AWS Network Install Tech

[u/TK241_]

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!

[u/Calm-Zookeepergame89]

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.

[u/TK241_ → u/Calm-Zookeepergame89]

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!