25 Sharepoint Administrator Interview Questions and Answers

Microsoft SharePoint is a web application platform used by businesses and organizations to facilitate collaboration and communication. It can be used to create websites, manage documents and records, and track tasks. Because SharePoint is such an important part of many businesses, it’s critical to have a SharePoint administrator who can keep everything running smoothly.

If you’re looking for a job as a SharePoint administrator, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. In this interview, you’ll likely be asked questions about your experience with SharePoint, your understanding of its features, and your ability to troubleshoot problems. You’ll also need to be able to explain your experience managing and organizing data.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve put together a list of common SharePoint administrator interview questions and answers.

1. Are you comfortable working with code?

Sharepoint administrators often need to work with code, which is a type of programming language. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working with code and how comfortable you are doing so. Use your answer to highlight any previous experience working with code or explain that you’re willing to learn.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable working with code. In my current role as a Sharepoint Administrator, I have had the opportunity to work with and troubleshoot various types of code. This includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PowerShell. I understand how to read and interpret code in order to identify errors and resolve them quickly. I also have experience developing custom solutions using these languages, which has allowed me to create powerful tools that streamline processes for our team. Finally, I’m familiar with debugging techniques such as breakpoints and logging, which helps me find and fix issues more efficiently.”

2. What are some of the most important skills for a Sharepoint administrator?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary for this role. Sharepoint administrators need a wide range of technical, communication and problem-solving skills. When answering this question, make sure to include all of the skills listed in the job description.

Example: “As a Sharepoint Administrator, I believe the most important skills are strong technical knowledge and an understanding of the business needs. It is essential to have a deep understanding of the SharePoint platform, including its features, capabilities, and limitations. This includes being able to configure, customize, and troubleshoot any issues that arise with the system. In addition, it is important to be familiar with other related technologies such as Office 365, Azure, and Power BI.

It is also important to understand the business requirements and how they relate to the SharePoint environment. This requires having the ability to translate user requests into effective solutions while ensuring security and compliance. Finally, good communication and organizational skills are key for success in this role. As a Sharepoint Administrator, it is necessary to be able to effectively communicate with stakeholders, manage projects, and ensure that tasks are completed on time.”

3. How would you troubleshoot a problem with a Sharepoint site?

Troubleshooting is an important skill for a Sharepoint administrator to have. This question allows you to show the interviewer that you know how to use your problem-solving skills to fix issues with Sharepoint sites. Use examples from past experiences where you had to troubleshoot problems and fixed them successfully.

Example: “When troubleshooting a problem with a Sharepoint site, I would first review the system logs to identify any errors or warnings that could be causing the issue. Next, I would check for any recent changes made to the site and its configuration settings. If necessary, I would also run diagnostics on the server to ensure all components are functioning properly. Finally, I would use the Sharepoint Central Administration tool to review the permissions and security settings of the site.”

4. What is your experience with SQL?

SQL is a database language that allows users to create and manage databases. Sharepoint uses SQL, so your interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the language. If you do, share an example of how you used it in previous roles. If you don’t have any experience with SQL, explain why not and what other languages you are familiar with.

Example: “I have extensive experience with SQL, having worked as a Sharepoint Administrator for the past five years. During that time, I’ve used SQL to manage and maintain databases related to Sharepoint applications. I’m comfortable writing complex queries, creating stored procedures, and optimizing database performance. I also have experience developing reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and integrating data from multiple sources into one report. In addition, I am familiar with security protocols and best practices when working with sensitive information in a SQL environment.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you had to manage a large number of changes to a Sharepoint site.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects at once and prioritize them effectively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to complete the task efficiently.

Example: “I recently had the opportunity to manage a large number of changes to a Sharepoint site. The project involved creating a new intranet for a company that was transitioning from an on-premises solution to a cloud-based one. My role was to ensure that all of the existing content and data were migrated properly, as well as to create new features and functionality to improve user experience.

The first step in this process was to assess the current environment and identify any potential issues or areas of improvement. I then created a detailed plan outlining each step needed to complete the transition. This included setting up the new infrastructure, migrating the existing content, and developing custom features and solutions.

Once the plan was approved, I worked with the development team to implement the changes. This included configuring permissions, creating custom web parts, and ensuring that all content was correctly migrated. Throughout the entire process, I kept stakeholders informed by providing regular updates and addressing any questions or concerns they had.

In the end, the project was a success and the new intranet was launched without any major issues. This experience has given me the confidence to handle similar projects in the future and I am excited to bring my skills and expertise to your organization.”

6. If we were to visit your previous work as a Sharepoint administrator, what would we see you doing?

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand what you did as an administrator and how your work benefited the company. Use examples from your previous job that highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities in working with Sharepoint.

Example: “If you were to visit my previous work as a Sharepoint administrator, you would see me managing the day-to-day operations of the platform. I was responsible for ensuring that all users had access to the resources they needed and that the system ran smoothly. This included troubleshooting any issues that arose, creating custom solutions when necessary, and providing training and support to end users.

I also worked closely with developers and other IT staff to ensure that new features were implemented correctly and that existing ones were kept up to date. In addition, I regularly conducted audits on the system to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. Finally, I created detailed documentation for both internal and external stakeholders so that everyone could stay informed about changes in the system.”

7. What would you do if you noticed that a coworker was repeatedly uploading files to a document library that wasn’t intended for file storage?

This question is a behavioral one that tests your ability to work with others and apply the company’s policies. Your answer should show that you can communicate effectively, follow rules and regulations and use common sense when making decisions.

Example: “If I noticed that a coworker was repeatedly uploading files to a document library that wasn’t intended for file storage, the first thing I would do is reach out to them and explain why this isn’t the best practice. I would also suggest alternative solutions such as using Sharepoint’s OneDrive or creating a new document library specifically designed for file storage.

I understand the importance of following organizational policies and procedures when it comes to data management, so I would ensure that my colleague understands the risks associated with storing files in an incorrect location. I would also take the time to educate them on how to properly store and manage their documents within SharePoint.”

8. How well do you understand the concept of farm governance?

SharePoint governance is a concept that refers to the process of managing and controlling SharePoint. It’s important for an administrator to understand this concept because it helps them make decisions about how they manage their team, projects and SharePoint itself. In your answer, explain what farm governance is and why it’s important.

Example: “I have a deep understanding of farm governance in SharePoint. I understand that it is the process of managing and controlling access to resources within an organization’s SharePoint environment. This includes setting up user accounts, assigning permissions, creating site collections, configuring service applications, and more.

I am familiar with the different types of farm governance models such as role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege access control (LPAC). With RBAC, users are assigned roles based on their job functions and responsibilities. LPAC ensures that users only have access to the information they need to do their jobs.

I also understand the importance of monitoring and auditing changes made to the SharePoint environment. This helps ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. As a SharePoint Administrator, I have experience using tools like PowerShell scripts and third-party solutions to monitor and audit changes.”

9. Do you have experience with Sharepoint migration?

Sharepoint migration is a process that involves moving data from one version of Sharepoint to another. This question allows the interviewer to assess your experience with this process and how you approach it. Use examples from previous work experiences to highlight your skills in working with Sharepoint migration.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience with Sharepoint migration. In my current role as a Sharepoint Administrator, I have successfully migrated multiple Sharepoint sites from one server to another. This included migrating all content, users, and permissions. My approach was to ensure that the new environment was configured properly and tested thoroughly before going live. I also worked closely with stakeholders to ensure that their needs were met during the process. I am confident that I can bring this same level of expertise to your organization.”

10. When would you use a sandbox environment?

A sandbox environment is a testing area where you can try out new features and functionality without affecting the rest of the site. This question helps employers understand your technical knowledge about Sharepoint and how you apply it to real-world situations. In your answer, explain what a sandbox environment is and why you would use one in your work as a Sharepoint administrator.

Example: “A sandbox environment is a great tool for testing out new features and customizations in SharePoint without impacting the production environment. I would use a sandbox environment when I am developing or deploying any major changes to the platform, such as creating custom solutions, making configuration changes, or installing third-party applications. This allows me to test the changes in an isolated environment before pushing them live on the production site. A sandbox environment also provides a safe space to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during development or deployment. By using a sandbox environment, I can ensure that any potential problems are identified and addressed prior to going live with the changes.”

11. We want to make it easier for our employees to find the documents they need. What is your strategy for organizing our document libraries?

This question is an opportunity to show your expertise in organizing documents and folders. You can describe how you would organize the company’s files into different libraries, subfolders and document types.

Example: “Organizing document libraries is an important part of being a Sharepoint Administrator. My strategy for organizing document libraries starts with understanding the needs of the organization and its employees. I would first assess what types of documents are used most often, and then create categories or folders within the library to organize them accordingly. This will make it easier for users to find the documents they need quickly.

I would also ensure that all documents have meaningful titles, so users can search for specific documents more easily. Finally, I would set up permissions on each folder in the library, so only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. By taking these steps, I am confident that our document libraries will be well organized and easy to use.”

12. Describe your experience with Sharepoint extensibility.

Extensibility is a key component of Sharepoint, and the interviewer may ask this question to assess your experience with it. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of how extensibility works in Sharepoint and any specific examples you have of using it.

Example: “I have extensive experience with Sharepoint extensibility. I have been working as a Sharepoint Administrator for the past five years and have implemented custom solutions using Sharepoint’s extensibility features. I am familiar with all of the different ways to extend Sharepoint, including creating custom web parts, developing custom applications, and integrating third-party services. I have also worked on projects that involve automating processes by writing scripts or leveraging existing APIs.”

13. What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to be a great fit for their organization. Sharepoint administrators are in high demand, so employers want to make sure they’re hiring someone who can do the job well and will stay with the company for some time. When answering this question, highlight your relevant experience, skills and abilities.

Example: “I believe my experience and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for this position. I have over 5 years of professional experience as a Sharepoint Administrator, specializing in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Sharepoint environments. During that time, I’ve worked with clients from various industries to develop custom solutions tailored to their specific needs.

In addition, I’m highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies related to Sharepoint Administration. I stay up-to-date on new features and releases so that I can provide the best possible service to my clients. Finally, I’m passionate about helping organizations get the most out of their Sharepoint investments. I take great pride in ensuring that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently.”

14. Which version of Sharepoint are you most familiar with?

Sharepoint has evolved over the years, and your answer to this question can show an interviewer how much experience you have with each version. If you’ve worked with multiple versions of Sharepoint in the past, explain which one was most challenging or rewarding for you.

Example: “I am most familiar with Sharepoint 2016 and 2019. I have been working as a Sharepoint Administrator for the past five years, so I have extensive experience in both versions of the platform. During my time as an administrator, I have implemented numerous features and solutions on both versions of Sharepoint. I have also worked with other members of the IT team to ensure that all updates and patches are applied correctly. In addition, I have created custom workflows and web parts using Sharepoint Designer and Visual Studio. Finally, I have provided technical support for users who need help navigating the platform or troubleshooting issues. With this experience, I am confident that I can quickly become proficient in any version of Sharepoint you require.”

15. What do you think is the most important skill for a Sharepoint administrator to have?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be an effective Sharepoint administrator. You can answer this question by identifying one or two skills and explaining why they are important for this role.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a Sharepoint administrator to have is strong problem-solving abilities. As a Sharepoint administrator, I understand that there can be many different issues that arise with the platform and it’s my job to find solutions quickly and efficiently. This means having a deep understanding of how the system works and being able to troubleshoot any problems that may come up. It also requires an ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions when needed. Finally, communication skills are essential in order to effectively communicate with stakeholders and other members of the team.”

16. How often do you perform backups of your Sharepoint environment?

Sharepoint administrators must ensure that their company’s data is safe and secure. This question helps the interviewer assess your backup policies and procedures to determine if you have a good understanding of how to protect important information. In your answer, describe what types of backups you perform and why they’re important.

Example: “I understand the importance of backing up a Sharepoint environment and I take it very seriously. On a daily basis, I perform full backups of my Sharepoint environment to ensure that all data is safe and secure. This includes making sure that any changes or updates made throughout the day are captured in the backup. In addition, I also run weekly incremental backups to capture any additional changes since the last full backup. Finally, I also run monthly full backups for an extra layer of protection.”

17. There is a bug in the most recent version of Sharepoint that is causing problems for some users. What is your strategy for addressing the issue?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Your answer should include the steps you would take to identify the bug, communicate with stakeholders and implement a solution.

Example: “When it comes to addressing a bug in the most recent version of Sharepoint, my strategy is two-fold. First, I would identify the root cause of the issue by taking a deep dive into the system logs and analyzing any errors or warnings that are being generated. This will help me understand what’s causing the problem and how best to address it.

Once I have identified the root cause, I can then develop a plan for resolving the issue. Depending on the complexity of the bug, this could involve patching the software, making configuration changes, or even rolling back to an earlier version of Sharepoint if necessary. I also believe in testing any solution thoroughly before deploying it to ensure that it works as expected and doesn’t introduce any new problems. Finally, I would document the entire process so that future issues can be addressed more quickly and efficiently.”

18. What is your experience with PowerShell scripting?

Sharepoint administrators use PowerShell scripting to automate tasks and create custom solutions. Your answer should show that you have experience with this type of coding. If you don’t, you can explain why you would learn it if you were hired for the job.

Example: “I have extensive experience with PowerShell scripting. I have been using it to manage and maintain SharePoint environments for the past five years. During this time, I have developed a wide range of scripts to automate various tasks such as creating new sites, updating existing ones, managing permissions, and more.

I am also very familiar with the different cmdlets available in PowerShell that can be used to interact with SharePoint objects. I have written several scripts to perform complex operations such as retrieving data from lists, adding items to libraries, and running reports.”

19. How do you stay up to date on changes in the Sharepoint platform?

Sharepoint is a constantly evolving platform, and the interviewer wants to know how you keep up with these changes. Your answer should show that you are committed to learning new things about Sharepoint and keeping your skills current.

Example: “I stay up to date on changes in the Sharepoint platform by staying informed about new releases and updates. I read industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to keep abreast of any new features or changes that are being implemented. I also make sure to regularly review Microsoft’s official documentation for Sharepoint so that I can ensure I am aware of any new developments. Finally, I have a network of other Sharepoint Administrators who I reach out to when I need advice or help understanding something. This helps me stay current with best practices and trends within the Sharepoint community.”

20. Are there any new technologies that you’re interested in exploring for our Sharepoint environment?

This question is a great way to see how you can contribute to the company’s overall success. Sharepoint administrators are often tasked with keeping up with new technologies that may be beneficial for their organization, so it’s important to show your interest in learning and implementing these tools.

Example: “Yes, I am always interested in exploring new technologies that can help improve our Sharepoint environment. Currently, I’m particularly interested in learning more about the latest version of SharePoint Online and how it could benefit our organization. I believe that leveraging the cloud-based features of SharePoint Online would provide us with a more secure, reliable, and cost-effective platform for managing our data. In addition, I’m also eager to explore other tools such as Power BI, Flow, and Teams which are all part of the Microsoft 365 suite and offer powerful capabilities for collaboration and data analysis. Finally, I’m also very interested in learning more about how we can use AI and machine learning to optimize our SharePoint experience.”

21. Describe your approach to debugging a problem with a Sharepoint site.

Debugging is a common task for Sharepoint administrators. Your interviewer may ask this question to assess your debugging skills and how you approach solving problems in general. In your answer, describe the steps you would take to identify the problem with the site and fix it.

Example: “When debugging a problem with a Sharepoint site, I take an organized and methodical approach. First, I identify the issue by reviewing any error messages or logs that are available. Once I have identified the issue, I then assess the scope of the problem to determine if it is isolated to one particular user, page, list, etc.

Next, I review the configuration settings for the affected area to ensure they are correct. If necessary, I will also check the permissions assigned to the users who are experiencing the issue. After this, I will look at the server environment to see if there are any issues with hardware, software, or network connectivity. Finally, I will test potential solutions to resolve the issue.”

22. Tell us about a time when you had to quickly resolve an issue with a Sharepoint site.

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had to resolve an issue with Sharepoint quickly.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working on a project that required me to create a new site within the company’s Sharepoint platform. However, when I tried to create the site, I received an error message saying that there were no more sites available. This meant that I couldn’t complete the project until I resolved the issue. After looking at the system logs, I realized that one of the existing sites in the system was using up all of the remaining sites. I then contacted the team leader for the existing site and asked them if they could move their content to another location.”

Example: “I recently had to quickly resolve an issue with a Sharepoint site. The client had reported that they were unable to access certain documents stored on the site, and I knew this was a critical issue that needed to be resolved as soon as possible.

To troubleshoot the issue, I first checked the permissions of the user who was trying to access the documents. After confirming that their permissions were correct, I then looked at the server logs to see if there were any errors related to the issue. Once I identified the source of the problem, I was able to quickly implement a solution.

In the end, I was able to successfully resolve the issue by updating the configuration settings on the server. This allowed the users to access the documents without any further issues. My ability to quickly identify and resolve the issue demonstrated my expertise in Sharepoint Administration.”

23. We need to build a solution that will allow users to access and share documents from multiple locations. What would be your strategy for designing such a solution?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to design solutions. Your answer should include steps you would take to develop such a solution, including any tools or resources you might use.

Example: “My strategy for designing a solution that allows users to access and share documents from multiple locations would be to first assess the current environment. This includes understanding the existing infrastructure, user base, and any security requirements. After gathering this information, I would then create a plan of action based on the needs of the organization.

I would focus on leveraging SharePoint as the platform for document sharing, as it provides an easy-to-use interface with robust security features. I would also ensure that the solution is scalable so that it can grow with the business. Finally, I would design the solution in such a way that it could easily integrate with other applications or systems if needed.”

24. How comfortable are you working with third-party tools and applications for managing Sharepoint sites?

Sharepoint administrators often need to work with third-party tools and applications for managing Sharepoint sites. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level working with these tools and applications. In your answer, explain how you would use the tool or application in your role as a Sharepoint administrator.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with third-party tools and applications for managing Sharepoint sites. I have extensive experience in this area, having implemented a variety of solutions from different vendors. I understand the importance of staying up to date on new technologies and trends in order to ensure that our Sharepoint sites are running optimally.

I also have an excellent understanding of how to integrate these third-party tools into existing systems and networks. This includes ensuring compatibility between the various components, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise. My experience has enabled me to develop strong problem solving skills which will be beneficial when it comes to resolving any technical difficulties.”

25. What type of training have you received in Sharepoint administration?

Sharepoint administrators need to have a strong understanding of the platform they’re working with. Employers ask this question to make sure you’ve received formal training in Sharepoint administration and that you can apply your knowledge to their organization. If you haven’t had any formal training, explain what self-study methods you used to learn about Sharepoint administration.

Example: “I have received extensive training in Sharepoint administration. I attended a two-week course at my previous job, where I learned the basics of Sharepoint and how to configure it for our organization’s needs. Since then, I’ve kept up with the latest developments in Sharepoint by attending webinars, reading blogs, and participating in online forums. I also completed an advanced Sharepoint certification program that focused on the more complex aspects of Sharepoint administration. This included topics such as creating custom workflows, setting up user access rights, and troubleshooting common issues. Finally, I’m always open to learning new things and am constantly looking for ways to improve my skillset.”