Candidates I am Interviewing

I've decided I am going to start writing about the interviews I am giving at my current job. I will, of course, not be naming names and mixing up the dates on which people are being interviewed.

But I think it will be good for job searchers to kind of see things from the other perspective.

Here are the skills that were posted:

Required skills
· Fundamental understanding of Networking
· PC and Server Hardware
· Familiarity with WSS v3.0
· Windows Active Directory administration
· Exchange Server 2003/2007
· Basic Linux
· Good troubleshooting skills and the ability to learn on your feet
Desired
· SQL Server querying
· Windows PowerShell scripting
· Basic familiarity with ASP.NET/C#
Certifications a Plus
MCSA/MCSE, MCITP, Linux+

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Comments

erpadmin

phoeneous wrote: »

Being a DBA and knowing about SQL are two totally different things. Notice I said "should have an understanding of a dbms" and not "equivailent to a dba". I will never become a dba, but I will eventually become network security engineer.

I work in a small shop so I know it is entirely possible (and beneficial) to do both, systems and networking that is.

Now that's different. I believe a good admin should have an understanding of all the applications/appliances in his shop, regardless of the size. I just read it, and perhaps incorrectly, to understand that one should be a jack-of-all-trades kind-of deal.

I hope you weren't thinking I was cooling you a fool though. Never my intention. I just know that that DBA work is a full time job, as well as network engineering and system admin in a larger shop. To try to do all would make one wish he were dead. LOL.

mikej412

phoeneous wrote: »

How do you guys feel about adding your blog address (if you have one) on your resume?

Is it an impressive original body of your work? Is the information relevant to the job you're applying for? Does it showcase your talents and skills that could be applied to the job?

If someone's resume has passed the initial screening and earned further review status I'll usually check out a link if someone went to the trouble of including it on their resume. Usually I'll find something that isn't relevant, a half-baked website/blog showing they had great intentions but no follow through, or a collection of other people's work that they copy and pasted and seem to be trying to pass off as their work.

RobertKaucher

it_consultant wrote: »

Are they at least dressed appropriately?

Yes, no issues with that. Today I had 3 great interviews and was impressed by each of the candidates. In the end it came down to a guy who was a good admin, had Office automation skills (I had started automating reports and so forth), and could start right away. I have a week to get him a good foundation in SQL and the datamodel used by our ERP.

spartangtr

phoeneous wrote: »

It'll be ramblings of my projects, IT and non-IT. For example, I just put up some sql stuff and next I'm going to add guitar chords diagrams. Then next month probably some Cisco stuff and probably some high intensity interval training splits. What do you consider an original body of work? If it's how to use dnslint or create extended acl's or write login scripts for gpo's then yes, it is original. No copying and pasting, that's so fail.

Very interested in everyones opinion about this.

za3bour

I think this is the most useful thread in the forum. I'm currently looking for a new job and the info here is really AMAZING.I had two problems previously one in Resume and other in doing interviews and I think the second problem is gone

I will post my resume once i finish updating it (in a new thread) because I know it's not good at all. I've never been able to write a good one and a good cover letter. It's not something I enjoy doing (like most IT i guess)

Again thanks for the thread.

it_consultant

za3bour wrote: »

I think this is the most useful thread in the forum. I'm currently looking for a new job and the info here is really AMAZING.I had two problems previously one in Resume and other in doing interviews and I think the second problem is gone

I will post my resume once i finish updating it (in a new thread) because I know it's not good at all. I've never been able to write a good one and a good cover letter. It's not something I enjoy doing (like most IT i guess)

Again thanks for the thread.

I know some people that just toss off the cover letter, others won't even consider you based on your lack of a cover letter. I know what position I would rather be in.

colemic

phoeneous wrote: »

It'll be ramblings of my projects, IT and non-IT. For example, I just put up some sql stuff and next I'm going to add guitar chords diagrams. Then next month probably some Cisco stuff and probably some high intensity interval training splits. What do you consider an original body of work? If it's how to use dnslint or create extended acl's or write login scripts for gpo's then yes, it is original. No copying and pasting, that's so fail.

I customized my LinkedIn address space and put it on my resume... but if you don't have at least 3-4 recommendations and a 100% complete profile, I would not.

RobertKaucher

Well, as far as the interview process goes I would say the following:
1. Once you have decided to start looking for a new job begin reviewing the basics. If you are looking for a spot with a company as a sys admin, review MCSA level skills and Network+/Server+ sorts of things.

2. If things are mentioned in the skills list that you are not familiar with make yourself familiar with them. This does not mean learn them, it means at least be able to discuss them beyond saying, "I've never worked with that."

3. Bring visual aids that highlight your skills and accomplishments that pertain to the job. Do not bring things that are revealing of the clients or operations of current or past employers. This can set you apart from the competition (but as some mentioned, could cut your own throat).

4. Review your own resume before the interview so that you can easily discuss it without having to refer to it.

5. Show up early in case you have to fill out some forms. 10 minutes should be enough. Bring a copy of your resume so you don't have to think about your employement dates if you have to fill out an application. I would suggest bringing 3 copies with you regardless.

6. Research and know about the company. Ask questions about the work environment. Show you are smart and want to ensure the place is a good fit for you as well.

Plantwiz

spartangtr wrote: »

Very interested in everyones opinion about this.

Like the portfolio comments I made earlier, I'd stay away from putting a blog or other social media links on my resume.

I would agree that 'it depends' on the situation and 'it depends' on the content and how the social media site is maintained...but I think for many they will find doing this has more negatives aspects then positive.

As with most things, you have to be able to 'defend' your reasonings and such (that is if you have the chance to do so). Your content better be current or just forget about adding it altogether.

And if you provide one site, a sleuthful HR person may go digging for more and find your 'other' information on a collection of other sites...some may not be flattering. Topics such as religion, politics and partner preferences may knock a talented candidate out of the running. It may not be that the company frowns on your believes, but they may be concerned that you will be promoting your views while acting as an agent of the organization...which could conflict. (if you are required to attend trade shows, or participate in PR events etc...not 'all' IT folks are left to the server rooms, some companies this unified team image is important).

In the end, you may find that if the company cannot take you as you are, then that is not the best fit for you...but sometimes, sometimes there may be reason to squash self-righteous believes for the paycheck.

Just be aware that a new era of amateur PI's has arrived and your 'private' life is very much public.

The short answer:
NO, I would not include a blog on my resume.
(if it's that good of a blog, they may already follow you

za3bour

RobertKaucher wrote: »

Well, as far as the interview process goes I would say the following:
1. Once you have decided to start looking for a new job begin reviewing the basics. If you are looking for a spot with a company as a sys admin, review MCSA level skills and Network+/Server+ sorts of things.

2. If things are mentioned in the skills list that you are not familiar with make yourself familiar with them. This does not mean learn them, it means at least be able to discuss them beyond saying, "I've never worked with that."

3. Bring visual aids that highlight your skills and accomplishments that pertain to the job. Do not bring things that are revealing of the clients or operations of current or past employers. This can set you apart from the competition (but as some mentioned, could cut your own throat).

4. Review your own resume before the interview so that you can easily discuss it without having to refer to it.

5. Show up early in case you have to fill out some forms. 10 minutes should be enough. Bring a copy of your resume so you don't have to think about your employement dates if you have to fill out an application. I would suggest bringing 3 copies with you regardless.

6. Research and know about the company. Ask questions about the work environment. Show you are smart and want to ensure the place is a good fit for you as well.

That's really some nice advice especially #3 thanks.

Turgon

Plantwiz wrote: »

Like the portfolio comments I made earlier, I'd stay away from putting a blog or other social media links on my resume.

I would agree that 'it depends' on the situation and 'it depends' on the content and how the social media site is maintained...but I think for many they will find doing this has more negatives aspects then positive.

As with most things, you have to be able to 'defend' your reasonings and such (that is if you have the chance to do so). Your content better be current or just forget about adding it altogether.

And if you provide one site, a sleuthful HR person may go digging for more and find your 'other' information on a collection of other sites...some may not be flattering. Topics such as religion, politics and partner preferences may knock a talented candidate out of the running. It may not be that the company frowns on your believes, but they may be concerned that you will be promoting your views while acting as an agent of the organization...which could conflict. (if you are required to attend trade shows, or participate in PR events etc...not 'all' IT folks are left to the server rooms, some companies this unified team image is important).

In the end, you may find that if the company cannot take you as you are, then that is not the best fit for you...but sometimes, sometimes there may be reason to squash self-righteous believes for the paycheck.

Just be aware that a new era of amateur PI's has arrived and your 'private' life is very much public.

The short answer:
NO, I would not include a blog on my resume.
(if it's that good of a blog, they may already follow you ).

Good advice IMO. While losing out on a job because of actual (or perceived) beliefs in terms of religion, politics and partner preference (amongst a thousand other things) may consititute discrimination and be illegal..it can and does happen everywhere to some degree. Some would even argue it is human nature. So keep the personal stuff off your resume and concentrate on what you can bring to the job.