Landing a job as a Linux server administrator requires strong technical skills and the ability to demonstrate those skills during the interview process, Here are some of the most common Linux server admin interview questions you’re likely to encounter as well as tips for how to ace the interview
Overview of Common Linux Server Admin Interview Questions
Some of the most common categories for Linux server admin interview questions include
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Linux commands – You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency with essential Linux commands like ls, cd, cat, grep, ssh, sudo, chmod, top, and more. Know the proper syntax and use cases for these commands.
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System and network administration – Expect questions on managing storage, users, processes, networks, security, backups, automation, troubleshooting, and more. Know how to perform key administrative tasks on Linux.
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OS internals – Questions may cover how the Linux kernel works, how hardware interacts with software how processes, memory and CPU usage work. Have a grasp of core operating system internals.
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Tools and technologies – Know common tools like Bash, Git, systemd, Firewalld, Apache, Nginx, DNS, DHCP, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used them.
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Problem-solving: Many of the questions will give you made-up troubleshooting situations to see how well you can use a methodical approach to finding and fixing issues.
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Behavioral questions – Standard questions about your skills, experience, work style, motivations, and professional goals are common. Have clear stories ready that demonstrate positive traits.
Answering Common Linux Admin Interview Questions
Here are some example questions you may encounter for a Linux server admin role along with tips for delivering strong answers:
Q: What are the key differences between the Linux and Windows operating systems?
Tips: Emphasize Linux’s open-source nature, CLI focus, superior customization and how Linux is designed for servers while Windows focuses on desktops.
Q: Explain the differences between UNIX and Linux.
Tips: Note Linux is a recreation of UNIX. Focus on Linux being open source, free to use, and updated continually by a global community.
Q: What are the basic components of a Linux operating system?
Tips: Cover the Linux kernel, various shells, utility programs, GUI, filesystem layout, configuration files.
Q: Can you explain what the LILO bootloader does in Linux?
Tips: Describe how LILO helps boot Linux by loading the kernel into memory and allowing system startup configuration.
Q: Describe a service you might disable on a Linux server.
Tips: Services like Telnet, FTP, SNMPv1,2 offer less security than SSH, SFTP, SNMPv3. Explain why you would disable the former.
Q: How would you check memory and CPU usage on a Linux server?
Tips: Cover commands like free, vmstat, top, mpstat. Know what metrics indicate problems like high load, swapping, bottlenecking.
Mastering the Technical Interview
Here are some final tips for acing a Linux server admin technical interview:
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Review common admin commands, tools, technologies. Practice using them hands-on.
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Understand how to troubleshoot core areas like storage, memory, CPU, networks.
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Explain your thought process clearly when working through a problem.
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Ask smart, insightful questions about the role, team, tech stack.
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Convey your passion for technology, troubleshooting complex issues, and continuous learning.
With strong Linux server skills, interview prep, and enthusiasm for the work, you can stand out from the competition. Use these tips to demonstrate your qualifications, solve problems efficiently, and show why you are the ideal candidate for the Linux admin role.
2 Explain File Permission groups in Linux?
Ans: There are three user-based permission groups for each file and directory.
They are:
- Owner: Only the owner can access the file or directory; they can’t change what other users do.
- Group: Only the group that has been given permission to the file or directory can use these settings. They will not impact the actions of other users.
- All Users: People who use the system can use these rights.
7 Explain the work of the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination on the Linux operating system?
In Linux, you press the Ctrl Alt Del key to restart the computer. There is no confirmation message shown before the restart.
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Top 10 Linux Job Interview Questions
FAQ
How to prepare for a Linux System Administrator interview?
What does a Linux server administrator do?
What every Linux admin should know?
What knowledge is required for Linux administrator?
How many Linux system administrator interview questions are there?
Here’s a list of 100 Linux System Administrator interview questions along with their answers to help you prepare for your Linux System Admin-related job interview: 1. What is the role of a Linux System Administrator?
What are Linux admin interview questions?
Linux admin interview questions ask about the skills and knowledge required to administer, optimize, and troubleshoot Linux systems within an organization. These questions can reveal candidates’ practical experience and approach to tackling real-world challenges. Why include Linux system administration questions in your interviews?
What questions do engineers ask during a Linux interview?
Engineers, developers, and systems administrators are most likely to be asked questions about Linux operating systems. If during an interview you do not know the answer, explain how you would go about finding the answer and your thought process for moving forward.
Why should you include Linux system administration questions in your interviews?
Incorporating Linux system administration questions in your interviews helps you gauge candidates’ hands-on experience and proficiency in Linux system administration, separating those with solely theoretical knowledge.
