Generic Automation Interview Questions

Description:

Here are some interview questions we might ask for a candidate.

To Resolve:

1. What automation tool you have been using for your last project?

2. Tell me about a time you had multiple assignments with conflicting goals or deadlines, and how you completed each of them.

3. How are Python arrays and Python lists different from each other?
   • A: Looking for how arrays cannot be modified once declared

4. Describe a process you have automated. What were the steps?

5. You write a function:

   Reboot-servers { 
      Invoke-Command -ComputerName 'computer1.domain.com' -ScriptBlock {  
         Restart-computer -Force 
      } 
      Invoke-Command -ComputerName 'computer2.domain.com' -ScriptBlock {  
         Restart-computer -Force 
      } 
   } 
   

   • And save it as the file reboot-servers.ps1. You then run it by typing .\reboot-servers.ps1 but it does nothing. Why is that?
   • Hint: Is there a way to confirm the commands were ran?
   • A: You declared a function but never called it.
6. When is an okay time to hard code passwords in scripts?
   • A: Never
7. How would you define a trigger in regards to automation?
   • A: Looking for scheduled time => start script or “when $x happens, start this process”
8. In regards to object oriented programming, what is an object?
   • A: Looking for something regarding properties (characteristics) and methods (actions)
9. What protocols are used to run scripts remotely for Windows and Linux?
   • A: WSMan and SSH are most common nowadays.
   • Bonus: What ports?
     • WMAN: 5985/tcp
     • WSMAN over HTTPS: 5986/tcp
     • SSH: 22/tcp