One of the frequently asked questions I get via email, LinkedIn message, or on my YouTube videos is related to Google interview preparation, specifically for the Data Center Technician role. I get questions like the following:
- “What do I need to learn to pass the interview?”
- “How can I best prepare for the interview?”
- “What material do I need to study to best prepare for the interview?”
I answer these questions with a similar response because there isn’t several ways to prepare for the Data Center Technician (DT for shot) interview. Thus, it’s best for me to write an article so more people can get this information instead of me doling it out via individual emails or messages.
Google Interview Preparation For The DT Role: Know Hardware Troubleshooting
When it comes to Google interview preparation for the DT role all candidates should know hardware troubleshooting. That is one of the minimum qualifications in the job description. That qualification is listed in several ways:
- “Experience troubleshooting hardware or network related issues using Linux-based tools.”
- “Experience in diagnosing and troubleshooting computer and server hardware.”
- “Experience with troubleshooting and diagnosing computer, server, and network hardware.”
- “Experience with diagnosing, navigating, and troubleshooting computer hardware and server hardware.”
So how can someone best prepare for hardware troubleshooting? I always recommend using the study guide (or materials) for the CompTIA A+ certification. Why do I suggest this? Here’s a screenshot I took from the website about the skills individuals will learn:
These skills match perfectly with the job descriptions I included above. Thus, to maximize one’s time I believe it’s best to use the certification’s study materials. I know that costs money. And if one buys the materials directly from CompTIA they are pretty expensive.
If one prefers books I suggest buying them from an online retailer like Amazon. Sometimes a recent copy of the books are available in local libraries so that’s another option too.
If one prefers video learning then there’s YouTube or Udemy. While the latter does cost money, it’s probably more likely to have updated information than YouTube.
Consider Getting The CompTIA A+ Certification
If one goes this route to use the certification study material for Google interview preparation then consider taking the test to gain the certification. While it does cost money, and requries an individual to pass two separate exams, it does have a good return on investment. Many employers love to see the certification on a resume, or require it for certain position. Finally, since it’s vendor-neutral the person can use it to apply for various types of IT jobs.
Google Interview Preparation For The DT Role: Know Network Troubleshooting
Just like the hardware troubleshooting, all candidates should know network troubleshooting. That is one of the minimum qualifications in the job description listed like so:
- “Experience with hardware and operating systems (e.g., Linux), and networking protocols.”
- “Experience with Operating Systems and Networking Protocols.”
- “Experience troubleshooting hardware or network related issues using Linux-based tools.”
- “Experience in network administration.”
So how can someone best prepare for hardware troubleshooting? I always recommend using the study materials for the CompTIA Network+ certification.
I must say I’m not shilling for CompTIA. Granted, I did have the forever version of the A+ and Network+ certification over a decade ago. I just believe their certifications help job candidates get jobs.
While the A+ Certification will cover network troubleshooting, it does so generally. The Network + Certification will go into more detail. And this is crucial for those interviewing for a DT 3 or DT 4 role because those will have harder and more complex networking troubleshooting questions.
In addition, the Network+ Certification will cover different types of network installations, which is best to know if a person interviews for a higher role too.
Finally, I suggest if individuals go this route for them to obtain the certification. Again, it can help get job candidates get various types of Networking roles like NOC Analyst or even a Junior Network Engineer role.
Google Interview Preparation For The DT Role: Know Behavioral Questions
Like many employers Google asks various types of behavioral questions. Individuals need to know the basic types of behavioral questions employers like to ask, and develop answers to those questions. These questions are available online. Now, the Google-specific questions aren’t, but studying the general ones is good preparation. I have an article about one way to answer these questions using the STAR method which people can read here.
Frankly, from my experience too many candidates do not spend enough time preparing for behavioral questions. Thus, their answers are lackluster.
Employers need to know how candidates will interact during difficult situations or with their coworkers. That’s why having a clear and well-defined answer to various behavioral questions is the best way to alleviate those fears.
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