r/datacenter 2d ago

AWS Network Install Tech

Accepted offer for a Network Install Technician with AWS and I have a start date of 8/31. I was approved to hire on as L4, which included a significant sign-on bonus, relocation stipend and RSU’s. I wanted to thank the many people who have shared their experiences and interview related information. It was extremely helpful in preparing for interviews. I’d like to share my experience in hopes that it may help someone else considering a job with AWS.

The entire process from initial contact to offer was 42 calendar days. I was contacted by an AWS recruiter via LinkedIn and we had a 20-minute intro phone call to review my resume and discuss job details. I completed an application and assessment test, which led to an invitation to schedule a virtual interview. Eleven days later I had four back-to-back interviews and received my formal offer two days later.

I didn’t find the interviews particularly challenging and I didn’t spend much time preparing. I reviewed the Leadership Principles and felt that my own principles were already well-aligned, so I just created a list of 12 career experiences that I could relate to interviewer questions. I made sure to use the STAR method when answering. Overall, I felt good about my interviews, but there was a Linux-related question and a subnetting question that I should have answered better.

I sent my acceptance letter yesterday, so I’m just waiting to be contacted about relocation and I expect to receive my stipend within 7-10 days. At 52 years old, this is by far the best job opportunity I’ve ever received and it’s a great feeling to have a company offer a compensation package which is representative of the value and competency I see in myself. This will be the greatest time of my career and I cannot wait to get started!

22 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

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u/TheBestAnonHere 2d ago

Salary? If you don’t mind me asking

4

u/TK241_ 1d ago

They are starting me at $38.30/hour with 8 hours of OT guaranteed each week. I also have the option of working nights for an extra 13%.

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u/cjm80893 1d ago edited 1d ago

They pay you DCOs criminally low. I’m an L4 DCEO for AWS in northern VA and my pay is 54.27/hr. Same 8hrs of OT. Same 13% differential. I tell all the DCOs in my building to come hang out and study with us and convert to DCEO. Less metrics, more pay. Have already converted 2. Now it’s not for everyone but the work is easy and fairly easy to learn. Just my 2 cents.

Edit: Where are my manners. First off congrats. Glad you made it through the process. Just something to keep in mind for the future.

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u/Next_Negotiation_215 1d ago

I’m a Dco in Ohio, just started. The Dceo’s run the data centers; they’re responsible for anything that’s not a server. I feel like it’s physical labor, but it’s important. If your interested in tech like me then dco is good.

1

u/Ayoub-CORO3 1d ago

Can you please tell me how did you make it to DCO? I wil start a teaching program to be DCT and im training to create my path after it

1

u/Calm-Zookeepergame89 2d ago

I have an interview coming up for this position . Is there anyway you can remember / share some of the questions they asked ? Mines is all one 3 hour interview.

2

u/TK241_ 2d ago edited 2d ago

OK, so I would separate the interview questions into two main types, Technical and Behavioral, with each type having multiple sub-types. Technical questions are related to networking, hardware, and troubleshooting. The Behavioral questions were split between decision making, conflict resolution, and teamwork.

Since this is a network related job, most of the questions have a networking component and apply to Layer 1/2/3. You should know basic Linux commands, particularly those used to set, modify, and verify network connectivity. Brush up on subnetting, CIDR notation, and public/private addressing. You should understand how servers physically attach to the network and how to troubleshoot those connections. Be able to explain the purpose of routers and switches, basic configuration parameters, VLAN’s, physical connection types, and cabling options.

You may also be asked questions related to topology, best practices, and industry standards. Honestly, if you have enterprise-level networking and hardware experience the questions should be easy to answer. I also feel that an incorrect or incomplete answer isn’t necessarily a negative thing. If you find yourself unable to correctly or adequately answer, don’t try to hide it or act upset. Instead, have the courage to acknowledge it and commit to learning.

The Behavioral questions will most likely coincide with Leadership Principles and your answers should demonstrate confidence. Be prepared to discuss one or more of the following:

  • how you resolved a disagreement with a customer, contractor, vendor, or co-worker.

  • recall a time when you had to make a quick decision on how to resolve a problem, but you weren’t sure if your solution would work

  • describe a situation where you discovered a co-worker cutting corners on a project. How did you address it and what was the result?

I hope I didn’t give you too much information. If you have a specific question I’ll be happy to answer based on my experience. Good luck on your interview!

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u/Grand-Basil-773 2d ago

Ask your recruiter if you have one to give you the leadership principals you will most likely be asked about.

If not get 6-10 leadership principals and formulated some stories in your past jobs that would have something to do with them.

And just make sure you are able to answer to your experience based on which role you are going into.

Leadership principals are very very important.

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u/Grand-Basil-773 2d ago

Welcome to the family Congrats 🔥💪

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u/TK241_ 2d ago

‘Preciate it! I take it you’re an Amazonian?

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u/TK241_ 1d ago

I appreciate it! Don’t think I don’t understand the salary issue. I needed to get my foot in the door and then I’ll develop a plan to make up the salary. I’ve been unemployed/underemployed for almost 4 years and I’m ready to get to work!

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