Read more...

Through a circuitous route, I encountered a meaningful, thought-provoking quote lately: "... the best way to predict the future is to...  Read more...

I have been pondering recently what helps me to sleep at night.  Or, conversely, what prevents me from sleeping at...  Read more...

So I’d planned to already have this done and published before the new year rolled around, but life got in...  Read more...

After several tries I think we finally have it working.  If you were unable to attend the last two SQLLunches,...  Read more...

When deciding what to learn, there's a binary decision. Will you focus on a strength or a weakness? I think many people focus mostly on their strengths because they have a goal of really standing out in something. They perhaps want to avoid being..  Read more...

I've actually been meaning to write about my journey as a SQL Server professional, but kept putting it off. I...  Read more...

A recent blog by Jack Corbett (No Training Budget Still No Excuse, followed up by SSC’s Steve Jones here) hit...  Read more...

In a couple of previous posts (Part One and Part Two), I shared some thoughts about starting a career path...  Read more...

I read Jack Corbett's blog entry,No Training Budget Still No Excuse, last week and thought it was excellent. In fact,...  Read more...

It's hard to actually put a specific value on networking, and I've been skeptical of it in the past. However...  Read more...

The 70-433 will be my first Microsoft certification test. There are two main reasons why I've decided to take on this quest. The first reason is to "fill in the cracks." Even on fundamental topics I've found myself saying "oh  Read more...

What do you do after you're certified? Steve Jones has a few thoughts.  Read more...

Like many SQL Server (and other technology) people, I utilize several social networking vehicles to stay in touch with others in the SQL community. Some of those who don’t use Facebook and Twitter (among others) have expressed skepticism of the real value of social networking. Does it work? Does it provide any value beyond entertainment? Can it actually help your career? I believe the answer to all of these queries is Yes.  Read more...

In the last year or so, there have been a lot of articles, blog entries,and forum posts on the kinds of technical questions hiring managers can ask a prospective DBA candidate in order to determine their technical proficiency. While technical skills are...   Read more...

Someone asked me recently if I subscribed to any services to keep up with SQL Server content. Meaning did I "pay" for content. I said "no" at first, but wanted to follow up with more details. Since this was across Twitter , 140 characters...  Read more...

Getting a job is hard. If you’ve been lucky enough not to struggle for a job, don’t make the mistake of thinking it will always be easy. Equally, finding a good job is harder still. Some more tips for you to consider: Leverage your recruiter. They know..  Read more...

Going through one’s father’s belongings after his death is always a poignant, bitter-sweet experience. I was going through his most precious books a while back; there were books that were written by him, books by friends and relatives, books about friends...  Read more...

Part 1 discussed ways to find opportunities, Part 2 was about how to get more interviews, and today we’ll cover some tips from the employer perspective. Don’t use an AOL.com email address. Seriously. Gmail, Live, Yahoo, all are good, but AOL.com makes...  Read more...

Yesterday I posted Part 1 containing five ideas for those looking for work. Today I’m going to focus on what to do when you’re struggling to get interviews. Your chances of getting hired for any given job once you interview are perhaps 1 in 10 (an unscientific...  Read more...