What steps do you take to ensure system backups and disaster recovery?
Theme: Disaster Recovery Role: Systems Administrator Function: Technology
Interview Question for Systems Administrator: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Systems Administrator: Manages and maintains computer systems and servers. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Disaster Recovery with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Backup Strategy: Example response detailing backup strategy, including frequency, types of backups (full, incremental, differential), and storage location
- Testing & Monitoring: Example response detailing regular testing of backups, monitoring backup jobs, and verifying data integrity
- Disaster Recovery Plan: Example response detailing the creation and maintenance of a disaster recovery plan, including identifying critical systems, establishing recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO), and documenting step-by-step procedures
- Offsite Storage: Example response detailing the use of offsite storage for backups, including secure transportation and storage of backup media
- Redundancy & High Availability: Example response detailing the implementation of redundant systems, clustering, or virtualization to ensure high availability and minimize downtime
- Security & Encryption: Example response detailing the use of encryption for backups, securing backup media, and implementing access controls to protect sensitive data
- Regular Maintenance & Updates: Example response detailing regular maintenance of backup systems, including software updates, hardware checks, and periodic review of backup policies and procedures
- Documentation & Training: Example response detailing the importance of documenting backup processes, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and providing training to relevant personnel
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Technical knowledge: Assessing your understanding of system backups and disaster recovery processes
- Problem-solving skills: Evaluating your ability to identify and address potential risks and challenges in system backups and disaster recovery
- Attention to detail: Determining your approach to ensuring accuracy and completeness in system backups and disaster recovery
- Organizational skills: Assessing your ability to plan and execute system backups and disaster recovery procedures efficiently
- Adaptability: Evaluating your flexibility in adjusting system backups and disaster recovery strategies based on evolving technology or business needs
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of knowledge: Not being able to explain the importance of system backups and disaster recovery or the steps involved in the process
- Inadequate planning: Not mentioning the creation of a comprehensive backup plan or a disaster recovery plan
- No testing: Not discussing the regular testing of backups and disaster recovery procedures to ensure their effectiveness
- No documentation: Not mentioning the importance of documenting backup and recovery procedures, including the location of backups and necessary credentials
- No monitoring: Not discussing the implementation of monitoring systems to ensure backups are successful and disaster recovery plans are ready to be executed
- Lack of updates: Not mentioning the need to regularly update backup and recovery procedures to align with changes in the system or technology