You did it! You applied to the company, and you were one of the selected few to move on in the hiring process. It’s not time to celebrate yet, but if you study up on these interview questions that time will undoubtedly come.
Landing a job interview is extremely exciting in any field or industry. However, that feeling can be quickly followed by anxiety and nervousness. Nevertheless, job interviews don’t always have to be stressful. If you do the proper research and planning for the interview, they can even be exhilarating. The same goes for interviews in the technology industry. While interviews in the tech industry can be more advanced and critical than those in any other field, the same techniques of preparation and study can still apply throughout.
The good news is that tech companies are always searching for the best candidates to fill their DevOps positions. So, if you are lucky enough to land an interview on the DevOps team, you’ll want to peruse the following interview questions.
So, what exactly is DevOps?
DevOps is a combination of two teams, the development team and the operations team. The two teams merged to create products more efficiently and quicker than previously. Positions are continually being posted to fill roles on DevOps teams. Even giant tech companies such as Google and Amazon frequently post openings for DevOps engineers.
Though there may be an opportunity with the number of job listings, it’s no secret that DevOps is tough to break into. The interview process for a DevOps role can be filled with critical and challenging questions, so it is vital that you adequately prepare. Also, prepare for different types of questions, including behavioral, competency, and experience questions.
Here are some of the top DevOps interview questions and how to answer them to get you started with your interview preparation.
The Top 10 DevOps interview Questions
How would you describe DevOps?
This might seem like a fundamental and vast question, but it’s essential to research even the most straightforward of questions. Simply, the primary purpose of any broad question is to show the interviewer how prepared you are. Additionally, when you answer this question, make sure that you incorporate some of your personal work experience into the response.
What skills have you learned to help you better succeed in a DevOps position? How did these skills help?
Interviewers want to see that you are continually evolving throughout your career. Technology is never constant, and neither should your experiences. They want to know that you have grown within your different roles and with the tools that you have used. Take this time to give examples of how you have gained experience throughout your career. Remember to include certifications or any additional education that you could highlight when answering. Don’t be afraid to show off in your answer.
Can you name some of the most-used DevOps tools?
This is a question that recruiters and interviewers will use to see how experienced you are with the different tools and software that they use. Be sure to mention the most popular tools that include Git: Version Control System tool, Jenkins: Continuous Integration tool, Selenium: Continuous Testing tool, Puppet, Chef, Ansible: Configuration Management and Deployment tools.
Also, take this as a time to give examples of specific times and instances that you worked with different DevOps tools. Furthermore, give precise examples of tools that you specialize in, but be prepared to talk about other tools that you might not be as familiarized with as well.
What technologies do you believe are on the rise? What steps do you take to learn new techniques?
Recruiters like to ask this question to see how well you keep up with the latest technology and trends. Technology is continually transforming, and they want to know that you can keep up. Frankly, if you work in tech, then you must be aware of the current trends, and interviewers want to see that you do. It’s also crucial to state how you stay up to date on the current trends. For example, how do you discover these trends?
Another reason this question is important is to show that you know how trends translate into business. Depending on how you answer this question, it will show the recruiter or interviewer that you are a self-starter and take the initiative to learn and stay on top of the trends.
What is the most complex system architecture you have managed, that is not bound by confidentiality to discuss?
When you answer this question, incorporate your own experiences into the solution. Make sure that you explain the full architecture of the system and process. Take the time to practice how you will answer these types of questions to make sure that you know the ins and outs of the system. Practice will ensure that you are not stumbling during the interview, and you will come off confident.
How many windows are in New York City?
The interviewer might ask a random question such as the one above. Firstly, there is no way that you are going to know the answer to this question. However, the interviewer just wants to see your problem-solving skills in action. There is no specific way to prepare for these questions, just be aware that these might come up and to stay calm and problem-solve to the best of your abilities.
Can you tell me about a time you executed an active monitoring solution for a production system?
There might be a few situational based questions, like the one above, that arise during the interview. Answer this question by using your own opinion and experiences. Recruiters want to see that you know your stuff, but they also want to know that you are passionate about technology. Above all, exude confidence when answering, and you almost can’t go wrong.
What do you find most challenging in the DevOps role?
This question might be asked to see how well you embrace change and challenges on the job. Use this question as an opportunity to brag a little and use an example that would be difficult for even the most expert DevOps engineers if you can. Moreover, make sure you incorporate how you addressed the challenge and then the resolution that resulted because of the problem. In conclusion, make sure you cover the big picture.
Do you think DevOps is a domain or a culture?
Interviewees may ask this question to see if you are fully aware of what working in DevOps means and what it means to be on a DevOps team. Be sure to iterate that you understand the core of DevOps.
How would you describe the functions of an ideal DevOps team?
Here is another example of a broad question that you might need to prepare for. These questions are asked to clarify further that you understand the role of DevOps in the tech industry. They also want to see your background and experiences, so always relate it to yourself.
Some other questions that interviewers might ask could be:
- What are the critical business and technical benefits of using DevOps?
- Can you tell us the fundamental differences between DevOps & Agile?
- How would you go about diagnosing and fixing problems in production?
- Can you describe a previous success within your DevOps experience?
What kind of questions should I ask the interviewer?
You made it through the interview. Now the tables have turned, you get to ask the questions. Some candidates make a mistake by not having questions prepared or not asking any questions at all. Take the time to prepare at least three questions to ask the interviewer. Here are some examples that you might want to ask:
- How quickly after hire do you expect new hires to begin deploying code?
- How would you describe the work environment at this company?
- How does your team approach problems?
How do I break into DevOps?
DevOps might be a difficult team to break into, but with the right preparation, it can be done. Take the time to prepare all different sorts of questions, including broad, situational, and behavioral questions. Remember, it is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Additionally, when in doubt, reiterate your experience with the processes, tools, and relevant technologies.
Another great resource to use when preparing for an interview is the Career Karma App. Download the app to get more advice and information on how to begin a career in tech and the DevOps.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
