Top 25+ SharePoint Interview Questions and Answers

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SharePoint is a web-based platform created by Microsoft in 2001 under the leadership of Bill Gates. It started as a document management and storage system but has grown into a powerful tool for collaboration, workflow automation, and intranet development. Today, companies use SharePoint to manage content, share information, and improve teamwork. Roles like SharePoint developer, administrator, and business analyst demand strong platform knowledge. This list of SharePoint interview questions and answers will help you prepare and perform in your next interview. 

Fun Fact: Over 200,000 organizations worldwide use SharePoint, including 85% of Fortune 500 companies

SharePoint Interview Questions for Freshers 

Here are some common SharePoint interview questions and answers to help beginners understand the basics and prepare for their first interview.

1. What are the main features of SharePoint?

SharePoint offers document management, version control, collaboration tools, workflow automation, and content search. It allows secure file storage and sharing, supports lists and libraries, integrates with Microsoft 365 apps, and offers role-based permissions.

2. How do you explain the difference between a list and a library in SharePoint?

A list stores data in rows and columns, like a table, for items such as tasks or contacts. A library is designed for storing documents, images, or other files and includes file-specific features like check-in/check-out and versioning.

3. What is a site collection, and how are subsites structured?

A site collection is a group of sites under one top-level site. It shares common settings, templates, and security boundaries. Subsites are created under the main site and can have their own permissions, themes, and content, but they remain part of the same collection.

4. Can you name different SharePoint site types (e.g. Team Site, Communication Site)?

Yes. Common types are Team Sites for collaboration, Communication Sites for broadcasting information, Hub Sites for connecting related sites, and Project Sites for task and schedule tracking.

5. What is versioning, and why might you use it?

Versioning keeps track of changes made to documents or list items. It helps restore older versions, track edits, and maintain an audit trail. In SharePoint, major and minor (draft) versions can be configured separately for documents and lists, depending on your library or list settings. This is useful when multiple people work on the same content or when you need to review historical data.

6. What is a workflow and how might it be used in SharePoint?

A workflow automates tasks and processes within SharePoint. For example, it can route a document for approval, send notifications when a task is updated, or archive files after a set period. This reduces manual steps and improves consistency.

7. What does WSP stand for and what is its role?

WSP means Web Solution Package. It is a deployment file containing features, site definitions, assemblies, and other resources for SharePoint. Administrators or developers use it to install or update solutions across sites or farms in a structured way.

SharePoint Interview Questions for Experienced

These SharePoint interview questions are commonly asked to experienced professionals.

8. How would you design site structure to manage permissions and content?

I usually group sites into logical site collections. Permissions are managed at the site, library, or list level, avoiding unnecessary item-level permissions. I use security groups instead of assigning rights to individuals. Content is separated by department or function for clarity.

9. What is the difference between SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-Premises?

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service managed by Microsoft, updated regularly, and accessible from anywhere. SharePoint On-Premises is installed and maintained on company servers, offering more customization control but requiring in-house maintenance and upgrades.

10. How do you handle large lists or libraries to avoid performance issues?

I use indexed columns, filtered views, and metadata navigation. Breaking content into multiple libraries or folders also helps. In SharePoint Online, I keep item counts below the 5,000-view threshold for smooth performance.

11. What are content types, and how do they help in content management?

Content types define reusable sets of metadata, templates, and workflows for items or documents. They allow consistent structure across multiple libraries or lists, making it easier to classify and manage information.

12. How does SharePoint search work, and what can you do to improve results?

SharePoint search crawls content and stores it in an index for quick retrieval. To improve results, I configure managed properties, add metadata, set query rules, and use promoted results for priority content.

13. How do you restore a deleted document using available SharePoint tools?

Go to the site’s Recycle Bin, select the deleted file, and click Restore. If it’s not there, check the second-stage Recycle Bin. For longer retention or older files, restore from backup if available.

Tricky and Advanced Interview Questions on SharePoint Online

Let’s go through some challenging SharePoint Online interview questions and answers. 

14. How does SharePoint Online backup and restore work, including retention periods?

Microsoft automatically backs up content every 12 hours and keeps backups for 14 days. You can request a restore through Microsoft 365 support for entire site collections within that period. For files, version history and Recycle Bin provide faster recovery. 

Note: Version history retention depends on your library settings – if it is disabled or limited, older versions may not be recoverable.

15. What limits, such as for lookup columns or list items, exist in SharePoint Online today?

Lists and libraries support up to 30 million items. The list view threshold is still 5,000 for performance. Lookup columns have a limit of up to 12 per list view when joins are used for retrieving data. File size can go up to 250 GB.

16. Describe hybrid setup scenarios between On-Premise and SharePoint Online.

Hybrid setups allow integration between SharePoint Server and SharePoint Online. Common scenarios include hybrid search, hybrid taxonomy, and OneDrive redirection. This setup lets users access both environments with a unified experience.

17. How would you organize navigation across multiple modern site hubs?

I would use hub sites to connect related sites and provide consistent navigation. Mega menus or cascading links help structure sections. Naming conventions and audience targeting make navigation more intuitive.

18. What security options are available for external sharing in SharePoint Online?

Options include sharing with anyone via anonymous links, with authenticated external users, or with specific domain restrictions. Sensitivity labels, conditional access, and expiration settings add control. External sharing can also be disabled at site or tenant level.

SharePoint SPFx Interview Questions

Here are some important SPFx interview questions and answers for experienced and freshers to help you prepare for both basic and advanced development topics.

19. How do you set up the SPFx development environment today?

Install Node.js (use the LTS version supported by your target SPFx release – refer to the official SPFx compatibility matrix to confirm), Yeoman, and the SharePoint Framework Yeoman generator. Add Gulp for task automation and configure Visual Studio Code. Finally, connect to a Microsoft 365 tenant for testing.

20. What are the key components of a SPFx solution?

SPFx solutions have a manifest.json for metadata, TypeScript files for logic, and HTML/CSS (or Sass) for styling. They also include configuration files, assets, and the package definition.

21. How do you package and deploy a SPFx web part?

I run gulp bundle –ship to prepare production files, then gulp package-solution –ship to create the .sppkg file. This is uploaded to the SharePoint App Catalog and deployed to selected sites.

22. What tools or frameworks do you typically use with SPFx?

React is most common for UI, though Angular or Vue can be used. I often work with Fluent UI for styling, PnPjs for SharePoint data operations, and testing tools like Jest.

Note: SPFx interview questions often cover topics like web part development, extensions, deployment, SharePoint Framework architecture, and integration with Microsoft 365 services.

Also Read - Top 20+ Power Apps Interview Questions and Answers

SharePoint Interview Questions by Role 

Now, let’s go through Microsoft SharePoint interview questions for different roles, including developers, administrators, architects, and consultants.

SharePoint Developer Interview Questions

23. Can you describe using REST API or CSOM in a SharePoint solution?

I choose REST for client-side apps and CSOM for richer object operations. 

With REST, I call /_api/web/lists/getbytitle(‘Documents’)/items and parse JSON. 

Auth uses Azure AD and MSAL in Microsoft 365. 

For writes, I send IF-MATCH and X-HTTP-Method headers. 

With CSOM (.NET or JS), I build a ClientContext, load objects, call ExecuteQuery, and batch updates efficiently.

24. How do you create a custom SPFx web part using React or another framework?

I run yo @microsoft/sharepoint, pick React, and generate the scaffold.

Then I build components, state, and props, often using PnPjs for data calls. 

I test with gulp serve in the workbench, add styles, and finalize accessibility. 

For release, I bundle, package, upload to the App Catalog, and deploy.

25. How would you call SharePoint data in JavaScript through REST?

I use fetch with the site’s REST endpoint:

fetch(“/_api/web/lists/getbytitle(‘Tasks’)/items?$select=Id,Title&$top=50″,{headers:{Accept:”application/json;odata=nometadata”}})

Then I handle paging with odata.nextLink. For POST/PUT/MERGE, I include the request digest and correct headers.

Also Read - Top 50+ REST API Interview Questions and Answers

SharePoint Online Interview Questions for Experienced Developers

Here are the common SharePoint Online interview questions for experienced developers.

26. How do you implement and test SPFx solutions in SharePoint Online?

I create the project with Yeoman, develop using React or another framework, and test in the local or hosted workbench. I connect to a Microsoft 365 tenant for real data testing. Once stable, I bundle, package, and deploy to the App Catalog, then verify on target sites.

27. How do you integrate Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Teams) with SharePoint Online?

I add SharePoint pages or lists as tabs in Teams, use Teams integration in document libraries, and connect Power Automate flows between both platforms. Web parts and adaptive cards help display SharePoint data directly in Teams.

28. Describe how you use Power Automate with SharePoint Online for automation.

I build flows to trigger on item creation, updates, or deletions. Actions include sending alerts, creating tasks, moving files, or updating metadata. I also connect flows to other Microsoft 365 apps for multi-step processes.

Also Read - Top 20 Power Automate Interview Questions and Answers

SharePoint Admin Interview Questions

This section covers interview questions for SharePoint administrator roles.

29. How do you configure permissions at site, library, and item levels?

I break inheritance only when necessary. At the site level, I assign permissions to SharePoint groups. Libraries and lists can have unique permissions for specific teams. Items can have custom access, but I keep these minimal for easier management.

30. How do you manage backups and recovery in SharePoint Server or Online?

For SharePoint Server, I use SQL backups and Central Administration backup tools. In SharePoint Online, I rely on Microsoft’s 14-day site collection backup, version history, and the Recycle Bin. For critical data, I also use third-party backup services.

31. How do you organize and manage user groups within SharePoint?

I create role-based groups like Owners, Members, and Visitors. I use Microsoft 365 Groups for modern sites to unify permissions across services. Regular reviews keep access up-to-date and remove inactive accounts.

SharePoint Architect Interview Questions

32. How would you design a SharePoint farm for scale and performance?

I size servers based on expected user load, content size, and growth. Web front ends, application servers, and SQL clusters are separated. I configure load balancing and distribute service applications across servers for efficiency.

33. What are the pros and cons of flat versus nested site collections?

Flat structures offer flexibility, simpler permission management, and easier hub site connections. Nested structures provide a clear hierarchy but can be harder to reorganize and limit modern navigation options.

34. How do you choose between farm and service application architecture?

Farm architecture decisions depend on security isolation, hardware resources, and custom solution needs. Service applications are configured for scalability, such as separate search farms or dedicated Managed Metadata service instances for large environments.

Microsoft SharePoint Consultant Interview Questions

35. How do you assess a client’s needs and propose a SharePoint solution?

I start with stakeholder interviews and process mapping. I document workflows, pain points, and desired outcomes. Then, I recommend a SharePoint architecture and features that fit their needs and budget.

36. What industry best practices do you follow with SharePoint governance?

I set clear ownership roles, define content lifecycle rules, and apply consistent naming conventions. I also configure permissions, security policies, and retention labels as part of governance.

37. How do you train a client’s users and support structure?

I deliver role-based training sessions, mixing demos and hands-on practice. For admins, I provide deeper sessions on configuration and troubleshooting. I also prepare quick reference guides and videos.

Other Important SharePoint Interview Questions

This section includes additional SharePoint questions that cover mixed topics and help strengthen your overall interview preparation.

SharePoint Migration Interview Questions

1. What tools or methods do you use to migrate content to SharePoint Online?
2. How do you handle metadata and versions during migration?
3. What are common migration challenges and how do you avoid issues?
4. How do you minimize downtime during migration?
5. How do you validate and test migration results?

ShareGate Interview Questions

1. How do you use ShareGate to report on SharePoint content and permissions?
2. How do you migrate sites using ShareGate?
3. How do you fix or resolve errors found during scanning?
4. How do you preserve metadata during a migration?
5. How do you compare source and destination environments?

SPFx React Interview Questions

1. How do you build a SPFx web part using React?
2. How do you manage state in SPFx React components?
3. How do you handle REST calls and data retrieval in SPFx React?
4. How do you style SPFx React solutions using Fluent UI or CSS?
5. How do you debug or test SPFx React web parts?

Infosys SharePoint Interview Questions

1. How would you migrate on-premise content to SharePoint Online for a client?
2. How do you enforce governance and permissions across multiple clients?
3. How would you automate common client workflows using Power Automate?
4. What is your approach to customizing intranet portals?
5. How do you handle compliance or audit requirements in SharePoint?

Accenture SharePoint Online Interview Questions

1. How do you implement hybrid SharePoint environments with Microsoft 365?
2. How would you architect a SharePoint Online deployment for a large enterprise?
3. How do you handle external sharing with partners securely?
4. How would you use Search or Graph for enterprise data visibility?
5. What is your strategy for maintaining governance and change management?

How to Prepare for SharePoint Interview?

Preparing for a SharePoint interview needs both technical knowledge and real project experience. Here are the tips you can follow:

• Review core SharePoint concepts and architecture
• Practice with SharePoint Online and On-Prem environments
• Learn SPFx, REST API, and Power Automate basics
• Understand governance, permissions, and security settings
• Go through recent SharePoint updates
• Prepare scenario-based answers with examples from your work
• Practice explaining solutions in simple words

Wrapping Up

With these 25+ SharePoint interview questions and answers, you can walk into your next interview with more confidence and clarity. Keep practicing, stay updated, and focus on both concepts and real use cases. 

Looking for your next career move? Visit Hirist to find top IT jobs, including the latest SharePoint job openings.

FAQs

Experience Range	Annual Salary Range	Avg. Annual Salary	Monthly In-hand Salary
4–11 years	₹6.3 – ₹32 Lakhs	₹7 Lakhs	₹52,000 – ₹54,000