Over the next few days I will be conducting interviews for my company Thoughtcorp. We are looking for some new ETL developers. We are looking to expand our staff in this area and a number of candidates are on their way in to meet with us. I feel that I have some high standards when I am interviewing candidates. I expect them to be honest; if you don’t know something, then say you don’t. If you think you have a thoughtful guess, then go ahead. I look at people who have intelligence and a knack for problem-solving. Of course I look for solid technical knowledge or the ability to acquire solid technical experience. So what do you think? I think this sounds like about a million ETL coders out there. So how do I make a choice?
I look at what makes them different? Have you written a book? Have you written an article? Have you written a white paper? Have you attended a conference? Have you presented at a conference? Have you presented something at your office? Do you play golf? Do you coach a team? Do you lead people? Are you ready to be a leader one day? These are the things I want to know. I often have interviews that are conversations and we come to the end and they may ask me why I didn’t ask any technical questions? Generally in the conversation I had, but these people are people who I know have good experience, so it becomes more about the rest of the package. I usually tell them that they could probably answer any question I have. I usually through a hardball out there with a good deep question, which of course they answer. It is about what makes them different.
How do you become different? You need to become active. In the new Web 2.0 world you can start a Blog, get active on line in the discussion group of interest, become part of LinkedIn, start to Twitter. Of course in the People 1.0 world, you may chose to go to your local user group, but don’t just go, volunteer. Ask how you can help. Most local groups always need some help. Or attend COLLABORATE 09, this going to be a great event with lots of amazing content. Here is the place you can start to make yourself different and better. Being part of a user group has shown that we are more satisfied at work, we are happier and we are richer. At a time like this can you afford to be just another face in the crowd?
Wow!
ReplyDeleteHave you written a book?
Have you written an article?
Have you written a white paper?
Have you attended a conference?
Have you presented at a conference?
Have you presented something at your office?
... that's many questions and make someone ask you like that... Sure!
"why don’t you ask any technical questions?"
About my idea it's a good thing. and good question to ask...
If someone start a Blog, online in the discussion group of interest,
that make them can have different idea (maybe)...
"become part of LinkedIn, start to Twitter"... very good ... help them to know people else. and make them different.... from other ;)
By the way
Have you written a book? No
Have you written an article? Yes, example my blog (surachartopun.com)
Have you written a white paper? Yes
Have you attended a conference? Yes
Have you presented at a conference? I hope some day
Have you presented something at your office? Not yet!
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Thank You for good stuff.