Re: [SAGE] Tests for Systems Administrator interviews.

[Gregg Phillips <Gregory.M.Phillips@noaa.gov>]

We currently conduct oral interviews over the phone with a list of 
questions asking for experience in certain areas along with specific 
questions.

We then bring in prospective candidates for a technical verbal interview 
with about 2-3 Senior Systems Administrators.

I am looking to augment this process by trying to learn the level of 
problem solving skills a potential candidate posses. I also believe this 
will show the depth of knowledge a candidate can show in specific areas 
such as DNS, networking, scripting. Finally, the ability to think on 
your feet will also show through in a timed test.

Gregg.


John Sechrest wrote:
> One of the reasons that you invite people to come do interviews is
> to get to know the personality and the style of the person. Things
> that you can not know without being with the person.
> 
> I would suggest that tests that are meant as a skill barrier should
> be done before you invite people to an interview. 
> Having people pass a threshold ahead of the interview will save
> time and money for everyone.
> 
> 
> 
> Gregg Phillips <Gregory.M.Phillips@noaa.gov> writes:
> 
>  % We are considering the idea of testing prospective Systems Administrator 
>  % candidates for future positions at our site. I would like to get some 
>  % experiences that the group has had putting together and administering 
>  % tests. Below are a few questions I have for those who have done testing 
>  % or just have an opinion:
>  % 
>  % 1. Written test vs hands-on test.
>  % 
>  %   a. What questions would you put on a written test?
>  % 
>  %   b. What kind of hands-on scenarios have you presented (build a box vs 
>  %    what's wrong with this box)?
>  % 
>  % 2. Windows and Unix tests.
>  %   a. What major areas would you test for either OS (Active Directory, 
>  % DNS, Exchange, sendmail)?
>  % 
>  %   b. What kind of hands-on scenarios would you present for each OS?
>  % 
>  % 3. What positive or negative experiences have you had with giving the 
>  % above tests?
>  % 
>  % 4. What positive or negative experiences have you had taking the above 
>  % tests?
>  % 
>  % 5. Any other comments?
>  % 
>  % 
>  % TIA, I will summarize and post the information I receive.
>  % 
>  % 
>  % Gregg Phillips
>  % Lead Systems Administrator
>  % Forecast Systems Laboratory
>  % DOC/NOAA/OAR/FSL/ITS
> 
> -----
> John Sechrest          .         Helping people use
>                         .           computers and the Internet
>                           .            more effectively
>                              .                      
>                                  .       Internet: sechrest@peak.org
>                                       .   
>                                               . http://www.peak.org/~sechrest