Network Administrator Interview Questions

Are you about to attend an important interview for a network administrator role?

During the interview, a lot of the questions that you are asked will be technical. Therefore, it is essential to brush up on your technical knowledge so that you can answer the questions well.

When answering technical questions, you need to make sure the explanations and definitions you provide are clear. You are also likely to be asked a series of behavioral questions that reveal aspects of your personality.

So, let’s take a look at some common network administrator interview questions and the best way to answer them.

Personal Or Behavioral Questions

At the start of the interview, the interviewer will usually ask questions about your background. You are also likely to be asked how you respond to different types of situations. These questions are usually designed to find out aspects of your personality as well as your soft skills.

When answering these questions, try to limit yourself to around three sentences. The interviewer will ask follow-up questions if they want to know more. Where appropriate, you should give a working example that highlights your skills in the best way.

What Made You Want to Become a Network Administrator?

This is a common opening question that interviewers use to break the ice. How you answer this question will give the interviewer an idea of which follow-up questions to ask. Make sure you reveal your passion for the role and the steps you have taken to show that passion.

How Did Your Previous Position Prepare You For This Job?

This is another good opportunity to talk about your education and experience. It takes a lot of training and knowledge to become a network administrator. You should highlight the key skills that you have learned both at work and while studying.

Describe Your Most Challenging Professional Experience

This question is designed to find out how you respond to pressure and challenges at work. It is important to select a challenge that you were able to overcome at work. Your answer should outline the challenge and highlight the skills that you used to overcome it.

What Formal Training and Certifications Have You Received?

This answer allows you to highlight the most significant qualifications that you use to do your job. If you have received special training during previous employment, explain how you obtained it. It is also a good idea to mention that you are constantly learning and applying new techniques to your work.

Technical Questions

You will be asked a series of technical questions in the second part of the interview to test your knowledge. The complexity of the questions will depend on the level of the network administrator role you have applied for. Answer the questions in detail while also making them clear and easy to understand.

Describe the Differences between Local, Global, and Universal Groups

This technical question is used to test your knowledge of a basic network administration task. Your answer should begin with a brief and clear outline of the differences between the three groups. You should go on to explain how you use these groups in your professional life.

What is an Intrusion Detection System?

This question is designed to test your knowledge about security protocols and network safety fields. It is important to demonstrate a good understanding of an intrusion detection system and explain it clearly. You should also describe a situation when you have used an intrusion detection system in the past.

What is the Difference Between a Switch and a Hub?

The answer to this question will prove to the interviewer that you understand your job. You should outline the key differences between a switch and a hub, as well as their similarities. You can also explain how network administrators use switches and hubs in their work.

Which Types of Authentication Can be Used for Network Access?

Your answer to this question should focus on how two-factor authentication provides increased security. You can also take the time to outline other types of authentication and their pros and cons. You may want to state a preference and explain why you like to use that type of authentication.

What a Firewall is and Why it is Important?

This is a very simple technical question that any network administrator should be able to answer. Because the question is simple, the way you answer the question is particularly important. You should be able to provide a straightforward answer and deliver your explanation confidently.

What is TCP or IP?

You should start by explaining what the letters stand for clearly. Make sure that your answer to this question is both direct and succinct. You can also provide an example of how you use the technology and its key benefits.

What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?

Make sure you start by explaining what the letters in the two types of technology stand for. In addition to explaining the key differences, you can also explain how they are used. Also, consider explaining how you personally use them and the pros and cons of each technology.

How is a Proxy Server Used in Directing Traffic Across the Network?

This technical question is slightly more difficult and requires a more in-depth answer. Instead of a simple definition of the term, the interviewer is also asking how the technology is used. Make sure your answer includes an explanation of how you have used a proxy server in the past.

Explain What UDP Is

This is a very technical question that allows you to showcase your deeper knowledge. Bear in mind that the interviewer may not be familiar with this type of technology. Therefore, the answer you provide needs to be easy to understand while demonstrating your knowledge.

What is the Loop-Back IP Address?

This is a common process that is used to test the network. Make sure that you clearly explain the process that the interviewer can understand. Provide a working example of how you have used this or how you would potentially use it in the future.

What is FTP?

You need to start your answer by providing a clear and concise definition of the term. You need to gauge the interviewer’s reaction during the explanation to make sure that they are following along. It is essential to make sure that your answer makes sense to the interviewer and they do not get lost.

What is the Maximum Permitted UTP Cable Length?

You need to start by explaining what UTP means and how UTP cables are used by network administrators. Give a good example of how you use this type of cable in your work. Explain the importance of understanding the maximum length and why the restriction is in place.

Which Layers are in an OSI Model?

Again, it is important to explain the acronym before delving into this question. Describe the different levels and the importance of each level. If possible, provide a working example that demonstrates your skills and experience.

Preparing for a Panel Interview

A network administrator plays a very important role in the IT department, and it is essential to hire the right person. As a result, the interview may take place in front of a panel of different people. This could include the VP of the Information Technology department, the human resources director, and the CEO of the corporation.

Being interviewed by several people at the same time can be very nerve-racking and intimidating. It is important to greet each of the panel members at the start of the interview and appear confident. When answering your Network Administrator Interview Questions, briefly make eye contact with each panel member.

You may find that you are interviewed two or three times before being offered the job. At the end of each interview, make sure you establish the follow-up process. While you need to be patient, you also need to make sure that you are not overlooked.

Looking For More Tips and Tricks For Your Interview?

Well, we all know it starts with an immaculate resume. For that, I have put together my best advice on How To Write A Letter Of Interest, How To Address A Cover Letter, the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, Job Titles On Resume, Achievements To List On Your Resume, and How To List Education On A Resume in 2023.

Being an NA is about your knowledge of the technology, but you also need to show that your personality is perfect for the job. So, check out our guides on acing that interview with What Are Your Career Goals or Why We Should Hire You, What Are You Most Proud Of, What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment and especially in IT, you’re going to need to answer How Do You Handle Stress.

Need the perfect gift for a friend who’s also an NA? Then you’ll love the NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR Funny Job Title Birthday T-Shirt, Administrator Mug, Always DNS sysadmin network administrator T-shirt, A TRULY AMAZING NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR IS HARD TO FIND book, or what about the Network Administrator Gifts for Colleagues and the Best Network Administrator Gifts available online.

Final Thoughts

Information technology industry jobs often permit a much more relaxed dress code than many corporate roles. However, it is still important to dress to impress when you are attending the interview. It is best to prepare your interview outfit in advance and make sure it is clean and tidy.

The formal interview setting is the perfect opportunity to ask the interviewer questions that demonstrate your interest in the job. Before the interview, take the time to do as much research about the company as possible. Your questions should demonstrate your research and show the interviewer that you are perfect for the role.

All the very best with your Interview!