Top Technical Support Specialist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Technical Support Specialist interview by going through these most asked Technical Support Specialist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How will you move a mountain from point A to point B?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that can be asked of any position. The answer to this question is not as important as the thought process behind it. An applicant should be able to explain how they would approach a problem and what they would do to solve it. This is an opportunity for an applicant to show their ability to think critically and creatively.

    Sample Answer: I would first assess the situation and determine if I could move the mountain or if I needed help. If I could move it myself, I would use a variety of tools and equipment to move it. If I needed help, I would ask for assistance from others.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think critically and creatively
    • - Ability to explain the thought process
    • - Ability to prioritize

  • Question: What is WSDL?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question that will test the applicant's knowledge of web services.

    Sample Answer: Web services description language (WSDL) is an XML-based language for describing network services as a set of endpoints operating on messages containing either document-oriented or procedure-oriented information.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the concept
    • - Ability to explain the concept in layman's terms

  • Question: Why did you leave your last job?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because it gives you insight into the applicant's work history. If they left a job quickly, it could indicate that they are not a good fit for your organization. However, if they left a job because of a promotion or transfer, this could indicate that they are motivated and have a strong work ethic.

    Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was promoted to a position with more responsibility.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay calm and explain the situation
    • - Ability to explain the situation in a professional manner

  • Question: How will you explain a financial statement to a 7-year old kid?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess how well an applicant can communicate with people who have no technical background. This is important because a technical support specialist often has to explain technical issues to non-technical people.

    Sample Answer: I would explain that money comes from a company and it is used to pay for things like food, rent and other things. I would also explain that money is not free and that it has to be earned.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to simplify the message
    • - Ability to listen to the person's needs
    • - Ability to ask questions and clarify

  • Question: How would you handle a difficult customer?
  • Question Overview: A difficult customer is a challenge for anyone. An applicant should be able to demonstrate the ability to remain calm and professional. If an applicant cannot remain calm, they will not be able to provide the best service to customers.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to the customer and try to understand their issue. I would then explain the issue in layman's terms and offer a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to listen and empathize
    • - Ability to explain technical issues in layman's terms

  • Question: If we interview applicants that are more qualified, why should I hire you?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to see how candidates handle pressure. It also gives them an opportunity to sell themselves. This is a great way to see how they handle rejection and what they do to overcome it.

    Sample Answer: I am the best candidate for this position because I am a quick learner and I have the ability to adapt to new technologies. I would be able to learn your company's procedures quickly and provide the best service possible.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Ability to sell themselves
    • - Confidence in their abilities

  • Question: How would you help someone build a network for a small business?
  • Question Overview: This question assesses an applicant's ability to listen, understand and communicate. It also assesses an applicant's ability to think on their feet. You want to ensure that an applicant can think critically and has the ability to explain technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask what the business does. Then I would ask about their internet needs. I would then recommend a network that is best suited for their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to listen and understand
    • - Ability to communicate technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand
    • - Ability to think critically and on their feet

  • Question: How do you respond to unexpected reactions from your colleagues?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how an applicant reacts to stressful situations. An applicant should be able to remain calm and focused. This is important because a technical support specialist often has to work with people who are upset or frustrated.

    Sample Answer: I would listen to what they have to say and try to understand their point of view. I would then explain the situation and offer a solution.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to listen
    • - Ability to explain the situation

  • Question: What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic networking question that is often asked to gauge an applicant's knowledge of networking. An applicant should have a basic understanding of the difference between the two protocols, and they should be able to explain the difference in layman's terms.

    Sample Answer: TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that ensures packets are delivered in sequence. UDP is a connectionless protocol that does not guarantee packet delivery.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to explain the difference in layman's terms
    • - Knowledge of the protocols
    • - Ability to explain the difference between the two protocols

  • Question: What is a request?
  • Question Overview: A request is a ticket that an applicant creates to log a problem. This question is important because it allows an interviewer to understand how an applicant approaches a problem and how they prioritize issues.

    Sample Answer: A request is a ticket that I create to log a problem. I prioritize issues based on urgency and importance.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to define a request
    • - Ability to prioritize requests
    • - Ability to explain the importance of requests

  • Question: What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an idea of what candidates do in their free time. It allows you to see if they have a passion for something that could be related to your company. For example, if they are a musician, they might be able to create music for your company's website. If they are a photographer, they might be able to take pictures of your products.

    Sample Answer: I like to play basketball and listen to music.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for something that could be related to your company
    • - Ability to market themselves

  • Question: How do you handle stressful situations?
  • Question Overview: A technical support specialist should be able to handle stressful situations with a cool head. This is important because the job requires the ability to multitask and prioritize. You want to ensure that an applicant can handle a variety of situations, including those that are unexpected.

    Sample Answer: I take a deep breath and think about the best way to handle the situation. I then prioritize my tasks and work through them one at a time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay calm
    • - Ability to prioritize and multitask

  • Question: What is Domain Name System?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question that tests an applicant's knowledge of networking. DNS is a protocol that translates domain names into IP addresses. It is a critical part of the Internet.

    Sample Answer: Domain Name System (DNS) is a protocol that translates domain names into IP addresses. It is a critical part of the Internet.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of DNS
    • - Ability to explain the purpose of DNS

  • Question: Why do you want to work with us?
  • Question Overview: This question allows you to learn more about the applicant's interest in your company. You can also learn about their knowledge of your company and its products and services.

    Sample Answer: I've done a lot of research on your company, and I'm impressed with what you do. I think I would be a good fit for your organization because I have a lot of experience in customer service.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the company
    • - Ability to communicate the benefits of working for the company

  • Question: What would you do if a client is very demanding?
  • Question Overview: This question is important because a technical support specialist must be able to handle different types of personalities. A candidate should be able to remain calm and professional.

    Sample Answer: I would try to understand the client's needs and explain the situation in a way that is easy for them to understand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm and professional
    • - Ability to empathize with the client
    • - Ability to explain the situation in a way that is easy to understand

  • Question: What would you do if a zombie invasion happened?
  • Question Overview: This is a fun question to ask because it allows you to see how candidates think on their feet. You can also gauge their sense of humor. If they are too serious, you may want to consider someone else.

    Sample Answer: I would try to find a safe place to hide and then call for help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Sense of humor

  • Question: What is the SQL command for selecting all rows from a table?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic SQL question that is used to assess an applicant's knowledge of database concepts. This is a good question to ask because it shows how candidates think on their feet and how they approach problems.

    Sample Answer: The command is SELECT * FROM table_name.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Ability to apply logic
    • - Ability to research and adapt

  • Question: What is the last thing you did for another person that helped them, but created difficulties for you?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess an applicant's ability to work with others. It is important for a technical support specialist to be able to work with others and help them. This question also assesses an applicant's ability to think on their feet and be flexible.

    Sample Answer: I helped a coworker who was having trouble with a program I had never used before. I had to learn the program quickly and teach her how to use it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Ability to solve problems

  • Question: What is a good customer service experience you have had?
  • Question Overview: A technical support specialist must have a good customer service experience. This is important because it shows an ability to relate to customers and their needs. It also shows an ability to empathize with customers and their needs.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was frustrated with his computer. I was able to explain the problem in a way that he understood and he was able to fix it.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to relate to the customer
    • - Empathy for the customer
    • - Ability to explain technical issues in a way that is easy to understand

  • Question: If you were an account, what would you be and why?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well candidates can think on their feet. It is a way to see if they can relate to the job and the company. This question is also designed to see how well they can think on their feet.

    Sample Answer: I would be a customer because I am always looking for new ways to improve my business.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to think on their feet
    • - Ability to relate to the job
    • - Ability to relate to the company