A Little Interview Humor

I haven’t had an interview like this, but I’ve had a few strange ones. Hopefully you keep your composure if this does happen.

Hopefully you can laugh at this as well.

Tell a Story

I recently ran into someone that was changing careers at mid-life. This  individual was trying to move into the SQL world, having had exposure to computers and programming but had mostly worked in another field. This person had been learning SQL Server, working through books and practicing things, but had not gotten any practical experience and was asking for advice on how to structure a resume and break into the field.

Note that I haven’t done this, but here’s my advice from the hiring side: tell a story.

Show me over some time that you have learned things and can relate those to business.

Show me how your past experience in another field is similar to that in SQL Serer, and that you can use logic and perseverence to work through an issue.

Tell me how you learned to do something, with research, asking questions or experimentation.

The past job experience you have in another field isn’t as relevant to me in the SQL Server world as the skills you have, or the work you’ve done to learn new skills. Put those near the top of your resume, and highlight the reasons I should give you a chance.

It’s a change of pace, refreshing, and should catch the eye of HR people.

Is Your Work Worth Doing?

This is an interesting blog that talks about people that find value, satisfaction, or worthiness in their jobs, however small, because they’re making a difference in the world. Sometimes a tiny difference, but a difference nonetheless.

I hope you view the world in the same way, that you think there are things you do that make life better for other people. Whether that’s one other person or one million.

That’s how I view the talks I give on SQL Server. I’m not trying to lecture the world or impress everyone with some amazing new technical item. I’m trying to reach one or two people, get them to think, and hopefully make their job better.

I also highly value the people I work with. If I don’t like them, I don’t take the job.

If you don’t think there’s something in your job worth doing, perhaps you should think about finding a new job.

This TED talk on the subject is referenced in the article, and worth watching.

Chip Conley: Measuring What makes life worthwhile

Is your employer professional?

Read this.

If they’re not, then should you move on?

(hint: yes)