Network Technician Interview Questions

Interviewer: Hi, welcome! Can you tell me a bit about your background in network technology?

Candidate: Yes, of course. I worked as a junior network engineer for two years, and then I spent the last three years working as a network technician for a large telecommunications company.

Interviewer: Can you walk me through a time when you had to troubleshoot a network issue?

Candidate: Sure. One time, we were experiencing slow internet speeds for a client, so I traced the issue back to a faulty switch that was causing network congestion. I replaced the switch, and the issue was resolved.

Interviewer: How familiar are you with different types of network hardware, such as routers and switches?

Candidate: I am very familiar with routers and switches, as well as firewalls and load balancers.

Interviewer: Can you explain subnetting to me?

Candidate: Sure, subnetting is the process of dividing a larger network into smaller ones, with each subnet having its own unique network address.

Interviewer: How do you prioritize tasks when multiple issues arise at the same time?

Candidate: I prioritize tasks based on the severity of the issue and the impact it has on users. Critical issues are addressed first, followed by less urgent issues.

Interviewer: How do you stay current with industry trends and new technologies?

Candidate: I attend conferences and take courses online to keep up to date on the latest trends and technologies.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague or supervisor?

Candidate: One supervisor that I worked with was very particular and would often micromanage my work. I addressed the issue by having a conversation with him and explained how his management style was affecting me. We were able to find a middle ground and work more effectively together.

Interviewer: How do you approach documenting your work and tracking changes in the network architecture?

Candidate: I use a combination of tools, such as network diagrams and documentation software, to keep track of all changes made to the network architecture.

Interviewer: Can you explain the OSI model and what each layer is responsible for?

Candidate: The OSI model is the Open Systems Interconnection model, and it is a way of breaking down network communication into smaller, more manageable parts. Each OSI layer has its own specific function, such as layer 1 (physical) that deals with electrical signals, and layer 7 (application) that deals with user-level protocols.

Interviewer: How familiar are you with VoIP technology?

Candidate: I am very familiar with VoIP technology, as it has become a popular alternative to traditional phone systems.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about a network security issue that you had to address?

Candidate: One time, a user's account was compromised, and the attacker was able to gain access to sensitive information. I immediately disabled and reset the user's account while also reviewing logs to identify how the account was compromised in the first place.

Interviewer: How do you handle stressful situations in the workplace?

Candidate: I remain calm and prioritize tasks effectively to minimize the impact of the situation. I also communicate with my team and colleagues to ensure that everyone is aware of the situation and to seek assistance if needed.

Interviewer: How do you collaborate with other IT departments, such as the helpdesk or software development teams?

Candidate: I collaborate closely with other IT departments, often providing them with technical support, and working together to troubleshoot issues that affect multiple departments.

Interviewer: Can you explain VLANs and how they work?

Candidate: VLANs, or Virtual Local Area Networks, are a way of segmenting a physical network into smaller virtual networks. Each VLAN operates as its own broadcast domain, allowing network administrators to secure traffic and minimize traffic congestion.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about a time when you had to work outside of your comfort zone and learn a new skill to complete a task?

Candidate: One time, I had to configure a load balancer for the first time, and it was a bit outside of my comfort zone. I researched and practiced how to configure the device and was able to complete the task successfully.

Scenario Questions

1. Scenario: A company is experiencing slow internet speeds, what steps would you take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue?

Candidate Answer: First, I would determine if the issue is specific to a single user or affecting the entire network. If it's just one user, I would check their device settings and make sure their computer is up to date. If it's a network-wide issue, I would check the router and network switches to ensure they are functioning properly. I would also check for any potential bandwidth issues or network congestion. Finally, I would work with the internet service provider to ensure there are no infrastructure or connectivity issues.

2. Scenario: A user's computer is not connecting to the company network, what steps would you take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue?

Candidate Answer: Firstly, I would verify that the computer is correctly configured to communicate with the network. I would check the cables and network interface card to ensure everything is in working order. Then, I would check the network switches to ensure that the issue isn't isolated to a single switch. I would also check the network configuration profiles and verify that the computer has the correct network credentials. If all else fails, I would reset the computer's network settings and try again.

3. Scenario: A security breach has occurred in the company's network, what steps would you take to remedy the situation?

Candidate Answer: First and foremost, I would isolate the infected area and prevent the breach from spreading. I would then work with the security team to identify the source of the breach and close it off. I would also conduct a thorough security audit of the network, looking for any potential vulnerabilities that could have contributed to the breach. Once the breach has been contained, I would work with the team to restore any lost or compromised data and implement additional security measures to prevent further incidents.

4. Scenario: A company is expanding their network infrastructure, what factors would you consider when designing the new network architecture?

Candidate Answer: Before designing the new network architecture, I would consider the company's growth projections and the capacity of the existing network. I would also factor in the type of applications running on the network, the required bandwidth, and the expected traffic patterns. I would also need to consider the size and layout of the physical office space and determine the optimal placement of network devices. Finally, I would need to consider the company's budget and look for cost-effective solutions that meet their needs.

5. Scenario: A user is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues, what steps would you take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue?

Candidate Answer: Firstly, I would determine if the issue is specific to the user's device or affecting the network as a whole. If it's a single device, I would check its network configuration and settings to see if anything is misconfigured. If the issue is network-wide, I would check the network switches and cable infrastructure to ensure there are no connectivity issues. I would also check the network traffic for any potential congestion or bandwidth issues. Finally, I would work with the user to identify the frequency of the connectivity issue and any patterns that might give us more insight into the root cause of the problem.