Hi John,
Great article with some very interesting perspectives coming through from everyone...
For me two issues coming through:
First issue is I have a catch all CV (Resume) and I'm getting a lot of responses from agencies (in the UK) regarding opportunities. My CV lists skills such as C# (alongside SQL, MCITP) and of course the agencies doing the DB search are picking up my CV as a result of this blanket search method. As a result I'm often called offering C# .net developer jobs.
Second issue is I have experience performing daily DBA functions (while employed as developer) and strong T-SQL skills but I'm not getting offered positions as a DBA / DBD and this is what I really want to do. Past roles include IT system technical analyst and developer and I've been working with a plethora of IT systems since the mid 90's. Since 2006 I've learnt (self taught, course & work experience) and loved using MS SQL Server and have decided this was where I wanted to go with my IT career. After being made redundant in 2009 I decided to get qualified, therefore I did the MCITP in DBA & DBD learning tracks in versions 2005 & 2008.
Why should I hire you? You know SQL Server clustering, so what? Why is that of use to me as a business owner? Demonstrate the business value you have delivered because of what you know or have done. Simply listing technology and skills is boring. Take your resume to the next level by clearly showing the reader how you delivered value using what you know. Be factual in your delivery and mind you don’t take it to the other extreme or you’ll end up coming across as boastful
Lastly John you are so on point as per quote. How can I demonstrate to a potential employer that I'm a passionate individual who would love the opportunity to work and learn with them? I'd love to show that I've delivered business value but my experience is limited and while individuals and departments gained value from the work I'd done it is difficult to quantify this?
Once again great article - Any help / advice greatfully received!
ITGuy 🙂
MCTS | MCITP | Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Administration & Development
MCSA | MCSE | Business Intelligence SQL Server 2012