Re: [SAGE] Tests for Systems Administrator interviews.

[John Sechrest <sechrest@peak.org>]

Ahhh. I had these types of technical interviews at HP when I worked
there. We aimed for giving them at the desk problems which 
required problem solving and watched how they worked on the problem.

It makes sense.




Gregg Phillips <Gregory.M.Phillips@noaa.gov> writes:

 % 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

-----
John Sechrest          .         Helping people use
                        .           computers and the Internet
                          .            more effectively
                             .                      
                                 .       Internet: sechrest@peak.org
                                      .   
                                              . http://www.peak.org/~sechrest