Labor Day, which marks the unoffical end of Summer in the U.S., is particularly poignant in light of the news of economy. While I'm not in the business of giving advice, I wanted to share my thoughts and some experiences in searching for a job or a contract position, as I commented in my previous job advice blog: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/pearlknows/archive/2009/09/04/job-market-update-and-some-job-search-advice.aspx.
Although I still believe things will pick up as companies get in gear after the lazy days of summer, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (the official government site) reports that unemployment rose to 9.7% - the highest rate in 23 years! You can see the official information here: http://www.bls.gov/
As last time I mentioned "multiple resume submissions" by competing vendors is one good way to get your resume tossed, here is an interesting article on a whole bunch more reason for this.
The average recruiter sees 5,000 resumes a year. Any legitimate reason she finds to make one disappear makes her life that much easier -- and yours that much harder. Here, top-level recruiters reveal how candidates blow their chances to get a foot in the door.....Read More here: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-why_your_resume_gets_tossed-968.
More specific to interviewing for a DBA position, is brushing up your DBA 101 textbook skills, that just might come up an interview whether by phone or in-person. One site, which I will reference here, gives a great overview of common questions you may be asked, and covers database administration, development, engineering and design. In effect, since I believe this is a widely reviewed site by hiring managers and job-seekers alike, being at the top of the search hits, you may very well get these questions on your own technical interview. Many of the questions are dated a bit, focused on SQL 2000, but nonetheless covers valid info: http://vyaskn.tripod.com/iq.htm#DBAdmin
There are so many more similar sites, more updated for SQL 2005 and 2008, so please log on and do a Google search for: "sql server dba interview questions"
As more and more companies get on board and begin to adapt SQL Server 2008, what is the best way for DBA's to fast track and reconcile their SQL 2005 skills with the new 2008 platform? Besides, as many have done, create a lab environment, if you can get it approved, or scrounge a spare swing server, training facilities across the country are offering courses designed specifically for the SQL 2005 DBA.
Following the official Microsoft Curriculum, you can find course # 6158 Updating Your SQL Server® 2005 Skills to SQL Server 2008. This course is intended for experienced SQL Server 2005 developers and database administrators who want to upgrade their skills to SQL Server 2008, and learn the new and enhanced feature set.
Finally, as more and more companies get on board and begin to adapt SQL Server 2008, what is the best way for DBA's to fast track and reconcile their SQL 2005 skills with the new 2008 platform? Besides, as many have done, create a lab environment, if you can get it approved, or scrounge a spare swing server, training facilities across the country are offering courses designed specifically for the SQL 2005 DBA.
Following the official Microsoft Curriculum, you can find course # 6158 Updating Your SQL Server® 2005 Skills to SQL Server 2008. This course is intended for experienced SQL Server 2005 developers and database administrators who want to upgrade their skills to SQL Server 2008, and learn the new and enhanced feature set. To read more on this, please click and read another of my recent blog posts:
Hope the above information is helpful. Again, good luck!
