Top 10 System Administrator Interview Questions [Updated 2024]

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In my previous role as a System Administrator at XYZ Company, I managed a hybrid environment of cloud and on-premise servers, mainly AWS and Azure. I was responsible for automating deployment processes, maintaining security patches, and upgrading and configuring systems in the cloud.

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I usually define access levels and permissions based on user roles. I ensure accounts are set up with least privilege access to avoid unnecessary risks. Regular audits are also essential to retire any stale accounts or update access rights.

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First, I identify the issue by gathering information from the user and checking system logs. I then analyze the facts to rule out potential causes. Once I’ve pinpointed the problem, I implement a solution.

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In addition to having a robust backup system, I regularly validate the backups and perform disaster recovery drills. This ensures that data can be quickly and fully retrieved in case of a system failure.

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Upon learning of a potential breach, I would first isolate the affected systems to contain the problem. I would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and extent, then work to resolve the vulnerability and restore normal operations. Afterwards, I’d conduct a debrief to identify any improvements needed in our protocols.

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At my previous job, I administered a large Linux server environment. I was responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the servers, as well as troubleshooting and resolving any issues.

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I believe that prevention is better than cure. I regularly monitor system logs, carry out performance tuning, and update systems, ensuring they run optimally. Additionally, I adhere to a regular backup schedule so data can be easily recovered in the event of a failure.

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I am committed to continuous learning. I regularly attend webinars and workshops, subscribe to top IT websites and forums, and maintain several certifications to keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in systems administration.

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I use a system of prioritization for all my tasks, considering the impact, urgency and time required for each task. If conflicts arise, I communicate with my team or manager to find the best resolution.

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A server crashed during a critical operation at my previous job. (Situation). My task was to quickly find a solution to minimize operational downtime (Task). I decided to temporarily move operations to a backup server while I inspected the malfunctioning server (Action). This led to limited interruption in operations and I managed to resolve the issue within a few hours (Result).