simon.crick (9/11/2013)
I agree 100% with the idea of a probationary period.However... you still have to decide which candidate to hire for the probationary period, and it is still 6 months wasted if you get the decision wrong.
Therefore, you still need some way to choose the best candidate, and I still believe academic qualifications are the most reliable indicator of long-term potential.
Sitting someone in front of SSMS will tell you how useful they will be on day 1, but not how useful they will be in 6 months or a year.
Simon
I like the idea of probation periods, but I agree that it doesn't reduce much of the pressure. You are still out a person and time if things don't work out.
I'm not sure I think academics are a long term indicator. They do show someone is willing to work through a long term project (a degree), and can learn, but it doesn't speak to long term motivation, to being motivated to be a DBA, etc.