I'm gearing up for an interview for a Junior DevOps Engineer position and I'm curious about what kind of questions they usually ask. How technical are these questions really compared to more senior roles? Do they focus more on high-level concepts or should I be ready for detailed technical inquiries?
5 Answers
I've interviewed junior DevOps folks before, and I usually focus on a few key areas. First, I need to know I can trust you to be honest, especially when things go wrong. Then, I'll ask what you know about DevOps practices. It's important to understand that we do a lot of engineering, from code reviews to deployments. I also want to gauge your technical skills—like, do you have experience with scripting languages such as Bash, or do I need to teach you from scratch? Lastly, your personality matters—how will you fit in with the team?
As a manager who's hired juniors, I look for two main things: problem-solving skills and a genuine curiosity to learn. A good foundation in Linux and familiarity with a programming language, preferably Python, is also a plus. I really want to see how you think about challenges and what you do when you hit a roadblock.
Exactly! I'm also going to pay close attention to how they describe their skills. If someone can honestly convey their experience and gaps, I'll be more lenient on technical challenges, especially if they show good problem-solving skills.
Totally agree! I had a similar interview process for a mid-level role a couple of years ago. Problem-solving and familiarity with runtime environments were key.
For me, the biggest thing I look for is honesty. I've seen too many junior engineers exaggerate their skills and then struggle when they're actually in the role. I want to see practical examples of what you've done, whether it's deploying services or understanding CI/CD processes. It’s essential to know how to follow documentation and take a project from idea to production. It's not really a junior position if you can't deliver after minimal guidance.
Expect questions covering CI/CD concepts, tools like Git, and your understanding of Linux and containerization. They're looking for your hands-on experience and overall curiosity about the field. It's more about how well you can articulate what you've done rather than just naming tools.
I usually start by diving into your CV. I want to discuss your past experiences in detail to determine how well you understand your own work and whether you can communicate it clearly. I find that these discussions often lead to valuable insights about the candidate’s true capabilities.
I totally get that! I’m just three months in and I feel the same frustrations. It’s reassuring to know it’s not just me.