30 Systems Engineer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Systems Engineer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What are some of the kinds of documentation you create in your role as a systems engineer?
How to Answer
Systems engineers engage in various technology projects and need to create and maintain documentation to support their work. The documents they create include user requirements, project plans, technical specifications, support processes and procedures, and end-user documentation for software applications. When asked about this by the interviewer, you should describe the types of documentation you have created, how you may have collaborated with other organization members to accomplish this, and the methodologies you use to organize, maintain, and access the documentation.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my last role with a telecommunications company, I needed to create and maintain a great deal of documentation about our support procedures and plans. This included the technical specifications for the equipment we used, troubleshooting manuals, and documentation to support end-user applications. I did this in collaboration with the vendors I work with and other departmental heads within the organization. Our documents were maintained in an online database that anyone within the organization could access who had the permissions required for the specific documents they needed."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
2. Have you ever had to create or allocate a budget related to an IT project you were involved in?
How to Answer
Budgeting is usually the responsibility of the information systems management team. However, they may depend on the systems engineers to help create the budget by determining the cost or allocating funds to specific tasks or parts of the project. Having experience with this will differentiate you from the other systems engineer candidates and position you for advancement into a leadership role once you are hired. This latter point is important to the interviewer because companies like to hire people who can advance within the organization.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"In several of my previous jobs, the IT management team reached out to the systems engineers when they were budgeting. They often sought input regarding the cost of our normal operations, specific items related to a project, or extraordinary items which would impact the team's budget. While contributing to this, I learned a lot about the budgeting process. I became familiar with how the management creates an annual operating budget and allocates funds for specific projects. As I became more adept at this, the management team gave me more responsibility for creating individual parts of the budget. I enjoy this work because it gives me a big picture view of the entire IT organization."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
3. Do you believe it is important to develop a new training program for business users when new IT systems are added to the organization?
How to Answer
Training programs are expensive and need to be carefully considered when new technology is added to an organization. The benefits of the training programs are obvious, but the costs associated with them are high. These include the costs to develop the training program, any outside resources required, and the time the business users need to invest in the training and take away from their productivity. The interviewer wants to make sure you understand this and learn about some training alternatives and options you can recommend.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I strongly believe in training the business users when the IT organization implements new systems. The training increases the user's efficiency with the new systems and decreases the support they will need. However, I recognize that training also involves costs. Therefore, I prefer to implement training programs and strategies that are effective, easy to execute, and involve minimal disruption of the business operations. Methodologies I employ to accomplish this include online training, FAQs, videos, and tutorials the users can reference if they have a question. I only conduct classroom or one-on-one training if it's necessary and would be more efficient than the other methodologies I've mentioned."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
4. Have you ever created IT policies for your previous organizations to increase the efficiency of the IT infrastructure?
How to Answer
While it is not the primary responsibility of a systems engineer to create IT policies, they may have experience contributing to these, either by helping to develop them, educating the business users, or enforcing them. The interviewer will be curious about your involvement in policy creation and may be looking for you to contribute to new IT policies in their organization, especially if the company is small. You need to be honest about your experience with this so that your skills in this area match the responsibilities if you are hired for this position.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I have not had the primary responsibility for creating new IT policies for my organizations, I have contributed to this. My management has consulted me when developing new policies to see if they will be easy to implement and enforce. I also educated the business users about the new policies so they understood them and would adhere to them. Finally, it was my responsibility to enforce the policies. Based on this experience, I am confident that I can create new IT policies that will help make an organization's operations more efficient."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
5. What are some of the online resources you refer to when you encounter an issue with which you are unfamiliar?
How to Answer
No individual has all the answers for every issue they are likely to encounter in the organization's computer environment. This becomes even more challenging as the IT environment evolves and new technologies are incorporated. Thankfully, with the advent of the internet, this has become much easier. Systems engineers can now do online searches for the issues they encounter and quickly find answers. The interviewer is hoping to learn by asking this question that you are both able to do this and that you already have a portfolio of resources you use for this purpose. This latter point will help you resolve issues quicker and with less online time than if you have to do a unique search each time.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I can't imagine what this job would be like if I were unable to access online resources when I encounter an issue that is new or with which I am not familiar. I've made it a point to identify key resources I can use for this purpose, learn how to use them, and bookmark them so they are easy to reach. Some of the key ones I work with for this purpose include GitHub, Coursera, and Reddit. I also use the vendors' websites and subscribe to several different user forums in which other systems engineers post solutions to issues they've encountered."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
6. Which do you prefer, onsite or cloud-based solutions for hosting business software?
How to Answer
Hosting applications in the cloud has become more prevalent in today's business environment. There are several benefits to this, including lower costs, flexibility, scalability, and others. Naturally, there are also disadvantages such as security, latency, and immediate control of the assets. Since both onsite and cloud-hosted applications have their benefits, there is no correct answer to this question. The key is being able to justify and support your answer. The exception is if you learn that the organization is considering moving to a cloud-hosted infrastructure. As a new hire, you should support this initiative and demonstrate your ability to work with cloud-hosted software applications.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have worked with both on-premise and cloud-based hosted business software applications. Each of these strategies has its advantages and disadvantages. I've also worked with a hybrid hosted scenario where some assets are in a cloud while others remain on-premise. I'm comfortable with any of these scenarios. I understand that your organization is considering moving its applications to the cloud. Since I've done this in the past, I can contribute to planning and executing the migration to the cloud and then supporting the applications once they have been moved. I can assist with specific details include software licensing, backup and replication, and resolving security and latency issues."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
7. How would you convince a hesitant adopter of new technologies to update their IT systems?
How to Answer
The primary role of the IT team is to support the business functions of the organization. To do this, systems engineers and other IT personnel need to convince business users to keep their technology up to date. This requires the systems engineers to be effective communicators and talk about complex technology in simple, easy-to-understand terms. The interviewer will ask this question to ensure that you know how to do this and demonstrate your skills by answering the question.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I recognize the benefits of keeping the company's information technology systems up to date, it is sometimes difficult to convince the business users about this. Their reluctance stems from the additional cost, the need to learn new technology, and the disruption updates cause. When having this conversation with a reluctant business user, I start by communicating the benefits of the updates and how the users will be able to do their jobs faster and more effectively. I then walk them through the update process, emphasizing its ease and the minimal disruption it will cause. Finally, I patiently answer each of their questions using simple-to-understand, nontechnical language. I confirm their understanding at each phase of this conversation and seek to get their buy-in for the upgrades."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
8. What new technology have you recently learned that has helped you better perform your job?
How to Answer
The information technology industry changes quickly, with new technologies being developed almost daily. Staying up to date on these is a daunting task. Systems engineers need to identify which technologies they should learn about, take the appropriate training, then incorporate these new skills into their job duties. Doing this successfully will ensure that you can perform your current job and position yourself for advancement within the IT organization.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always had a personal career development program. This increases my skill set to better do my current job and positions me for advancement to higher-level positions with more responsibility. Part of this plan is to take at least three new technology training courses per year. These are in addition to periodic in-house training, industry seminars, vendor training, and online learning. Some of the new technologies I have recently learned about include hybrid cloud platforms, artificial intelligence programs, and machine learning. Each of these technologies is becoming more important within the organizations I support."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
9. What certifications do you have that contribute to your systems engineering duties?
How to Answer
There are two reasons a systems engineer should obtain certifications. The first is to acquire the skills and experience needed to do this job while working through the certification process. Secondly, certifications provide hiring managers the confidence that you can do the job and have been trained for it. Having the appropriate certifications and discussing their merits will distinguish you from other candidates for this position.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"When preparing for the role of a systems engineer and throughout my career, I have pursued certifications which would give me the skills needed to do my work. My current certifications include:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP
Microsoft Certified Professional - MCP
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer - MCSE
Security 5 Certification
Cisco Certified Technician - CCT
Cisco Certified Network Associate - CCNA
While having the certifications is important, the skills they gave me are invaluable and have helped me to progress throughout my career."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
10. What are the steps for installing and configuring a printer connected to a system running Windows 10?
How to Answer
Often during an interview, you are asked to describe a process used to perform a specific task. When responding to this type of question, you should describe each step briefly using simple and nontechnical language. The interviewer may interrupt you and ask for more information about a specific step. If this occurs, provide them with the information they seek and then return to describing the process. If you miss a step, you can choose to go back and correct yourself or continue. The interviewer may not notice, or they may ask about the missing step after you've completed your answer.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"The steps for installing a printer of a system running windows them will vary slightly depending on the model of the printer. However, the general process is as follows:
Connect the printer to the computer using the correct cable and power it on.
Open the Settings app from the Windows 10 Start menu.
Click on the Devices button.
Click Add a printer or scanner.
If Windows detects your printer, click on the printer's name and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
If this process doesn't work, you may need to manually set up the printer. This involves locating and installing the printer driver software on the computer. If the printer is connected via a network, you will need to find the IP address of the printer before running the install script."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
11. What are common email servers businesses use, and what are the ports associated with them?
How to Answer
As an interview for a systems administrator's role progresses, the questions you will be asked will become more specific and challenging. This indicates that the interviewer is gaining confidence in your capabilities and is willing to test your qualifications more stringently. Continue to answer these technical questions directly and to the point and be prepared for the follow-up questions the interviewer may ask.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"The two main email servers virtually any business uses are SMTP and POP3. The ports that they use are specific to the data encryption level and the protocol for the email. Common ports include 25, 587, 465, 110, and 995. For example, on an SMTP server using Secure TLS protocol, the port is 587. On the same server, using Secure SSL protocol, the port is 465."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
12. Can you discuss the function of LDAP and why this is important to computer networks?
How to Answer
In addition to hardware, software, network technology, and other digital assets within the IT infrastructure, systems administrators must also deal with protocols and languages used to manage the information and provide access to it. LDAP is one of these protocols. The interviewer may ask you about a variety of different protocols. You should be able to define them and describe how they are used. You may also be given a scenario where you are asked to troubleshoot an issue with one of the protocols.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is a protocol that makes it possible for applications to quickly query and locate user information. Companies store static data, including usernames, passwords, email addresses, printer connections, and other data in directories. LDAP is an open, vendor-neutral application protocol for accessing and maintaining these directories and the data they contain. LDAP can also manage authentication, enabling users to sign in once and then access many different files on the server. This is known as single sign-on. LDAP is a protocol, so it doesn't manage the directory programs. Rather, it allows database administrators to manage the directories so users can find the information they need."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
13. What is a domain controller, and how is it used?
How to Answer
During an interview, you will be asked to define terms, concepts, processes, and procedures used in this role. You should be able to quickly define the term and then describe how it is used. You can also talk about the benefits it brings to the organization and any alternative technologies which could replace it, if necessary. Questions like these are known as technical. When answering technical questions, keep your answer brief and to the point. As with any question, anticipate a follow-up from the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"A domain is a technology that organizes users' and computers that work together on a network. The domain controller is a server that authenticates user requests and verifies their identities and access privileges on computer networks. The domain controller also keeps all of the data on the network organized and secured. The key element of the domain controller is the active directory. This stores the records of the users and the authorized devices and provides access when requested. A final function of the domain controllers is to detect cyber-attacks and alert the systems administrators to them."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
14. What is your experience working with product integration services?
How to Answer
Even the best IT organizations cannot go it alone. They all depend on partnerships with their vendors, third-party service providers, and consultants. When the interviewer asks you about working with partners, you should be able to describe the relationships you have, the benefits they bring, and how you go about nurturing partnerships to benefit the organization. Having specific examples will help validate your qualifications in this skill.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe that having strong partnerships both internal and external to the company will help me and my organization be successful. I make a great deal of effort to develop relationships with the vendors whose products I use, systems integrators, and consultants with expertise in specific areas. This broadens my knowledge base and brings resources to the organization that my coworkers and I do not have. Since the IT industry is relatively small, I'm able to bring these relationships with me when I change organizations."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
15. Can you provide me with an overview of your troubleshooting and issue resolution expertise?
How to Answer
Without a doubt, the most important responsibility a systems engineer has is to troubleshoot and resolve issues with the IT infrastructure, operating systems, network, and applications. This is the main reason the organization will hire you. You should talk about your abilities to accomplish this and provide specific examples of issues you have addressed and the solutions used to resolve them. It is recommended that you create at least three to four stories about how you've done this in your previous jobs and be prepared to present these to the interviewer. You can format your stories using the STAR methodology. State the Situation, describe the Task you had to accomplish, discuss the Actions you took, and finish by describing the Results you obtained and their impact on the organization.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I would estimate that at least half of my time as a systems engineer is spent resolving technical issues. Over the years, I've developed a specific methodology to accomplish this. I start by gathering information about the issue to understand it and the impact it is having. Next, I turn my attention to discovering the root cause. I develop a primary strategy to resolve the issue and at least two alternatives. I then go about putting my plan into action until the problem is solved. I document everything I do to easily address it by either me or one of my fellow systems engineers if the issue recurs.
An example of this was when my current company lost access to the internet. I knew that the problem was either hardware, network, or software-related. It was critical that I got the system up and running as quickly as possible. I first verified that the network was running properly and that the web servers were all functioning. I then turned my attention to the DNS server. It became apparent that this is where the problem originated. I immediately switched the operations over to the backup DNS server, and internet connectivity was restored. I documented this so the next time the problem occurred, we would look at the DNS server first."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
16. Can you describe the role and responsibilities of a Systems Engineer?
How to Answer
This is a general question the interviewer will ask early in the interview to begin the conversation, learn more about your background, and collect information they can use throughout the interview. You should anticipate this question and prepare for it by reviewing the job posting. This will indicate what the organization thinks the roles and responsibilities of a systems engineer are and their expectations for candidates applying to this position. You should also review your resume, so you're familiar with the interviewer's information to evaluate your qualifications.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"The role and responsibilities of a systems engineer can vary depending on the specific job and the organization. In general, they are responsible for maintaining the functionality and performance of the organization's IT infrastructure. This can include configuring the systems for peak performance, designing, installing, maintaining the network infrastructure, selecting the organization's applications, managing the software licenses, and supporting upgrades. They're also responsible for documenting all the information and items related to the IT systems."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
17. What does DNS stand for, and can you explain how it works?
How to Answer
As a systems engineer, you are expected to know a wide variety of different technology topics. Since networking and leveraging the power of the internet is critical to any business, you should be especially well versed in this area. Being able to describe how the internet works to the interviewer will demonstrate your qualifications for this role. Since DNS services are integral to the function of web browsers and resource lookups, you are expected to discuss this topic in-depth. Additionally, many internet service interruptions are actually a loss of DNS service, so you should be able to explain how to diagnose and repair this issue.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"DNS stands for Domain Name System or Domain Name Server. It is a network service that enables users to connect to the internet or local addresses using domain names instead of IP addresses. It also helps users find specific websites across the internet. The way it works is that the browser requests a specific IP address from a DNS server and then uses that address to connect. You can think of the DNS server as a phone book or directory."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
18. Can you discuss the key elements of an effective disaster recovery plan?
How to Answer
One of the major responsibilities of a systems engineer is to create, test, and, if necessary, execute a data recovery plan. This involves developing and deploying redundant systems designed to survive scenarios like natural disasters and power failures. As a systems engineer, you should have experience in this and discuss your experience on similar projects. The interviewer is expecting to hear that you have created or managed disaster recovery plans that address the organization's physical and electronic assets and can deliver services in the event of losing access to some of the IT assets you manage.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have developed several disaster recovery plans for the companies I have worked with. Each plan focused on creating redundant IT resources that could continue providing data services in the event of a power outage or other disaster. I accomplish this by replicating the IT infrastructure and the organization's data across multiple locations. These are included within the same data center, between different company data centers, and using a third-party provider in the cloud. I also made sure we had backup power supplies and that the data was replicated periodically."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
19. Can you describe a project you worked on at one of your previous companies? What was your role, and how did you contribute to the success of the project?
How to Answer
Systems engineers work on various projects, including updating the IT infrastructure, deploying new applications, and creating internal and external networks. Each SE will have different expertise, experience, and technical skills. The interviewer will ask a question like this to better understand a candidate's expertise and how well their skill set aligns with their organization.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"A project in my last job that I'm proud of is a complete IT system upgrade with a major healthcare company. I oversaw the design, development, and implementation of a complete infrastructure upgrade, including the servers, storage, network, and user workstations. This project took over six months and had a budget of over two million dollars. When completed, we determined that the system was performing with greater efficiency and at almost twice the system's speed we replaced. This resulted in production savings of twice the cost of the system upgrade in the first 12 months."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
20. Who else in the organization do you collaborate with to ensure that new system deployment, testing, and implementation go smoothly?
How to Answer
Systems engineers need to keep in mind that the IT organization's role is to support the operations of the rest of the company. Therefore, anytime a systems engineer deploys a new IT asset for application, they need to consult with the business owners to ensure that the system will perform the tasks required to achieve the targeted business results. It would be best to describe to the interviewer how you collaborate with other departments within the organization to develop systems that achieve their business objectives.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"Before deploying a new system, specifying an application, or making any other changes to the IT infrastructure, I make sure to consult with the business leadership team and the departments which the new systems will impact. I involve them early in the process to discuss their needs, the business objectives they are trying to accomplish, and how the IT assets will contribute. By engaging them in the design and specification process, I get their buy-in early in the project. This eliminates issues which occur later in the process, including budgeting, training, and user acceptance."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
21. In your opinion, what is the best Windows automation software?
How to Answer
Whenever an interviewer asks for your opinion, you are free to provide an answer relevant to your experience and knowledge. However, your answer to this type of question should align with how the organization you are interviewing with uses the concept, process, or item they are asking about. You can ensure that your answers align with the organization's needs by performing research before the interview about the job, the company, and possibly even the interviewer. Sources for information about these topics include the company's website, the job description, and speaking with current and former employees.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I assume that when you ask about Windows automation software, you are asking about tools to create macros. As you are probably aware, macros are small programs that automate Windows processes. Most of the Windows automation software I use is available for free. These include Mini Mouse Macro, Macro Toolworks Free, Macro Recorder, AutoIT, And Pullover's Macro Creator. Even though these fools are shareware, they're very functional and perform the tasks I need them to."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
22. Can you describe the function of the Java Scripting API?
How to Answer
Even though systems engineers are not software programmers, they should be familiar with general software programming concepts. This will enable them to be better prepared to troubleshoot and repair issues with the software. Having some basic programming skills is not a bad idea either. Even if you don't write code, you'll still recognize bugs in the software and be familiar with the issues they can cause.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"An API is a piece of code which enables the individual software applications and hardware to work with each other. The Java Scripting API consists of many distinct modules. Each of these publishes a set of related classes and functions the software uses to perform its designed task. Some modules are published only to the JavaScript scripting language. Other scripting languages, such as AppleScript and VBScript, offer their own built-in functionality."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
23. Can you debug a program while it's in production and being used?
How to Answer
Systems engineers constantly address issues that occur in real-time while the systems are running and producing the information the users need. Fixing a system while it's in production is a critical skill systems engineers need to have. You should be able to describe how you go about doing this when asked by the interviewer.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"Some, but not all applications can be repaired even while they are open and being used. The criteria for doing this are whether the application is running in the background, if it booted properly, and whether it can be put into sleep mode. There are many different tools available that allow you to monitor the performance of applications and systems to determine if a problem exists in what the root cause may be. Once you understand the problem and have determined what will be required to remediate it, you can decide whether you can do this while the application is still up and running or require a system shutdown. When a shutdown is required, the users should be notified in advance, and the application and any data should be backed up before shutting it down. If you can fix it while the application is still running, make sure that the data is mirrored, so if a problem occurs, it can be retrieved."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
24. What tests do you use to ensure an application's performance is optimized?
How to Answer
Determining whether an application is properly installed, configured, and is running appropriately can be difficult. Having a process to achieve this and a portfolio of tests you can use to ensure the new application is set up correctly is important. Since managing applications is one of the key responsibilities of a systems engineer, you should anticipate this question before the interview and have your answer ready.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are three tests performed to ensure the application is functioning properly. These include a load test, stress test, and volume testing. Load testing places the application under a heavy load near the software's specified limits. This may simulate a large volume of users, data, or transactions. Stress testing is a methodology that exceeds the maximum recommended load to determine the limits of the application. Finally, volume testing verifies how the software will perform when processing standard amounts of data, user requests, and other loads."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
25. How do you go about deploying a SQL server?
How to Answer
As a systems engineer, you are expected to have expertise across several different types of IT assets. These include hardware, software, network equipment, and other types of technology. During an interview, you will be asked about various systems and how you manage them. Virtually every organization has some form of SQL server, so you can anticipate this being one of the systems you will be asked about. As with any technical question, keep your answer brief and to the point and anticipate a follow-up question.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are several distinct steps I take when deploying a SQL server. I first meet with the users and database administrators to define the prerequisites for the system. These may include whether the database includes XML or binary information, any specific fields that will be required, whether the SQL database is transactional, and other similar types of information. After I understand this, I move on to the design and schema for the database. This involves the fields and objects the SQL database will contain. It also addresses the data types, the size, and other physical aspects of the database. Once this is complete, I proceed to build the SQL database server. After it's built, the next step is to stress test the system to ensure it performs as required. This is done with a small subset of the data it will be working with. Once the issues are identified and fixed, it's time to move the database into production."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
26. Are you familiar with programs such as VMware or Virtualbox? How do you use these to manage virtualization of systems on the network?
How to Answer
VMware is a popular tool used by most systems administrators to create virtual systems on their networks. The benefit of this is to utilize excessive compute resources on individual hardware servers, enabling additional users or processes on the system without adding incremental hardware. As a systems administrator, you should be familiar with this tool and be able to discuss its use.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am very familiar with VMware and have used it extensively in all of my previous positions. This enabled me to configure the individual systems as several virtual machines, reducing the number of systems I need to manage. It also reduces the power and cooling requirements for the data center. This saves the organization money and makes it easier for the systems engineers to manage the IT infrastructure."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
27. What process do you use to manage the configuration of the systems you are responsible for?
How to Answer
One of the key responsibilities of a systems engineer is to ensure that the systems they manage are properly configured. Doing this prevents most performance and service issues. Having a specific methodology to accomplish this ensures that it is done properly and reduces the time and resources needed to maintain the systems. As with anything within the IT environment, the methodology should be documented and made available to the other systems engineering staff.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have found the easiest way to maintain the configuration of the systems I manage is to first create an installation script. I keep this on a server and use it whenever I configure a new system. The script installs the software, sets up the system parameters, and configures items, including the startup options, the services used by the system, and the initially loaded programs. I'd then maintain a schedule for all the systems, prompting me to review their configurations using the MSConfig utility. I check to ensure that all the software is up to date, the most recent patches are installed, and that the system storage and memory are adequate to support the user's needs."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
28. Can you describe the steps you would take if the performance of a website began to degrade?
How to Answer
When an interviewer asks this type of question, they are seeking to learn the processes you use to resolve specific issues. This is known as an operational question. The best way to respond to an operational question is to describe the steps briefly, using simple, nontechnical language. The interviewer will ask a follow-up question if they need additional information or explore the topic in more detail.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I recognize that a website's performance is beginning to degrade, I take some steps in a specific order to diagnose the problem. The first thing I look for is the load and whether the number of hits is within scope. If this is not the issue, I look at the hardware to make sure the network connections are optimized for this type of website. Once I confirm this, I begin to look at the components of the website. Steps I may take to resolve these issues include enabling compression, reducing redirects, enabling browser caching, optimizing the JavaScript, and ensuring that the images on the site are not causing the problem. Fixing these issues normally speeds up the website and brings it back to its performance window."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
29. Can you remember the most recent software you installed on a server in your last organization?
How to Answer
An interviewer will ask you this question for several reasons. The first is to learn about the types of programs you work with and when you last performed a software installation. They're interested in learning whether the programs you are familiar with align with those their organization uses. This may also be a follow-up question to one regarding documentation and maintaining records of your activities. Assuming you do this, you should easily respond to this question with accurate and specific information.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"The last piece of software I worked with for my current organization was Salesforce. I installed the server software and several hundred end-user licenses across the organization. I made sure each user license matched the number of people who needed access to the software and that the server version was up to date with all the latest patches. I made sure to document this so that the rest of the systems engineering staff would be aware of my activities and could support the product if I were not available."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
30. How do you maintain an organization's IT technical documentation and ensure it is up-to-date?
How to Answer
Maintaining the technical documentation of an organization is a key responsibility of the systems engineer. This can include the hardware and software manuals, scripts for installing and configuring systems, logs of the errors, patches, steps taken to resolve issues, and other documentation used to support the IT infrastructure. Complete documentation also allows other systems engineers to quickly find the information they need to do their job. Having a systematic process to maintain these documents is important.
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"One of the more critical aspects of my job as a systems engineer is to maintain the organization's IT-related documentation. I do this both online and manually using several different methodologies. Whenever the company acquires a new IT asset, I ensure that the related documentation is archived in an online file system and printed technical manuals, if applicable. The online records are carefully indexed and cross-referenced, so support personnel can quickly find the information they need about a particular system to resolve an issue. I also maintain a separate database of the organization's software licenses with renewal dates and user information. This allows me to keep the software up to date and ensure the organization has the correct number of licenses needed for each system or application. My team and I perform quarterly reviews of the documentation to ensure that everything is up to date."
Written by William Swansen on August 6th, 2021