The rapid advancement of the digital era has resulted in a growing number of companies adopting a remote-working approach. This has subsequently spiked the need for network engineers, who can guarantee that the company’s internal network infrastructure operates efficiently, securely, and effectively.
While having someone who can establish and administer networks is vital, hiring a network engineer can offer more than just that.
Computer networks are the backbone of an organization, and their design, enlargement and seamless maintenance rely on the skills of network engineers. These professionals are also accountable for supplying assistance to customers, clients and users, along with addressing any technical glitches that may emerge. It is imperative for organizations to secure their highly-reliable networks.
Here, we provide a comprehensive guide on best practices for conducting successful interviews with potential network engineers.
Duties of a Network Engineer
A Network Engineer should possess a broad range of technical skills and knowledge and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They are accountable for administering and maintaining computer networks, both hardware and software, to guarantee seamless and dependable operations. Acquiring an in-depth understanding of the network’s systems, applications, and security procedures is critical for a Network Engineer. You can gain an insight into their role by reviewing one of our most recent Network Engineer job descriptions.
We would like to inform you that this description covers the fundamental job responsibilities and requirements of a network engineer. However, the requisite soft skills and abilities for the position have not been mentioned.
Questions for a Senior Network Engineer Role
Before conducting an interview, it is vital to have a comprehensive grasp of the senior network engineer role and the relevant inquiries to ask. It is noteworthy that some companies assign this task to Human Resources staff members who may have no technical expertise in the IT industry.
It is crucial to be conscious of the interview questions to determine if the candidate aligns with your organization and to circumvent any possible deceit.
Not sure which questions to ask in a network engineer interview? We have compiled a guide detailing the most effective inquiries to ask.
Technical Issues
The purpose of these questions is to evaluate a network engineer’s grasp of fundamental concepts. A candidate’s method of articulating these subjects will provide insight into their communication skills.
To begin, can you explain what a router is and how the most efficient route is determined?
In networking, a router is a layer 3 device that is responsible for transferring data between different networks. It performs various crucial operations such as inter-network communication, selecting the optimal path, packet filtering, and forwarding.
When it comes to selecting the best route, three key factors are critical:
- The match with the longest prefix
- Lowest Administrative Distance
- The metric with the lowest value
The second inquiry is: what precisely constitutes a backbone network?
A computer network’s backbone refers to the underlying network infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of data between Local Area Networks (LANs) and subnetworks.
The backbone network is responsible for managing bandwidth and multiple channels. It also facilitates the interconnection of systems within the same or different networks, and even across vast geographical regions. The backbone network generally has a higher capacity than the networks it interconnects.
The most common software problems that cause network malfunctions are:
There are various potential causes of network problems, such as protocol incompatibility, security vulnerabilities, application conflicts, issues with clients and servers, user policies, and configuration settings.
Comparison of Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks.
LAN stands for the connection of computers and other network devices in a relatively confined area.
On the other hand, Wide Area Network (WAN) refers to a group of interconnected computers or telephones that stretches across a vast geographic region.
What measures can be taken to enhance network security?
Numerous strategies exist for network security, such as:
- Installation and appropriate configuration of firewalls is crucial.
- All computers must have virus protection software installed (and kept up-to-date).
- Establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Implement a user authentication system.
Performance Testing
To gain an understanding of a candidate’s work style, previous experiences and professional growth, consider asking the following questions:
What is the largest network you have ever been involved in?
If the candidate responds to this question, it can offer valuable insights into their application process. It can reveal aspects such as their work style, problem-solving approach, and how they achieve results – whether they use a structured approach such as STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or require guidance for the task at hand.
Have you ever installed network resources while collaborating with other stakeholders and development teams?
Effective communication is a crucial skill for network engineers to possess, as it enables them to coordinate and work collaboratively with different divisions within an organization. In their role, they often have to interact with multiple teams and departments simultaneously.
When performance fails to meet expectations, how do you investigate the root cause?
Asking a potential network engineer how they would address a technical issue can help demonstrate their problem-solving abilities. This question can provide insight into their approach to addressing challenges when configuring a network. Their response may include details about their structured troubleshooting process or a direct solution.
What is your approach to dealing with upset clients or dissatisfaction with your services?
Our team is in search of an experienced Network Engineer who can manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to evolving business needs. During the recruitment process, we may evaluate the candidate’s ability to handle pressure and quickly respond to questions by asking relevant questions. We will also be assessing their ability to comprehend our clients’ or company’s priorities and seek assistance when needed.
What approaches do you use to stay connected to the ever-evolving business landscape?
Remaining up-to-date with the latest technological advancements is crucial for network engineers in today’s digital world. To determine their level of awareness, it is essential to ask if they stay informed of new trends through methods such as online research, attending conferences or participating in open-source projects.
Factors to Evaluate Before Recruiting a Network Engineer
When seeking to hire a network engineer, there are several factors that need to be considered. It is crucial to verify that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and capabilities to meet your requirements. In addition to technical expertise, they should be able to fit in with your company culture and work effectively with your team.
Establishing a robust HR team to aid in finding the ideal candidate can prove highly advantageous. If you wish to accelerate the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to us. As a specialised tech staffing firm experienced in hiring remote personnel, we are committed to helping our clients avail the numerous benefits associated with a remote workforce.
We can aid you in finding a capable network engineer who can work remotely and possesses the necessary skills and cultural fit for your organization.
