10 Interview Questions Networking Pros Should Expect

In November, we tend to reflect on what we did or didn't accomplish over the course of the year. Some conclude that it's time to make a change in their professional career, so they begin the process of refreshing resumes, scouring job boards, and preparing for job interviews. But for networking professionals, preparing for a job interview is much easier said than done because networking technologies span such a wide spectrum and blend into other infrastructure genres. What should you focus on to ensure you can ace the interview?

This slideshow lists 10 interview questions that you should be prepared to answer while interviewing for an entry- or mid-level network administrator or engineering role at an enterprise organization. These questions are based on my experience, both as a job candidate and as a hiring manager.

As you prepare for your next career move, keep in mind that not all enterprises are running bleeding-edge technologies. Even if they are, they don't necessarily expect prospective candidates to have mastered the latest and greatest. Instead, IT managers are far more likely to seek out individuals who can demonstrate they understand the basics. If someone has a sound grasp of core network technologies like subnetting, ACLs, and ARP, all new iterations can build on that foundation.

Still, there are some relatively new technologies that you should at least be able to discuss at a high level. For example, many companies are migrating applications, data, and services to the cloud for flexibility and scalability. Managing network operations in a cloud or hybrid environment requires special skills, so network admins must have a solid grasp of cloud technologies and their impact on the network.

If you’ve looked back at 2016 and decided it's time for something new in your networking career, continue on to find out how you can prepare to impress potential employers and get that next job.