17 Sharepoint Architect Interview Questions and Answers

Sharepoint architects design, develop, and manage the Sharepoint platform for their organization. They are responsible for the architecture, design, and deployment of the Sharepoint platform and must have a deep understanding of how the platform works.

If you’re looking to become a Sharepoint architect, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough interview questions. In this article, we’ll provide you with some sample questions and answers that will help you stand out in your interview and land the job.

Are you comfortable working with a team of developers to build custom SharePoint applications?

SharePoint architects often work with a team of developers to build custom applications. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working in teams and how well you collaborate with others. Use examples from your past experience to show that you can be a valuable member of a development team.

Example: “I’ve worked on several projects where I was the only SharePoint architect, but most of my projects involved a team of developers. In both situations, I find it beneficial to work with a team because there are so many different perspectives and ideas that help us create better solutions for our clients.

In my last role, I led a team of five developers who were all tasked with building separate components of an application. We met regularly to discuss progress and challenges we faced. By collaborating with my team members, we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a SharePoint architect should have?

SharePoint architects need to have a wide range of skills and knowledge. An interviewer may ask this question to see if you possess the necessary qualifications for the job. In your answer, explain what makes SharePoint architecture such an important role in an organization.

Example: “A SharePoint architect needs to be highly organized, detail-oriented and able to work well with others. These are all qualities that help me stay on top of my projects and meet deadlines. I also think it’s important to have strong communication skills because I regularly collaborate with other members of my team. Finally, I believe that creativity is essential for being a good architect. It helps me come up with new solutions when challenges arise.”

How would you go about designing a new intranet for a company with over 1,000 employees?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your organizational and planning skills. Your answer should include details about how you would break down the project into smaller tasks, as well as how you would keep track of all the information involved in such a large undertaking.

Example: “I would first start by creating an outline of what I need to do to complete the entire project. Then, I would create a separate page for each task that needs to be completed. For example, if I needed to design a new homepage, I would create a separate page where I can list out all the elements I need to include on the homepage, like links, images and text boxes. This allows me to stay organized and ensures that I don’t forget any important steps.”

What is your process for testing a new SharePoint application before deploying it to the production environment?

SharePoint architects must have a thorough understanding of the testing process to ensure that their applications are secure and effective. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to test an application thoroughly before deploying it to production.

Example: “I always start by creating unit tests for each component of the application, which I then run through SharePoint’s built-in unit testing tool. Next, I create functional tests using Microsoft Test Manager, which I also run through SharePoint’s built-in functional testing tool. Finally, I deploy the application to a staging environment where I can perform load testing to determine how well the application performs under different conditions.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a bug in a SharePoint application and explain your process for fixing it.

Troubleshooting bugs in a SharePoint application is an important part of being a SharePoint architect. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your troubleshooting skills and how you apply them to the job. In your answer, explain what steps you take when troubleshooting a bug and provide an example of a time when you did so successfully.

Example: “When I was working on my last project as a SharePoint architect, I had to fix a bug that caused some pages to load slowly. To troubleshoot the issue, I first looked at the server logs to see if there were any errors or warnings that could help me find the problem. After looking through the logs, I found out that the bug was due to too many items in the master page gallery. So, I removed all unnecessary items from the gallery and fixed the bug.”

If hired, what would be your priorities during your first few weeks as a SharePoint architect at our company?

This question helps the interviewer determine how you plan your work and what you consider important. Your answer should include a list of tasks that show your commitment to getting started quickly and efficiently.

Example: “I would start by learning more about the company’s goals, objectives and challenges with SharePoint. I’d also want to meet with key stakeholders to understand their expectations for my role as architect. Then, I would create an action plan based on these conversations and begin implementing solutions. My first few weeks would be focused on establishing relationships and setting up systems so I can get right to work on projects.”

What would you do if you noticed that many of the company’s SharePoint sites had similar features that could be consolidated?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Your answer should include how you would approach the situation, what steps you would take and why it’s important to consolidate similar features.

Example: “I would first meet with my manager or supervisor to discuss the issue. I would then create a list of all the company’s SharePoint sites that have similar features. Next, I would contact each department head to ask if they are aware of any other sites that have similar features. If so, I would add those sites to my list. After gathering this information, I would begin consolidating the most common features into one site. This will help streamline the process for users who need to access these features.”

How well do you know the latest version of SharePoint?

SharePoint is constantly evolving, and the interviewer may want to know how you keep up with these changes. Share your knowledge of the latest version’s features and functions and explain how they help you do your job more efficiently.

Example: “I have been using the latest version of SharePoint since it was released in 2016. I find that many of the new features are helpful for streamlining my workflow and making my projects easier to manage. For example, one of the newest features is PowerApps, which allows me to create apps without coding. This saves me a lot of time because I don’t have to learn a new language or hire someone else to build an app.”

Do you have any experience training other developers on how to use SharePoint?

SharePoint is a complex platform, and it can take time for developers to learn how to use it. Your answer should show that you are willing to help your team members with their learning process. You can mention the SharePoint features you have helped others understand in the past.

Example: “I’ve had experience training other developers on how to use SharePoint. I find that many of my colleagues prefer using Microsoft’s PowerApps tool because it’s easier to use than SharePoint. However, I like to explain the benefits of SharePoint over PowerApps so they know why it’s worth spending more time learning. In the past, I’ve trained several junior developers on how to use SharePoint by creating a step-by-step guide.”

When should you use external lists versus internal lists in SharePoint?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of SharePoint architecture and how you apply it. You can answer this question by explaining the differences between external lists and internal lists, then giving a specific example of when you used each type in the past.

Example: “External lists are useful for storing data that will be shared with other systems or applications. They’re also good for storing large amounts of data because they don’t use as much server space as internal lists do. Internal lists are better for storing data that only needs to be accessed within SharePoint. I have used both types of lists in my previous roles, but I find myself using internal lists more often than external lists.”

We want to start using the Agile development process. How familiar are you with Agile?

Agile is a software development methodology that allows teams to work together more efficiently. It’s important for a Sharepoint architect to understand Agile and how it can be used with the platform. In your answer, explain why you’re familiar with Agile and what benefits it offers.

Example: “I’ve worked in an Agile environment before. I find that Agile works well because it allows developers to create small projects within a larger project. This helps me as a Sharepoint architect because I can break down large tasks into smaller ones. For example, if we wanted to create a new website, I could use Agile to help my team plan out each step of the process.”

Describe your process for testing a new version of a SharePoint application before deploying it to the production environment.

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your testing process and determine whether it aligns with the company’s own processes. Your answer should include a step-by-step description of how you test new versions of SharePoint applications before deploying them to production environments.

Example: “I begin by creating a development environment that mirrors the production environment as closely as possible. I then create unit tests for each component of the application, including business logic, data access layer and user interface. After writing these tests, I run them against the development environment to ensure they all pass. Next, I deploy the application to a staging environment where I can perform additional testing. Finally, once I’m satisfied with the results of my testing, I deploy the application to the production environment.”

What makes SharePoint an ideal platform for enterprise applications?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of SharePoint and how it can be used in the workplace. Your answer should include a few reasons why you think SharePoint is beneficial for enterprise applications.

Example: “SharePoint is an ideal platform for enterprise applications because it offers many benefits, including scalability, security and integration with other systems. For example, I once worked on a project where we needed to integrate SharePoint with Microsoft Dynamics CRM. We were able to do this by using the Business Connectivity Services feature that comes standard with SharePoint. This allowed us to create custom business objects within SharePoint that could then be accessed through the CRM.”

Which version of SharePoint do you prefer to work with and why?

This question is a great way to see if the candidate has experience working with SharePoint. It also shows which version of SharePoint they prefer and why. This can be an important factor in determining whether or not you want to hire them, as it can show how well they will fit into your team.

Example: “I have worked with all versions of SharePoint since 2007. I find that my favorite version is 2013 because it’s easy to use and offers many features for collaboration. The new interface makes it easier to navigate than previous versions, and there are more tools available for me to use.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being a SharePoint architect?

This question can help the interviewer get an idea of your experience as a SharePoint architect. Your answer can also tell them about what you enjoy most and what you might struggle with in this role. Consider mentioning something that is challenging but also rewarding to show that you are motivated by challenges.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a SharePoint architect for me is finding the right balance between customizing the platform and using its out-of-the-box features. I find it’s important to use both, but sometimes it can be difficult to know when to use which one. However, once I’ve figured out the best way to do things, it feels really good to have found the right solution.”

How often do you update your skills as a SharePoint architect?

This question can help an interviewer determine how much you value continuing your education and development as a SharePoint architect. You can answer this question by explaining what steps you take to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in technology.

Example: “I am constantly looking for ways to improve my skills as a SharePoint architect. I have taken several online courses that helped me learn more about the newest features of SharePoint, including PowerApps and Flow. I also attend webinars hosted by Microsoft where experts discuss new updates and changes to SharePoint. These resources allow me to keep up with the latest news and information regarding SharePoint.”

There is a new version of SharePoint coming out soon. How do you decide when to start using the new version and when to stick with the current one?

This question is a great way to see how you approach change and the impact it can have on your work. Your answer should show that you are willing to try new things, but also understand when it’s best to stick with what you know.

Example: “I would start using the new version of SharePoint as soon as I could because there are always improvements being made to the software. However, if I was working on an important project where time constraints were tight, I would wait until the next release so I could use the current version for my project while still taking advantage of the new features.”