Well, now that I’ve passed the 70-433, I’ve moved on to preparing for the 70-451 PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008. It’s basically a follow-up to the last exam. The downside to this follow up is there are no books or self-paced study guides to help you get ready…
Category: Career Development
Tell me about your strengths
The next tough interview question I’ve often received is “What are your strengths?” As a knowledge worker you’ve got two ways to go here. You can go with the technical skills, or you can go with soft skills. Knowing which way to go can be tough. If you’re just starting out, or you’re applying for…
Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?
Continuing with my series on tough interview questions, I’m going to take on one of the tougher ones. I’ve gotten a variation of this question at least once during each transition from one job to the next. The interviewer is looking for warning signs. He or she is trying to make sure you’re not a…
What Interests You About This Opening?
We’re back to my series on tough interview questions. It’s my hope that by covering these questions, you’re able to put together a plan on how you’ll respond when you actually face these questions. Let’s dive into the next question: “What interests you about this opening?” This question usually comes in about the same time…
I’ve Passed the 70-433!
I wanted to write up a post about passing my exam, and share everything I learned during this process. I had considered drawing parallels between the certification process and the levels Jedi go through on their way to becoming masters. I think I’m going to keep that one in my back pocket for a while…
What Do You Know About Our Company?
Continuing my series on tough interview questions, I’d like to cover one that can really set you apart from the crowd. This one is testing you on how much homework you do, and if it comes after a couple rounds of screening interviews, tests your memory (or note taking) skills. So, what do you know…
Tell Me About Yourself
I’m going to take the next couple posts and cover some of the interview questions people have told me they struggle with the most during an interview. I want to do this to help you. If you ask yourself these questions, you can start building a stock answer to the question. From there, you can…
My First Attempt at the 70-433
A couple weeks back I made my first attempt at the 70-433 SQL 2008 Database Developer exam. I was nervous, it was obvious to me and to those who know me best. It was the unknown that I was really worried about. I’ve been a database programmer for over a decade. People come to me…
Dating and Job Seeking
There’s two things I’ve noticed about the job search right now. If you’re employed your more desired than if you’re single unemployed. If you’re desperate, you’re less desirable than if your cool. This may sound odd to you, but the job hunt is a lot like dating. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been steadily…
Persuasion and The Interview
Persuasion is an art. But it’s an art form that can make your interview go completely differently. Getting the job is always a bout convincing the hiring manager you are the choice for this job. Some of these techniques are simple, some will take time to master. Let’s start with something simple Smile! You’d be…