So far each candidate has either barely been able to answer our technical questions, or was a recent immigrant who barely had a grasp of the English language. I have absolutely nothing against immigrants because, hey... I married one, but the nature of my job demands excellent communication skills. It's just hard to communicate if you don't speak the same language.
But boy, the stories I could tell. Like the Spanish fellow we interviewed who, when asked if he had any questions for us, responded with...
You know... I like to party. I mean, I reeaally like to party. So, my queshun for you eez... do you like to party?
He didn't get the job. But he was funny.
Yesterday I did a phone screening for a fellow that couldn't answer one single question I asked (I asked five questions). But his resume was incredible. I thought for sure this would be the one. Maybe I'm missing something here, but an early adopter Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer should have been able to answer at least one of my questions. Either his resume was a big ol' lie, or... he was just one of those people that just does not answer questions well. Alrighty.
And then there's the folks that have a good technical background, but have a hard time understanding you without a great deal of explanation. Some interviews have literally gone like this...
Q: What is a database?
A: Uh... sorwy? Can you repeat the queshun?
Q: A database. What is it; why is it important...
A: Are you meaning to a place where data is kept?
Q: Yes... can you elaborate?
A: Uh... Yes. A database is meaning a collection of information stored in computer in systematic way, that computer program can consult it to answer question. The software use to manage and query database is known as database management system. The properties of database system is studied in information science.
After an hour of this... you kinda get the impression that even though the candidate may technically know some stuff (albeit strangely dictionary-like), do I really want to spend my days explaining myself over and over before they understand what I'm saying?
If anyone out there in the software industry is reading this, please please just read one or two technical books before going on your next interview. You will WOW everyone. Seriously. Chances are pretty good that everyone interviewed before you was just... bad.
And don't ever, ever ask if they like to party.
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7 comments:
That's so funny!! So, do you like to party?
Was that guy literally reading that off Wikipedia, or did you copy & paste? Either way, that's hilarious.
What is it with IT people? We've got the same "problem" with finding good IT teaching staff where I work. In the 3 years I've been there, I've seen 4 IT Teachers come & go. The current one managed to last a whole year, but I'll never forget when he told all the staff he loved Bollywood movies, and could teach us the dance moves if we were interested.
It's a "Christian" organisation, so the policy is to employ only practicing Christians. Of course, you can't advertise this, because it's called discrimination, but there's ways around it.
A conversation between the Principal & Head Of Senior School on Friday went something like this.
HOSS: "Wow, we managed to get an application from a genuine Christian IT Teacher! I mean, there's only like 7 in the world, isn't there?"
Princ: "Yeah, we're going to have to put them on the endangered species list. Set up an environmental reserve for them... maybe even a breeding program."
HOSS: "Ahh... I don't think we'll go as far as the breeding program."
But I reckon he's right about the endagered species.
Ah yeah. Long comment. Sorry.
http://english.ohmynews.com/ArticleView/article_view.asp?menu=A11100&no=321074&rel_no=1&back_url=
Great comment Alysa! It is to laugh. :-)
And yes, I like to "party" with other like-minded Christians. For example, over a good game of Uno while sipping hot apple cider, or just sitting around talking after church.
And also yes, I did a little copying from Wikipedia. How very astute of you. :-)
Crazy Uno?? With all the "house rules" like 0 and 7 and "jump ins" That's a wild party to be sure.
So, as Alysa would say "I reckon" I could get that job at her school, as I know IT and I can teach, and I'm a "practicing Christian".
But then I thought, Hey, why don't I just take Ben's old job. I mean, I know what a database is, I party like Bob does, and I speak english as my first language.
How's about it Bob? What's the pay? Enough to lure me into Atlanta traffic?
Fine, Brother Trevor. Take the other job then.
Probably just as well, because... you see... we have this thing with immigrants...
JUST KIDDING!!
Haha. Yeah, sometimes Uno can get a little out of hand. But not as bad as this crazy game called spoons, that my in-laws love to play. Someone always gets injured. Seriously. Hmmm... come to think of it, the game of Spoons would make a good blog post.
Bro. Trevor you're more than qualified for this job: send me your resume immediately!
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