Featured Article(s)
How to Write An SPQuery Using Multiple AND OR Operators
This article outlines some techniques when working with the SPQuery object within SharePoint to query lists.Basics of Working with CHECKSUM
This Article talks about what CHECKSUM and BINARY CHECKSUM are and how they can be used effectively in SQL Server.
SelectViews Show – Special Edition!
I posted this show previously in mistake – it’s live now!
(135) SelectViews: Special – Optimizing Backup and Restore Performance – Thomas LaRock
[Watch the Show Here]
Last Day for Absolute Best Rates for the vConference Summer Refresher
Register Now – and save. You can even grab the combo deal for the Summer Refresher Best-Of vConference AND the Fall All New vConference.
Getting Work – Tips
One thing that I’ve been hearing back consistently about getting SQL Server work is that you need to be sure to refine your SQL skills, be sure you understand BI and doing things with data not just administering SQL Servers. It’s all important, but you’ll not want to be eliminated from contention just because of a lack of work with building reports, pulling information, etc.
The big tip has been to consider contract work. Work with companies in shorter engagements to show your stuff and keep up your experience, resume and contacts. There are a lot of shorter contracts that are out there and just managing a schedule of contracts can take the pressure off. It can also lead to a full-time job if you do a great job. If you are contracting, be sure you literally have a contract. Limitations of liability, a definition of what you’ll be doing, what is expected of the client, schedule, etc. Lay it all out ahead of time so you can make sure both you and the client are talking about the same things.
This is, indeed, a good time to work on your certifications if you’re a certification-type person, or your overall skills if not. You can consider volunteering at local non-profits to help build systems for them to help get additional experience and information/referrals for your resume.
More to come – I’m starting the resume reviews this week. (No worries, no work details/people information here, but I’ll talk about feedback and such here.)
Featured White Paper(s)
Leveraging Virtualization for Application Assurance
Business continuity. Application assurance. Virtualization. Consider that a mission-critical progression. Business continuity… (read more)
Thinking Beyond Tape: The Case Against Tape Backup
Many companies are already backing up their main and branch office systems to tape, but what they don’t understand is just ho… (read more)