Experience Question

tomahawkeer

Ok, im interviewing for a job on later this week. I have over 9 years of Network / System admin experience, however, the particular job im up for, there are several things that I would be responsible for, that I have little experience with. I have a lot of knowledge in regards to what these things are and what they do, and how they work etc, just no hands on experience with them.

With that said, what are the chances that I get the job, at possibly a lower pay, with them considering training me for what im deficient in? Anybody have any experience with something like this? Im pretty much going from a small network, to a much wider and deeper network. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

mikej412

tomahawkeer wrote: »

what are the chances that I get the job, at possibly a lower pay, with them considering training me for what im deficient in?

If they already have a number in mind that they are going to pay someone -- telling them you'll work for less since you can't do the job as well as someone else does NOT sound like a good strategy to get the job.

And when when you bring up training you to do the job, they may then factor in the cost of training -- either in lost productivity as someone has to train you; or the added cost to send you to a training class -- so that may NOT be a good selling point either.

Be honest about your experience during your interview -- but also with what you know. That's the the time to admit your lack of experience -- but dazzle them with you brilliance. Work your self-study habits and quickness to learn into your response. Tell them what you've done to prepare for this chance/job. Tell them what you do know and what you've tried in your home lab.

If there's something that is totally brand new -- mention you haven't had the chance to work with the technology. But if you've done some research and checked out the technology Vendor's online documentation, toss out the name of a configuration guide or the configuration examples available online that you'd consult to get the job done. That is probably still more impressive than saying "No, I haven't worked with that" or "No, I've never heard of that." Save that answer for things you don't even have a clue about.

Show them that you're ready to step up to the challenge -- not that you work cheap.