[Gllug] How to start a carrer in Linux Admin ?

[John Hearns]

On Mon, 2005-08-15 at 09:43 +0100, wendy carr wrote:
> Hello There,
> 
> First I must apologize if this is out of topic in this
> forum. On the other hand I appreciate your comments
> and suggestions very much on this issue since it would
> help me to understand ideology behind Linux
> recruitment.
> 
> I am really fed up with trying to be a Linux / Unix
> systems admin. I am pretty confident i am good with
> Linux skills (all configuration stuff + even hardware
> such as SCSI cards and RAID). But when i look at jobs
> on the web and even with Recruitment agencies i find
> everyone looking for experience in 3rd party
> software/HW such as 
> Verits backup, Vx file systems, SAN, etc..
> 
That's where you are going wrong.
Recruitment agencies are excellent (OK - there are bad ones)
but you must know how to handle them.

What you are seeing is the recruitment agency parroting a list
of desirable skills which the client has given them, and using this
list as a filter. In your case, that is keeping you out, which is
not doing you or the client any good.

My advice to you is that the posts you have seen on jobserve etc.
are maybe too senior for you.
Use some other methods to look for a job.
Think of an academic post for a few years - check www.jobs.ac.uk
there will be demand there for junior Linux admins.
Keep your eyes open on GLLUG - post a 'job wanted' advert.

Also don't let the recruitment agencies be a barrier to you.
Put your CV in to the biggies - they DO keep them on file, and you
will get calls from them. It can work both ways - they actively go
looking for people when there is a bouyant job market.

Any exposure you can get to SANs etc. is all to the good - try to
get interested in new projects at the place you already work.
And do not do yourself down - don't lie on the CV, but if you have
worked with a technology get it in there, even if you are not an expert.

And remember that recruitment agencies are no the be-all-and-end-all.
I was grateful to Connections Recruitment for placing me at Micromuse
when I needed a job.
But I moved from there by sending a CV in on spec to a new company.
They kept the CV till they needed a UK based engineer.
Current job again not via an agency.







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