Seeking Career Advice

[maperry]

google

[sevenhalo]

There's a difference between lieing and side-stepping. If they ask about something unfamiliar to you; be honest about your experience with it but express your willingness to learn it. Never flat out lie. Chances are, they're technical people (maybe in disguise) and they may not confront you about it, but they'll know.

In the IT field, the best things you can have is Experience, Dependability and a willingness to adjust with the company's needs. Some companies would rather train you themselves than try and hire the "total package."

[techgnome]

We've had a couple of applicants lie on their resumes... I don't recommend it. They didn't last past the 90day probation. Depending on the environment, the lack of skill will become blatently apparent.

Take a SQL Server class. Learn some of the differences between Access-SQL and T-SQL (which is what SQL Server uses).

Run through some tutorials... get a SQL Server book.

As for the big deal... stored procedures (when used properly) can be extremly powerful.

-tg

[Hack]

A question that I have is how do your current employeers feel about you?

Every company I've ever applied to required references and at least one of those references was the name of the person I was currently working for. I've gotten jobs for which I did not have the required experience because (I found out later), my current boss told the company that I applied to that I was very quick learner. As sevenhalo has said, some companies are willing to train, but first they need to feel comfortable in taking the chance with someone, and many times that comfort level can be established by both you, in the interview, and what your existing boss has to say about you, over the phone, to the person from the company you are interviewing for.

[maperry]

I've only snagged 1 interview in a month. I've had 3 recruiters contact me, all came up empty, and the 1 interview that I've had is still up in the air.

My current employers obviously think I'm doing something right: I've been a contractor here for 5 years. During one year, I quit and decided to go to college. They followed me there, and had me work off site. I've tried to leave a couple of times, but they just threw more money at me. I dont think they would say anything negative about me.

I'm fundamentally opposed to lying on a application/interview for the reasons you all have listed. Just wanted to make sure I wasnt the ONLY one.