20 Canonical Interview Questions and Answers

As a leading computer software company, Canonical is always looking for top talent to join their team. If you’re lucky enough to score an interview with Canonical, you can expect to be asked some tough questions about your skills and experience.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common Canonical interview questions, along with sample answers to give you an idea of what the company is looking for.

Canonical Interview Process

The interview process at Canonical can vary in length depending on the position you are applying for, but generally takes about two weeks. The difficulty of the interviews also varies depending on the role, but they are typically quite challenging. Overall, the experience is positive and many people report feeling very prepared by the time they reach the final stage of the process.

1. What are your favorite open source projects?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new employer. It’s also an opportunity for you to show that you’re passionate about the work you do and how it can benefit others. When answering this question, try to mention projects that are similar to Canonical’s offerings.

Example: “I’m a big fan of Linux Mint because I love using Ubuntu and its derivatives. I’ve been using Linux Mint since version 17 and have found it to be very user-friendly. Another open source project I really enjoy is OpenShot Video Editor. This free video editing software has made my life so much easier when creating videos for clients.”

2. Can you tell me about an open source project that has made a significant impact on the world and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for open source and the impact it can have on people’s lives. You may want to choose an example that relates to your career goals or something you’ve worked on in the past.

Example: “I think Linux has made a huge impact on the world of technology, especially since I use it every day at work. It’s also helped me learn more about coding and how computers function. Linux was one of the first open source projects I ever used, so it holds a special place in my heart.”

3. How would you describe Ubuntu to someone who is unfamiliar with it?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of Ubuntu and how it works. You can use this opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what Ubuntu does, why it’s important and who might benefit from using it.

Example: “Ubuntu is an open-source operating system that was created by Canonical in 2004. It’s free to download and use, which makes it appealing for people who want to save money on software. The OS is also highly customizable, so users can tailor it to their specific needs. For example, I used Ubuntu when I needed to create a server because it has built-in security features.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem in a short amount of time.

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, time management abilities and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my last role as an IT specialist for a small business, I had to resolve a server issue that was preventing employees from accessing their email accounts. The company’s CEO called me in a panic because he couldn’t access his email account and needed to send out important emails to clients. I immediately went into troubleshooting mode and resolved the issue within 30 minutes by resetting the password on the email account.”

5. Do you have any experience working with AWS?

AWS is a cloud computing service that Canonical uses to host Ubuntu. If you have experience working with AWS, share your knowledge of the platform and how it can benefit the company.

Example: “I’ve worked with AWS in my previous role as an IT professional. I used AWS to create virtual servers for clients who needed them. This allowed me to save money on hardware costs while still providing quality services. I also used AWS to set up security measures like firewalls and VPNs.”

6. Have you ever worked remotely before?

This question is a great way to gauge your experience with remote work. If you have, the interviewer will likely want to know how you handled it and what challenges you faced. If you haven’t worked remotely before, they may ask about your comfort level with working from home or other locations outside of the office.

Example: “I’ve worked remotely for two years now. I find that having my own space at home helps me focus on my work more than if I were in an open office setting. However, I do miss being able to collaborate with others during the day.”

7. What is your preferred programming language?

This question is a great way to gauge your technical skills and how you apply them. If the company uses a specific language, it’s important to mention that you’re familiar with it. If they use multiple languages, you can list all of them.

Example: “I’m most comfortable using Python, but I also have experience with Java, C++ and Ruby. I’ve used these languages in my previous roles to create applications for desktop computers, mobile devices and servers.”

8. Are there any industries where you think Canonical should expand its software offerings? Why?

This question helps employers understand your knowledge of the company and its offerings. It also allows you to show that you have a creative side and can think outside the box.

Example: “I believe Canonical should expand into the gaming industry. I know that Ubuntu already has some games available, but there are many more that could be developed for it. For example, if they were able to develop a game like Fortnite or Minecraft, it would allow them to reach an entirely new audience. This would help increase their revenue stream and overall brand recognition.”

9. If hired, how would you use technology to help others?

This question helps employers understand how you would use your skills to benefit the company. Use examples from your previous experience or explain what you hope to achieve in this role.

Example: “I believe technology can be a powerful tool for helping others. In my last position, I helped create an online community where people could ask questions about their Ubuntu-based operating systems and get answers from other users. This was helpful because it allowed users to troubleshoot issues without having to call customer service. It also saved Canonical money by reducing the number of calls they received.”

10. What do you know about DevOps?

DevOps is a software development methodology that combines the work of developers and operations specialists. It’s an important concept in computer science, so interviewers may ask you this question to see if you have any experience with it. In your answer, try to explain what DevOps is and why it’s beneficial. If you’ve worked in a DevOps environment before, you can share some details about your experiences.

Example: “DevOps is a software development methodology that aims to improve communication between developers and operations specialists. This collaboration allows for more efficient processes when developing new applications. I’ve used DevOps in my previous job as a developer at XYZ Software Company because it helped me create better code and understand how operations specialists use it.”

11. What was one of the most challenging problems you solved and how did you solve it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and how you can apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it’s important to be specific about what the challenge was and how you solved it.

Example: “One of the most challenging problems I’ve ever had to solve was when my manager asked me to create an automated system that would allow our company to scale up without hiring more employees. At first, I thought this was impossible, but after some research, I found out that there were several software programs that could help us achieve this goal. After testing these programs for a few weeks, we decided to implement one of them into our business.”

12. Describe a time where you were challenged by another individual’s opinion, what happened and how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you used teamwork or collaboration to solve the issue.

Example: “I once worked on a project where my team member had a different opinion about what we should do for the project. I was in charge of the project, so I knew that I needed to make the final decision. However, I also wanted to hear his thoughts because he had been working on the project longer than me. So, I asked him to present his idea and then I presented mine. After hearing both ideas, we decided to combine them into one solution.”

13. Do you have any experience selling or marketing products?

This question is a great way to gauge your sales and marketing experience. If you have previous experience selling or marketing products, share what you learned from the process.

Example: “I’ve had some experience selling products in my past jobs. I worked at a local electronics store where I sold computers, software and other computer accessories. While it was mostly about educating customers on our products, I did learn how important it is to listen to their needs and find out what they were looking for before making any recommendations.”

14. What is your philosophy when it comes to sales?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a strong work ethic and are willing to go the extra mile for clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss how you would approach sales in general, rather than focusing on Canonical specifically.

Example: “I believe that selling is about more than just making a sale. It’s also about building relationships with customers so they feel comfortable coming back when they need additional support or services. I always strive to provide excellent customer service and make sure my clients know that I am available to answer any questions they may have.”

15. Explain how you would create a strategy for selling services to a new client.

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you would approach a new client. You can use examples from previous experience or explain what you would do if you were starting with a new client.

Example: “I would first determine the needs of the company, including their budget for services. I would then create a proposal that outlines our services and pricing structure. If they are interested in our services, I would set up a time to meet with them to discuss any questions they have about our products.”

16. Would you be comfortable handling multiple customers at once?

This question is a good way to determine how well you can multitask and prioritize your work. When answering, it’s important to show that you have the ability to handle multiple tasks at once while still maintaining quality customer service.

Example: “I am comfortable handling multiple customers at once because I’ve done so in my previous position as an IT support specialist. In this role, I would often answer calls from multiple clients at once, but I was able to effectively communicate with them all by using active listening skills and providing each client with individualized attention.”

17. When was the last time you used Excel and Google Sheets?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using Microsoft Office products. If you don’t, it’s okay to explain that you’ve used other spreadsheet programs in the past and can learn how to use Excel quickly.

Example: “I haven’t had much experience with Excel, but I am familiar with Google Sheets. In my last job, I was responsible for managing a large database of client information. I created spreadsheets in Google Sheets to organize data by client name, project type and due date. This helped me stay organized and meet deadlines.”

18. Name three qualities that make a good manager.

This question is a great way to assess the candidate’s leadership skills. A good manager should be able to inspire their team, communicate effectively and solve problems creatively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what makes your current or previous managers effective leaders.

Example: “A good manager should have strong communication skills, an ability to motivate others and a willingness to learn new things. I believe that these three qualities are essential for any leader because they allow them to understand their employees’ needs, provide guidance and support and adapt to changing circumstances.”

19. What is your management style?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you would interact with your team members and other employees. Your management style is something that can change over time, so it’s important to be honest about what you’re like as a manager now.

Example: “I am an empathetic leader who values collaboration. I believe in empowering my team members by giving them autonomy and trusting their judgment. I also enjoy helping people develop new skills and find ways to improve processes within our organization.”

20. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see if you’re interested in long-term employment. When answering this question, be honest about your career goals and how they align with the job you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I hope to have progressed within Canonical by then. I would love to be working as an engineer or manager at Canonical, helping to develop new software that helps businesses succeed.”