Subj : Re: Software Job Market Myths To : comp.programming,comp.software-eng From : Chris Sonnack Date : Mon Aug 15 2005 08:50 pm Robert Maas, see http://tinyurl.com/uh3t writes: >> * What is J2EE? What does it mean? > > There's an aliasing in version numbers in Java. Java 1.1 is considered > J1, wheras Java 1.2 onward is all considered J2. What you're looking for is Java, Platform 2. >> I'm less interested in their exact answers than how they field the >> question and respond, but obviously the content of the answer does >> matter. > > I would suggest any time they seem to get a question basically correct, > you test whether they really understand or are just parroting their > class notes,... I can tell the difference just be listening to how they frame their answer. I can see in their eyes if they know what they're talking about. >> Ability to work with others, seek out their own answers, network with >> others, etc. are equally--if not in some ways more--important than >> their technical ability. > > Those factors are difficult to evaluate during an interview... Not really. Interviews are stressful situations and they strip away some of the veneer and let you peek inside a little if you're observant. It may be because I've been half-deaf all my life, but body language, facial behavior (eye contact and much more) & vocal tone convey a LOT. Attitude is a *huge* factor, also. Two people we interviewed last week were approximately the same technically, but vastly different in terms of how they presented themselves, used humor, made eye contact and a lot of other subtle factors. When considered as a whole package, they weren't even close. A question I've been asking near the end of the interview for the senior position (these applicants all have MANY years "in the saddle") is, "Does the work still give you joy?" It's been fun watching them field that one. The ones I've been giving very high marks to are the ones who's face lights up.... > ...and impossible to evaluate from a resume. We've decided to NOT interview some individuals just because their resume was so poorly put together. Not in terms of content, but in terms of overmuch content or poor design or poor use of the tool used to make the resume. In the end, it's a failure to put your best foot forward in a context where first impressions are hugely important. -- |_ CJSonnack _____________| How's my programming? | |_ http://www.Sonnack.com/ ___________________| Call: 1-800-DEV-NULL | |_____________________________________________|_______________________| .