Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Miguel Gonzalez]

I would also ask who I would be reporting to. If that person is a non-tech or 
not. It would be great to know that person in the interview. 


I have found myself in the situation of having a bad/good feeling about my 
future supervisor in the interview and that feeling confirmed later on


Good luck

Miguel




 De: Don Kuhlman 
Para: NT System Admin Issues  
Enviado: Martes 21 de agosto de 2012 17:54
Asunto: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
 

Welcome (belated) :)

Good luck!

Don K






 From: John Doe 
To: NT System Admin Issues  
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:02 PM
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
 

These are great, thanks Don!


On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 12:45 PM, Don Kuhlman  wrote:

Those look good.  Not sure if related, but...
>
>
>1) What are mid/longer term goals for our area (1, 3, 5 year vision) ?
>2) Any planned re-orgs or business structural changes coming  this year, next 
>that you know of? This goes to whether there are layoff, outsourcing, 
>cloudsourcing or other changes planned that may impact the admin role.
>3) If you're into working remote, might want to ask about those options up 
>front as well as what would be expectations for you to be oncall.
>4) Any questions you may have about benefits and eligibility for them ?
>
>
>Good luck and hope it works for you!
>
>
>Don K
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: John Doe 
>To: NT System Admin Issues  
>Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:45 AM
>
>Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
> 
>
>
>So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for me.  
>I have a second interview coming soon.
>
>
>Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to try 
>to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be asking 
>THEM.  I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already.  
>
>
>My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties.  I'm quite 
>happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
>stable/profitable company.  It's not driven by money, but it helps.  
>
>
>About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to 
>avoid coming up in Google searches by my current employer).
>11 years experience 
>Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
>employees at a 8-5 company.  
>
>
>Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming.  Any advice is 
>appreciated!!!
>
>
>Questions:
>Advantages of working here?
>What do you like about working here?
>Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer?  I 
>wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
>What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its 
>employees?
>How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot of 
>turnaround?)
>What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this 
>job?
>What are your current IT Struggles/Projects?
>What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be 
>addressed in the first three months?
>What are the training and development opportunities?
>How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they?  How often do 
>Help Desk tickets get escalated to the Sys Admin role?
>Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could 
>try to address?
>Technical:
>Which Hardware Vendor?
>Virtualization Platform?
>What are your uptime requirements on critical servers like email? 
>Do you have a current maintenance window? 
>Do you have systems that need to be accessed by clients 24/7/365?
>Current Disaster Recovery methodology?  
>How often is it tested?  
>What are your Recovery Point and Recovery Time Objectives?
>Mobile Device Management? Phone platform?  Vendor?
>How well solid is the Network Documentation?  Can I see some 
>diagrams/maps/examples?
>~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
>~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
>---
>To manage subscriptions click here: 
>http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
>or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
>with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
>
>
>~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
>~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
>---
>To manage subscriptions click here: 
>http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
>or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
>with the body: unsubscribe 

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Don Kuhlman]

Welcome (belated) :)

Good luck!

Don K






 From: John Doe 
To: NT System Admin Issues  
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:02 PM
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
 

These are great, thanks Don!


On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 12:45 PM, Don Kuhlman  wrote:

Those look good.  Not sure if related, but...
>
>
>1) What are mid/longer term goals for our area (1, 3, 5 year vision) ?
>2) Any planned re-orgs or business structural changes coming  this year, next 
>that you know of? This goes to whether there are layoff, outsourcing, 
>cloudsourcing or other changes planned that may impact the admin role.
>3) If you're into working remote, might want to ask about those options up 
>front as well as what would be expectations for you to be oncall.
>4) Any questions you may have about benefits and eligibility for them ?
>
>
>Good luck and hope it works for you!
>
>
>Don K
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: John Doe 
>To: NT System Admin Issues  
>Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 11:45 AM
>
>Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
> 
>
>
>So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for me.  
>I have a second interview coming soon.
>
>
>Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to try 
>to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be asking 
>THEM.  I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already.  
>
>
>My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties.  I'm quite 
>happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
>stable/profitable company.  It's not driven by money, but it helps.  
>
>
>About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to 
>avoid coming up in Google searches by my current employer).
>11 years experience 
>Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
>employees at a 8-5 company.  
>
>
>Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming.  Any advice is 
>appreciated!!!
>
>
>Questions:
>Advantages of working here?
>What do you like about working here?
>Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer?  I 
>wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
>What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its 
>employees?
>How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot of 
>turnaround?)
>What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this 
>job?
>What are your current IT Struggles/Projects?
>What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be 
>addressed in the first three months?
>What are the training and development opportunities?
>How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they?  How often do 
>Help Desk tickets get escalated to the Sys Admin role?
>Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could 
>try to address?
>Technical:
>Which Hardware Vendor?
>Virtualization Platform?
>What are your uptime requirements on critical servers like email? 
>Do you have a current maintenance window? 
>Do you have systems that need to be accessed by clients 24/7/365?
>Current Disaster Recovery methodology?  
>How often is it tested?  
>What are your Recovery Point and Recovery Time Objectives?
>Mobile Device Management? Phone platform?  Vendor?
>How well solid is the Network Documentation?  Can I see some 
>diagrams/maps/examples?
>~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
>~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
>---
>To manage subscriptions click here: 
>http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
>or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
>with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
>
>
>~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
>~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
>---
>To manage subscriptions click here: 
>http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
>or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
>with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
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~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Ben Scott]

On Sat, Aug 18, 2012 at 10:40 AM, Maglinger, Paul  wrote:
> I’m somewhat surprised.  Capacitor replacement was common place with the
> CRT monitors I used to repair, but I figured with the lower power of the
> LCD, the reduced heat, and (hopefully) advancement of capacitor technology
> that they would have been more reliable.  But we did start noticing bad
> electrolytic capacitors in our Dell workstations about 6-7 years ago and
> still see instances of it today.

  A'yup.  Shoddy construction will defeat better technology every time.

-- Ben

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~   ~

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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Steven Peck]

My original degree is electronics tech but they had computers as part of
the program.  they separated them out after I went through  I could have
gone either way but ended up in computers.  Right now I am just playing
with LEDs and having my kids play with LEDs in order to drive interest in
the technical and science side of things.  )

Steven

On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 11:56 AM, Maglinger, Paul wrote:

>  Nice.  Thanks.  ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Steven Peck [mailto:sep...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 12:11 PM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> Oops...:)
>
>  
>
> The various 'open source' electronics/make commnuities are as varied as
> the FOSS ones are.  Here are some links to get you started on your new
> money sink.
>
>
> http://makerfaire.com  < if in the US.  I live close enough to the really
> big one in May so attend that.
>
> http://blog.makezine.com/
>
>  
>
> http://hackaday.com/ 
>
> http://www.instructables.com/ <- a mass happy mess of amatuer disaster
> projects to really neat stuff
>
> http://www.adafruit.com/blog/ and http://learn.adafruit.com/
>
> http://www.sparkfun.com/
>
>  
>
> Steven Peck
>
> http://www.blkmtn.org
>
>
>  
>
> On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Maglinger, Paul 
> wrote:
>
> OOOoo…  shiny…  Thanks!  I’d never heard of this.  My mind is already
> racing with projects.
>
>  ****
>
>  
>
> *From:* Steven Peck [mailto:sep...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 11:24 AM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> You need to move to Ardunio stuff as a hobby :)
>
>
>
>  
>
> On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM, Maglinger, Paul 
> wrote:
>
> I’d rather be fishing.  J
>
> But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and
> dirty with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming
> the automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level
> repair is almost extinct.
>
>  
>
> *From:* David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> There is that. I’d rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech
> guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a
> pinch.
>
>  
>
> *From:* Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much
> happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make
> considerably less cash writing books, to be fair
>
> ---Blackberried
>  --
>
> *From: *David Lum  
>
> *Date: *Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
>
> *To: *NT System Admin Issues
>
> *ReplyTo: *"NT System Admin Issues"  >
>
> *Subject: *RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> “That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
>
> That. 
>
>  
>
> I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when
> it’s a challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t
> bad at all. Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday
> and I am now hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally
> it was THE LAST thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER)
> and others, I did what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be
> over the top geeked out on the damn thing too.
>
>  
>
> “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your
> life” - Confucius
>
>  
>
> *From:* Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> I was going to add a +1 to Chris’ comments.
>
>  
>
> I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years’ time.
> Whilst moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you
> get to understand more of how IT actua

RE: Tweetage was RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[David Lum]

What Tweets do you guys recommend for following in the Sysadmin/IT world, and 
what tweet apps do you use?

Dave

-Original Message-
From: Ben Scott [mailto:mailvor...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 12:22 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Rankin, James R  wrote:
> What's your twitter name (or whatever they're called)

@SarcasticRover

  (Okay, not really mine, but funny none-the-less.  Slightly NSFW language.)

-- ben

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ 
<http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

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Re: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Ben Scott]

On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Rankin, James R  wrote:
> What's your twitter name (or whatever they're called)

@SarcasticRover

  (Okay, not really mine, but funny none-the-less.  Slightly NSFW language.)

-- ben

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~   ~

---
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RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Maglinger, Paul]

For analog circuits I used a Dynatracer quite a bit.  I'm surprised to find 
this one, although used...

http://www.rjindustrialsupply.com/servlet/the-17308/DYNATRACER-MOEL-DT-dsh-1/Detail

Simple enough to make on your own though.

-Paul

From: Erik Goldoff [mailto:egold...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:56 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Logic Probe, anyone ?  :)



On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM, Maglinger, Paul 
mailto:pmaglin...@scvl.com>> wrote:
I'd rather be fishing.  :)
But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and dirty 
with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming the 
automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level repair is 
almost extinct.

From: David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org<mailto:david@nwea.org>]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

There is that. I'd rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech 
guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a pinch.

From: Rankin, James R 
[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]<mailto:[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer 
[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]<mailto:[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours -

RE: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[David Lum]

Me? @ITGarageTweet

From: Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:22 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

What's your twitter name (or whatever they're called)
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:01:11 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

That's the plan...currently it's only Webster, I need to figure out how to 
filter and such like Rod said. Not my focus this moment, but someday I'll be 
one of the cool kinds, lol.

From: Rankin, James R 
[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]<mailto:[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:47 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

If its gonna be technical, let us know what to follow :-)
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:41:03 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Crap...and now I have a Twitter account. Hell is getting colder every minute...

From: Webster 
[mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]<mailto:[mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:01 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate it 
when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I have 
never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea what I am 
doing.

My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and 
Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say, I 
have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to meet 
FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and very 
lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.

@carlwebster on Twitter



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Reply-To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius


~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
To manage subscriptions click here: 
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
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Re: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Rankin, James R]

What's your twitter name (or whatever they're called)

---Blackberried

-Original Message-
From: David Lum 
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:01:11 
To: NT System Admin Issues
Reply-To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Subject: Tweetagewas RE: Questions to 
ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

That's the plan...currently it's only Webster, I need to figure out how to 
filter and such like Rod said. Not my focus this moment, but someday I'll be 
one of the cool kinds, lol.

From: Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:47 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

If its gonna be technical, let us know what to follow :-)
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:41:03 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Crap...and now I have a Twitter account. Hell is getting colder every minute...

From: Webster 
[mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]<mailto:[mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:01 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate it 
when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I have 
never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea what I am 
doing.

My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and 
Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say, I 
have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to meet 
FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and very 
lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.

@carlwebster on Twitter



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Reply-To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius


~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Kurt Buff]

See also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_%28novel%29

for a modern version, which I quite like.

On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 10:59 AM, Michael B. Smith
 wrote:
> I’m guessing you never read Dante’s Inferno?
>
>
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_(Dante)#Ninth_Circle_.28Treachery.29
>
>
>
> From: David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org]
> Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 1:41 PM
> To: NT System Admin Issues
> Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>
>
> Crap…and now I have a Twitter account. Hell is getting colder every minute…
>
>
>
> From: Webster [mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]
> Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:01 AM
> To: NT System Admin Issues
> Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>
>
> I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate
> it when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I
> have never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea
> what I am doing.
>
>
>
> My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and
> Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say,
> I have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to
> meet FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and
> very lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.
>
>
>
> @carlwebster on Twitter
>
>
>
>
>
> Carl Webster
>
> Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional
>
> http://www.CarlWebster.com
>
>
>
> From: David Lum 
> Reply-To: NT Issues 
> Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
> To: NT Issues 
> Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>
>
> “That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
>
> That.
>
>
>
> I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when it’s
> a challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t bad at
> all. Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am
> now hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE
> LAST thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others,
> I did what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be over the top
> geeked out on the damn thing too.
>
>
>
> “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”
> - Confucius
>
>
>
> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
> ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
> ---
> To manage subscriptions click here:
> http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
> or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
> with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
>
> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
> ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
> ---
> To manage subscriptions click here:
> http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
> or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
> with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin
>
> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
> ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~
>
> ---
> To manage subscriptions click here:
> http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
> or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
> with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Rankin, James R]

If its gonna be technical, let us know what to follow :-)

---Blackberried

-Original Message-
From: David Lum 
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:41:03 
To: NT System Admin Issues
Reply-To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an 
interviewer (Sys Admin)

Crap...and now I have a Twitter account. Hell is getting colder every minute...

From: Webster [mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:01 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate it 
when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I have 
never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea what I am 
doing.

My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and 
Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say, I 
have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to meet 
FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and very 
lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.

@carlwebster on Twitter



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Reply-To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius


~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
To manage subscriptions click here: 
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
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~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Kurt Buff]

But, you haven't asked one of the more important things: Questions
*not* to ask an interviewer, such as:

 Is there beer on Fridays? How about Mondays?

 Is it OK to keep a fifth of Scotch in my desk drawer?

 What's the babe population like?

 Just how strict are your harassment rules here?



Kurt

On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 9:45 AM, John Doe
 wrote:
> So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for
> me.  I have a second interview coming soon.
>
> Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to
> try to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be
> asking THEM.  I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already.
>
> My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties.  I'm quite
> happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more
> stable/profitable company.  It's not driven by money, but it helps.
>
> About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to
> avoid coming up in Google searches by my current employer).
> 11 years experience
> Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120
> employees at a 8-5 company.
>
> Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming.  Any advice is
> appreciated!!!
>
> Questions:
> Advantages of working here?
> What do you like about working here?
> Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer?  I
> wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
> What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values
> its employees?
> How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot of
> turnaround?)
> What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held
> this job?
> What are your current IT Struggles/Projects?
> What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be
> addressed in the first three months?
> What are the training and development opportunities?
> How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they?  How often
> do Help Desk tickets get escalated to the Sys Admin role?
> Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I
> could try to address?
> Technical:
> Which Hardware Vendor?
> Virtualization Platform?
> What are your uptime requirements on critical servers like email?
> Do you have a current maintenance window?
> Do you have systems that need to be accessed by clients 24/7/365?
> Current Disaster Recovery methodology?
> How often is it tested?
> What are your Recovery Point and Recovery Time Objectives?
> Mobile Device Management? Phone platform?  Vendor?
> How well solid is the Network Documentation?  Can I see some
> diagrams/maps/examples?
>
> ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
> ~   ~
>
> ---
> To manage subscriptions click here:
> http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
> or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
> with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~   ~

---
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with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[David Lum]

Crap...and now I have a Twitter account. Hell is getting colder every minute...

From: Webster [mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 9:01 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate it 
when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I have 
never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea what I am 
doing.

My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and 
Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say, I 
have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to meet 
FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and very 
lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.

@carlwebster on Twitter



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Reply-To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius


~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
To manage subscriptions click here: 
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
or send an email to 
listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com<mailto:listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com>
with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
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RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[John Cook]

PopSci magazine has an Arduino project every issue

 John W. Cook
Network Operations Manager
Partnership For Strong Families
5950 NW 1st Place
Gainesville, Fl 32607
Office (352) 244-1610
Cell (352) 215-6944
MCSE, MCP+I, MCTS, CompTIA A+, N+, VSP4, VTSP4

From: Maglinger, Paul [mailto:pmaglin...@scvl.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 12:44 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

OOOoo...  shiny...  Thanks!  I'd never heard of this.  My mind is already 
racing with projects.


From: Steven Peck [mailto:sep...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:24 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

You need to move to Ardunio stuff as a hobby :)



On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM, Maglinger, Paul 
mailto:pmaglin...@scvl.com>> wrote:
I'd rather be fishing.  :)
But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and dirty 
with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming the 
automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level repair is 
almost extinct.

From: David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org<mailto:david@nwea.org>]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

There is that. I'd rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech 
guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a pinch.

From: Rankin, James R 
[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]<mailto:[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer 
[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]<mailto:[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: J

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Steven Peck]

Oops...:)

The various 'open source' electronics/make commnuities are as varied as the
FOSS ones are.  Here are some links to get you started on your new money
sink.

http://makerfaire.com  < if in the US.  I live close enough to the really
big one in May so attend that.
http://blog.makezine.com/

http://hackaday.com/
http://www.instructables.com/ <- a mass happy mess of amatuer disaster
projects to really neat stuff
http://www.adafruit.com/blog/ and http://learn.adafruit.com/
http://www.sparkfun.com/

Steven Peck
http://www.blkmtn.org


On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:44 AM, Maglinger, Paul wrote:

>  OOOoo…  shiny…  Thanks!  I’d never heard of this.  My mind is
> already racing with projects.
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Steven Peck [mailto:sep...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 11:24 AM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> You need to move to Ardunio stuff as a hobby :)
>
>
>
>  
>
> On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM, Maglinger, Paul 
> wrote:
>
> I’d rather be fishing.  J
>
> But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and
> dirty with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming
> the automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level
> repair is almost extinct.
>
>  
>
> *From:* David Lum [mailto:david....@nwea.org]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> There is that. I’d rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech
> guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a
> pinch.
>
>  
>
> *From:* Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much
> happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make
> considerably less cash writing books, to be fair
>
> ---Blackberried
>  --------------
>
> *From: *David Lum  
>
> *Date: *Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
>
> *To: *NT System Admin Issues
>
> *ReplyTo: *"NT System Admin Issues"  >
>
> *Subject: *RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> “That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
>
> That. 
>
>  
>
> I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when
> it’s a challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t
> bad at all. Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday
> and I am now hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally
> it was THE LAST thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER)
> and others, I did what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be
> over the top geeked out on the damn thing too.****
>
>  
>
> “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your
> life” - Confucius
>
>  
>
> *From:* Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
>
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
>
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  
>
> I was going to add a +1 to Chris’ comments.
>
>  
>
> I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years’ time.
> Whilst moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you
> get to understand more of how IT actually works (including processes,
> documentation, requirements etc.) There is more growth for career
> advancement, and as you move up the chain you’ll acquire more
> responsibility. Large organisations have architect and senior engineer
> roles where you are still “running the show” so to speak. It’s always
> possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller one, but it’s harder
> to do the reverse. If “challenge” is the thing you are looking for, then
> I’d look at a larger environment as well. 
>
>  
>
> That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this
> environment you’ve found is a good one, and you think you’ll fit
> culturally, then go for it.
>
>  
>
> That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn’t give away things like
> our RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor
> if they’re a big o

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Erik Goldoff]

Logic Probe, anyone ?  :)



On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM, Maglinger, Paul wrote:

>  I’d rather be fishing.  J
>
> But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and
> dirty with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming
> the automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level
> repair is almost extinct.
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> There is that. I’d rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech
> guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a
> pinch.
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much
> happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make
> considerably less cash writing books, to be fair
>
> ---Blackberried
>  --
>
> *From: *David Lum  
>
> *Date: *Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
>
> *To: *NT System Admin Issues
>
> *ReplyTo: *"NT System Admin Issues"  >
>
> *Subject: *RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> “That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
>
> That. 
>
> ** **
>
> I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when
> it’s a challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t
> bad at all. Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday
> and I am now hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally
> it was THE LAST thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER)
> and others, I did what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be
> over the top geeked out on the damn thing too.
>
> ** **
>
> “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your
> life” - Confucius
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> I was going to add a +1 to Chris’ comments.
>
> ** **
>
> I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years’ time.
> Whilst moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you
> get to understand more of how IT actually works (including processes,
> documentation, requirements etc.) There is more growth for career
> advancement, and as you move up the chain you’ll acquire more
> responsibility. Large organisations have architect and senior engineer
> roles where you are still “running the show” so to speak. It’s always
> possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller one, but it’s harder
> to do the reverse. If “challenge” is the thing you are looking for, then
> I’d look at a larger environment as well. 
>
> ** **
>
> That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this
> environment you’ve found is a good one, and you think you’ll fit
> culturally, then go for it.
>
> ** **
>
> That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn’t give away things like
> our RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor
> if they’re a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn’t
> really giving that much away).
>
> ** **
>
> I’d look at Carl’s questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of
> responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for
> a high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not
> responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state
> is. That may give you a feel for how you’ll have to fit into things that
> are not your responsibility (aka you’ll have to work with). Some of the
> above maybe to high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.
>
> ** **
>
> Cheers
>
> Ken
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* John Doe [mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It
> lasted almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it
> 

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Maglinger, Paul]

OOOoo...  shiny...  Thanks!  I'd never heard of this.  My mind is already 
racing with projects.


From: Steven Peck [mailto:sep...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:24 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

You need to move to Ardunio stuff as a hobby :)



On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM, Maglinger, Paul 
mailto:pmaglin...@scvl.com>> wrote:
I'd rather be fishing.  :)
But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and dirty 
with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming the 
automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level repair is 
almost extinct.

From: David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org<mailto:david@nwea.org>]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

There is that. I'd rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech 
guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a pinch.

From: Rankin, James R 
[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]<mailto:[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer 
[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]<mailto:[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM

To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Steven Peck]

You need to move to Ardunio stuff as a hobby :)



On Fri, Aug 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM, Maglinger, Paul wrote:

>  I’d rather be fishing.  J
>
> But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and
> dirty with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming
> the automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level
> repair is almost extinct.
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  ** **
>
> There is that. I’d rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech
> guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a
> pinch.
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  ** **
>
> I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much
> happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make
> considerably less cash writing books, to be fair
>
> ---Blackberried
>  --
>
> *From: *David Lum  
>
> *Date: *Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +****
>
> *To: *NT System Admin Issues
>
> *ReplyTo: *"NT System Admin Issues"  >
>
> *Subject: *RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> “That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
>
> That. 
>
> ** **
>
> I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when
> it’s a challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t
> bad at all. Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday
> and I am now hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally
> it was THE LAST thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER)
> and others, I did what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be
> over the top geeked out on the damn thing too.
>
> ** **
>
> “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your
> life” - Confucius
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
> *Sent:* Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
>  ** **
>
> I was going to add a +1 to Chris’ comments.
>
> ** **
>
> I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years’ time.
> Whilst moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you
> get to understand more of how IT actually works (including processes,
> documentation, requirements etc.) There is more growth for career
> advancement, and as you move up the chain you’ll acquire more
> responsibility. Large organisations have architect and senior engineer
> roles where you are still “running the show” so to speak. It’s always
> possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller one, but it’s harder
> to do the reverse. If “challenge” is the thing you are looking for, then
> I’d look at a larger environment as well. 
>
> ** **
>
> That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this
> environment you’ve found is a good one, and you think you’ll fit
> culturally, then go for it.
>
> ** **
>
> That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn’t give away things like
> our RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor
> if they’re a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn’t
> really giving that much away).
>
> ** **
>
> I’d look at Carl’s questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of
> responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for
> a high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not
> responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state
> is. That may give you a feel for how you’ll have to fit into things that
> are not your responsibility (aka you’ll have to work with). Some of the
> above maybe to high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.
>
> ** **
>
> Cheers
>
> Ken
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* John Doe [mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
>
> *To:* NT System Admin Issues
> *Subject:* Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)
>
> ** **
>
> Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It
> lasted almost 3 hours -

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Maglinger, Paul]

I'd rather be fishing.  :)
But seriously, I miss electronic board repair.  I loved getting down and dirty 
with an oscilloscope, troubleshooting circuit boards, and programming the 
automatic testing device.  Alas, with module replacements board level repair is 
almost extinct.

From: David Lum [mailto:david@nwea.org]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:54 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

There is that. I'd rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech 
guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a pinch.

From: Rankin, James R 
[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]<mailto:[mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer 
[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]<mailto:[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to ask (Hence why I'm looking for a 
few more :)

>> I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user range
I like to be a jack of all trades, I'm afraid that roles in that size of 
companies are far too specialized. (?)  I like the feel and style of SMBs as 
well.  And I can run the show.

>>>Wear a suit and tie
Not gonna happen :)  The recruiter even told me not too.  I have a day job.  
They understand that.  I&#x

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Webster]

I love what I do even when it is stressful at times.  I really love and hate it 
when I have to do new things.  I love it that I get to do something I have 
never done before but I hate it because it is new and I have no idea what I am 
doing.

My current project is documenting XenApp 6.5, XenDesktop 5.6 FP1 and 
Provisioning Services 6.1 implementations to FDA criteria.  Needless to say, I 
have never done documentation to this level before.  And when it has to meet 
FDA guidelines that makes it even tougher and scarier.  Very cool and very 
lengthy (I.e. profitable) project.

@carlwebster on Twitter



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Reply-To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Date: Friday, August 17, 2012 11:36 AM
To: NT Issues 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

“That all said, you need to do something you love doing.”
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don’t tire of what I do, and even when it’s a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn’t bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I’ll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - 
Confucius


~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
To manage subscriptions click here: 
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Christopher Bodnar]

OK Barney.



Christopher Bodnar 
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise 
Architecture and Engineering Services 
Tel 610-807-6459 
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 
christopher_bod...@glic.com 




The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

www.guardianlife.com 







From:   "Guyer, Don" 
To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Date:   08/17/2012 11:30 AM
Subject:        RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)



Legend..ary!

Regards,

Don Guyer
Catholic Health East - Information Technology
Enterprise Directory & Messaging Services
3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 100, Newtown Square, Pa  19073
email: dgu...@che.org
Office:  610.550.3595 | Cell: 610.955.6528 | Fax: 610.271.9440
For immediate assistance, please open a Service Desk ticket or call the 
helpdesk @ 610-492-3839.


-Original Message-
From: ANDREW F OFALT [mailto:afo...@psu.edu] 
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:57 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

hire the guy with the beard-combover, he was wearing a nice shirt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo6raY--NnM

- Original Message -



> Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is 
jeans and t-shirt. 



Given two equally qualified candidates – one who showed up dressed like 
I’d expect him to show up at work or the customer site and one that showed 
up in a full suit thing, I’d likely hire the guy that was dressed to fit 
in. 



Thanks, 

Brian Desmond 

br...@briandesmond.com 



w – 312.625.1438 | c – 312.731.3132 



From: Christopher Bodnar [mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com] 
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:16 PM 
To: NT System Admin Issues 
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 



OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my 
current employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies 
for Systems Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the 
last few years related to this. 

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, 
instead of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and 
your main issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another 
SMB environment is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in 
the 2K-10K user range. You will get a significantly greater range of 
experiences and much more room for career advancement. If you are happy 
and want to stay in the SMB market, that is great. Just a suggestion. 

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a 
very good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions 
listed. Don't ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. 
From your list my suggestions would be: 

What do you like about working here? 
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here? (Has there been a lot 
of turnaround?) 

I think most of the technical questions you could work into the interview 
itself as you are answering questions. 

Here are a few other suggestions, going on the assumption that the first 
interview was over the phone and this will be the first face-to-face 
interview: 

Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is 
jeans and t-shirt. 
Good handshake and direct eye contact. 
Bring a copy of your resume with you 
Don't be vague. Answer questions directly. If you don't know something 
TELL THEM Never try to BS on a topic you don't know. 

Good luck with the interview. 


 

Christopher Bodnar 
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise 
Architecture and Engineering Services 
 

Tel 610-807-6459 
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 
christopher_bod...@glic.com 
 



The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America 

www.guardianlife.com 
 






From: John Doe < nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com > 
To: "NT System Admin Issues" < ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com > 
Date: 08/16/2012 12:46 PM 
Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 






So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for 
me. I have a second interview coming soon. 

Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to 
try to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be 
asking THEM . I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already. 

My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties. I'm quite 
happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
stable/profitable company. It's not driven by money, but it helps. 

About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to 
avoid coming up in Google searches by 

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[David Lum]

There is that. I'd rather do car related stuff (race, or be the tech 
guy/engineer for a race team), but I am lucky insofar as IT works in a pinch.

From: Rankin, James R [mailto:kz2...@googlemail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 8:45 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair
---Blackberried

From: David Lum mailto:david@nwea.org>>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 +
To: NT System Admin 
Issuesmailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
ReplyTo: "NT System Admin Issues" 
mailto:ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com>>
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer 
[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]<mailto:[mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]>
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to ask (Hence why I'm looking for a 
few more :)

>> I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user range
I like to be a jack of all trades, I'm afraid that roles in that size of 
companies are far too specialized. (?)  I like the feel and style of SMBs as 
well.  And I can run the show.

>>>Wear a suit and tie
Not gonna happen :)  The recruiter even told me not too.  I have a day job.  
They understand that.  I've been meeting with them at 4:00pm.  If I show up to 
my current job in a suit and tie, they might have a hunch I'm interviewing.  
However, I dress to impress and put myself together quite nicely.

Thanks for all the input!



On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 1:16 PM, Christopher Bodnar 
mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com>> wrote:
OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Eng

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Rankin, James R]

I'd much rather be writing books for a living than doing IT...but I'm much 
happier doing what I do than working in a factory. And I'd make considerably 
less cash writing books, to be fair

---Blackberried

-Original Message-
From: David Lum 
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:36:46 
To: NT System Admin Issues
Reply-To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an 
interviewer (Sys Admin)

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to ask (Hence why I'm looking for a 
few more :)

>> I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user range
I like to be a jack of all trades, I'm afraid that roles in that size of 
companies are far too specialized. (?)  I like the feel and style of SMBs as 
well.  And I can run the show.

>>>Wear a suit and tie
Not gonna happen :)  The recruiter even told me not too.  I have a day job.  
They understand that.  I've been meeting with them at 4:00pm.  If I show up to 
my current job in a suit and tie, they might have a hunch I'm interviewing.  
However, I dress to impress and put myself together quite nicely.

Thanks for all the input!



On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 1:16 PM, Christopher Bodnar 
mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com>> wrote:
OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the last few years 
related to this.

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, instead 
of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and your main 
issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another SMB environment 
is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user 
range. You will get a significantly greater range of experiences and much more 
room for career advance

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[David Lum]

"That all said, you need to do something you love doing."
That.

I am constantly amazed at how I don't tire of what I do, and even when it's a 
challenge (recent SBS swings come to mind) even a 14-16hr day isn't bad at all. 
Hell I like it enough to get a smartphone (arrived yesterday and I am now 
hooked up to my e-mail accts and other stuff) and emotionally it was THE LAST 
thing I wanted to do, but based on feedback here (WEBSTER) and others, I did 
what intellectually I had to do. In a week I'll likely be over the top geeked 
out on the damn thing too.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life" - 
Confucius

From: Ken Schaefer [mailto:k...@adopenstatic.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 7:06 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe 
[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]<mailto:[mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]>
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to ask (Hence why I'm looking for a 
few more :)

>> I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user range
I like to be a jack of all trades, I'm afraid that roles in that size of 
companies are far too specialized. (?)  I like the feel and style of SMBs as 
well.  And I can run the show.

>>>Wear a suit and tie
Not gonna happen :)  The recruiter even told me not too.  I have a day job.  
They understand that.  I've been meeting with them at 4:00pm.  If I show up to 
my current job in a suit and tie, they might have a hunch I'm interviewing.  
However, I dress to impress and put myself together quite nicely.

Thanks for all the input!



On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 1:16 PM, Christopher Bodnar 
mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com>> wrote:
OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the last few years 
related to this.

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, instead 
of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and your main 
issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another SMB environment 
is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user 
range. You will get a significantly greater range of experiences and much more 
room for career advancement. If you are happy and want to stay in the SMB 
market, that is great. Just a suggestion.

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a very 
good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions listed. Don't 
ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. From your list my 
suggestions would be:

What do you like about working here?
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed 

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Guyer, Don]

Legend..ary!

Regards,

Don Guyer
Catholic Health East - Information Technology
Enterprise Directory & Messaging Services
3805 West Chester Pike, Suite 100, Newtown Square, Pa  19073
email: dgu...@che.org
Office:  610.550.3595 | Cell: 610.955.6528 | Fax: 610.271.9440
For immediate assistance, please open a Service Desk ticket or call the 
helpdesk @ 610-492-3839.


-Original Message-
From: ANDREW F OFALT [mailto:afo...@psu.edu] 
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2012 10:57 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

hire the guy with the beard-combover, he was wearing a nice shirt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo6raY--NnM

- Original Message -



> Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
> female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is jeans 
> and t-shirt. 



Given two equally qualified candidates – one who showed up dressed like I’d 
expect him to show up at work or the customer site and one that showed up in a 
full suit thing, I’d likely hire the guy that was dressed to fit in. 



Thanks, 

Brian Desmond 

br...@briandesmond.com 



w – 312.625.1438 | c – 312.731.3132 



From: Christopher Bodnar [mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com] 
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:16 PM 
To: NT System Admin Issues 
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 



OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the last few years 
related to this. 

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, instead 
of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and your main 
issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another SMB environment 
is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user 
range. You will get a significantly greater range of experiences and much more 
room for career advancement. If you are happy and want to stay in the SMB 
market, that is great. Just a suggestion. 

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a very 
good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions listed. Don't 
ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. From your list my 
suggestions would be: 

What do you like about working here? 
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here? (Has there been a lot of 
turnaround?) 

I think most of the technical questions you could work into the interview 
itself as you are answering questions. 

Here are a few other suggestions, going on the assumption that the first 
interview was over the phone and this will be the first face-to-face interview: 

Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is jeans 
and t-shirt. 
Good handshake and direct eye contact. 
Bring a copy of your resume with you 
Don't be vague. Answer questions directly. If you don't know something TELL 
THEM Never try to BS on a topic you don't know. 

Good luck with the interview. 




Christopher Bodnar 
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise Architecture 
and Engineering Services 


Tel 610-807-6459 
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 
christopher_bod...@glic.com 




The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America 

www.guardianlife.com 







From: John Doe < nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com > 
To: "NT System Admin Issues" < ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com > 
Date: 08/16/2012 12:46 PM 
Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 






So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for me. I 
have a second interview coming soon. 

Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to try 
to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be asking 
THEM . I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already. 

My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties. I'm quite 
happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
stable/profitable company. It's not driven by money, but it helps. 

About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to avoid 
coming up in Google searches by my current employer). 
11 years experience 
Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
employees at a 8-5 company. 

Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming. Any advice is 
appreciated!!! 

Questions: 
Advantages of working here? 
What do you like about working here? 
Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer? I wouldn't 
want to leave them high and dry. 
What are things

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[ANDREW F OFALT]

hire the guy with the beard-combover, he was wearing a nice shirt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo6raY--NnM

- Original Message -



> Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
> female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is jeans 
> and t-shirt. 



Given two equally qualified candidates – one who showed up dressed like I’d 
expect him to show up at work or the customer site and one that showed up in a 
full suit thing, I’d likely hire the guy that was dressed to fit in. 



Thanks, 

Brian Desmond 

br...@briandesmond.com 



w – 312.625.1438 | c – 312.731.3132 



From: Christopher Bodnar [mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com] 
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:16 PM 
To: NT System Admin Issues 
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 



OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the last few years 
related to this. 

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, instead 
of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and your main 
issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another SMB environment 
is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user 
range. You will get a significantly greater range of experiences and much more 
room for career advancement. If you are happy and want to stay in the SMB 
market, that is great. Just a suggestion. 

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a very 
good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions listed. Don't 
ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. From your list my 
suggestions would be: 

What do you like about working here? 
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here? (Has there been a lot of 
turnaround?) 

I think most of the technical questions you could work into the interview 
itself as you are answering questions. 

Here are a few other suggestions, going on the assumption that the first 
interview was over the phone and this will be the first face-to-face interview: 

Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is jeans 
and t-shirt. 
Good handshake and direct eye contact. 
Bring a copy of your resume with you 
Don't be vague. Answer questions directly. If you don't know something TELL 
THEM Never try to BS on a topic you don't know. 

Good luck with the interview. 




Christopher Bodnar 
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise Architecture 
and Engineering Services 


Tel 610-807-6459 
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 
christopher_bod...@glic.com 




The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America 

www.guardianlife.com 







From: John Doe < nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com > 
To: "NT System Admin Issues" < ntsysadmin@lyris.sunbelt-software.com > 
Date: 08/16/2012 12:46 PM 
Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin) 






So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for me. I 
have a second interview coming soon. 

Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to try 
to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be asking 
THEM . I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already. 

My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties. I'm quite 
happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
stable/profitable company. It's not driven by money, but it helps. 

About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to avoid 
coming up in Google searches by my current employer). 
11 years experience 
Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
employees at a 8-5 company. 

Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming. Any advice is 
appreciated!!! 

Questions: 
Advantages of working here? 
What do you like about working here? 
Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer? I wouldn't 
want to leave them high and dry. 
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its 
employees? 
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here? (Has there been a lot of 
turnaround?) 
What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this 
job? 
What are your current IT Struggles/Projects? 
What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be 
addressed in the first three months? 
What are the training and development opportunities? 
How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they? How often do 
Help Desk tickets get escalated t

RE: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Ken Schaefer]

I was going to add a +1 to Chris' comments.

I think you need to consider where you want to be in 5-10 years' time. Whilst 
moving to a larger organisation might limit your role somewhat, you get to 
understand more of how IT actually works (including processes, documentation, 
requirements etc.) There is more growth for career advancement, and as you move 
up the chain you'll acquire more responsibility. Large organisations have 
architect and senior engineer roles where you are still "running the show" so 
to speak. It's always possible to go from a larger environment to a smaller 
one, but it's harder to do the reverse. If "challenge" is the thing you are 
looking for, then I'd look at a larger environment as well.

That all said, you need to do something you love doing. And if this environment 
you've found is a good one, and you think you'll fit culturally, then go for it.

That all said, if I was interviewing you, I wouldn't give away things like our 
RTO/RPO, or our DR plans, or device specifics (I might mention vendor if 
they're a big one e.g. telling someone that we use VMWare or Dell isn't really 
giving that much away).

I'd look at Carl's questions, and maybe add a few outside your area of 
responsibility. E.g. if you are not responsible for strategy, then ask for a 
high level view of what they currently have for strategy. If you are not 
responsible for ITIL and service management, then ask how the current state is. 
That may give you a feel for how you'll have to fit into things that are not 
your responsibility (aka you'll have to work with). Some of the above maybe to 
high level for a smaller org, so adjust accordingly.

Cheers
Ken

From: John Doe [mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, 17 August 2012 5:02 AM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Thanks Christopher, good info.  The first interview was in person.  It lasted 
almost 3 hours - a lot longer than expected but we really hit it off.  So a lot 
of my questions I've already had a chance to ask (Hence why I'm looking for a 
few more :)

>> I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user range
I like to be a jack of all trades, I'm afraid that roles in that size of 
companies are far too specialized. (?)  I like the feel and style of SMBs as 
well.  And I can run the show.

>>>Wear a suit and tie
Not gonna happen :)  The recruiter even told me not too.  I have a day job.  
They understand that.  I've been meeting with them at 4:00pm.  If I show up to 
my current job in a suit and tie, they might have a hunch I'm interviewing.  
However, I dress to impress and put myself together quite nicely.

Thanks for all the input!



On Thu, Aug 16, 2012 at 1:16 PM, Christopher Bodnar 
mailto:christopher_bod...@glic.com>> wrote:
OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my current 
employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies for Systems 
Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the last few years 
related to this.

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, instead 
of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and your main 
issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another SMB environment 
is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in the 2K-10K user 
range. You will get a significantly greater range of experiences and much more 
room for career advancement. If you are happy and want to stay in the SMB 
market, that is great. Just a suggestion.

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a very 
good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions listed. Don't 
ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. From your list my 
suggestions would be:

What do you like about working here?
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot of 
turnaround?)
I think most of the technical questions you could work into the interview 
itself as you are answering questions.

Here are a few other suggestions, going on the assumption that the first 
interview was over the phone and this will be the first face-to-face interview:

Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is jeans 
and t-shirt.
Good handshake and direct eye contact.
Bring a copy of your resume with you
Don't be vague. Answer questions directly. If you don't know something TELL 
THEM Never try to BS on a topic you don't know.

Good luck with the interview.

Christopher Bodnar
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise Architecture 
and Engineering Services

Tel 610-807-6459
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem,

Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Rankin, James R]

And no deliberate typo that time either :-)

---Blackberried

-Original Message-
From: "Michael B. Smith" 
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:51:28 
To: NT System Admin Issues
Reply-To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Subject: RE: Questions to ask an 
interviewer (Sys Admin)

That's why you are a consultant now. :)

From: Webster [mailto:webs...@carlwebster.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2012 2:40 PM
To: NT System Admin Issues
Subject: Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

Maybe we are at different career stages but I also want to know:

who I will be reporting to
what is their personality style
what is their mgmt style
 are they a micro manager
 are they a jerk

give me work to do, get out of my way and let me get the work done.



Carl Webster

Consultant and Citrix Technology Professional

http://www.CarlWebster.com<http://www.carlwebster.com/>

From: John Doe 
mailto:nottherealjohndoe...@gmail.com>>
Subject: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for me.  
I have a second interview coming soon.

Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to try 
to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be asking 
THEM.  I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already.

My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties.  I'm quite 
happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
stable/profitable company.  It's not driven by money, but it helps.

About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to avoid 
coming up in Google searches by my current employer).
11 years experience
Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
employees at a 8-5 company.

Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming.  Any advice is 
appreciated!!!

Questions:
Advantages of working here?
What do you like about working here?
Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer?  I 
wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values its 
employees?
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot of 
turnaround?)
What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this 
job?
What are your current IT Struggles/Projects?
What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be 
addressed in the first three months?
What are the training and development opportunities?
How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they?  How often do 
Help Desk tickets get escalated to the Sys Admin role?
Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I could 
try to address?
Technical:
Which Hardware Vendor?
Virtualization Platform?
What are your uptime requirements on critical servers like email?
Do you have a current maintenance window?
Do you have systems that need to be accessed by clients 24/7/365?
Current Disaster Recovery methodology?
How often is it tested?
What are your Recovery Point and Recovery Time Objectives?
Mobile Device Management? Phone platform?  Vendor?
How well solid is the Network Documentation?  Can I see some 
diagrams/maps/examples?



~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

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with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin

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~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

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Re: Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)

[Christopher Bodnar]

OK, here are some thoughts on this. In my previous position within my 
current employer, I was responsible for interviewing the last 10 vacancies 
for Systems Engineers, so I have a decent amount of experience over the 
last few years related to this. 

My first question is whether you should be targeting a larger company, 
instead of a similar small business. If you have 11 years experience, and 
your main issue is a greater challenge. I'm not sure switching to another 
SMB environment is the way to go. I'd target medium sized environments in 
the 2K-10K user range. You will get a significantly greater range of 
experiences and much more room for career advancement. If you are happy 
and want to stay in the SMB market, that is great. Just a suggestion. 

As for the questions you want to ask during the 2nd interview. Always a 
very good idea. Just keep it to a minimum. You have over 20 questions 
listed. Don't ask all of them. I would limit it to 2 or 3 at the most. 
>From your list my suggestions would be:

What do you like about working here?
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot 
of turnaround?)

I think most of the technical questions you could work into the interview 
itself as you are answering questions. 

Here are a few other suggestions, going on the assumption that the first 
interview was over the phone and this will be the first face-to-face 
interview:

Wear a suit and tie (assuming male gender) or similar business attire if 
female. Don't wear a polo shirt and kaki's, even if the environment is 
jeans and t-shirt. 
Good handshake and direct eye contact. 
Bring a copy of your resume with you
Don't be vague. Answer questions directly. If you don't know something 
TELL THEM Never try to BS on a topic you don't know. 

Good luck with the interview.



Christopher Bodnar 
Enterprise Architect I, Corporate Office of Technology:Enterprise 
Architecture and Engineering Services 
Tel 610-807-6459 
3900 Burgess Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017 
christopher_bod...@glic.com 




The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

www.guardianlife.com 







From:   John Doe 
To: "NT System Admin Issues" 
Date:   08/16/2012 12:46 PM
Subject:Questions to ask an interviewer (Sys Admin)



So, I've found a System Administrator job that might be a great match for 
me.  I have a second interview coming soon.

Trying to look beyond all the technical and personal questions they ask to 
try to weed out a good candidate, and find out other questions I should be 
asking THEM.  I interview well, and have impressed them a lot already.  

My goal here is to make sure the is a good fit for BOTH parties.  I'm 
quite happy with my current job, but I need a bigger challenge and a more 
stable/profitable company.  It's not driven by money, but it helps.  

About me (I post to this list somewhat frequently, but changed my name to 
avoid coming up in Google searches by my current employer).
11 years experience 
Going from a shop of about 25 users at a 24/7 company to a shop of 120 
employees at a 8-5 company.  

Here are a few questions I have been brainstorming.  Any advice is 
appreciated!!!

Questions:
Advantages of working here?
What do you like about working here?
Would there be any objection to consulting for my previous employer?  I 
wouldn't want to leave them high and dry.
What are things your organization has done recently to show how it values 
its employees?
How long was the previous Sys Admin employed here?  (Has there been a lot 
of turnaround?)
What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held 
this job?
What are your current IT Struggles/Projects?
What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be 
addressed in the first three months?
What are the training and development opportunities?
How many people are at Help Desk level and how skilled are they?  How 
often do Help Desk tickets get escalated to the Sys Admin role?
Are there any reservations you have about my fit for the position that I 
could try to address?
Technical:
Which Hardware Vendor?
Virtualization Platform?
What are your uptime requirements on critical servers like email? 
Do you have a current maintenance window? 
Do you have systems that need to be accessed by clients 24/7/365?
Current Disaster Recovery methodology?  
How often is it tested?  
What are your Recovery Point and Recovery Time Objectives?
Mobile Device Management? Phone platform?  Vendor?
How well solid is the Network Documentation?  Can I see some 
diagrams/maps/examples?
~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~
~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/>  ~

---
To manage subscriptions click here: 
http://lyris.sunbelt-software.com/read/my_forums/
or send an email to listmana...@lyris.sunbeltsoftware.com
with the body: unsubscribe ntsysadmin


--