When preparing for a SharePoint interview, it’s crucial to be well-versed in a variety of questions that can be asked. SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform, and understanding its features, functionalities, and best practices is essential for any candidate. In this article, we will explore some common SharePoint interview questions that can help you prepare for your upcoming interview.
1. Can you explain what SharePoint is and its primary use cases?
This question is a staple in SharePoint interviews. It’s important to provide a clear and concise explanation of SharePoint, highlighting its role as a web-based platform for document management, collaboration, and business intelligence. Mention its key features like document libraries, lists, workflows, and search capabilities.
2. What are the different versions of SharePoint, and what are their primary differences?
SharePoint has evolved over the years, with multiple versions released. Familiarize yourself with the main versions, such as SharePoint 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and SharePoint Online. Discuss the differences between these versions, including feature updates, licensing models, and deployment options.
3. Explain the concept of a SharePoint farm and its components.
A SharePoint farm is a collection of servers that work together to provide SharePoint services. Discuss the key components of a SharePoint farm, such as the front-end web servers, application servers, and database servers. Explain how these components interact and the role each plays in the overall SharePoint environment.
4. What are the differences between a SharePoint site and a site collection?
This question tests your understanding of SharePoint’s site hierarchy. Explain that a site is a single instance of a web application, while a site collection is a container for multiple sites. Discuss the differences in terms of management, permissions, and configuration settings.
5. Describe the role of a SharePoint administrator and the key responsibilities.
A SharePoint administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the SharePoint environment. Discuss the key responsibilities, such as user management, security, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
6. What are the best practices for SharePoint security?
Security is a critical aspect of SharePoint. Discuss best practices for securing your SharePoint environment, such as implementing role-based access control (RBAC), using claims-based authentication, encrypting sensitive data, and regularly auditing permissions.
7. Explain how to create and manage lists and libraries in SharePoint.
This question tests your practical knowledge of SharePoint’s core functionalities. Describe the process of creating lists and libraries, including customizing columns, setting permissions, and configuring workflows.
8. What are the different types of SharePoint workflows, and how do they work?
Workflows are a key feature of SharePoint that automates business processes. Discuss the different types of workflows, such as declarative workflows, code-based workflows, and sequential workflows. Explain how they work and provide examples of common use cases.
9. Describe the process of implementing a custom web part in SharePoint.
This question assesses your ability to extend SharePoint’s functionality. Explain the process of creating a custom web part, including designing the user interface, handling events, and integrating with SharePoint’s data and services.
10. What are the best practices for SharePoint migration?
Migrating to SharePoint from another platform is a common task. Discuss best practices for a successful migration, such as planning, testing, and ensuring data integrity. Mention tools and techniques that can facilitate the migration process.
By preparing for these SharePoint interview questions, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. Good luck with your interview!
