Network Operations Engineer interview questions?

Hello,

Have an interview coming up soon and was wondering about the types of questions that could be asked?
I know some of the guys here are probably working in similar positions or planing on geting into similar role so just said i would ask.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments

networker050184

What does the job entail?

chickenlicken09

the job entails the following:

Key Responsibilities

Network operations including supervision and analysis of network alarms, troubleshooting and root cause analysis of network faults
Customer management including notification, collaborative incident handling, reporting and general assistance
Circuit build including design verification, configuration and interconnect mapping for all access and core nodes
Network configuration changes, platform migrations, software upgrades and expansion activities
Network performance review and improvement
Vendor /partner management and escalation handling
Trouble ticket management
Participation in company emergency callout rota
Management of third party contractors
Management of e|net’s colocation facilities
Any other duties as required

Key Required Competencies

Minimum 2 years NOC/Telecommunications experience
Working knowledge of either Ethernet/MPLS/SDH, preferably specialized in one with a good understanding of the others
Good general understanding of transmission network principles
History of successful technical project execution and/or working in fast paced Operational environment
Telecommunications operator and/or vendor experience ideally in a transmission environment
Proven problem-solving experience within layer 1 and 2 networks
Excellent understanding of colocation and facilities management
Excellent time management and organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
Good documentation and general communication ability with strong interpersonal skills
High levels of flexibility, willingness to learn and develop and awareness of future trends in the telecommunications industry

Additional Competencies which would be highly advantageous (in order of priority)

Familiarity with Ciena or Alcatel Lucent hardware or network management platforms.
Understanding of DWDM principles and applications.
Telecom vendor experience in testing and validation of carrier class platforms
Cisco or other IP/Ethernet certification
Unix / Linux administration and scripting experience

chickenlicken09

anyone?

networker050184

Could ask you anything really, but I'd be ready for the things mentioned in the job description.

chickenlicken09

hmmm ok

chickenlicken09

I know i am going back to this again but if you/anyone was to hazard a guess as to the types of questions that could arise i would be very grateful.
I would really like to get this job.

mgmguy1

I just had a Noc interview last week. They saw I had a good Telecommunications background but they asked me four questions in this order.
1.Do I know Active Directory or have I ever worked with it ?
2.Do you have any Linux or Unix experience ? It would be nice if was in Red Hat or Cent OS.
3. what server experience do you have ?
4. Ever troubleshoot a DS3 or T-1 and if so how did you troubleshoot it ?

Answer
1.None of the ISP/NOC positions required me to work with Active Directory. " I am willing to learn thou and I am a fast learner".
2. DO I know Linux or Unix. No not really.
3.What server experience do I have. "none"
4. Ever troubleshoot a DS3 no, Ever troubleshoot a T-1 "yes" and explained how.

Just be your-self and be honest.

chickenlicken09

Ya i dont reallt have a telecommunications background but have been geting familiar with dwdm,sdh and mpls( which i believe is beyond the scope of the ccna). I will however do my research on it and at least know what it does.

NetworkVeteran

I know i am going back to this again but if you/anyone was to hazard a guess as to the types of questions that could arise i would be very grateful.

As far as technical questions--

Minimum 2 years NOC/Telecommunications experience

I'd begin by asking you to list/describe your two years of experience if not clear from the resume. I might ask questions to clarify how relevant it was to the environment/role/equipment you are being considered for.

Working knowledge of either Ethernet/MPLS/SDH, preferably specialized in one with a good understanding of the others

I'd then ask which of these you felt was you considered your specialty. I'd dig into that area deeply, in terms of your know-how and experience, and then dig into the other areas lightly.

Proven problem-solving experience within layer 1 and 2 networks

This obviously lends itself to troubleshooting scenarios. Maybe I'd also ask you to identify or describe cable types and components. The role is for someone with only a bit of experience, so nothing too deep.

chickenlicken09

ok keep them coming guys

potential questions that could come my way. I will start preparing.

chickenlicken09

network veteran, out of curiosity how would you describe ethernet if asked. As i believe it contains alot of technologies and not just the actual cable.
It would be a bit of a vague question to ask or would it not.

NetworkVeteran

It's a fair question. "It's what's plugged into your laptop. What would you like to know?"

chickenlicken09

haha true

NetworkVeteran

I ask questions. I like to know what their requirements are so I can optimally meet them.

chickenlicken09

ya i know you have got to be able to meet half way. Is there any others you can think of that might be thrown in.

NetworkVeteran

eddo1 wrote: »

ya i know you have got to be able to meet half way. Is there any others you can think of that might be thrown in.

If you claimed Ethernet was your strong area, I might cover--

1. Frame formats - basic, type/length field, LLC, SNAP, tags, etc.
2. Transparent bridging & MAC addresses
3. STP vs RSTP vs MSTP
4. Cables & connector types
5. Auto-negotiation
6. LAGs
7. Tagging
8. Qualify of Service
9. IEEE standards
10. MEF standards

chickenlicken09

Nice, thanks. Last question, is there much of a difference between network operations engineer and a network engineer.

NetworkVeteran

is there much of a difference between network operations engineer and a network engineer.

I focus on responsibilities more than titles, given how differently various employers title the same role.

OMT

hello eddol,. hope your okay. I read through your thread and noticed the interview / job role you had is similar to what I have coming up soon. it's a NOC transmission engineer position. how did your interview go and what questions were asked. will be grateful if you can come up with something for me. it will also be nice to know if anyone has recently had a NOC transmission interview. thanks all..XXX

OMT

anyone pls with useful information?...thanks