Good article. The #5 internal qualities (besides technical skill set) I look for in DBA, Proactive is at the top of my list. 😀

1, Proactve. Does he/she sit around and just babysit servers? Or do they proactively look for issues before they become issues? Are they always looking for ways to improve our systems or are they always outside on their cell phones all the time dealing with personal issues?

2. Problem Solver. Can he/she attack and solve problems on their own? Or do they need constant assistance to address everyday issues? If I have to walk them through everything, then I can do it myself and that defeats the purpose of hiring another person.

3. Commitment. Is he/she willing to do what it takes to get the job done? Or do they always have an excuse to be somewhere else? If they want a 40 hour 9-5 job then go work in a flower shop. This is not the business for them.

4. Confidentiality. Since we deal with sensitive data (ie: salaries), alot can he/she keep things under their hat? Or are they a just company PA system? Mouthpieces cause companies and departments alot of trouble. I weed them out quick.

5. Work-Oriented. I am looking for a person that comes to work every day ready to dig in to the issues at hand. I am not running a dating service or a social club. They are being paid to work, not spend all their time in the break room socializing. I have had to let a lot of good DBA's go in the past simply because their priorties at work were in the wrong place.