vsbabu.org

Lining up for jobs

eWeek, Lisa Vaas writes how hard it is to get an IT job these days. Unfortunately very true. Since, at the moment, I’m eagerly waiting for the results of a re-organization, I wonder how much I’m in compliance.

Don’t even think about trying to get a job in IT without.... Here’s a 10 minute self evaluation.

The ability to take apart a computer (and put it back together again)

Yes, I worked as a maintenance engineer for PCs, Netware and Unix servers from 1993 to 1995. As long as I don’t have to repair a monitor (got a 25000V shock when some one turned on the power to a monitor I was working on), I’m pretty good.

Basic skills in Windows 2000, Windows NT, and Linux administration

I’ve pretty good exposure to Windows 2000 and NT when it comes to administering IIS and Content Indexer. I’ve been setting up and trouble shooting Linux servers since 1995.

Familiarity with at least one of the significant databases (Oracle, DB2, SQL Server)

Working extensively with Oracle since 1995. Proficient in SQL, PL/SQL, Pro*C, Oracle Designer and Oracle Developer.

Experience in security hardening and knowledge of security issues

Hmmm... I can do that for web applications. Can setup IPChains rules in Linux.

Strong skill in HTML editing and creation

Alright. I still can’t work as productively with WYSIWYG editors as I can with VIM. I prefer hand tuning HTML code.

At least a working ability to create and edit XML, XML Schema and DTDs

Have created XML datastores, parsers and management utilities. I’ve been planning to create a forms generator to edit XML based on XML Schema definition, but not yet got time to start on it.

Knowledge of a scripting language

Every week, since 1993, I’ve been coding atleast one script in either of these languages/tools. Perl, Python, PHP, WSH (VBScript and JScript), KSH, Bash, AWK, SED. Used a bit of Tcl and Rebol in between.

Working knowledge of at least one significant modern programming language

I had programmed in C from 1989 to 2000. Since then I’ve been working on web technologies, where scripting technologies are preferred. Apart from C, I’ve programmed using Pascal, C++ and Java. I’ve been trying to use Java, but I’ve not been able to find some interesting project to do with it - made a cross platform database browser and query GUI once. Dropped it in favour of Squirrel SQL.

Familiarity with router and switch configuration

Not much. Some maintenance work between 1993-1995.

Experience with using an SNMP system to track system faults

Not at all.

Ability to automate desktop management tasks such as disk cloning for new-system setup

Lots. Been using AutoIt, WSH on Windows. Shell scripts in *NIX.

Familiarity with (and frequent visits to) key knowledge bases, including BugTraq, Slashdot and major vendors' Web sites

Yes. Slashdot, Freshmeat, Security Focus, MSDN, Oracle Technet, Zope, Python, Javasoft, Apache , O'ReillyNet.

People skills, especially the ability to work as part of a team

That really depends on the team. If the team shares the same goals, yes. If the team wants others to get their jobs done, no.

A tough skin

I get irritated when people waste my time. I’m working on that.

Repeating myself! Need to update résumé.

1. Pretty good information on doing independent consulting in USA - http://www.geocities.com/Eureka/5855/startup.htm

   Posted by: Babu on September 15, 2002 06:44 PM