Getting and Finding Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators Jobs. The Ultimate Guide for Job Seekers and Recruiters

Transcription

1 Getting and Finding Computer Network, Systems, and Database The Ultimate Guide for Job Seekers and Recruiters

2 Copyright Notice of Rights All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. No Claim to Orig. U.S. Govt. Works. Notice of Liability The information in this book is distributed on an As Is basis without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of the book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the products described in it. Trademarks Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations appear as requested by the owner of the trademark. All other product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of infringement of the trademark. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book. 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 6 COMPUTER NETWORK, SYSTEMS, AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS THE LOWDOWN... 9 Significant Points Nature of the Work Employment Job Outlook Earnings Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information FINDING AND APPLYING FOR COMPUTER NETWORK, SYSTEMS, AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS Where to Learn About Job Openings Job Search Methods Applying for a Job Job Interview Tips Evaluating a Job Offer WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE HIRING THE BEST COMPUTER NETWORK, SYSTEMS, AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS THE INTERVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS Step Step

4 Step Step SAMPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE FOCUSED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Responsible Likeable Believable Outgoing Unflappable INTERVIEWING Planning Confirming/Scheduling Interview Conducting the Interview Closing Follow Up TIPS ON INTERVIEWING Questions/ Assessment Tools Interview Questions To Get You Started Supervisor and Manager Competencies Interviewing People With Disabilities Accommodating Persons With Disabilities For An Interview Interview Do s and Don ts CHECKING REFERENCES Which References Should I Check?

5 Tips for Checking References The Reference Check Questions To Ask Prohibited Questions and Practices RECORDING A PROFILE OF IMPRESSIONS Supervisory and Managerial Competencies: Building Coalitions/Communication: RECRUITING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Before Submitting the Vacancy When the Vacancy Announcement is Open Once the Certificate is Received After the Selection is Made ASSESSING YOUR RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PRACTICES 134 Policies and Procedures Recruitment Strategies

6 INTRODUCTION For the first time, a book exists that compiles all the information candidates need to apply for their first Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators job, or to apply for a better job. What you'll find especially helpful are the worksheets. It is so much easier to write about a work experience using these outlines. It ensures that the narrative will follow a logical structure and reminds you not to leave out the most important points. With this book, you'll be able to revise your application into a much stronger document, be much better prepared and a step ahead for the next opportunity. The book comes filled with useful cheat sheets. It helps you get your career organized in a tidy, presentable fashion. It also will inspire you to produce some attention-grabbing cover letters that convey your skills persuasively and attractively in your application packets. After studying it, too, you'll be prepared for interviews, or you will be after you conducted the practice sessions where someone sits and asks you potential questions. It makes you think on your feet! This book makes a world of difference in helping you stay away from vague and longwinded answers and you will be finally able to 6

7 connect with prospective employers, including the one that will actually hire you. This book successfully challenges conventional job search wisdom and doesn't load you with useful but obvious suggestions ("don't forget to wear a nice suit to your interview," for example). Instead, it deliberately challenges conventional job search wisdom, and in so doing, offers radical but inspired suggestions for success. Think that "companies approach hiring with common sense, logic, and good business acumen and consistency?" Think that "the most qualified candidate gets the job?" Think again! Time and again it is proven that finding a job is a highly subjective business filled with innumerable variables. The triumphant jobseeker is the one who not only recognizes these inconsistencies and but also uses them to his advantage. Not sure how to do this? Don't worry-how to Land a Top-Paying Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators Job guides the way. Highly recommended to any Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators jobseeker, whether you want to work for the government or a company. You'll plan on using it again in your efforts to move up in the world for an even better position down the road. 7

8 This book offers excellent, insightful advice for everyone from entry-level to senior professionals. None of the other such career guides compare with this one. It stands out because it: 1) explains how the people doing the hiring think, so that you can win them over on paper and then in your interview; 2) has an engaging, reader-friendly style; 3) explains every step of the job-hunting process - from little-known ways for finding openings to getting ahead on the job. This book covers everything. Whether you are trying to get your first Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators job or move up in the system, get this book. 8

9 COMPUTER NETWORK, SYSTEMS, AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS THE LOWDOWN Significant Points Nature of the Work Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employment Job Outlook Projections Data Earnings OES Data Related Occupations Sources of Additional Information 9

10 Significant Points Employment is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations and add 286,600 new jobs over the decade. Excellent job prospects are expected. Workers can enter this field with many different levels of formal education, but relevant computer skills are always needed. 10

11 Nature of the Work Information Technology (IT) has become an integral part of modern life. Among its most important functions are the efficient transmission of information and the storage and analysis of information. The workers described below all help individuals and organizations share and store information through computer networks and systems, the Internet, and computer databases. NETWORK ARCHITECTS or NETWORK ENGINEERS are the designers of computer networks. They set up, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. Systems are configured in many ways and can range from a connection between two offices in the same building to globally distributed networks, voice mail, and systems of a multinational organization. Network architects and engineers perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, which often require both hardware and software solutions. For example, setting up a network may involve the installation of several pieces of hardware, such as routers and hubs, wireless adaptors, and cables, as well as the installation and configuration of software, such as network drivers. These workers may also research related products and make necessary 11

12 hardware and software recommendations, as well as address information security issues. NETWORK AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATORS design, install, and support an organization s computer systems. They are responsible for LANs, WANs, network segments, and Internet and intranet systems. They work in a variety of environments, including large corporations, small businesses, and government organizations. They install and maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor networks to ensure their availability to users. These workers gather data to evaluate a system s performance, identify user needs, and determine system and network requirements. Systems administrators are responsible for maintaining system efficiency. They ensure that the design of an organization s computer system allows all of the components, including computers, the network, and software, to work properly together. Administrators also troubleshoot problems reported by users and by automated network monitoring systems and make recommendations for future system upgrades. Many of these workers are also responsible for maintaining network and system security. DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS work with database management software and determine ways to store, organize, analyze, use, and 12

13 present data. They identify user needs and set up new computer databases. In many cases, database administrators must integrate data from old systems into a new system. They also test and coordinate modifications to the system when needed, and troubleshoot problems when they occur. An organization s database administrator ensures the performance of the system, understands the platform on which the database runs, and adds new users to the system. Because many databases are connected to the Internet, database administrators also must plan and coordinate security measures with network administrators. Some database administrators may also be responsible for database design, but this task is usually performed by DATABASE DESIGNERS or DATABASE ANALYSTS. (Database designers are covered in the Handbook section on computer software engineers and computer programmers.) COMPUTER SECURITY SPECIALISTS plan, coordinate, and maintain an organization s information security. These workers educate users about computer security, install security software, monitor networks for security breaches, respond to cyber attacks, and, in some cases, gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber crime. The responsibilities of computer security specialists have increased in recent years as cyber attacks have become more sophisticated. 13

14 TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS focus on the interaction between computer and communications equipment. These workers design voice, video, and data-communication systems, supervise the installation of the systems, and provide maintenance and other services to clients after the systems are installed. They also test lines, oversee equipment repair, and may compile and maintain system records. WEB DEVELOPERS are responsible for the technical aspects of Web site creation. Using software languages and tools, they create applications for the Web. They identify a site s users and oversee its production and implementation. They determine the information that the site will contain and how it will be organized, and may use Web development software to integrate databases and other information systems. Some of these workers may be responsible for the visual appearance of Web sites. Using design software, they create pages that appeal to the tastes of the site s users. WEBMASTERS or WEB ADMINISTRATORS are responsible for maintaining Web sites. They oversee issues such as availability to users and speed of access, and are responsible for approving the content of the site. Webmasters also collect and analyze data on Web activity, traffic patterns, and other metrics, as well as monitor and respond to user feedback. 14

15 Work environment. Network and computer systems administrators, network architects, database administrators, computer security specialists, Web administrators, and Web developers normally work in well-lighted, comfortable offices or computer laboratories. Most work about 40 hours a week. However, about 15 percent of network and systems administrators; 14 percent of database administrators; and about 16 percent of network systems and data communications analysts (which includes network architects, telecommunications specialists, Web administrators, and Web developers) worked more than 50 hours per week in In addition, some of these workers may be required to be on call outside of normal business hours in order to resolve system failures or other problems. As computer networks expand, more of these workers may be able to perform their duties from remote locations, reducing or eliminating the need to travel to the customer s workplace. Injuries in these occupations are uncommon, but like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing on a keyboard, these workers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 15

16 Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Training requirements vary by occupation. Workers can enter this field with many different levels of formal education, but relevant computer skills are always needed. Certification may improve an applicant s chances for employment and can help workers maintain adequate skill levels throughout their careers. Education and training. Network and computer systems administrators often are required to have a bachelor s degree, although an associate degree or professional certification, along with related work experience, may be adequate for some positions. Most of these workers begin as computer support specialists before advancing into network or systems administration positions. (Computer support specialists are covered elsewhere in the Handbook.) Common majors for network and systems administrators are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS), but a degree in any field, supplemented with computer courses and experience, may be adequate. A bachelor s degree in a computer-related field generally takes 4 years to complete and includes courses in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics. Most programs also include general education courses such as English and 16