Preparing for ISP Network Engineer interview

My fellow IT brethren,

I am fortunate to have been selected for an interview later this month for an entry to intermediate level Network Engineer I position for a rapidly growing ISP in my area. In order to be successful at this interview can you recommend how one should prepare? What types of questions should be asked given the environment? (ISP).

I previously worked in an ISP environment for 3 years but in a different capacity (Operations Specialist), so I do have some exposure but that was years ago.

For those who currently work as Network Engineers (or similar roles) within ISP's, what can you recommend in regards to preparation for this interview?

As always, I appreciate your input everyone!

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shodown

Tstarks wrote: »

My fellow IT brethren,

I am fortunate to have been selected for an interview later this month for an entry to intermediate level Network Engineer I position for a rapidly growing ISP in my area. In order to be successful at this interview can you recommend how one should prepare? What types of questions should be asked given the environment? (ISP).

I previously worked in an ISP environment for 3 years but in a different capacity (Operations Specialist), so I do have some exposure but that was years ago.

For those who currently work as Network Engineers (or similar roles) within ISP's, what can you recommend in regards to preparation for this interview?

As always, I appreciate your input everyone!

Depends on whats expected. I would say show a general understanding of everything on your resume and some of the things they ask for. I can't see any job at a ISP not requiring BGP/MPLS, but depending on your role you might need to know some mulitcast, VOIP, VOD, it just depends.

Forsaken_GA

shodown wrote: »

Depends on whats expected. I would say show a general understanding of everything on your resume and some of the things they ask for. I can't see any job at a ISP not requiring BGP/MPLS, but depending on your role you might need to know some mulitcast, VOIP, VOD, it just depends.

It depends on the type of provider. If you're going to work for a provider that provides more than just internet access, you'll need to know more. For example, if it's a company that provides cable, it's a pretty good bet you'll need to know some multicast. If it's a company that implements triple play packages, you might need to know VoIP. All depends on their implementation.

BGP is always a safe bet though

mwgood

As the other responses have suggested, the required skillset will depend on the specific skills the ISP needs...

BGP, OSPF, & EIGRP would all be safe bets. A brush-up on all aspects of DNS & CIDR might be helpful. Possibly MPLS and/or MPLS VPNs. I would assume that any Linux experience you have may be valuable as well.

Of course, there's always the "soft-skills." If you can demonstrate a focus on customer service, with an ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way without "talking down" to customers -that should work to your advantage.

shodown

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

It depends on the type of provider. If you're going to work for a provider that provides more than just internet access, you'll need to know more. For example, if it's a company that provides cable, it's a pretty good bet you'll need to know some multicast. If it's a company that implements triple play packages, you might need to know VoIP. All depends on their implementation.

BGP is always a safe bet though

That's why I said it Depends

ColbyG

What's the description say? Is there primary market businesses or residences?

The two ISPs I worked for differed significantly, one was primarily a residential MSO (cable network) and the other was far more focused on business customers. Lots of differences.

Tstarks

Very insighful and helpful thoughts and suggestions as usual! I will brush up on Multicasting, EIGRP, OSPF, MPLS and BGP although the job description does not specifically mention these skill sets or routing protocols. However, it only makes sense to cover all bases! The company is a well established CLEC and provides Telephone/Cable/Internet service offerings.

I also have Unix/Linux experience and believe this peaked their interest. I'll keep everyone updated on my progess!

Paul Boz

As others have said, make sure you're very proficient in routing and switching. That is the bread and butter of every ISP job. Also, make sure you're competent with modular chassis. It's a whole new world for people who have only dealt with ISR or SOHO routers when they sit in front of a 7613.

Also, make sure you're competent with all of the technologies which the company offers. At my last job we had a fiber to the home deployment including a video head end and a copper phone infrastructure. If the company is a cable co or telco you need to make sure you're proficient on DOCSIS and or phone technologies. You can do some general legwork research by calling up a few customer service reps and inquiring about the various services offered. Also read up on their website and do some google searches for their company name to find any news articles.