Linux interview questions include experience with specific distributions, installation methods, command line proficiency, networking, and certifications. Employers may ask about programming languages and shell scripting for senior positions.
Common Linux interview questions include: “What are the specific distributions you’ve worked with and how long have you worked with them?” “Did you work with a server edition of Linux?” “Have you installed Linux yet? If so, what installation method did you use, and was it a single machine or network installation?” “Are you comfortable with working on the command line?” Finally, “do you have any internationally recognized certification in Linux administration?”
Many factors influence the exact Linux interview questions a candidate will be asked. The size of the company, the presence or absence of a network, migration issues, the end user’s software choices, and the potential employer’s computing needs are among the factors that will determine the Linux interview questions to which solid answers must be provided to increase the chances of someone being offered employment or a freelance contract. Questions about experience with a specific distribution are asked because, although all Linux operating systems are based on the Linux kernel and usually on Richard Stallman’s GNU tools as well, each distribution or “flavor” has some significant differences. Working with Linux systems is not the same as having experience installing them, which is why questions about a candidate’s knowledge of setup procedures may feature among Linux interview questions. This is of particular importance to a new business setting up a network for the first time.
Almost all businesses, including some small home businesses, rely on a network rather than a single machine to handle their computing needs. That’s why Linux interview questions often relate to networking. Being very comfortable with working from the command line is almost mandatory if one applies for an administrator position, because rarely can graphical user interface (GUI) tools be used to fully replace the power of the command line. Employers also want to make sure that administrators and administrator assistants can resolve technical issues during which the GUI tools are broken, leaving only the command line. Familiarity with the command line also almost always guarantees familiarity with the basic file structure tree, which is necessary for administrative tasks such as software management.
If the Linux interview questions include queries about certifications, it is always to the candidate’s advantage to inform a potential employer of their current credentials, particularly if the certification is for the specific distribution used by the company. Some interview questions will be prompted by the distribution in question. For example, some systems use Linux with Enhanced Security (SE), but some do not. Candidates should not be surprised if a potential employer asks if they are programmers proficient in the C/C++, Python, or Hypertext Preprocessor programming languages. Writing and running shell scripts, automating tasks and backup options for Linux can also be the topic of some Linux interview questions for a senior administrator position.
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