Network Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

The network engineer supervises and administers the configuration, installation, and maintenance of IT network systems in an organization. They ensure the efficient operation of the network by selecting cost-effective network components, such as servers, software, and other IT technologies and IP solutions.

Other duties include:

• supervising and providing training to help-desk technicians, desktop engineers, and network users;
• planning the implementation of future IT developments and network projects in their organization;
• supervising the user accounts, permissions, passwords, remote controls, etc.

Common titles for a network engineer are Networking Engineer, Systems Manager, Systems Engineer, Network Consultant, Network Analyst, Network Manager, or Network Associate.

The technical education and professional qualification for a network engineer may include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or similar.
• Certifications in Cisco – MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CNE
• Systems: Windows System, Cisco , Juniper, UNIX, Linux, Novell
• Networking: Switches, Routers, Hubs, Servers, Cables, Racks, Firewalls, LAN, WAN, TCP/IP, DNS, UDP, Latency, VoIP, QoS, EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, NHRP, ATM, PPP, MPLS

This article provides an example of questions in an interview of a professional network engineer.

10 Job interview questions with answers
for the position of network engineer

1. What is your expertise? Do you have knowledge in operation systems such as Unix, Microsoft, Linux, and Novell? What systems or servers have you certified – Cisco, Juniper?
2. Have you planned the structure of network services, equipment, and devices?
3. How have you determined that the network was customized, and that it satisfied the requirements of the customer or organization?
4. Tell us about a situation in which you’ve managed to solve a problem that occurred within the network, such as malfunctioning and crashing.
5. What network and system monitoring tools have you used? How have you been monitoring the network performances?
6. Have you recorded problems that network users faced?
7. What security programs did you install to prevent unauthorized access to privileged data and information?
8. Were you responsible enough to upgrade your network? How often?
9. Are you able to work with others, or independently and without supervision?
10. Have you installed data retrieval systems – network emergency systems?

► Answering the above questions:
Describe all the networks’ hardware, software, and systems you’ve installed, configured, and maintained. Tell how you provide support and administration for servers. You may also explain the process you follow to manage all back-up systems, restore protocols and monitored network performance, and executed performance tuning.

Because it is important to convey your strong analytical abilities and problem solving skills, you must stress your experience and confidence in troubleshooting, performing analyses for network servers, working with clients, workstations, and peripheral systems.