[ale] Since we're on the subject of jobs lately

[Jeff Lightner]

I agree to a certain extent.  Usually I'll ask questions during an
interview to see if they're lying or were just hoping I'd make
assumptions.  I'll usually let it slide if they answer honestly and
don't try to blow smoke up where the sun don't shine.

My own experience is that it's better to put more in the resume and
answer specific questions than to leave things out.  You never know the
recruiters are using for screening.   I'm not a DBA but I have Oracle,
Sybase and Informix on my resume because I've supported environments
using those - often enough that's all they're looking for.  On occasion
I'd get a call for DBA work (even though the objective clearly indicated
Systems Administration work).  I'd rather be the one screening out
recruiters than vice-versa.

-----Original Message-----
From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of
Geoffrey
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:52 AM
To: ale at ale.org
Subject: Re: [ale] Since we're on the subject of jobs lately

Chris Fowler wrote:
> Jeff Lightner wrote:
>> I disagree with the tie comments.
>>   
> 
> What is the functional use of a tie?
>> There's an old saying:  
>> You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
>>
>> I've been employed in the IT field since 1991 and it was sometime
before
>> 1996 that everyone went casual - despite that as I noted above I've
>> always worn a suit and tie to interviews.  Once the job starts it's
>> casual all the way.
>>   
> Unfortunately, over the last many years I've only worn suits to
funerals.
> 
> I think that for me I would wear some slacks, nice button shirt, and a

> conservative tie.
> No jacket.  For one it is Summer and not jacket is needed :)
> 
> Also wear a nice pair of shoes.  If you wear a black belt, wear black 
> shoes.  Same rule applies for brown.   Have your outfit pressed at the

> cleaners.   Do not pump gas on the day of the interview unless 
> afterwards.   Be conservative with any cologne.
> 
> As far as interviews, I've really not even cared to read any resumes.

> If I do it may only be for contact information.  To me what is
important 
> is what the person knows and what the person can do. 

I find this interesting.  When I was with AT&T, I had two different 
positions where one of my responsibilities was technical interviews. 
One for hiring and one for promoting.  In all cases, I always reviewed 
the resumes unless it was one of those rare occasions where it was much 
greater then 2 pages.

Unfortunately, my experiences indicate that roughly 50% of the folks 
interviewed either stretched the truth, or out right lied.  I simply 
could not believe it.  In my mind, that was a key issue in determining 
the persons integrity, and therefore, whether they should be hired or 
promoted.

My personal belief regarding a resume is that you should be a tad on the

side of bragging, but NEVER lie or stretch the truth.

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
  - Benjamin Franklin
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