From: Bernd Felsche <bernie@innovative.iinet.net.au> Message-Id: <200011290333.LAA27831@flywheel.innovative.iinet.net.au> Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2000 11:33:26 +0800 (WST) Subject: Re: [SLE] Linux Certifications Robert Sweet tapped away at the keyboard with:
On Tue, Nov 28, 2000 at 11:46:59AM +0800, Bernd Felsche wrote:
Stuart Powell tapped away at the keyboard with:
Well, Bernd, could you have possibly been any more rude ?
Rude? I wasn't being rude. Nor did I intend to be rude. I merely explained the status quo based on my limited experience.
Basically that certification can leave you woefully ill-equipped to takle real world problems because the certification processes focus on the acquisition of sufficient knowledge to gain certification.
[snip]
Question: How would one secure a job as a sys admin?
I have no formal training. But have been running linux for 6 years now. Have set three networks up, 2 business are running on them. Who would hire me? Would a certificate help? Or do I go to school (is that considered certification?).
Use those networks you've set up as references and state your experience and formal qualifications (if any); but at least the highest education level reached. If by "school" you mean (technical) college or university, then consider that it will provide you with qualifications and little experience. The most important experience you can gain as a sys admin is how to communicate with people; the end-users with difficulties and requirements. Lunch breaks are a good opportunity for informal chats to build relationships. Making the users comfortable in dealing with you is a skill that needs to be developed. If you lask the experience, then consider a part-time admin job to mesh with studies; formal or otherwise. Even a temporary position to fill in while a regular sys admin is on vacation or simply over-loaded for some time. Such possibilities are often financially attractive to potential employers, being lower cost than hiring a consultant to fill in. Future employers generally like to see what you've been doing with your life, so a CV without gaps is recommended. Experience is the main thing employers seek unless they are prepared to accept graduates. The latter is more typical if the employer has a training infrastructure and an indoctrination process. The object of all the paper is to get you an interview. References are good because potential employers can check your background before even offering an interview. Once in the interview, it is very important that you listen carefully to what's being said. Answer questions as best you can and make sure that they understand your answers. If you don't know something, be honest and say so. Standard interview skills apply. Enthusiasm is frequently sought in that sort of role; not desperation. Don't under-sell yourself. While you're looking for a position, you also need to 'network' with people in the industry; make them aware that you're available for a particular type of job. Don't rely on advertisements and agencies. -- /"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia \ / ASCII ribbon campaign | I'm a .signature virus! | X against HTML mail | Copy me into your ~/.signature| / \ and postings | to help me spread! |