Sample IT Interview Questions and Answers

Learn how to come up with smart, strong answers to common IT interview questions.

Sample IT Interview Questions and Answers

Ace your IT interview questions.

Information technology is important across all types of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, so IT professionals who are well-versed in computer support, database administration, software development, and web development and design are in high demand. But getting into an IT job can be competitive. It takes more than a solid resume and cover letter—you must be prepared to answer multiple rounds of in-depth and complex IT interview questions.

Employers typically look for the best possible candidate they can find. If you've been offered an interview, you're likely one of them. You can prove to potential employers that you're the right candidate for the job by answering their questions with confidence. To help you get there, Monster has compiled a list of common IT interview questions and answers.

IT Interview Questions

  1. Tell Us About Your Technical Background and Experience.
  2. What Types of IT Software Are You Most Proficient At?
  3. How Do You Provide Technical Assistance and Support to Customers?
  4. How Have You Provided Technical Assistance to Businesses and Employees?
  5. How Do You Manage Technical Staff and Track Their Performance?
  6. How Would You Oversee a Company's Technical Infrastructure and Projects?

Question #1: Tell Us About Your Technical Background and Experience.

Having a strong technical background is key to working in the IT field. Employers ask technical interview questions to get an idea of whether your skill set is a match for the role. When answering IT interview questions about your technical background and experience, be sure to discuss the following:

  • Technical skills you obtained while attending college or completing a certificate program.
  • How you stay up to date on technical changes in the IT field.
  • Technical skills you used at a previous job (if applicable).

How You Could Answer

"I completed a bachelor's degree in software engineering where I learned how to design, code, and test software. After college, I worked for a technology company for three years developing and testing financial database software. To develop software, I used data flow design, process flow design, flowcharting, coding, and debugging. The coding languages I'm most familiar with include Python, Java, Ruby, Lisp, and SQL. I'm very passionate about what I do and strive to stay up to date on new software development technologies. For example, I read publications such as DZone and Web Code Geeks and am a member of Stack Overflow, a software developer community that talks about new trends."

Question #2: What Types of IT Software Are You Most Proficient At?

The type of software you typically use depends on your job type within the IT field. In your answer, you'll want to focus on the types of software most relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job as a web developer, perhaps you have experience using WordPress or Adobe Dreamweaver. If you're a software engineer, you may have experience using Linx or Cloud 9. Be sure to include the following when answering IT technical interview questions:

  • IT software you're most familiar with.
  • Examples of success.
  • How you use IT software.

How You Could Answer

"I find WordPress to be the easiest and most proficient software for developing a website. When I worked for a marketing firm, I built websites for clients by simply using Java, Python, SQL, PHP, CSS, and HTML in the backend to develop the functionality, interface, and appearance of each site. I was then able to create a website mock-up to show to each client for approval. One of our clients, an orthopedic office, was very impressed with the mock-up I created for them. Once the site was launched, they saw a significant improvement in their SEO, speed, and usability."

Question #3: How Do You Provide Technical Assistance and Support to Customers?

If you're applying to a help desk support specialist position, expect to be asked IT help desk interview questions about your technical and customer service skills. Show employers that you're the go-to person when a customer experiences an issue with your system, hardware, or software. Draw from your own experience when answering these IT interview questions, including:

  • Your customer service skills.
  • An example of when you helped a customer solve a problem.
  • Your knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software.

How You Could Answer

"When helping customers solve problems, I always listen empathetically and look for the best solutions. I have some working knowledge of operating systems, hardware connections, and local area networks. I also conduct research or seek expert help when troubleshooting problems I'm not entirely familiar with. For example, at my previous job, a customer called in after receiving the blue screen of death. I advised the customer to restart the computer and scan for malware. When no malware was found, I advised them to bring the computer in for inspection and discovered that the problem was a poor connection between the RAM and the motherboard."

Question #4: How Have You Provided Technical Assistance to Businesses and Employees?

IT professionals who provide assistance to businesses and employees will be asked IT support interview questions about setting up and configuring computer systems, installing software and hardware, troubleshooting system problems, and system maintenance and repair. Some of the technical processes you should discuss when answering IT interview questions about in-house IT support are:

  • How you set up computer systems and networks within a facility.
  • When and how you conduct software and system updates.
  • How you identify and troubleshoot computer-related problems.

How You Could Answer

"I previously worked for a marketing agency and set up the computer systems, workstations, and network hardware after they moved to a new location. I ran ethernet cables from each of the computers to the company's high-speed router. I also set up remote connections on each of the computers to quickly troubleshoot problems and make necessary updates. Software and system updates were made once they become available to patch security holes and remove bugs."

Question #5: How Do You Manage Technical Staff and Track Their Performance?

If you're applying for a manager position, you will likely encounter IT interview questions gauging your ability to manage and track the performance of technical staff. If you're pursuing a first-time IT manager position, be sure to study the job description to match your skills with what they need. You can provide solid and in-depth answers to IT manager interview questions by including the following details:

  • Methods you use to monitor employees.
  • How you use reports to improve employee performance.
  • The tools you use to measure performance.

How You Could Answer

"At my previous job working for a technology company, I managed a team of 15 employees in the IT department. I have always been transparent with my department about what's expected of them and why I keep track of their work. I also provide regular feedback through performance reports and one-on-one meetings. Our department communicated and posted tasks on Basecamp, and we also used Everhour for time tracking. Additionally, I made sure that projects and tasks were fairly distributed so that nobody was overwhelmed with too much work."

Question #6: How Would You Oversee a Company's Technical Infrastructure and Projects?

A suitable IT director is competent in technology infrastructure and project management. Employers ask IT director interview questions to gauge your prior experience, ability to monitor and evaluate IT operations, and leadership skills. Make sure you draw from previous experience when answering these IT interview questions, and include the following:

  • How you oversaw the technical infrastructure at a previous job.
  • What value you would bring to a prospective employer.
  • Significant IT projects you oversaw.

How You Could Answer

"At my previous job, I monitored networks used for transporting and storing data, database management systems, and web servers. The company I worked for decided to switch to a new cyber security vendor. We previously used McAfee but switched to SolarWinds Security Event Manager, which is a cloud-based security tool used to monitor systems, log events, and detect intrusions. I oversaw the installation and testing of the new program on all systems. As an IT director, I'll bring excellent problem-solving skills, a good eye for detail, and a team-oriented attitude to the table."

Put Your Technical Skills to the Test—Find an IT Job on Monster

Now that you get the gist of how to develop strong, complete answers to common IT interview questions, find that right-fit IT position at Monster. You can put together a profile for free to get custom job notifications and valuable job advice from our career experts.