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DevOps Engineer interview questionsCoding Test round

A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Coding, Scripting, Automation, Infrastructure as Code, Containerization.

Coding Challenge

50 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.

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Challenge 1: Automate Deployment Script You are given a task to automate the deployment of a web application. The application is containerized using Docker. Write a script to: - Pull the latest image from a Docker registry - Stop the currently running container - Remove the old container - Run a new container with the latest image Follow-Ups: - How would you handle environment-specific configurations? - How would you ensure zero downtime during deployment?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess scripting, automation, and containerization skills.

Signals to score

  • Understands Docker commands
  • Writes clear and efficient script
  • Considers error handling
  • Explains thought process
  • Considers environment configurations
  • Discusses zero downtime strategies
  • Tests and debugs the script

Follow-up questions

  • What steps would you take to ensure the old container is safely removed?
  • How would you test your script to ensure it works correctly?
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If you had more time, what would you change in your solution?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Signals to score

  • Recognizes limits in their original answer.
  • Points out clear areas to improve.
  • Suggests specific changes.
  • Talks about how changes could help performance.
  • Shares ideas clearly and logically.
  • Shows a desire to learn and improve.

Follow-up questions

  • What additional features could you add to enhance the script?
  • How would you improve the script's error handling?
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Great job on the coding exercise!

What this section is for

Purpose

Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.

Closing

5 min
What this section is for

Purpose

Thanks the candidate for their time, provides next steps, and leaves a positive final impression.

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Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.

Signals to score

  • Thoughtful questions asked
  • Interest in company culture
  • Curiosity about growth expressed
  • Questions about role raised
  • Inquiries about team challenges
  • Engagement with responses shown
  • Desire to learn next steps
  • Focus on company values expressed

Follow-up questions

  • What interests you most about this team?
  • Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?
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Interview Template
Position
DevOps Engineer
Round
Coding Test for 60 min
Key skills
Coding, Scripting, Automation, Infrastructure as Code, Containerization

DevOps Engineer interviews — common questions

Who is this DevOps Engineer interview plan for?
It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Coding Test round for a DevOps Engineer role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 3 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
What does the Coding Test round assess?
This round is focused on: Coding, Scripting, Automation, Infrastructure as Code, Containerization. It works through Coding Challenge and Closing, scoring against 21 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on all 3 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
How is the 60 min split up?
Coding Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
What other rounds should I run for a DevOps Engineer?

A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a DevOps Engineer: