Network Engineer

Primary Activities

A Network Engineer in the Technology function is typically expected to perform the following activities as a part of their job. Expect questions delving deeper into these areas depending on your level of experience. This is a representative list and not a complete one; the latter are generally based on the exact nature of the role

Designing & Implementing Network Infrastructure: Creating and deploying network architecture, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices
Configuring & Maintaining Network Equipment: Setting up and managing network devices, ensuring proper configuration, and performing regular maintenance tasks
Troubleshooting Network Issues: Identifying and resolving network problems, such as connectivity issues, performance bottlenecks, or security vulnerabilities
Monitoring Network Performance: Using network monitoring tools to track and analyze network performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes
Implementing Network Security Measures: Deploying and managing security protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats
Collaborating With Cross Functional Teams: Working closely with other IT teams, such as system administrators, developers, and security analysts, to ensure seamless integration and operation of network infrastructure
Documenting Network Configurations & Procedures: Maintaining accurate documentation of network designs, configurations, and procedures to facilitate troubleshooting, knowledge sharing, and future upgrades
Staying Updated With Industry Trends & Technologies: Continuously learning about new networking technologies, industry best practices, and emerging trends to enhance network performance and security
Participating In Network Capacity Planning: Assessing current network capacity, predicting future requirements, and making recommendations for network expansion or optimization
Providing Technical Support & Guidance: Assisting end-users and other IT teams with network-related issues, offering technical expertise, troubleshooting assistance, and guidance on network usage and best practices

Key Performance Indicators

Network Engineers in the Technology function are often evaluated using the following KPI metrics. Address atleast some of these metrics in your resume line items & within your interview stories to maximize your prospects (if you have prior experiences in this or a related role). This is not a comprehensive list and exact metrics vary depending on the type of business

Network Availability: Measures the percentage of time the network is available and functioning properly
Network Latency: Measures the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another in the network
Network Throughput: Measures the amount of data that can be transmitted over the network in a given time period
Network Reliability: Measures the ability of the network to consistently deliver data without errors or interruptions
Network Security: Measures the effectiveness of network security measures in protecting against unauthorized access and data breaches
Network Scalability: Measures the ability of the network to handle increasing amounts of traffic and users without performance degradation
Network Capacity: Measures the maximum amount of data that the network can handle at any given time
Network Response Time: Measures the time it takes for a network device or service to respond to a request
Network Incident Resolution Time: Measures the time it takes to resolve network incidents and restore normal network operations
Network Change Success Rate: Measures the percentage of network changes that are implemented successfully without causing disruptions or issues

Selection Process

Successful candidates for a Network Engineers role in the Technology function can expect a similar selection process as the one outlined below. Actual process may vary depending on seniority, size/type of company etc.

Phone screening
Brief phone call to assess qualifications and fit
Technical interview
In-depth discussion of technical skills and experience
Behavioral interview
Assessment of behavioral competencies and cultural fit
Panel interview
Meeting with multiple interviewers to evaluate skills and compatibility
Case study or technical test
Practical assessment of problem-solving abilities
Reference check
Contacting provided references to verify qualifications
Final interview
Meeting with senior management or HR for final evaluation
Offer
Job offer extended if selected as the top candidate

Interview Questions

Common Interview Questions that a Network Engineers in the Technology function is likely to face. Prepare stories that tailor to your own experiences that may help you answer these questions effectively. This is not a complete list and more questions will be added over time. Use the topic tags in the search box below to filter by specific topics

Link	Question	Topic(s)
Link	What is a network?	Networking Fundamentals
Link	What is the difference between a hub and a switch?	Networking Fundamentals
Link	What is the purpose of subnetting?	Networking Fundamentals
Link	What is the OSI model and its layers?	Networking Fundamentals
Link	What is the difference between TCP and UDP?	Networking Protocols
Link	Explain the process of DNS resolution.	Networking Protocols
Link	What is VLAN and how does it work?	Networking Protocols
Link	What is the purpose of NAT?	Networking Protocols
Link	What is the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?	IP Addressing
Link	What is a subnet mask and how is it used?	IP Addressing
Link	What is DHCP and how does it work?	IP Addressing
Link	Explain the concept of routing.	Routing and Switching
Link	What is the purpose of a default gateway?	Routing and Switching
Link	What is STP and how does it prevent network loops?	Routing and Switching
Link	What is the difference between layer 2 and layer 3 switches?	Routing and Switching
Link	What is the purpose of ACLs in network security?	Network Security
Link	Explain the concept of VPN and its types.	Network Security
Link	What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?	Network Security
Link	How do you troubleshoot network connectivity issues?	Network Troubleshooting
Link	What is the purpose of packet sniffing tools?	Network Troubleshooting