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Cloud Architect interview questionsCoding Test round
A 60 min interview plan with a time-boxed script, what each question is for, and the signals to score against. Key skills: Coding, Scripting, Automation, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD Pipelines.
Coding Challenge
What this section is for
Purpose
Evaluate technical knowledge and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
Challenge 1: Automate Infrastructure Deployment You are tasked with automating the deployment of a cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC). The infrastructure includes a virtual network, a subnet, and a virtual machine. Use a scripting language of your choice to demonstrate how you would achieve this. Follow-Up Questions: - What tools or frameworks would you use for this task? - How would you ensure the security of the deployed infrastructure? - How would you handle scaling the infrastructure?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess coding, scripting, and automation skills.
Signals to score
- Clear understanding of IaC principles
- Logical and structured approach
- Efficient and clean code
- Considers security aspects
- Explains thought process
- Uses appropriate tools
- Considers scalability
Follow-up questions
- Can you explain your choice of tools for this task?
- How would you ensure the infrastructure is secure?
- What steps would you take to scale the infrastructure?
If you had more time, what would you change in your solution?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Assess the candidate's ability to reflect on their work, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Signals to score
- Recognizes limits in their original answer.
- Points out clear areas to improve.
- Suggests specific changes.
- Talks about how changes could help performance.
- Shares ideas clearly and logically.
- Shows a desire to learn and improve.
Follow-up questions
- What additional features would you add to your solution?
- How could you optimize the performance of your script?
Great job on the coding exercise!
What this section is for
Purpose
Provides positive reinforcement to the candidate, helping to build confidence and create a supportive atmosphere before moving into the final part of the interview.
Closing
What this section is for
Purpose
Thanks the candidate for their time, provides next steps, and leaves a positive final impression.
Do you have any questions for me about the team or the company?
What this question is for, and what to listen for
Purpose
Gauge the candidate’s curiosity and interest in the role.
Signals to score
- Thoughtful questions asked
- Interest in company culture
- Curiosity about growth expressed
- Questions about role raised
- Inquiries about team challenges
- Engagement with responses shown
- Desire to learn next steps
- Focus on company values expressed
Follow-up questions
- What interests you most about this team?
- Are there any areas of the role you’d like to explore further?
Cloud Architect interviews — common questions
- Who is this Cloud Architect interview plan for?
- It is written for the interviewer, not the candidate: the hiring manager, engineer or panel member running the Coding Test round for a Cloud Architect role. It gives you a 60 min script to follow in the conversation — 3 questions with what each one is for and the signals to score against — so you are not writing the round from scratch the night before.
- What does the Coding Test round assess?
- This round is focused on: Coding, Scripting, Automation, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD Pipelines. It works through Coding Challenge and Closing, scoring against 21 observable signals, with follow-up prompts on all 3 questions for going deeper where an answer is thin.
- How is the 60 min split up?
- Coding Challenge (50 min), Closing (5 min). The timings are there so the round stays on schedule and every candidate gets the same shape of interview — which is what makes two candidates comparable afterwards.
- What other rounds should I run for a Cloud Architect?
A single round does not cover a whole role. The other rounds in this library for a Cloud Architect: