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IT Specialist Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top IT Specialist interview questions and answers.

  1. Describe your work experience as an IT specialist. See answer
  2. What skills would you bring to this job? See answer
  3. What software packages and coding languages are you familiar with? See answer
  4. Can you describe a challenging IT issue you resolved? See answer
  5. What current IT certifications do you have? See answer
  6. How do you keep your technical skills relevant, and which online resources do you refer to? See answer
  7. Imagine you were talking to non-technical professionals. How would you explain an IT concept to them? See answer
  8. How would you grade your teamwork skills? See answer
  9. How do you prioritise your workload when you have multiple tasks to complete? See answer
  10. How would you handle an IT issue that was unfamiliar? See answer
  11. Can you describe an interesting side project you worked on recently? See answer
  12. Imagine upper management asked to help them choose between two functionally equivalent IT tools. What factors would you consider when recommending one? See answer
  13. Do you prefer cloud-based or on-site solutions for IT software? See answer
  14. Why do you want to work here as an IT specialist? See answer
  15. What’s your greatest strength as an IT specialist?
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Hire your next IT Specialist today.

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Hire your next IT Specialist today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 IT Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Describe your work experience as an IT specialist.

An IT specialist needs practical experience working with computer-based information systems. An ideal candidate has at least three years of experience as an IT specialist or in similar roles. This question helps you determine how a candidate's previous position uniquely prepares them to work for your business. What to look for in an answer:

  • Relevant experience in the technology industry
  • Lessons learned and tasks performed in previous IT specialist positions
  • Ambition and interest in career development

Example:

"My work experience includes various technical roles. In college, I worked as a software engineering intern at Old Hydro Inc. where I developed software packages and performed database administrative duties. I also worked as a data engineer, developing algorithms, and finding trends in data sets. My other positions helped me develop my network management, cybersecurity, and software development skills. As your IT specialist, I'd want to continue working on exciting projects and managing computer-based information systems."

What skills would you bring to this job?

By asking this, you can determine whether a candidate understands the IT specialist role and your job description. What to look for in an answer:

  • Communication, analytical, and technical skills
  • Understanding of the role's requirements
  • Ability to identify their strengths

Example:

"I enjoy working on technical projects that help me develop my skills. I'm good at analyzing data and infrastructure to develop practical solutions, and configuring hardware and software systems. As a cybersecurity expert, I also have a strong grasp of math and statistics, which help me understand how computer systems work. I look forward to using my well-developed skills to design, operate, and maintain technological products at your organisation."

What software packages and coding languages are you familiar with?

IT specialists use software packages and write codes to solve IT issues. This is an important question because it reveals a candidate's expertise. Their answer also helps you determine whether an IT specialist needs on-the-job training. What to look for in an answer:

  • Proficiency with various software packages and coding languages
  • Demonstration of how they use software packages and coding languages
  • Attitude to learning new software packages and programmeming languages

Example:

"I use MYSQL for data warehousing and logging applications. I'm also experienced in using Cloudfare for handling security issues and proficient with Cisco's suite of network management tools. I can write HTML, Python, and C++ codes."

Can you describe a challenging IT issue you resolved?

This question helps you evaluate a candidate's thought process and ability to solve challenging IT issues. What to look for in an answer:

  • Tasks performed and results obtained after resolving an IT issue
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Ability to use technical skills to resolve IT issues

Example:

"At my last job, an intern instaled a software package on a computer that caused network glitches. This led to downtime across all departments. As a network management expert, I quickly inspected the company's network to troubleshoot the issue. I fixed the network connection issue within a few minutes and got all computer systems back up and running."

What current IT certifications do you have?

Candidates typically need in-demand certifications to work as an IT specialist. The goal of this question is to assess a candidate's technological expertise. What to look for in an answer:

  • Certifications in network management, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and related fields
  • Reason for earning IT certifications and passion for their job
  • Attitude to learning and improving technical skills

Example:

"I'm a Cisco certified network associate. I completed this certification to learn how to instal, operate, and configure routers and switches. Last year, I also became a Microsoft certified systems engineer, specializing in business intelligence. Taking this certification helped me enhance my ability to develop innovative solutions."

How do you keep your technical skills relevant, and which online resources do you refer to?

This is an important question because the technology industry is changing, and IT specialists need to stay up-to-date with developments. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strategies to stay current with IT developments
  • Attitude to continuing education
  • Ability to network with other technical professionals

Example:

"I enjoy attending conferences and networking events. Every year, I go to IBM's Think conference and connect with experienced IT specialists, software engineers, and cybersecurity experts. I also use GitHub and Stack Overflow to learn new IT solutions and read articles on towardss Data Science."

Imagine you were talking to non-technical professionals. How would you explain an IT concept to them?

IT specialists should be able to explain technical concepts and ideas for people outside their field to understand. Use this question to assess how a candidate presents ideas to people. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • In-depth understanding of IT concepts and ability to explain them in simple terms
  • Patience

Example:

"When explaining IT concepts, I make sure I use simple words and organise my thoughts for clarity. Last fall, a high school teacher asked me to describe network management to students. I used analogies they could understand and compared the network to a family tree. The high school teacher emailed me later explaining that several students wanted to pursue a career in IT because of my presentation."

How would you grade your teamwork skills?

IT specialists collabourate with department heads, vendors, and in-house teams to maintain network growth and identify the best computer-based systems for a business. This question helps you assess whether a candidate is comfortable working in a team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Experience working with other professionals to reach a shared goal
  • Collabourative nature

Example:

"I think I'm an excellent team player, so I'd give myself a 10. My duties require me to collabourate with various professionals, and I'm happy to work as part of a team. I understand you need a technical specialist who can manage the daily operations of your IT department. I'd love to take up this position."

How do you prioritise your workload when you have multiple tasks to complete?

IT specialists typically have several technical tasks to complete in a day. The goal of this question is to understand whether a candidate can work in fast-paced environments and prioritise quality over speed. What to look for in an answer:

  • Exceptional time management and organisational skills
  • Strategies to achieve work-life balance
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise work

Example:

"I'm highly organised and good at planning. When I have several tasks to complete, I start with high-priority tasks and work down my list. I also know how to delegate tasks to ensure they meet deadlines and align with overall objectives."

How would you handle an IT issue that was unfamiliar?

While IT specialists should know how to resolve various technical issues, they may experience an unfamiliar problem. This question helps assess a candidate's ability to work through problems. What to look for in an answer:

  • Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to research issues and ask for help as needed
  • Drive to resolve technical issues

Example:

"I feel it's important to find solutions to technical issues myself. I'd first define the problem and identify the facts. Then, I'd research the details on Stack Overflow, Google, and company manuals. If I couldn't find a solution, I'd ask a colleague for help or escalate the issues to a supervisor, depending on the issue's urgency."

What's your greatest strength as an IT specialist?

This question helps you understand what makes an IT specialist unique. It enables you to determine what skills or qualities make a candidate a good fit for the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Advanced technical or excellent soft skills related to the position
  • Drive to make an impact using their greatest strengths
  • Example to support their answer

Example:

"One of my greatest strengths is my ability to think critically and solve problems. I've always had a natural ability to troubleshoot technical issues, which has served me well in my five-year career. When I started my first internship, I worked with the data, operations, and cybersecurity teams and found technical issues that could have cost the company money. I believe this skill would make me an asset here."

Can you describe an interesting side project you worked on recently?

By asking this question, you can gain insight into what projects an IT specialist would be happy to work on. Depending on your company's size, this question also helps you place a candidate with the right teammates. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ambition and passion for a career in IT
  • Motivations and commitment to the field
  • Problem-solving skills

Example:

"Recently, I completed a data encryption project I started over two months ago. I developed a programme that encrypts data I transmit over the internet. Having this encryption programme helps me feel safer when using my computer. I'd be happy to develop a similar encryption software to protect customer data from infiltration."

Imagine upper management asked to help them choose between two functionally equivalent IT tools. What factors would you consider when recommending one?

As in-house experts on computer-based information systems, upper management relies on IT specialists to choose the right business tools. This question helps you learn about a candidate's business experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to make decisions based on your company's needs and budget
  • Good business knowledge
  • Excellent critical- and strategic-thinking skills

Example:

"If I were to pick between two functionally equivalent tools, I'd first consider the company's budget and needs. Then, I'd evaluate the initial investment and return-on-investment of both tools. Next, I'd assess which tool is easier to use and whether they have adequate customer support. I'd recommend the cheaper option that meets the company's business needs."

Do you prefer cloud-based or on-site solutions for IT software?

This is an important question because it reveals an IT specialist's experience with different software packages. Use this question to find out whether a candidate is comfortable working with either solution types, especially if your company is looking to adopt only one. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience working with cloud-based or on-site solutions
  • Clear explanation with reasons to support their preference
  • Desire to adapt to your organisation's business environment

Example:

"I started using on-site solutions over five years ago. However, I prefer cloud-based solutions. They make it easier to collabourate with upper management, vendors, and other technical professionals on projects."

Why do you want to work here as an IT specialist?

This question enables you to find out what made an IT specialist apply to your company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Genuine interest and excitement for the role
  • Focus on your organisation's culture and mission and how it aligns with their career goals
  • Desire to contribute to your organisation

Example:

"I applied to your company because I've always felt your software solutions were very useful. I'm impressed that your organisation is applying cutting-edge technology to its operations. I remember using your product's first version and thinking that I wanted to work for a company that takes on exciting projects. I'd love to advance my IT career at your company and manage your information systems."

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