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Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) 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, Automation, Scripting, Infrastructure as Code, Configuration Management.

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: Automate the deployment of a simple web application using Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Requirements: - Use a tool like Terraform or CloudFormation. - Deploy a web server (e.g., Nginx) on a cloud provider (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure). - Ensure the server is accessible via HTTP. Follow-up Questions: - How would you handle configuration management for this server? - What security considerations would you take into account?

What this question is for, and what to listen for

Purpose

Assess coding, automation, scripting, and infrastructure as code skills.

Signals to score

  • Clear understanding of IaC tools
  • Logical and structured approach
  • Explains thought process
  • Considers security and configuration management
  • Efficient, clean, well-formatted code
  • Tests and debugs the code effectively
  • Open to feedback and adjusts accordingly

Follow-up questions

  • Can you explain your thought process on how to approach the problem?
  • How do you plan to handle configuration management in your solution?
  • Can you walk me through your code and explain each step?
  • How would you ensure security in your deployment?
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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 would you add to enhance the deployment?
  • How would you optimize the performance of your solution?
  • Are there any edge cases you would address?
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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
Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
Round
Coding Test for 60 min
Key skills
Coding, Automation, Scripting, Infrastructure as Code, Configuration Management

Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) interviews — common questions

Who is this Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) 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 Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) 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, Automation, Scripting, Infrastructure as Code, Configuration Management. 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 Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)?

A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE):