6 Cisco Network Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which are critical in the ever-evolving field of networking technology.

How to answer

• Mention specific resources you use, such as online courses, webinars, or certifications.
• Discuss any professional organizations or communities you are part of.
• Share examples of recent learning experiences that you applied in your work.
• Explain how you incorporate new knowledge into your projects or consulting practices.
• Highlight any networking events or conferences you attend for knowledge sharing.

What not to say

• Claiming you don't need to learn new technologies due to years of experience.
• Vaguely stating you read articles without mentioning specific sources.
• Not sharing examples of how learning has impacted your work.
• Ignoring the importance of collaboration with peers in learning.

Example answer

“I regularly follow Cisco's official blogs and take online courses through platforms like Coursera and Udemy to stay current on new technologies. Recently, I completed a course on SD-WAN solutions, which I implemented for a client, enhancing their network flexibility. Additionally, I attend local networking meetups to exchange ideas with peers and learn about real-world applications of new technologies. Continuous learning is vital in this field, and I make it a priority.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, which are essential in the rapidly evolving field of network architecture.

How to answer

• Mention specific resources you use, such as industry publications, forums, or training programs.
• Discuss any professional certifications you pursue, such as CCNP or CCIE.
• Highlight participation in networking events or online communities.
• Explain how you apply new knowledge to your work, such as through innovative solutions or optimizations.
• Convey your enthusiasm for technology and its impact on business.

What not to say

• Avoid saying you are not actively seeking new knowledge.
• Refrain from mentioning only basic resources like general websites.
• Do not focus solely on past experiences without discussing current learning.
• Avoid showing a lack of awareness of recent industry trends.

Example answer

“I regularly read publications like Network World and attend Cisco Live events to stay informed about new technologies. I'm currently pursuing my CCIE certification, which pushes me to learn about the latest Cisco products. Additionally, I participate in online forums like Cisco Community, where I share insights and learn from industry peers. This commitment to continuous learning helps me implement innovative solutions in my projects, ensuring optimal network performance.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your knowledge of network security protocols and best practices, which are critical in maintaining the integrity of network systems.

How to answer

• Discuss specific Cisco security features and protocols you implement.
• Explain your approach to regular security assessments and audits.
• Mention the importance of user training and awareness programs.
• Describe how you stay updated on the latest security threats and countermeasures.
• Illustrate with examples of past security improvements you’ve made.

What not to say

• Implying that security is the sole responsibility of the IT department.
• Overlooking the need for user education and awareness.
• Being vague about specific tools or protocols used.
• Neglecting to discuss ongoing monitoring and updates.

Example answer

“To ensure the security of our Cisco network at Vodafone, I implement a multi-layered security approach, utilizing features such as Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Cisco Firepower. I conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, while also leading user training sessions to raise awareness about phishing and other threats. Additionally, I keep abreast of the latest security trends through industry forums and community engagements, which has allowed me to proactively mitigate potential risks before they affect our infrastructure.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your commitment to professional development and your ability to adapt to new technologies, which is essential in the rapidly evolving field of network engineering.

How to answer

• Mention specific resources like industry publications, webinars, and forums you follow
• Discuss any certifications you pursue or professional development courses you attend
• Describe your approach to hands-on practice with new technologies
• Highlight participation in networking communities or events
• Share how you apply new knowledge to your work

What not to say

• Indicating that you haven't updated your skills in a while
• Providing vague answers without specific examples
• Ignoring the importance of continuous learning in technology roles
• Focusing only on certifications without practical application

Example answer

“I actively follow industry blogs like Cisco's blog and attend webinars through organizations like CompTIA. I recently completed my Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, which provided me with hands-on experience in advanced routing and switching. Additionally, I regularly engage with local networking groups to share insights and best practices. This commitment to learning helps me implement the latest technologies effectively in my role.”

Introduction

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which is crucial in the fast-evolving field of network engineering.

How to answer

• Mention specific resources such as online courses, webinars, or certifications you pursue.
• Discuss professional organizations or groups you are part of.
• Share any networking events or conferences you attend.
• Highlight your engagement with online communities or forums focused on Cisco networking.
• Explain how you apply new knowledge to your current role or projects.

What not to say

• Claiming you don't need to learn because you already know enough.
• Listing only outdated resources or methods.
• Failing to mention practical application of new knowledge.
• Not showing any enthusiasm for learning or professional growth.

Example answer

“I actively stay updated by subscribing to industry publications like Network World and participating in Cisco's online forums. I also recently completed the CCNP certification to deepen my knowledge of advanced routing and switching. Attending the Cisco Live conference provided insights into upcoming technologies, which I’ve started implementing in our network optimization projects. Continuous learning is vital in networking, and I embrace every opportunity to enhance my skills.”

Introduction

This question assesses your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to work effectively under pressure, both of which are critical in network engineering roles.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.
• Clearly outline the networking issue and the context in which it occurred.
• Describe the steps you took to diagnose and resolve the issue.
• Highlight any tools or methodologies you used during the resolution.
• Conclude with the positive outcome of your actions and any lessons learned.

What not to say

• Focusing solely on the technical details without mentioning the pressure aspect.
• Not providing specifics about your role in resolving the issue.
• Avoiding to mention the outcome or any lessons learned.
• Blaming others or external factors instead of showcasing your contribution.

Example answer

“During my internship at a local tech firm, we faced a significant network outage just before a large client presentation. I was tasked with resolving the issue quickly. I started by identifying that the problem was related to our router's configuration. I collaborated with my team, checked the router settings, and discovered a misconfigured VLAN. I quickly rectified the settings, and within 30 minutes, the network was back up and running just in time for the presentation. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and thoroughly understanding network configurations.”

Introduction

This situational question assesses your troubleshooting approach and customer service skills, both of which are vital for a network engineer working with end-users.

How to answer

• Outline a systematic approach to diagnosing the issue, starting with gathering information from the user.
• Explain what tools or commands you would use to assess the network performance.
• Discuss how you would prioritize the issue based on its impact on the user and the organization.
• Mention any follow-up actions you would take to ensure the issue is fully resolved and to prevent future occurrences.
• Emphasize the importance of communication throughout the process.

What not to say

• Ignoring the user's perspective and focusing only on technical aspects.
• Giving vague answers about troubleshooting without specifics.
• Failing to mention the importance of follow-up or user communication.
• Assuming the issue is solely on the user's end without investigation.

Example answer

“If a user reports a slow network connection, I would first ask them to describe the issue in detail, including when it occurs and which applications are affected. Then, I would use tools like ping and traceroute to diagnose the network path and check for latency or packet loss. I would prioritize the issue based on its impact on the user's work. After identifying the problem, whether it’s a bandwidth limitation or a faulty network device, I would implement a solution and keep the user informed throughout the process. Finally, I would follow up with the user after resolving the issue to ensure their connection is stable and gather feedback for future improvements.”