DBA jobs available are increasing – but so are the amount of candidates.  

 Competition is tough. An IT recruitment agent told me  that for every London DBA job they advertise , they receive over  500 CVs – 2 years ago it was 20 on average.!

 I’ve hired plenty of DBAs and IT experts. I’ve also been the person looking for a DBA job.

 What can you do – beyond your DBA skills-  to thrust you to the top of the employers mind?

It’s great talking about SQL Server Locking or  SQL Server Backup and Restore , but if you can communicate and offer something extra to employers – your chances are greater of winning tha DBA job. 

 These points are from notes taken over the years, some from my own direct experience , others from fellow professionals.

 1) Push yourself to excel. Every day think of becoming a more effective DBA expert

2) Program & troubleshoot with precision.

3) Respect deadlines.

4) Start taking on freelance clients now! Get as much DBA job experience as quickly as possible

5) Networking is essential. Website, email address.

6) Tap your contacts

7) Research pay rates based on experience and geographical area

8) Optimise CV

9) Don't exaggerate work experience.

10)  Research the companies you selected

11) Evaluate the companies that have your desired DBA jobs

12)  Ability and Suitability – apply for DBA jobs you could realistically win.

13)  Willingness  to perform non-technical jobs

14) Manageability and Teamwork – Are you a nightmare?

15) Everyone Hires for the Same Job  - in other words share your past experiences. The employer is looking for something your other employers saw in you.

16) Dress appropriately for the interview. Overdress, or, ask what to wear.

17) Send an email thank you as soon as you can after the interview

18) .Appreciate what the company does, or if you don’t appreciate the company, know what they do

19) Show up early to an interview

20) Answer the first question, “How are you?” with an interesting response

21) Get the low – down from the first interviewer

22) Think: “Plug and play”. In other words, can I be of service immediately for this company.

23) Take notes. Not many

24) Retract your mistakes.

25) Prepare five ways that you think the company could improve

26) Provide your references on the spot.

27) Tell the interviewer you see a good fit and want the job if this is the truth – think positive closure.

28) Get to know someone specific at a company that you want to work for

29) Educational background gives you the edge

30) Time & Patience  -- be prepared to wait for the right DBA job

31) .A Good Memory – what did you say and to whom? Try not to contradict statements you’ve made, particularly about your experience

32) Money – if you have to go through a series of meetings and you are currently not employed, this could strain your budget

33) Brute Determination  --- I WANT THAT DBA JOB AT ANY COST!

 There are plenty of resources for finding DBA jobs .

Source:Jack Vamvas (http://www.sqlserver-dba.com)

Author: Jack Vamvas (http://www.sqlserver-dba.com)