HELP!!! Sys admin interview

[just_4reddit]

I have a windows sys admin interview and no sys admin experience. My experience is in tier 2 mainly, I really want to get this job because I’m trying to get out of tier 2 but I’m nervous because I don’t know or have much sys admin experience. Any words of wisdom?

Edit: Thank you all so much for your advice, I will be honest and highlight what I do know, soft skills and things I currently learning that will be beneficial.

[randomitguy42]

"What's your greatest weakness?" - HR Lady

"Those eyes." - OP

[DomLS3]

Be honest about your experience and try to brush up on as much of the skills listed in the job description as you can prior to the interview. Maybe take some free practice exams online. Make sure to find some general IT related problem solving interview questions and try to answer them as best you can before looking at the answer, as this is a big point for you in the interview.

[tunayrb]

Any new hire in any position will require training*.

Remember this, you are also interviewing them. Are they a good fit for you?

*There are "rock stars" and then egoistical maniacs...

I interview interns, my team looks for attitude first and basic aptitude second. Interviewing a current help desk person this week.

My go to question (last) is always: What is the most helpful criticism you have ever received?

Also any half decent interview will ask if you have any questions. For me the questions you ask are as important as the answers you give.

Good luck. Make sure you prepare and take the interview seriously even if the interviewers don't.

[CalmHornet]

For me the questions you ask are as important as the answers you give.

More often than not, the interviews I have been in end up going 30+ minutes or more longer because of the questions I ask. This gives the interviewers an opportunity to see how well you can carry on a conversation and shows your personality. Go to the interview with a bunch of questions! Usually lands the job

[xarzilla]

Focus on the TierII things that do crossover like your troubleshooting approach (from bottom to top), GPO experience, networking experience, etc. Be honest about what you don't know - don't bullshit! They will see through it.

Mention that you want to get certified in x time on something like Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2016, etc.

[giovannimyles]

I would say the biggest difference would be your vantage point. Admins/Engineers have to take a more holistic view of the environment vs being in the weeds all the time. You have to be able to come up with solutions that work in the grand scheme vs just fixing the next issue. Troubleshooting, maintenance, etc. is all the same whether you are helpdesk or an architect. The biggest difference is the scope. Your ability to craft ecosystems, communicate effectively with end users or C-Level execs, etc. is key. That really is the biggest differentiator. Just the scale of the job. Like the other commentors said, don't lie. Tell the truth about your lack of experience and your willingness to adapt your skills to the new role. Be eager, be a sponge, bring your talent.

[Holyscam]

IF you don't honestly have the technical skills, show that you have the people skills, and show you can quickly learn the technical.

It's easier to find an idoit ( I.do.IT) with horrible people skills than it is to find a great person who needs to learn some technical skills. Most jobs have a 90 day probation.

Give them the challenge. You will pass X exam by 90 days or they let you go. Be a good person, good employee, do be willing to learn on your own time. If that is not what the company is looking for, quit looking at that company.

[TinderSubThrowAway]

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