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25 VMware Interview Questions And Answers: Tough & Technical (Download PDF)
Why is my list any different from the hundreds of others on the web?
Well, first of all, it’s not a VCP test brain-dump…
Secondly, these interview questions are carefully crafted to narrow the talent pool to the most qualified,
not the most memorized.
These interview questions require hands on experience to answer!
ESXi Installation Qs
6. You’ve done this a hundred times. What are 3 methods that can be used when doing an
Interactive ESXi installation?
Answer: Boot from a CD/DVD, boot from a USB, and PXE boot from a deployment server on the
network.
7. After so many ESXi builds you have figured out a faster way to do the install using a script.
What’s the main difference between an interactive ESXi installation and a scripted installation?
Answer: The interactive install will require you to follow along and fill in the configuration
information whereas, in a scripted install, the configuration information will be queried from an
unattended text file (boot.cfg). Note: ESXi uses a Kickstart installer similar to Linux.
8. You can install ESXi in your sleep. What is the command to access the installer window on
ESXi 5.5/6.x?
Answer: Shift+O will get you to the runweasel command prompt.
9. Darn, one of your servers is not loading. What’s the first thing to double-check when having a
problem installing ESXi?
Answer: Make sure the hardware clock is set to UTC and the NX/XD bit is enabled in the BIOS.
10. You’ve typed this stuff in a million times. Name 5 of the 10 bits of information required
when installing ESXi?
Answer: Keyboard Layout, VLAN ID, IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, Pri DNS, Sec DNS,
Host Name, Installation Location, Root Password.
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An experience vSphere admin who can answer these questions will likely know this workaround.
Storage is everything!
16. You’ve learned over the years there’s more to vSphere than server hardware. What other
2 resources are just as important as servers and need to be properly planned out when designing
and building a vSphere Cloud?
Answer: Storage and network resources are crucial for all vSphere Clouds.
17. VMware vSphere gives you options. What are the 4 typical ways storage can be added to
a vSphere?
Answer: Storage can be added via iSCSI, FC, NFS and local disk (including DAS).
18. When setting up a new datastore how many VMFS file systems should be created per
LUN?
Answer: The best practice is to only create 1 VMFS file system per LUN.
19. What is the best plan for a storage failure that impacts multiple datastores?
Answer: Always have a backup of the VMs on a separate storage environment that can be used to
restore the lost virtual servers.
20. Your host is a beast, dual socket with 8 core CPUs and 192 GB of memory. How many
virtual servers can be added to a 1TB datastore?
Answer: It depends on the size of the VMs and the performance of the storage. Higher
performing storage can be filled to capacity but space should be left for data growth and
snapshots. A datastore should never be allowed to fill up 100%.
Since 2007, I estimate 80% of all the VMware problems I have dealt with were network or storage
related. That’s not to say it was the network or storage admins fault. No, in most cases it was the
VMware admins fault for not communicating and properly calculating the requirements before he/she
asked for IP addresses or storage LUNs.
Like I said in the beginning. These questions are not for practicing to take a VCP test. They are
designed to gauge the level of experience someone who is applying for your VMware admin or
engineer job has before you give them the keys to start managing your company’s jewels.
What’s next?
I hope these VMware interview questions have been helpful!
You don’t need to use them all … maybe asking one question from each group during the screening call
to start and then have your technical team unload the rest of the face to face interview?
Also, if you noticed, I didn’t add any questions about managing VMs. It’s because someone who can
answer most or all 25 VMware questions will surely have experience deploying and supporting virtual
servers.
That’s not all. I’m sure your technical team will have a few whoppers of their own!
Reference: VMware vSphere Documentation
Free: Download these VMware Interview Questions on PDF
Check out SysProbs for: Technical vSphere Interview Questions
VMware for Beginners: Collection of 16 Virtualization Basics
Need an experienced Pro to screen your VMware applicants? Contact me on LinkedIn!
Please feel free to share or link to this list of 25 VMware interview questions and answers.
Joe Sanchez
VMware, Cloud & DevOps Enthusiast! Author, Blogger and IT Infra & Ops Manager. Joe believes
creating the best user experience is his top priority, which is why he's been sharing his ideas,
experiences, and advice on VMinstall.com since 2007. Read more about Joe's motivation to help you
"Learn to Create Great User Experiences and Become Indispensable". Feel free to send him a message
here.
Related Posts
1.
SHRI HARSHA
Hello Joe,
I am Shri Harsha , Presently working as a Linux System engineer in IBM supporting many
SuSE & Redhat servers which are virtual host and hence managing VMWare VCenter to
upgrade , Reboot and managing servers. I request you to guide me which is the best VMWare
training and certification I can take so that I can move into VMWare side.
September 14, 2015
Reply
2.
Joe
Hi Shri – glad to hear you want to learn VMware!
Probably the VCD6-DCV or the VCD6-CMA is the place to start but I recommend you
checkout VMware’s website to see which role(s) fit you. Here’s the link:
http://mylearn.vmware.com/portals/certification/
VMware now offers a lot of trainings and Certificates for different job types: Server, Desktops,
Cloud, Network, etc…
The other item I would point out is they require “VMware Approved” training for their Certs, so
make sure any training you get is VMware Approved, or it will not count towards their
certificates.
Then, there are CBT Nuggets and Pluralsight if you want on demand online training. Here’s
another post for you to check out: http://www.vminstall.com/it-training-for-beginners/
One final tip. With a Linux background you might also want to consider OpenStack training
along with VMware training. Check out this post: http://www.vminstall.com/openstack-skills/
Thanks for the comment, Shri.
I hope this helps you.
Joe
September 15, 2015
Reply
3.
Ajay
Hello Joe,
I am new to Vmware. I am working in windows server support but I am VCP certified. Many
times I attend interviews but never get lucky as I don’t have hands on experience. I failed in
many interviews on few basic questions.
1) Please explain your virtual environment?
2) Prepare Map for virtual Infrastructure with given resources.(Host, RAM, Storage, Network,
etc)
Could you please tell me the above two answers!
September 18, 2015
Reply
4.
Joe
Hi Ajay,
Thanks for the comment.
If it was me in the interview this is how I would answer both questions. I would ask to use their
white board and then I would get up and draw for them how the typical vSphere environment is
designed.
First, I would draw a couple of ESXi hosts with the NICs connected to a couple of switches.
Then if it was iSCSI storage I would add a storage LUN connected to the switches. Then within
the ESXi host I would draw a couple of vSwitches connected to the NICs. This would cover the
basics for the first question, “explain your virtual environment”.
Second, I would cover how VMs are created and connected to the host. I would draw the
VMDK sitting in the LUN which is now a data store, and then I would explain how the VM is
configured with 2 vCPUs and 4 GB of memory and the compute and system state are virtually
running on the ESXi host. I would also explain how the VM connects to the public network
through a vNIC that connects to a vSwitch. This, I think answer the second question, “Prepare
Map for virtual Infrastructure with given resources.(Host, RAM, Storage, Network, etc)”.
Ajay, what most IT Managers are looking for is a person who can:
1. Build and support vSphere infrastructure.
2. Build and support VMs.
As a beginner you would most likely not be designing the architecture but rather you would be
following an existing design. This is true unless there are issues going on and then you would be
calling VMware support and working with them to troubleshoot errors on network, storage or
host, which is why managers want someone to understand how a vSphere is configured.
Here’s what I suggest:
1. Build a lab and start getting hands on setting up ESXi. It can be done on old desktops with a
free ESXi license. You need to be able to explain this like you have done it a 100 times because
this is the basic role of most VMware jobs.
2. If you don’t have the resources to build a lab then check out VMware’s free labs at:
https://labs.vmware.com/flings … either way practice, practice, practice!
3. Practice drawing what a basic vSphere configuration looks like. Like I explained above,
there’s a couple of hosts, switches and LUNs; and all the magic happens within them so don’t
be afraid to get up and draw on the white board how it all fits together. This is a very powerful
interview tip so use it to impress the interview panel.
4. Be prepared because there will always be someone in the interview panel who wants to show
off how smart they are so be ready to answer detailed technical questions about vSphere,
storage and networking. This is stuff you should know if you passed the VCP test. Also, if you
don’t know the answer just tell them “I don’t know the answer but I am sure I can figure it out
using Google or reading the documentation.”
5. If you are good at scripting make sure you let them know about it. If you are asked if you
have any questions here’s what you say: “What type of automation are you using for
provisioning your VMs?” Or “Do you use any automation for deploying ESXi, what type?”
Then let them talk about what they are doing for automation. Listen, don’t talk! Then when they
are done share your scripting or coding experience and how it fits into what they are doning.
Good VMware admins who can script are rare because they can automate and this is what most
managers’ dream of.
6. Finally, if you haven’t already read it, check out my free VMware Career Guide for
Beginners: http://www.vminstall.com/vmware-career-guide/
Good Luck and please let me know how things go in your next interview?
Joe
September 19, 2015
Reply
5.
ajay
Thank you very much Joe.. I will prepare for it as you guide me..My interview is schedule on
coming Wednesday hope I’ll get clear it… Thanks again for your wonderful guidance! Trust me
it’s help me a lot.
September 19, 2015
Reply
6.
Joe
Good!
September 19, 2015
Reply
7.
ajay
Joe,
If you have any sample Map of virtual infrastructure. Could you please send me ? So that I can
explain with help of map..
September 20, 2015
Reply
8.
Joe
Hi Ajay,
It needs to come out of you, otherwise you will not be able to explain it.
I suggest you Google these topics:
– vsphere setup diagram
– vsphere whiteboard
When I did a search I found a lot of images of diagrams and whiteboard sessions. You can also
look on Youtube.
Pick something you understand and keep it simple.
Joe
September 20, 2015
Reply
9.
sharan
am sharan , Presently working as a System engineer in Teamcomputers.i want to learn
Vmware.i am totally unaware of this virtualisation I request you to guide me which is the best
VMWare training and certification I can take so that I can move into VMWare side.
November 15, 2015
Reply
10.
Joe
Hi Sharan,
Thank you for your question.
I wrote a post a while back to help beginners, start here: http://www.vminstall.com/vmware-
certification/
Then if you want to get a quick introduction to VMware I suggest you try out Udeny while they
are having their Black Friday Discount. You can get a few VMware training courses for $10
each. Here’s a link to the discount page: Udeny Discount
You can also check out my Free eBook
Good Luck!
Joe
November 16, 2015
Reply
Yogesh
Hi Joe –
I Am Windows Prof- With Having Experience 6+ and Recently VCP Certified .
Can you please share Interview questions or guide what to Prepare For.
November 21, 2015
Reply
Raj Navalgund
Hi Joe,
Nice day to you!
I need to understand how to clearly and practically explain with example, what must and should
run on VMware HA and DRS cluster (considering 5.x) and with real examples.
Thanks
Regards
Raj Navalgund
December 1, 2015
Reply
pratap reddy ty
how vmware is related to linux administrator??
what is meant by partgroup
December 16, 2015
Reply
Hemanth
Thanks for the post Joe, this helps me prepare for my interviews.
December 17, 2015
Reply
Suresh
Hi joe,
i am working as VMware admin i wood like to move cloud, it is usefull for Vmware admin.
December 20, 2015
Reply
VM Install
Hi Suresh – Yes, understanding how public cloud services operate is a good skill to have
because eventually you will need to build a few VMs on AWS or Google for something,
even if it’s only for setting up active directory.
December 21, 2015
Reply
Rob
Hey Joe,
Why do you mainly focus on information that could easily be found on Google instead of things
that would actually be useful such as troubleshooting methods.
Cheers,
Rob
December 22, 2015
Reply
Joe
Hi Rob – Great question!
My preference is making sure I am hiring talent who can design and build a solid vSphere
which by the way is not as easy as it sounds.
I’ve consulted for a number of very large companies that had VMware admins who did all
manner of crazy deployments of ESXi, Xen and KVM – and all ended up oversubscribed and
having performance problems due to various server, storage and network problems.
So for me – finding someone with a solid grasp on design and construction is key to avoiding
problems later.
Rob, don’t get me wrong, finding someone with excellent troubleshooting skills is also
important – but I find it easier to troubleshoot with Google than to use Google for understanding
basic capacity planning or building scalable private clouds.
Thanks for the comment!
Joe
December 22, 2015
Reply
Soumya Bhattacharya
Hey Joe,
First of all I would like to say that your post will be very helpful for my upcoming interviews.
Secondly, I am simply a windows desktop support engineer with 8 years of experience and
completed VCP6-DCV just few days back. I don’t have have any real time experience in
VMWARE but very much interested to indulge myself into vmware administrator job role. As
no companies entertain me with zero experience, you are requested to give me some overviews
of one vmware admin’s daily activities and how the infrastructure is been made and maintained.
I always get frightened to face any interview because of this reasons. Please help me by
providing some probable questions types too.
January 22, 2016
Reply
Joe
Hi Soumya,
Here’s 5 things that go on in the normal day for a VMware admin:
1. Day to day Ops to keep Windows and Linux servers running. Which means watching for
alerts for memory, cpu and disk space. And it can include patching the OS and updating
VMtools.
2. Handling problems that happen when VM disks fill up or a VM runs slow from not enough
memory or cpu.
3. Handling tickets to build new VMs, this is still a normal task in places that are not automated
yet.
4. Helping upgrade and keep the ESXi hosts patched, as well as building more ESXi host as
needed.
5. Working with storage and networking staff to keep infrastructure from getting
oversubscribed. This is very important!
Aside from these 5 duties, I would suggest you do a job search, here’s a link:
http://jobs.vminstall.com and see what hiring managers are looking for and then start building
skills in these areas.
This will get you started!
Thanks for the question.
Joe
January 23, 2016
Reply
Soumya Bhattacharya
Thank you so much for the precise and to the point answers. I will definitely follow the
steps which you suggested.
October 8, 2016
Reply
DC
Hi Can you Please guide for VCP exam and questions for VMware 6
January 31, 2016
Reply
VMR
Hi Joe, I am also one of the VmWare Enthusiast, your comments are most useful to all
beginners thanks a lot to given above views and suggestions.
August 7, 2016
Reply
Ajeet Yadav
HI Joe,
My name is Ajeet Yadav and recently to took training in VMware and I am fresher. So any
company will hire freshers or not? I have 2.7 years experience in Technical support in IT field.
And also it is important to do certification in VMware?
August 20, 2016
Reply
Joe Sanchez
Hi Ajeet,
It looks like you’re on the right track if your goal is to move from technical support to a
systems admin for VMware.
Look, many companies want hands on experience managing vSphere so just getting
training isn’t enough.
Here’s a couple of ideas for you to get hands on.
1. If you know people at your current job who are already VMware admins ask them if
you can volunteer and help with the jobs most VMware admin don’t like doing, like
patching and updating vNics.
2. Another idea is to build a home lab and start installing vSphere over and over. You can
use old PCs to do this. Sign up for a 2 week trial of vSphere at VMware.com and get
going.
Ajeet, the key is to get hands on with ESXi and learn how it works and breaks.
Something is always going wrong, usually because it was setup wrong and then someone
has to figure out how to fix it.
3. Read my blog, there’s a lot of useful information and also check out my books
because they both give a broad view of what VMware admin do.
http://www.vminstall.com/managers-guide-vmware-vsphere/
http://www.vminstall.com/vmware-vsphere-troubleshooting-guide/
4. Finally, read my free guide for beginners.
http://www.vminstall.com/vmware-career-guide/
Ajeet, there are no shortcuts to developing hands on skills!
Good luck
Joe
August 21, 2016
Reply
shabber
Hello Joe,
It was really awesome the way you are responding and sharing knowledge to people. Happy to
get know about this page. I appreciate for your efforts and come back to you for any queries
from my side.
Cheers,
Shabber
August 23, 2016
Reply
kalaiarasu
Hi Joe,
Good day !!!
First I would like to thank you. And your comments are very useful.
I am also one of the VmWare Enthusiast, and am intersted to learn automation things in
VMware. So requesting you to kindly share me some vShpere automation study URLs.
Thank you
Regards,
Kalai
September 18, 2016
Reply
Yash Patel
Thank you so much for the post .. Really it will help us
November 13, 2016
Reply
Puneet
I have my second round of interview with vmware tomorrow and am quite nervous.
First Round was also technical and i think second round is going to be technical too on Skype
this time.
need your suggestions or what should i prepare more.
Profile is for Vmware Admin.
September 10, 2017
Reply
Joe
Hi Puneet,
That’s awesome news. My suggestion is to focus on what was in the job description.
And also be ready to go deep on networking, storage and vCenter. And if NSX is or
VSAN are involved, be ready to explain how they work. Finally, it would be good to
know key commands that are used on ESXi for installation and troubleshooting. Please
let us know how it goes!
Good luck, Puneet!
Joe
September 10, 2017
Reply
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