I've been on a journey to level up my skills in tech, diving into AI, ML, and a bunch of other flashy tools. After months of learning and working on projects to make my resume shine, I thought I'd be ready for Senior DevOps positions. However, during interviews, they're hitting me with core questions like how DNS operates or specific past issues I've resolved, and honestly, I draw a blank. I've got over 4 years in DevOps and AWS, but these fundamental concepts are tripping me up. Has anyone else experienced this? What advice can you share to get through this?
4 Answers
If you think you might not be at the Senior level yet, why not consider roles that give a chance to enhance your skills? Sometimes companies have entry-level positions that expose you to fundamental issues like DNS and networking. If you haven’t faced those problems, you might be in too much of a niche, and it could limit your growth.
Definitely! Gaining varied experience will make you a stronger candidate down the road.
From what I gather, you’ve got a mix of tech but not enough practical experience to back it up. It's not just knowing how to use tools; you need to understand how the IT world connects. When I interview, I like to see if candidates can explain CI/CD pipelines and system stability. If they've only practiced on personal projects, it might not cut it. Consider getting hands-on experience in production environments.
That’s the real deal! Real-world experience makes all the difference when discussing DevOps.
Yes! Personal projects are great, but nothing beats on-the-job challenges and troubleshooting.
It sounds like you might have focused too much on the shiny tools instead of solidifying the fundamentals. Understanding basics like networking and DNS is crucial, especially at a senior level. When I interview candidates, I often ask them to explain what happens when a URL is requested. If they can’t simplify it, that's a red flag for me. Don't stress too much; you can always learn! Just start revisiting those foundational concepts.
Totally agree; the fundamentals are key. It’s surprising how many people can’t explain basic networking yet call themselves seniors. Going back to basics isn’t a setback; it’s a smart move.
You're spot on! I've heard candidates stumble over the simplest questions. It's all about bridging that gap in understanding before you claim seniority.
Looks like you've hit a pretty common issue. The tools are great, but if you don’t grasp the underlying principles, like DNS or system administration, you’ll struggle in interviews. DevOps is about integrating multiple skills—from ops to dev—so having a solid base is essential. If you're not getting those questions right, it might be worth considering a role that's geared more towards learning these basics instead of aiming directly for senior positions.
Good point! Seeking something more junior could give you the chance to build those essential skills while still working in the field.
Exactly! Every place is a chance to learn something new, and you can level up your understanding in a role that fits your current experience better.
So true! It’s better to build your foundation than get stuck trying to fit into a senior role.