Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' customer service skills. They should be able to describe a situation where they had to deal with a difficult customer and how they handled the situation.
Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset because her computer wasn't working. She was using an old operating system that was no longer supported by the manufacturer. I helped her find a new computer and transfer her data over to it.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' experience with Java-based applications. Clustering is a way to improve the performance of applications by spreading them across multiple servers. Candidates should be able to explain how they would configure clustering for an application and why they chose that configuration.
Sample Answer: I've configured tomcat clustering for a number of different applications. I would start by setting up the cluster manager on each server. Then I would configure the application to use the cluster manager.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' ability to handle conflict and communicate with people who are not familiar with the technical aspects of IT. They should be able to explain how they would handle this situation and why they would choose a particular approach.
Sample Answer: I would try to understand the person's point of view. If they were a manager, I would explain how the research findings support my recommendations. If they were an employee, I would explain the research findings and provide them with a copy of the report.
Question Overview: This question is a classic interview question that tests candidates' self-awareness. They should be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. If they are weak in a particular area, they should be able to explain how they plan to improve.
Sample Answer: I'm a strong communicator, but I need to work on my patience. I tend to get frustrated when I'm working with people who don't understand the importance of documentation.
Question Overview: This is a simple yes or no question that tests whether candidates have read and understood the job description.
Sample Answer: Yes.
Question Overview: This is a standard question that gives you a chance to learn more about the candidate's personality and work history. They should be able to provide a brief overview of their work history and explain why they are interested in the position.
Sample Answer: I've been working as a systems analyst for the past five years. I've worked on several large projects that involved integrating new applications with existing databases. I'm interested in this position because I want to work with a company that has a large network and a lot of data.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' interest in the position and their ability to communicate effectively. Systems analysts should have a passion for technology and a desire to work with computers. If they don't, they may not be a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in computers and how they work. I've been working with them since I was a teenager.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' interest in the position and their ability to communicate their enthusiasm. Systems analysts should be able to explain why they are interested in the position and how it fits with their career goals.
Sample Answer: I want to work with your company because I've heard that you have a great reputation for supporting your employees. I'm really interested in learning more about your company's culture.
Question Overview: This question tests how candidates handle situations where they need to take the initiative. They should be able to describe a time when they took the initiative to complete a task or solve a problem. They should also be able to explain why they took the initiative and what the outcome was.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project with a team that was having trouble with a software application. The application was causing problems for other applications and the network. I took the initiative to research the problem and find a solution.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' commitment to their education and their ability to communicate effectively. A candidate should be able to explain how they are using their time to learn new skills and prepare for the job.
Sample Answer: I'm taking a few classes that focus on network design and security. I'm also working part-time as a systems analyst at a small company.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' understanding of the position and their ability to communicate their needs to a potential employer. They should be able to explain how they can contribute to the company and what they hope to gain from the position.
Sample Answer: I'm excited about this position because it will allow me to use my experience with network design and integration projects. I'm looking forward to working with your team.
Question Overview: This is a general question that gauges the candidate's enthusiasm for the position and their ability to sell themselves. They should be able to describe their technical skills and how they will use them to benefit the company.
Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience with network design and troubleshooting. I've worked on several projects that involved integrating new applications with existing databases. I'm excited about this opportunity to work on a new project that will improve the company's network infrastructure.
Question Overview: Systems analysts are often required to work on multiple projects at once. They must be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. This question gauges candidates' ability to handle stress and prioritize tasks.
Sample Answer: I use a number of techniques to manage my time and stay on top of my workload. I set aside time each day to review my schedule and prioritize my tasks. I also use a calendar to track my progress on each project.
Question Overview: This question tests the candidate's knowledge of the company's products and services. Candidates should be able to explain the company's products and services in detail.
Sample Answer: 21st Mortgage is a mortgage lender that specializes in loans for first-time home buyers. The company offers a variety of loan products to fit different types of home buyers.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' problem solving skills and ability to communicate their thought process. They should be able to describe the steps they would take to make a sandwich. They should also be able to explain why they would choose a certain approach.
Sample Answer: I would start by spreading peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other. Then I would put the two slices together.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical employees. They should be able to explain their technical knowledge in a way that is easy for non-technical employees to understand.
Sample Answer: I've worked on a number of projects that involved communicating with both technical and non-technical employees. I've learned that it's important to explain technical details in a way that is easy for non-technical employees to understand.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' understanding of the position they are applying for. Systems analysts may have different roles and responsibilities depending on the company. They should be able to explain their role in detail.
Sample Answer: In my current position, I'm responsible for monitoring the network and troubleshooting problems with the servers and workstations. I also handle software updates and upgrades.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' comfort level with various technologies. Systems analysts may need to work with a variety of technologies, so it's important to know their comfort level with different platforms.
Sample Answer: I've worked on projects that involved both Windows and Linux operating systems. I'm comfortable working with both.
Question Overview: Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) system that is used by many companies. It is a cloud-based application that is hosted on the internet. Cloud computing is a popular topic in the IT industry. Candidates should be able to explain their experience with Salesforce and other cloud-based applications.
Sample Answer: I've used Salesforce for a few years at my last job. It's an easy way to manage customer data and track sales leads.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' experience with the types of projects they will be working on if they are hired. Systems analysts may be involved with projects that involve network design, software integration or data migration. They should be able to describe the project in detail and how their role fits into the project.
Sample Answer: I worked on a project that involved migrating data from an old database to a new one. We had to ensure that the data was migrated correctly and that the new database was properly integrated with existing applications.