Question Overview: This is a standard question that gives you a chance to learn more about the candidate's personality and work history. They should be able to provide a brief overview of their work history and explain why they are interested in the position.
Sample Answer: I've been working as a systems analyst for the past five years. I've worked on several large projects that involved integrating new applications with existing databases. I'm interested in this position because I want to work with a company that has a large network and a lot of data.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' interest in the position and their ability to communicate effectively. Systems analysts should have a passion for technology and a desire to work with computers. If they don't, they may not be a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I've always been interested in computers and how they work. I've been working with them since I was a teenager.
Question Overview: This question is a classic interview question that tests candidates' self-awareness. They should be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses. If they are weak in a particular area, they should be able to explain how they plan to improve.
Sample Answer: I'm a strong communicator, but I need to work on my patience. I tend to get frustrated when I'm working with people who don't understand the importance of documentation.
Question Overview: This is a simple yes or no question that tests whether candidates have read and understood the job description.
Sample Answer: Yes.
Question Overview: This question tests how candidates handle situations where they need to take the initiative. They should be able to describe a time when they took the initiative to complete a task or solve a problem. They should also be able to explain why they took the initiative and what the outcome was.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project with a team that was having trouble with a software application. The application was causing problems for other applications and the network. I took the initiative to research the problem and find a solution.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' commitment to their education and their ability to communicate effectively. A candidate should be able to explain how they are using their time to learn new skills and prepare for the job.
Sample Answer: I'm taking a few classes that focus on network design and security. I'm also working part-time as a systems analyst at a small company.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' ability to handle conflict and communicate with people who are not familiar with the technical aspects of IT. They should be able to explain how they would handle this situation and why they would choose a particular approach.
Sample Answer: I would try to understand the person's point of view. If they were a manager, I would explain how the research findings support my recommendations. If they were an employee, I would explain the research findings and provide them with a copy of the report.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' interest in the position and their ability to communicate their enthusiasm. Systems analysts should be able to explain why they are interested in the position and how it fits with their career goals.
Sample Answer: I want to work with your company because I've heard that you have a great reputation for supporting your employees. I'm really interested in learning more about your company's culture.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' customer service skills. They should be able to describe a situation where they had to deal with a difficult customer and how they handled the situation.
Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset because her computer wasn't working. She was using an old operating system that was no longer supported by the manufacturer. I helped her find a new computer and transfer her data over to it.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' experience with Java-based applications. Clustering is a way to improve the performance of applications by spreading them across multiple servers. Candidates should be able to explain how they would configure clustering for an application and why they chose that configuration.
Sample Answer: I've configured tomcat clustering for a number of different applications. I would start by setting up the cluster manager on each server. Then I would configure the application to use the cluster manager.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' knowledge of computer network technology. SAN stands for storage area network. These are used to connect storage devices like hard drives and tape libraries to servers.
Sample Answer: A storage area network connects storage devices to servers.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's personality and sense of humor. It's a common question that's asked at the end of an interview. Candidates should be prepared with a sports team that they are passionate about.
Sample Answer: I'm a big fan of the New York Yankees.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' troubleshooting skills. They should be able to explain how they would determine the cause of the problem and how they would resolve it.
Sample Answer: I would first determine the cause of the problem. If it's a hardware issue, I would contact the printer manufacturer for a replacement part. If it's a software issue, I would try to find a workaround.
Question Overview: Systems analysts are often required to travel to different offices and work with employees at those locations. If they are not willing to relocate, they may not be a good fit for the position.
Sample Answer: I am willing to relocate for the right job.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' knowledge of the company and its products. They should be able to speak to the company's history, products and services, and financial status.
Sample Answer: Textron is a global company that produces a variety of products. I know that you're involved in aerospace, defense, and industrial products.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' communication skills and their ability to relate their achievements to the position for which they are applying. A systems analyst should be able to explain how they contributed to a project's success.
Sample Answer: I was part of a team that designed and implemented a new network for a large financial institution. We were able to meet our deadline and reduce the number of servers in the data center by 50%.
Question Overview: This question gauges candidates' understanding of the position and their ability to communicate their skills. Systems analysts should be able to explain how their education and past experience prepared them for this position. They should also be able to explain how their education and experience will help them succeed in the position.
Sample Answer: My education in computer science and my experience with network design have prepared me for this position. I've worked on a number of projects that involved integrating applications and databases.
Question Overview: This question is designed to test candidates' interpersonal skills. They should be able to speak to their weaknesses in a professional manner. Candidates should be honest and focus on a weakness that is not relevant to the position. For example, if they are applying for a job as a systems analyst, they should not mention a weakness in their programming skills.
Sample Answer: I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills. I know that I can be too detail-oriented at times.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' understanding of the position and their ability to communicate their needs to a potential employer. They should be able to explain how they can contribute to the company and what they hope to gain from the position.
Sample Answer: I'm excited about this position because it will allow me to use my experience with network design and integration projects. I'm looking forward to working with your team.
Question Overview: This question tests candidates' database skills. They should be able to write a general select statement for a database query that will return all the records from a table.
Sample Answer: I'd write a general select statement for a database query by using the following syntax: