InstantForum.NET v2.9.0SQLServerCentralhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/notifications@sqlservercentral.comThu, 24 May 2012 13:14:32 GMT20http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1005193-334-1.aspxHi all,Our company has been looking for a Senior level SQL Server DBA, and the last (2) candidates have been lacking some basic performance tuning skills. During our interview, we have a SQL trace that we captured from our production environment that we play back for the candidates. This playback provides a hands on assesment of the candidates ability to perform basic SQL Server 2008 R2 performance tuning techniques. Both of these candidates have over (7) years experience with SQL Server 2000/2005/2008.What's been surprising, is that these "Senior" level candidates were not even aware of SQL Server's "Activity Monitor" and basic use of "SQL Server Profiler", or the use of DMV's. I'm a mid-level SQL Server DBA with about 4 years experience on SQL Server 2000/2005/2008, and I should not be teaching these techniques to "Senior" level candidates. I know there are third party tools to assist in performance monitoring, but I believe you should be able to utilize SQL Server's toolset's such as DMV's first. There will be times when these third party tools will not be available when the "poop" hit's the fan, so relying on them solely as your performance tuning method is a bad idea in my book.Is this normal in the SQL Server DBA community?Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:45:44 GMTTim Parkerhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1258388-334-1.aspxHi all.After working in Seattle USA for the last 15 years, due to family commitments, I need to move back to the UK and would like to find contracting gigs in London or the South east.I am out of touch with with the UK market, and would like some insights on the availability of work right now giving the troubles in the economy, and what sort of rates would be realistic.Also, can anybody recommend some good agencies to contact. Ideally I would like to have something lined up before moving.So, I have 10 years+ development experience with SQL Server development working for Microsoft, Expedia, At&T and a few others.Thanks in advance for any tips.PatrickMon, 27 Feb 2012 10:18:17 GMTpefhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1303928-334-1.aspx:-) Energy manufacturing company in need of a Data Entry/ Admin Assistant. WE have 2 openings. One position is a contract - to-hire. The work on business and personal tasks such as research, writing, marketing and telephone communication for exciting exhibit, cataloger and creative projects. With Best RegardSunny http://www.rigopostad.com/ http://www.rigolist.com http://www.cashclarity.com :-DTue, 22 May 2012 01:43:09 GMTrigetnet11http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1299498-334-1.aspxHey everyone,I just got invited to a job interview for a really interesting job but unfortunately they told me that I don't have enough international working experience for this special job but - lucky for me, they offered me a different positon in their company.So if there's anyone who speaks German and English and is interested in a job as IS Business Analyst...here you go:http://www.headmatch.de/de/stellensuche/1/218/it/business-analyst-is (it's a German job ad)Good luck!CarinaMon, 14 May 2012 06:26:30 GMTCarina.Freibergerhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic737194-334-1.aspxHi,Can anyone provide me some common questions which are asked in a Ineterview for a DBA postThu, 18 Jun 2009 00:42:20 GMTakash.suryanhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1275118-334-1.aspxHello, I wanted to post this out to the community to guage my level of "dumbness". Let me start by saying I currently have a DBA position as a contractor to the Army and I make very good money. I have been doing SQL Server Development/Aministration for over 10 years and I have a masters and a bachelors.So, I got a call from a recruiter who is hiring for a company in Nashville and they pay relocation (I'm comfortable where I'm at but would love to move out of DC Area). So, I said sure what the heck. Its an internal company position, no contracting, very creative place and they are always upgrading to the latest and greatest. They are a real "development" shop. I'm also apparently at the tippy top of their pay scale (actually 5k over their max) and they make anyone with over 100k salary take some sort of super hard critical thinking test... umm ok.So, I had a technical phone interview. I consider myself very knowledgable about SQL and like I said I've been doing it for over 10 years. I did study the frequently asked technical interview questions and such so I tried to brush up on my textbook definitions of things... overall I think I did well but a few of the questions I was kinda like "duhhhhh" on.First question he asked me was about schema binding. He asked me what it was and if I use it. I started talking about not referencing schema names in queries and trying to keep everything in the dbo schema and he was like "while that is great info on how to use schemas, that's not what I was referring to". And I was like oh sorry then no I don't use that. I have since looked it up and I'm like wow how did I not know what that is.The other thing he asked me was how do you code to avoid page splits. I've never actually sat down and said ok I'm gonna code this to avoid a page split... so I admitted that I had never done that and then we kinda talked through it and I was able to explain what a page split is. I am not really deeply versed in the underlying architecture of SQL but I believe I have a good grasp of the concepts and stuff.I think a lot of this stuff I probably just do commonly and not really know the textbook answer to what it is that I'm doing. He also asked me a lot about indexes, deadlocks, locking hints, how I would handle a server that had a 100% maxed cpu, partitioning, how I handle large tables, b-tree and a few other situational things. The rest of the questions I believe I answered really well but I'm left feeling awkward.I've never actually worked in a real development shop surrounded by other developers that are strictly following best practices and using advanced SQL stuff. I know of these things and of course have studied them or participated in conversations about it. But I've never actually used it. Hell, the system I'm working on now doesn't even have referential integrity on their tables! I'm also usually the only DBA on the team or with one other person that just kinda fell into SQL.Should I be concerned that I don't fully comprehend how a b-tree structure works in the database or that I had to look up the ACID principles? To me the ACID principles are more like a "duh" type of thing where of course things should adhere to those principles but I don't actually sit down and code and say ok, I'm going to make sure my transaction follows every ACID property.In the grand scheme of things if they think I'm not worth the money I'm asking for I guess I don't really care... I'm not really looking for a job anyways but you know it just sits in the back of your mind. I really hate interviews that just sit there and ask you test questions. One it makes me super nervous and it just feels so fake I would much rather just have a conversation where we talk about scenarios or situations and explain, in a totally technical manner, how you would solve something or things that you have worked on. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:36:47 GMTamy26http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1298681-334-1.aspx3 years ago, my employer of 17 years cut my job. I decided then that I wanted to become a SQL Server BI expert. I'm well on my way, having taken technical training and getting enough hands-on experience with SSIS and SSRS that I think I'll be ready to take the MCTS certification exam by the end of this year. All part of my master plan, see? I figured once I earned MCTS that I'd become more valuable in the marketplace.So far, my employer has been very accomodating towards my personal goal. They like what I've been able to do with the SQL BI tools. We are running SQL2008 on a Windows Server 2008 VMWare virtual machine. We are using SSIS to download data from the financial system, which has a Sybase back-end, and to generate reports using SSRS. I had hoped to start using SSAS soon, as I've taken a class on it, but haven't had the time to work with it yet.Now, my employer is going to acquire a new financial system (Deltek), along with a reporting system based on Oracle and Cognos. Everything we have done with SQL is going to become useless. So I'm wondering...do I stay here and learn the new tools, and abandon my personal goals when I'm so close to acheiving them, or should I put myself back on the job market so I can stay on track with my SQL plans? Your thoughts will be appreciated!Fri, 11 May 2012 09:20:43 GMTbob.miller 17212http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1296972-334-1.aspxHi all. I was recently offered for SQL developer position and BI specialist position, and I would like to get some advice.My background:I have general understanding of BI (CUBE/DW design concept etc.). I have some experience in SSIS, SSRS, SharePoint. Very limited Database development experience. BI Specialist Position:- One man department. - No in-house SQL/C#/.net developer. Must do everything by myself.- Relaxed/stress free work environment.- No immediate need for BI solution, would like to slowly build something for the future.- SharePoint exposure. (Wants me to admin and implement SharePoint)- I can evaluate and have access to any BI tools.- 65K salarySQL Developer:- Deals with large database- Lot of TSQL/Query optimization/index/Stored procedure/SSIS etc. Only focus on DB development- Amazing senior developers to learn from (Gave me amazing DB index lecture during interview!)- Some exposure to BI, but majority of BI architect will be done by business analysts. - High paced work environment. - 80k salaryAt my work, my MIS director thinks developers are like 'commodity'. There are many SQL developers on the market. But BI specialist is not. He also thinks SharePoint and BI is becoming very popular, so even with less salary, he thinks BI specialist position will help my career. If my career goal is to become a BI architecture, which job is better for my career path? Thank you for reading this.Wed, 09 May 2012 02:54:04 GMTBlackGarlichttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1291678-334-1.aspxFor the last 4 companies I worked for, none of them had a 'real' DBA since they all thought SQL Server was just an easy database to maintain. So I am the database developer becoming an 'accidental' DBA, doing backup and restore, maintaining user security, creating database, tables and so on.Now when I look for job, the company that is looking for a database developer saying that I am too much of a DBA, the company that is looking for a DBA saying that I am too much of a developer.My career seems to be doomed!!!Does anyone have this problem or just me?Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:57:50 GMTLonerhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1147261-334-1.aspxI graduated in 2001 from a major university with a BSBA in Computer Information Systems. I didn't go into the computer field when I graduated. However, I have now found a new desire to get into the computer field. I want to get into SQL Server development. What would the most cost effective/quickest way to get into the field. Will my information systems degree help? What classes should I take? What are employers looking for in entry level SQL Server Developer candidates?Please advise! Thanks!Sun, 24 Jul 2011 17:56:19 GMTbrianpayton21http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1275486-334-1.aspxHi was recently offered a job for a SQL Server DBA position with a base salary of $80K in the Philly area. Do you think this is a good salary? I would really appreciate and expert comments on this.Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:04:28 GMTTempdb12http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1195524-334-1.aspxI want to ask an open question. Feel free to respond with as much info as you want to share.Typically I update my resume on Dice.com every few months so that it stays current. I don't do this because I am on the market, I do it so that recruiters contact me so I can stay up to date on the current market salaries for our profession.As a result of my resume being current I get quite a few emails and phone calls, both local and out of state, even though I specifically set my profile for local, fulltime and above $100,000 jobs. I am trying to weed out the lowball offers.I live in the Seattle/Bellevue/Redmond area. Most of the SQL Server DBA or developer jobs around here, based on my experience, have traditionally been between $90,000 to $110,000. This is for DBAs with some experience obviously. In the past 30 days I have had 3 different companies start quoting $125,000. This is the first time I have heard this figure as a base salary number. It has happened twice in the past week from different companies. I thought it was a fluke the first time it happened in September. That was a company trying to relocate a DBA to Kansas, so I figured they needed to offer larger amounts to get someone to move, so I wrote that off as a desperate situation. But then it has happened again two times in the past week with two different local companies.Just a question out there in general. Have you noticed a serious uptick in quoted FTE salary numbers from recruiters lately?Most seemed at $110,000 before, now $125,000 seems to be the new high water mark. I am sure some high COL areas are higher. Seattle/Bellevue is above average COL, but not like NYC or Palo Alto.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:36:27 GMTJamesMorrisonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1260703-334-1.aspxHi sir,In the below coding no compilation error but using this quary i am not getting the answer please give me the answer for this below quaryselect ProductID,Name,NameResults.Rank as NameRank,DescriptionResults.Rank as DescriptionRankfrom Productleft outer joincontainstable(Product,Name, 'Formsof(INFLECTIONAL,red)and FORMSOF(INFLECTIONAL,blue)', language 'english') as NameResultson Product.ProductID=NameResults.[key]left outer joincontainstable(Product,Description, 'Formsof(INFLECTIONAL,red)and FORMSOF(INFLECTIONAL,blue)', language 'english') as DescriptionResultson Product.ProductID=DescriptionResults.[key]where(NameResults.Rank is not null)and(DescriptionResults.Rank is not null)order by(isnull(NameResults.Rank,0)* 3 + isnull(DescriptionResults.Rank,0))descFri, 02 Mar 2012 03:51:57 GMTashwiniranju14http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic532304-334-1.aspxHi All,My company is looking to hire new SQL develoeprs.What are some good analytical questions that we can ask a candidate to get an idea of how they think or work through processes?Thanks in afvance ChrisFri, 11 Jul 2008 05:31:55 GMTChristopher Stobbshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1252551-334-1.aspxHi Experts,Can you please guide me, right im in L2 Core DBA, what is the next step i have to take?I mean what kind of stuff i have to develop in DBA carrer?I am planning to learn DATA STAGE is it fine or not ?I dont have Cluster administration Exp, How can develop Cluster side activities ?How is Environment in Datacenters, In case i have to work with datacenters, How can develop my self ?Thanks in advance for you guys.TxWed, 15 Feb 2012 09:38:17 GMTshiv-356842http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1239070-334-1.aspxAnyone have any idea how you would price up the following roles? Job sites seem to vary so much...1) DBA Team Leader2) Software Development Manager WITH DBA responsibilityThe latter seems the toughest to get a feel for as its an unusual positionPassing advice on to a friend of mine planning some new positions within his IT departmentThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:10:25 GMTShark Energyhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1219798-334-1.aspxNormally employers don't ask for just one set of skill such as in one suite of product as SQL server. This is more the case in the current environment of the over-supply of job seekers.If you have some level of proficiency in administration, and t-sql programming, what would be a good supplemental skill that you can consider learning to make yourself more marketable?I think .net programming would be a good supplement, but not everyone is cut out to be a a programmer.Sat, 10 Dec 2011 04:49:27 GMTlkokeundahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1207414-334-1.aspxI know there are a lot of answers depending on the size and type of organization, so let me qualify the question as a DBA working for a non-profit institution with around 500 employees. Meaning, the DBA does db admin, server admin, some development, and some reporting - both of the later for various departments.Right now I am in the Server & Network group, meaning I am a Domain Admin and I do a lot of non-database work like setting up servers, administering AD, scripting, ordering hardware, etc. This has many advantages, but I get derailed from my real job fairly often.So I am wondering if I should be in more of an Applications group, or some other area. I would like to know where others are in their organizational hierarchy. Thanks.SteveThu, 17 Nov 2011 05:29:11 GMTSQL-DBAhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1193074-334-1.aspxfriends,we are hiring BI developer in our NHS trust. We are in Birmingham, UK and trust is UHB NHS Trust. just go to http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/Serach for Business Intelligence Developer post. The salary is from £30,450 to £40,157. Good luck. thanks,VijayWed, 19 Oct 2011 11:30:55 GMTdva2007http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1235462-334-1.aspxI have now an opportunity to work on a ~5 months .NET and SQL project for a London, U.K. customer. I'm located in Eastern Europe and I'll work remotely from my location. I have 6 years of experience in both .NET and SQL Server.The project deals with developing a new data import procedure and integrating it in an existing and complex .NET application.I am interested to know how much is considered reasonable to charge per hour in this case. I've already checked payscale.com, but I feel that I need more guidance from those of you who know the U.K. market.Your input will be highly appreciated.Thank you.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:32:37 GMTdmoldovanhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1228940-334-1.aspxHi there,Sorry if this is posted in a wrong place, but I've been trying to find a good spot for it in between the huge amount of forum sections! ;-)I figured I'd introduce myself a bit and get some feedback from you lot. The thing is, I have a somewhat "outdated" degree in Computer Science, with a major in Technical Software Development. I started my career pretty nicely years ago, as a Microsoft developer, where along the way I got certified in SQL Server 2000 and .NET (company I worked for insisted I got MCAD) and worked with that for a bit, first in software maintenance, then design. After a few years, to support my spouse in his specialist career, we immigrated, I had troubles finding work in my field of work and ended up working at his company in a different industry, where I worked myself in a pretty nice position, but then the recession hit and the company went down. We moved yet again, he got a new job, but this time the new company did not see room for me due to budget cuts. Things got even more complicated when I had an accident and was unable to work for a number of years and my days were filled with slowly re-learning the physical basics, while neglecting my mental side. Now I'm recuperated, a job would help so much, but in the current economic climate (I live in the UK btw) jobs aren't up for grabs so I've been thinking about how to proceed more wisely and structured and have been talking to a career adviser. I've been playing around with the idea to get back to my old profession and pick up IT again and focus on databases, Microsoft based as it fits my CV better. Perhaps this time, a little less development as I haven't done that for 5+ years now, but perhaps more in an administrator role as I feel like my last role has more transferable skills (I started at QA and ended at project management). I'm not entirely sure yet and I'm taking it one step at a time. I've been reading up on articles about this and how hard it is to get a junior role as companies fear their precious data etc. I feel like I've been in a time machine and woke up in another time, as IT moves so fast. Most of the knowledge and experience I had is covered with a big layer of dust and I have issues with remembering what it was all about again. I'm thinking about taking a course on SQL Server Development and Maintenance, as that seems broad enough to keep open the development side, but also have a wink to admin which might help better in figuring out what I'd want to do. Would that be a good refresher? Also, would it mind whether I'd go for 2005 or 2008 and I also more recently saw talk about 2012 introduction courses? It's a jungle out there. :)I've carefully started doing a home project, bit of web development with a friend (ASP.NET, JSON and javascripting) which I know are not relevant perse, but at least the gears are set in motion. Perhaps I can get some database usage included in this at some point as well once the basics are set. I've also started doing volunteerwork, teaching disabled people stuck at home how pcs work and how to use the Internet. I couldn't find any traineeships/internships/shadow work/volunteer work that involved databases, apart from a few charities that actually asked for 2+ years experience who never replied to my application. Perhaps I should just download and play around with SQL Server, but without having a clear idea what to work on, I'm kind of relying on a course to trigger my enthusiasm again because I feel lost. That and getting in contact with passionate people who can hopefully rub off some of that. Any of you perhaps have some good tips for me to get back on track?Thanks in advance.PS. Happy New Year :-DMon, 02 Jan 2012 09:45:52 GMTPathfinderhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1187401-334-1.aspxHi all,Perhaps all of you from time to time encountered a problem, when a recruting agent asks you about your current salary, but you don't want to give an answer. Particularly, as for me, I want to know first how much the posision is going to offer. So how to nicely refuse it? What would be best diplomatically shaped phrase for this ?ThanksFri, 07 Oct 2011 14:56:45 GMTSQL Guy 1http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1217509-334-1.aspxI checked the Forums and I couldn't exactly find the right forum to post this in the Sqlservercentral site. So I decided to post it here. Anyway, my name is John and I am a Service Desk Analyst. I am very interested in learning SQL Server and the database field. Currently I am learning on my own but I would be grateful if you could provide me with advice and guidance. Particularly, the direction that you all took to to become so knowledgeable in SQL Server. What kind of education did you receive? How many years it take for you to gain valuable experience. I'm practicing exercises and reading from many books. However, I feel that my learning is at best minimal. What books and what classes would you recommend? And also how did you all get into the Database field? Any stories, opinions, ideas, advice or anything worth mentioning to this topic would be great. Please share your vast knowledge of all that is database unto me!!! :DTue, 06 Dec 2011 18:53:49 GMTramjohn8http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1206391-334-1.aspxHi all,I'm starting a job search. I have a stable job right now but I'm in a jack-of-all-master-of-none position and want to get specifically into the DBA arena. I've posted my resume a couple of places and have started hearing from some recruiters. My question is that one position sounds like a good fit but is a contact to hire position. I'd have to move, though not too far. My question is what are people's views about contract to hire when I'm looking to have a full time job?Thanks,CliffTue, 15 Nov 2011 20:42:23 GMTcorderhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1121408-334-1.aspxI've really taken an interest in MS BI development over the past few years and have been considering making a move into consulting. I have about 3 yrs of MS BI Development (7yrs in the IT-field) and have just been on a tear to learn everything I can about developing big beautiful AS cubes...to me there really isn't anything sweeter than a perfectly designed and well-tuned cube (besides some hot sex).What steps should I be taking to prepare myself?What's the deal with all the IT staffing agencies that seem to make up 80% of the job postings? What sites should I use/avoid for finding work?I should mention that I'm currently employed in a very secure job...but I'm BORED. The "right-way" is constantly tossed aside in favor of the "quick-way". I spend too much time working with duct-tape than working on new projects. I'm interested in 3-12 month gigs...in and out, on to the next. I want to learn to sell my ideas and myself which I think is something I can pickup by moving into a consulting role.Any advice is much appreciated.Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:57:58 GMTiPolvohttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1039619-334-1.aspxI am going to migrate to Canada after few month.I want to know how difficult or easy to get job for SQL developer there?Anyone have any idea?Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:03:41 GMTBharat Pantheehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1208520-334-1.aspxUSA only please. Other countries vary too widely. Even within the USA there are variations based on cost of living.Please select an answer than includes the TOTAL of your base salary plus what you expect any bonus might be plus any expected 401k match or stock grants. Try to roughly estimate the total compensation you receive each year.Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:23:55 GMTJamesMorrisonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1190838-334-1.aspxGreetings all :-D. First let me say...thanks for a great PASS Summit, it was my first time and I was very grateful for meeting so many new people (as I am a chronic isolationist!) and learning so much! Now on to my s-storm of a week! I manage a decent sized Datawarehouse that my company does BI off of. Cubes, Reporting Services, etc. I should state here, that we have NO test or dev environment, although I have been asking for one since I started. Now with this in mind, we have had a failure in the nightly load 4 out of the 5 days this week, while at PASS none the less (since I live just north of Seattle, I was up at 5am anyways!) So despite having a great time at PASS I was having a horrible time with work. Our main issue was an FTP file we get from across the seas. I am not sure why this particular place cannot create a simple csv flat file for database consumption, but suffice to say for 4 months we had problems. So they finally got it finished and I tested this on Saturday (note that this testing is in production) with no issues. Come Monday our load fails because they put an invalid date in the file which failed the check constraints. So frantically Monday I attempt to solve the problem. I resolve this, but for the next 3 days we have continued issues...why? Because this is all in production. In hind sight I should have just dedicated a few hours I needed in order to resolve the problem thoroughly but the fixes I had thought I had made did not completely hold up to all issues. This morning, we had one more failure due to an unrelated issue was easily resolvable. Now I would like to say that despite these failures, no one was without data or reporting, they simply did not have the most recent updated data. I realize this is important but the system was still online. Also, I resolved the issue and have everyone's data to them within 30 minutes or less (which is better than pizza hut!). So the 'outage' was really very minimal. I am already beyond frustrated with myself in not handling this as well as I could, and should have but, this morning I received an email from my boss (who has only worked her for 3 months) stating that this was highly embarrassing and that I need to dedicate next week to ensuring my system is much more resilient. Now I tend to be a bit more emotional than most, and I took quite a great deal of offense to this. I apologized, but the damage to my confidence had already been done. I know what I am doing and feel that I have done the best I can with the systems given to me. I realize that despite that, that this week is still my fault however, if I had the proper environment 'test/dev' then this week would have never happened. I feel like I am getting the negative attention and critique for some things that are beyond my control. Also, it is not like this system fails very often. I had one hiccup 2 months ago and since then it has been fine for quite a while before that. I could understand this is an uncommon issue, but I felt that the email from my boss was very unprofessional, and plainly insulting (well to me anyways). My last boss would have taken the time to understand the issue, and given me support to resolve it the best I could. I feel like this new boss is more concerned with how everyone else views her than actually supporting her team. So right now I am considering sending a detailed email to her boss (my vp, who I know fairly well) but I am conflicted as to what the best approach to this situation would be. I do not want to jeopardize my career, but I also feel I should have better support from my leader. What are your thoughts?Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:08:36 GMTshannonjkhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1182449-334-1.aspxHi there! I am looking for some advice/guidance from fellow SQL gurus about my career. I am not surrounded by SQL Developers in my real life, so this is the next best thing. :) I have a BS in Computer Science and a master of science in MIS and I have 12+ years experience with SQL Development/DBA and a Top secret clearance. I currently work as a gov't contractor in DC. Basically, I'm bored as gov't life (at least at my agency) doesn't allow for creativity or implementing new and exciting things. The extent of my day usually consists of creating a table, writing an import procedure and possibly creating an SSRS report for a system I implemented for my employer. I'm basically getting left behind in technology and I do not get to do any kind of high end SQL stuff... even though I have over 12 years in this field, I've never done anything with clustering, mirroring, broker services, or any kind of .NET or programming. Generally the type of positions I get in are where I'm the only database person (or in my current place there is 1 other) and I work in a reporting environment where we're not acting as the main transactional system or anything.So, I started looking for a new job (preferably not in gov't) and I'm really blown away by the job descriptions. For a normal SQL developer I see things like must have C#, .NET, windows administration, experience in all the SQL stuff I don't do and years of experience in SQL 2008. I just got our shop to upgrade to 2005 from 2000. I do have training in 2008, but not actual implemented systems. Or, the job is way junior and I'm totally over qualified for it.I live in DC, so the market is very competitive. I'm wondering if I should be looking at getting a certification or just keep plugging away? Generally, are these job ads that are asking for the sun the moon and the stars willing to take someone who knows their stuff but just needs to come up to speed on some of the more advanced features? I've applied to so many jobs and the ones I really want, I never hear from. I get calls constantly about contracting positions but that's not really what I want. I thought I was pretty advanced in my field but looking at some of these job descriptions I feel like a noob.Any advice or insight would be most appreciative. :)Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:25:59 GMTamy26http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1136164-334-1.aspxPlease advise: Dream of becoming a DBA is challenging. I am figuring this out these days. I got my MCITP/MCTS in SQL 2008, now what? Companies these days are looking for Mid-Senior Level DBA? My past experience has been in Entry Level IT. I am hoping to land a Junior Level DBA job or even a internship (paid or non-paid), where I can get hands on experience. Allot of DBA come to this site too get information, I would like to know how did your first job/internship in becoming DBA? We all started somewhere right?Any input or advise is greatly appreciated it. If you can offer me a internship or Junior Level DBA, God Bless you. You will help to launch my career and my dream :-)My email address is: sonny_bhalla@yahoo.comMon, 04 Jul 2011 16:49:39 GMTsonny_bhallahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1159613-334-1.aspxI would like to specialize, but since some management and most, if not all, customers (who are non-technical) expect you to know it ALL, that's difficult.What other tasks do you do at your job other than SQL?Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:54:47 GMTgeuncho6http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1164368-334-1.aspxTo end-users, it does not matter what kind of administrator you are. Whether you are Windows, Network, Database or Webmaster or Developer or any IT person. Most end users consider you the same who is suppose to know [b]everything there is about computers under the sun[/b]. When you interact with these end-users they will ask all kinds of questions including those that fall outside of your specialty. I tried telling them those are not my specialty and you need to contact another person in IT. Some are ok with that answer, but some complain saying that [b]your purview is NARROW[/b], and think you are incompetent.How do you manage end-user who expect you to know everything about computers?Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:54:46 GMTgeuncho6http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1137394-334-1.aspxCurrently I am stuck with a job I don't like, I don't think my boss is qualified for his position, I think the team is dyfunctional.The job is boring, most of time I am surfing the internet.I get an offer from a small company that looks liked a challenge job and the people seem nice to work with.However since it is a start up company, they can offfer me $12,000 less than my current salary.Would you change to a more challenging job or stuck with a boring job but with more money?Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:13:27 GMTLonerhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1173940-334-1.aspxHi,What type of phone interview questions will you ask someone applying for the position of analyst/developer (sql, ssrs, ssis)?ThanksTue, 13 Sep 2011 02:05:11 GMTkatz_avitalhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1180702-334-1.aspxHello all,There is so many [b]recruitment Consultants[/b] website but they all are not safe,many more are fake save your self from recruitment Consultants sites.Thanks[b]recruitment[/b]Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:04:03 GMTrecruitermate40http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1174049-334-1.aspxI have a question, well two actually. Has anyone worked within Business Intelligence under the leadership of IT? And would you have considered it to be a success or all that it could be?Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:56:24 GMTwildhhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1150261-334-1.aspxI just saw a listing for a DBA job, and I think I have the technical skill & experience for 85-90% of it, but the way it's worded and some of the requirements make it sound as if they're looking for someone a bit stronger (and more formal) in some areas, including lead work, reporting and non SQL applications.I could:- just delete it- Apply directly, let them know where I'm at & see what happens- Go through a recruiter to get a feel for things and what they're really looking for- other ?Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:07:59 GMThomebrew01http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1122015-334-1.aspxMy company is about to open a position under our main DBA (dude is a SQL god by comparison to me). I have worked with SQL in several flavors (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, etc.) as well as having written code with VB 6 (and am slowly learning VB.NET) over a 10 year period. My last stint as a full developer was 4 years ago, but I have not left SQL since that time as I've been in analysis roles. Since I began work here I have evolved my skills to a higher plane, and feel I know more now than I ever have before...with SQL. Our company uses Cold Fusion to create our internal site, and this does a great deal of our processing as well. I have never worked with CF before, but the code doesn't look too complicated to me.My question boils down to this: How do I know if I'm really ready to take that step?I know that in the end this is something I will need to evaluate myself on, and I have done so enough to have already signaled that I want to be considered for the position. Even still I'm curious if any of you can offer some advice to me...sort of sanity check points if you will.Before you ask, no I am not 100% sure what all the position will entail. I believe it will be programming, standard admin processes (backups, monitoring disk sizes, etc.), and I know it will include restructuring and synchronizing a few of our databases. I am fairly comfortable with all of that. I haven't done much in the way of maintenance for a while, but our DBA already has plans in place, so that is a no brainier to me.Any thoughts you have will be more than welcome.Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:38:12 GMTjarid.lawsonhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1148773-334-1.aspxI just interviewed for a position within my company in a different team that uses Oracle. So far my only career exposure has been with SQL Server, for 3.5 yrs. Would it be wise to make a move now? Or just stick with SQL Server? Or would it matter at all? After all, the concepts and fundamentals are all the same...Any thoughts..?Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:53:13 GMTairparkroadhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1147380-334-1.aspxHiya all,I have been working for 9 years as an ICT support techy within the education sector. over the past year iv thought about trying to specialise a little rather than at the moment be a jack-of-all-trades.I have been looking at DBA roles, partly bacause I do have a little experience in SQL as I managed a server in one of my roles (all be it a small server, with a tiny database)I`m under no illusions its not the kind of role I can just walk into, so Iv been looking at Junior roles, I`m midlands/UK base as I know markets differ. just wanted peoples opinions how easy (or difficult) would it be for me?ThanxMon, 25 Jul 2011 04:36:50 GMTsendai789