IT Administrator Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Applying for a IT Administrator job in the UK? Here is what you are likely to be asked. These questions come from our IT Administrator question bank of 16 questions, written for UK employers at junior level.

Eight IT Administrator interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Walk me through what you would do to set up a new starter, from receiving the request to their first day.

Why they ask: Tests familiarity with the core joiner process and attention to security and detail.

2. What is Group Policy, and how would you check why a policy is not applying to a user's computer?

Why they ask: Checks practical Windows domain knowledge beyond the basics.

3. What routine tasks would you carry out in the Microsoft 365 admin centre, and how would you handle a request for a shared mailbox?

Why they ask: Looks for hands-on Microsoft 365 administration skills.

4. How do you keep Windows devices and servers patched, and how do you reduce the risk of an update causing problems?

Why they ask: Checks understanding of patch management and change control.

5. How would you check that backups are actually working, and what does the 3-2-1 rule mean?

Why they ask: Tests understanding that backup success must be verified through restores.

6. The file server's data drive is at 95 percent capacity and staff are starting to get errors saving documents. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests prioritisation and a structured, safe response to a capacity problem.

7. Tell me about a time you had to handle several urgent requests at once. How did you decide what to do first?

Why they ask: Looks for prioritisation and communication skills in a support-heavy role.

8. What does a typical day for an IT Administrator involve, and what certifications are you working towards?

Why they ask: Checks realistic expectations of the role and commitment to development.

A sample answer to question 1

Walk me through what you would do to set up a new starter, from receiving the request to their first day.

I would begin with a properly authorised request from HR or the line manager that confirms the start date, job title, department and any special access. Then I would create the user account in Active Directory or Entra ID following the naming convention, place it in the correct organisational unit and add it to the security groups for that role, using a template or an existing colleague as a guide rather than copying everything. I would assign a Microsoft 365 licence, create the mailbox, set up MFA registration, and give access to shared drives, Teams and any line-of-business applications. In parallel I would prepare the device: image or enrol it in Intune, install standard software, apply updates and label it in the asset register. On the first day I would hand over the equipment, help them sign in, explain how to contact the service desk and have them sign the acceptable use policy. I would record everything in the ticket.

Common mistake to avoid: Copying a colleague's permissions blindly; skipping authorisation or the asset register

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the IT Administrator interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.