Re: ORACLE DBA questions for INTERVIEW

Galen Boyer wrote:

> On 31 Oct 2002, tcostello_at_mail.colgate.edu wrote:
> > Dunno, take this as you will, but what some of you are describing
> > is a test, not an interview. From a employee's perspective, I
> > would be insulted at the "What is the difference between explicit
> > and implicit cursors" type questions. That's just upsurd.
>
> Why? The two people don't know each other and they have a very finite
> amount of time. Ask escalatingly hard questions is usually a good
> motto.
>
> > A more appropiate question would be something like: We've been getting
> > complaints of slow performance on a new procedure, how would you begin
> > to analyze the problem?
>
> This is way too open-ended to be compared with the previous question.
> They both have their place in an interview. The former to see that you
> understand a concept and can explain it. The latter, that you have done
> this before and that you think on your feet.
>
> > Still, a pretty lame question, but something I would be much
> > happier to answer. You should be beyond this point at the
> > interview stage if you've properly screened applicants.
>
> So, when does this question get asked?
>
> --
> Galen deForest Boyer
> Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

I agree. Questions should run the gamut from easy to impossibly difficult. From some with clear-cut answers to some where there are many different possible answers. And, of course, a few where the answer is that it can't be done just to catch the BSers.

But, as Karsten says, the difference between two equally qualified candidates comes down to compatibility on a personal level.

Daniel Morgan Received on Fri Nov 01 2002 - 12:19:27 CST