. Posted by karimbarna on November 13, 2008, 11:53 am first thanks its really hellpful thanks alot but how about answer if possible thanks
30. Posted by Ed B on November 16, 2008, 7:53 pm Come on people!
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Do you want her to go do the interview for you too? Maybe she can work for you too. You can stay home and just have the paycheck sent to you, so you dont have to do anything at all. I cant believe how lazy people have gotten. 31. Post Author
Posted by Gosia Grabowska on November 17, 2008, 10:34 am Thank You guys! Well, I know most of you really want me to post the answers but trust me, the answers are out there. All you need to do is a quick search on google and you will find them all. Promise. So, get to work and good luck!
32. Posted by Charles Wilson on November 18, 2008, 10:50 am This stuff does gives you that punch to get in to your dream IT job thanks very much
33. Posted by Ahmad Zozo on November 24, 2008, 2:27 am very Great article so thanks a lot but please please please can u provide answers with them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! specialy the questions for System Administrator .
34. Posted by Tumi on December 3, 2008, 4:39 am very helpful to IT industry. soon i wil get asked one of these questions but where wil i get answers. pliz help..
35. Posted by Tommy G on December 4, 2008, 1:26 pm Excellent article. Those people who asked for the answers are probably the same people who go to Braindump sites to get the answers to the Certification Exams. Not wanting to do a little research says
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a lot about your character. Taking the easy route isnt always the right choice.
36. Posted by Tarun on December 11, 2008, 11:47 pm Answers to these question will be helpful.If u can plz send it to my mail,i will be thankful to u.Wiating for ur answer.
37. Posted by Pete on December 18, 2008, 1:59 pm Appreciate this so much
38. Posted by Maat on December 30, 2008, 4:44 am My goal is to answer all of those questions like the IT Professional I want to be!! I just watched a good amount of the videos. At first I thought, how about some answers. Then I thought that was very weak of me, seeing how I froze up and my mind became a clean slate in my first IT interview!! I read the questions and froze up again!looked aroundoh, Im home!! All the answers are in the videos. Take notes if needed. I got certified in 2001 and 2004. Im so rusty and dusty its not funny. After viewing the videos, Im like.Oh yeah, I remember. I can laugh at myselfon my first interview I said BIOS was Basic Information Operating System.OOOOWWCH!!! I know that wasnt the answer! Having most my materials from school destroyed, this site is more than a blessing! On my next interview Ill know what to expect and show how I scored over 900 on my infrastructure test, instead of saying..but I scored real high! Man O Man!! I LOVE THIS SITE AND THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH IT!!! Ill post again after my next interview! Thanks again for the oil and the dust buster.
39. Posted by jatsho on January 9, 2009, 3:37 am i have a interview after few days, plz provide answers.
40. Posted by Manu on January 11, 2009, 10:44 pm
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I am working at a small firm as a system administrator. I am going to appear for an interview for the same post in a big firm. So I have to manipulate the infrastructure of my current firm. How to explain them the current job?
41. Posted by adams on January 17, 2009, 8:59 am i was indeed bless with that article. i think i have just gotten some few questions i have to ask my cordinator during the classes
42. Posted by Jason on January 22, 2009, 12:30 pm To all you clowns looking for the answersA good IT professional can look up ALL of these and provide answers very easily. The fact that you are asking for the answers only proves you are not yet ready for an IT job. Also, please visit http://www.justfuckinggoogleit.com it should help you find the answers
43. Posted by Rebe on February 5, 2009, 11:49 am thank very! this is great.
44. Posted by Dustin MObley on April 19, 2009, 6:51 pm Great Article. Anyone have some advice on how I would handle the following situation. I was recently laid of due to Reduction In Workforce due to the economy, i then jumped into a job pretty quickly after being laid-off. It has been 4 weeks now since I have been in that job and I just know its not going to work, and I need to move. So now I have some interviews setup with some other companies. I fear that I may look bad in front of them due to the fact that I was only at the job for 4 weeks and Im already looking, I fear they may think that I will do the same to them, I dont want to loose the job because of this. I was going to concentrate on the fact that I have only had 2 jobs since 2002. Is there any other things that I could do or say? I had thought about just saying that Im currently unemployed, but I always feel honesty is the best route. Any Suggestions? Also, the resume Im currently sending out I have not put this job on there yet, since its only been 4 weeks, is that okay?
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45. Post Author
Posted by Gosia Grabowska on April 20, 2009, 11:04 am Hey Dustin, Thanks for the great question. Here is what I would do if I were in your situation: 1. I would not put this job on my resume unless I learned few skills that are important and I would want everyone to know about them. In your situation it doesnt sound like you learned anything new, so dont add it. 2. I would tell them that I am employed but that this is only a temporary job until I find my next full-time position. In your case, it sounds like you just took that job because you were laid off. And thats fine. Your new employer should understand that it is better to have some kind of job than nothing at all (especially now). Make sure to let them know you are looking for a job where you can grow with the company. The good thing you have going for you is that you have been in your previous job since 2002 thats almost 7 years! That is definitely something you should hang on to. Good luck and I hope everything will go well. Keep us posted, ok? Gosia
46. Posted by Dustin on April 24, 2009, 9:23 am Thank you. Advice went well. One more question. Do you think its okay to follow up an interview or in my case a phone interview with an email Thanking the interviewer for ther time and letting them know Im very excited, and letting them know that if they have any more questions or need any information, please dont hesitate?
47. Posted by RoyRaj on May 15, 2009, 11:33 pm Please provide answer for listed questions Its will be very helpful for SA Thanks
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48. Posted by Md.Aminul Hoque on May 26, 2009, 1:38 am Can i get 77 questions answer.Would be appreciated if someone let me know.
49. Posted by ashaf.ae on May 26, 2009, 10:18 am It is too important questions for new opportunity IT support services in the world Thanks for the great questions
50. Posted by Dmitry K. on June 18, 2009, 2:45 pm HmmmmmmmI do feel, like I know pretty much a lot of already, but 5 month as unemployed. It is seems like there is either very high level or student level for most of IT position. Of cause, if I drop mine price tag to 55K, will probably hired tomorrow. Question is how to get above 65K in this type of economy- seems to be almost impossible. I did come across several above 100k, but those is probably will take me 5 years from now, to achieve requared level. And Im talking about NJ/NY location, not really sure what other states situation is.
51. Posted by ala_a on November 29, 2009, 1:14 pm thanks a lot for your clear demonstration
52. Posted by Efrem Solomon on February 2, 2010, 6:23 am I am so glad I found your website and it is fantastic. I am sure lots of people will benefit from it!! Thanks again
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53. Posted by shaheem on March 5, 2010, 4:33 am Really its amazing ..
54. Posted by anuj on August 3, 2010, 11:49 am thanks fro such nice Post found more interview questiond & Answers Anuj http://www.winservers.co.in/category/interview-question/ 55. Train Signal Team Member
Posted by Kasia Grabowska on August 6, 2010, 10:01 am Thanks for sharing Anuj!
56. Posted by rahul on October 17, 2010, 2:11 pm thanks for interview qusetions :O i found more interview questions here http://www.systechblog.com/tag/interview/
57. Posted by JAI on February 23, 2011, 3:06 am Thanks Gosia these quesion are realy great to have interview i need an advice if you can
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Top Interview Questions for IT Pros