Re: a question regarding resumes

[Ken Mayer <kmayer@bitwrangler.com>]

On Thu, 24 Jul 1997, Mark Verber wrote:

> 2. Problem Solving
> 
> A lot of sysadm work involves figuring something out from a number of
> clues.  ... 
> As Elizabeth mentioned, the best sign
> is when someone starts by asking questions.

There's an art to asking questions. I don't think it is possible to map
out the terrain of soemone's knowledge in a 60 minute interview, but you
can get a good feel for the high points from the questions they (the
interviewee) ask. My highest evaluation is "He asked good questions." Not
only what they ask for, but how. I interviewed one guy who had been on a
help desk for a PC manufacturer. Instead of asking "Is the PC plugged in?" 
which can be inflammatory, he asked, "Can you try switching the power
cable to another plug? Maybe the socket has gone bad." An unlikely event,
but it accomplishes the same goal without wounding the caller's ego.  It's
an art.

--
Ken Mayer                          <  In dwelling, live close to the ground.
Global Village Idiot               >  In thinking, keep to the simple.
408/354.6078 (voice)               <  In conflict, be fair and generous.
408/354.2958 (fax)                 >  In governing, don't try to control.
408/488.2896 (leash/pager)         <  In work, do what you enjoy.
*** kmayer@bitwrangler.com ***     >  In family life, be completely present.
[\] Voulez-vous plongez avec moi?  <                         -- Tao Te Ching