This question gauges candidates’ understanding of the analyst position and their technical communication skills. Systems analyst candidates should come to an interview prepared to speak to the description of the position for which they are applying, so pay attention to how they understand the role within your organization. They should connect the skill requirements with the day-to-day responsibilities of maintaining the applications and network infrastructure for a location, for example.

What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the systems analyst role
• Ability to relate technical skills to day-to-day responsibilities
• Technical communication skills

This technical question tests candidates’ experience with computer network design and troubleshooting. If they are weak on this skill set, they may not provide more than a textbook answer. DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. Essentially, DHCP servers manage the configuration details for computers and network devices on a network. Look for examples from past experience in your systems analyst’s answer.

What to look for in an answer:

• Experience handling DHCP servers
• Basic knowledge of local area network technology
• Willingness to learn if they are weak in this area

Computer systems analysts will often need to create planning documents like user scenarios, data flow diagrams and systems integration requirements. Pay attention to the documentation experience candidates have and whether it fits your organization’s needs. Follow up with questions that test how important documentation is for candidates. They should consider accurate and timely documentation to be important both for planning projects and providing information to users.

What to look for in an answer:

• Past experience with systems documentation
• Understanding documentation best practices
• Importance of planning and user documentation

Requirements are an important initial step when planning any IT project. Systems analysts typically handle projects that involve network design and the integration of applications and data systems. A candidate should have experience with technical and functional requirements. Technical requirements include details like hardware and software compatibility. An example of a functional requirement would be transferring data between an application and a database server.

What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding the planning process
• Experience with gathering and determining requirements
• Ability to relate theory to practice with past experience

Another role systems analysts have is monitoring software installations on a local network’s workstations and enforcing software usage policies. These policies are designed to ensure that employees only use software approved by the company to prevent security risks and other liabilities. Potential candidates should be able to list policies that they have enforced in the past. If the position includes these tasks, test the candidate’s attitude towards these policies with a follow-up question.

What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of software auditing
• Past experience with enforcing usage policies
• Understanding the importance of software usage policies

Systems analysts field many kinds of requests from clients, ranging from small updates to the user interface to large-scale integrations with cutting-edge technology. Successful systems analysts are fast learners who have the ability to understand new features and implement them at their client's request. This question allows the interviewer to identify which candidates have the right research skills and mindset to help clients accomplish their goals, even if it involves putting in additional effort to learn a new skill.

A good response should include:

• Initiative
• Awareness of industry developments
• Attention to detail

Here is one sample response: