Mixture Posture: October 2021

Friday, October 29, 2021

With Fondness, I Remember the NoD

I lived through this period of WWE, when the Nation of Domination was one of the main stables on Monday nights, and I think it was some of the best pro wrestling I've seen. When I think about the core NoD members, these are my initial impressions of each member:

Farooq - very straight-forward and no nonsense leader
D'Lo Brown - I am a sucker for wrestlers jumping from the ring post and doing a flip in the air before crashing on an opponent
The Godfather - he was known as Mufassa (sic) and was just a big bruiser so that's a "no" on that
Mark Henry - what a strong man and so iconic but no, not a technical wrestler
The Rock - I could write a lot about how The Rock became a strong personality during this era, but I'll just say, simply, no opinion

Read the article here: Nation of Domination at 25: Faction That Launched the Rock Stands Test of Time

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Hoping for a Good Season

Hawk Central: Leistikow: Early soft schedule a good thing for Iowa basketball

Drumming

I must do something.

All of the following words in this post are based upon the requirement that I need to prepare for the future event of not having my son's Yamaha DTX500 set in the den. I need to do something. As with most purchases, there is a typically a choice: buy new or buy used. I will go through each of these options below. It is unacceptable to not be able to practice drums.

Currently, I am considering the Yamaha DTX950K ("Used Drums") that are for sale on the Craigslist > Iowa City > Musical Instruments for Sale page. This same ad is also available through Facebook Marketplace but it has a $2200 price on Facebook Marketplace. I have also looked at the most current model of Yamaha electronic drums - the Yamaha DTX10K-X ("New Drums") - and have that on my mind as well. When my son takes his Yamaha DTX500 to where he lives (currently, in West Des Moines), I will no longer have any drums easily available for practicing. As a result, I would set up my acoustic Ludwig Vistalite set that I have stacked under the basement steps and not be able to practice when someone else is home, which reminds me of when I lived in my parents' house, prior to marrying Karen.

Here is my brain in words as I process this decision. There is no final decision as of right now so this is just a list without a conclusion.

Without a doubt, if I were to buy the Used Drums, I will have solved the future event upon which all of this post is addressing. It is the simplest & cheapest solution.
The Used Drums are an upgrade to my son's Yamaha DTX500 set. There is a scenario where he would decide to attempt to "sell" the drums "Santa" brought to him for Christmas, but I will not agree to buying my son's Yamaha DTX500 set. Santa doesn't pay for things twice.
The Used Drums have a cool feature that I really like, which are knobs on the drums. These knobs would allow me to change the tone of the drum sound on the fly, a feature not available on my son's Yamaha DTX500 set.
The Used Drums include a double bass drum pedal. I have flirted with playing double bass since playing with Assume in the summer of 1989. With two acoustic bass drums, I don't like playing double bass, but with a double bass drum pedal, I think I would like to play more double bass.
The Used Drums ad referenced the following video, which I have watched multiple times:
The idea of buying the most recent electronic drums from Yamaha is a possibility. This would mean purchasing a Yamaha DTX-10K-X ("New Drums") model. I found these drums online for the price of $5169.00, which is definitely more than $2200. More on the financial aspect of what I am pondering is coming up in this list.
I authentically do not care for neither the appearance of the New Drums.
Financially, it makes sense to purchase the Used Drums.

The current / most recent Yamaha electronic drums can cost between the list price of $6853 and $5169. For the following calculations, assume that the cost is $6000 because the $5169 price above probably does not include shipping & tax.
The Yamaha DTX-950K has a price of $2200.

New drums price - Used drums price

$6000 - 2200 = $3800

There has been some extra income in recent months:

On December 25, 2020, I received $100 from Lou & Jean.
In the month of June (or July), I received $100 from my father.
On October 11, I received a $200 payment for Megan's saxophone that we sold to Brian Rock.
On October 23, I received a $1300 payment for the Jayco Jay Feather camper that Karen and I sold to my nephew.
While I won't include the actual dollar amount, one of my kids owes money to us. Let's just say it's $500.

Doing the simple math:

Yamaha DTX 950K calculation:

Extra Income is $2200

Price of used drums is $2200

Extra Income - Price of Drums
$2200
- $2200
$0000

Yamaha DTX 10K calculation:

Extra income is $2200
Price of new drums is $6000

Extra income - Price of Drums
$2200
- $6000
-$3800

The used drums have a net cost of $0; the new drums have a net cost of $3800.

To be fair, the camper that we sold to Danny had a cost of $6000 so yes, I could use the entire extra income from the sale of the camper to cover the cost of the new drums. However, I remain convinced that would be a tough call to make.

Yamaha DTX 950K drum set - $2,700 (Iowa City)

condition: like new
make / manufacturer: Yamaha

Top of the line Yamaha electronic drum set.
I bought this set new about 10 years ago. The set looks and plays like it just came out of the box. The set has never left my house. One of the great features is being able to play anytime. I have used headphones and played while others are sleeping in the house. Youtube has an overview of the DTX950K by full compass that does a good job of showing the set and some of the features. This set was $6000 new. The set did not include a bass pedal. I bought a Yamaha double bass pedal and will include it with the set.

posted: 24 days ago

updated: 23 days ago

[He] Wrote Music For a METALLICA Song [he had] Never Heard

Referencing only the isolated vocal track, The Art of Guitar dude wrote music for Halo on Fire, which happens to be my second favorite tune on Hardwired-To-Self-Destruct - my favorite tune remains Atlas Rise, mainly because of the structure of the tune.

Editor's Note: The downside of not having a YouTube channel with a name as the title of the YouTube channel is that sometimes the actual name of the person who speaks in the videos posted to a channel is forgotten or not easily recalled upon demand. No disrespect intended to The Art of Guitar dude.

This Was Expected

I won't be posting any additional posts about this opening in my department. Instead, it is a topic I have been discerning about in my private journal since February 2021, when an announcement was made during a department meeting that this position was going to be posted in the future. I need to answer this question: "What do I do with this opening in my department?"

IT Manager – Disaster Recovery

📁
IT Professionals

📅
16 hours ago


21005133

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics department of Health Care Information Systems is seeking an IT Manager. The IT Manager will direct the development and operational management of disaster recovery requirements for the UI Health Care IT department. UI Health Care IT spans ambulatory care, critical care, periop services, administrative and research environments. Organize and facilitation of disaster simulations involving all levels of UI Health Care and UI staff. Direct manage technical staff to deliver critical information system services to all levels of UI Health Care faculty, staff and customers. Direct the recruitment, performance and career development activities of responsible staff. Closely partner with and collaborate with leaders across UI Health Care departments and the academic enterprise, to support organizational initiatives.

Occasional off-hours and weekend work may be required along with sharing in a 24x7 on-call support rotation.

Health Care Information Systems (HCIS): Provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research.

HCIS services University of Iowa Health Care by providing comprehensive, high level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research. Creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff

Pay Grade: https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure-b
Salary: 5B
University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits
Percent of Time: 100%
Location: 3281 Ridgeway Dr, Coralville, IA 52241
Staff Type: Professional & Scientific
Type of Position: Regular

Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or MIS or an equivalent combination of education and related healthcare technology experience and technical certifications.

Required Qualifications

•   Experience (typically 5-7 years) defining, planning and guiding the installation of IT services involving multi-disciplinary teams in a diverse enterprise environment, with considerable (2-4 years) administrative and management experience including staff management activities.
•   Extensive knowledge of technology spaces, including hardware, networking, storage systems, security, application and server/client services.
•   Extremely organized, highly motivated self-starter with excellent attention to detail and excellent multi-tasking skills. Along with exceptional verbal, written communication, and documentation skills; ability to articulate ideas to both technical and non-technical audience.
•   Extensive knowledge of technology trends and demonstrated experience applying innovative technology solutions to business and healthcare problems.
•   Experience developing initiatives to drive collaborative and service orientation skills throughout organization.
•   Demonstrated job-related experience with a commitment to diversity in the work/academic environment.
• Driver's License and ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Services program rules and regulations, due to the required ability to drive University vehicles.

Desirable Qualifications:

•   Experience with operationalizing disaster recovery preparations and business continuity planning.
•   Experience in the development of standards and policies across functional specialties.
•   Experience with analysis, planning, estimating and scheduling of high-risk, high-impact IT projects.
•   Experience with all aspects of talent management and professional development techniques.
•   Experience with change management, continuous improvement initiatives, ITIL, LEAN and project management

In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. A cover letter is desired as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background and credential check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Additional Information

Classification Title: IT Manager
Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

Pay Level: 5B

Contact Information

Organization: Healthcare
Contact Name: Brian Hegland
Contact Email: brian-hegland@uiowa.edu

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Clumsy Writing

From https://www.madcapsoftware.com/madworld-conferences/madworld-2022/schedule/conference-day-2/#content

The Blended Learning Model & MadCap Flare

Presented by: Kylie Hughes

As an Instructional Designer with 10+ years’ experience, Kylie Hughes has 10+ years of experience ....

Nice Job

This would be a fun job.

GreenState Credit Union
IT Director Analysis and Administration

US-IA-North Liberty

Job ID: 2021-2970
Type: Exempt Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Information Technology

Overview
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
GreenState’s Information Technology department adheres to the corporate values and acts as a business partner who understands the needs of the business, enables business units to meet strategic objectives through technology, and provides employees and members with quality technology platforms that are always available, always relevant, and always scalable.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director Analysis and Administration will carry out the mission of ensuring business applications house and process information accurately and timely, and work with business owners and analysts to implement key changes which enable the business to improve products, services, and functionality. This includes support, analysis, project management and specific ownership for oversight, planning, vendor relations, and daily operations of IT related processes for key business applications. The Director of Systems Analysis and Administration will work with automated tools and IT staff to execute operational needs of the credit union with a specific eye towards accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness.

Salary range for this position is $134,085.40 - $201,128.10, with a progressive benefits package.
GREENSTATE CULTURE:
At GreenState, we exist to create lasting value for those we serve. We do this by putting immense value into our employees, members, and communities. We empower our employees to create endless opportunities, which will then impact the lives of our members and enhance the vitality of our communities.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs essential duties and responsibilities in the following areas which may include, but are not limited to those listed, and are subject to change:
Adheres to the Credit Union's core values and Service Standards in carrying out GreenState's mission and vision.
Demonstrates a positive member service (internal and external) focus at all times.
Demonstrates teamwork in all interactions with coworkers and in the completion of all duties and responsibilities.
Ensures confidentiality of member information.
Supports a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Develops and maintains solid operational procedures for key financial systems to ensure member transactions are accurately applied.
Plays a key role in helping define strategy for business application availability.
Continually works with systems, vendors, and staff to seek methods of improving manual process with automation.
Maintains touch points across the organization and in-depth application capabilities to evaluate commonalities and opportunities to utilize existing investments to achieve business results.
Provides and maintains key methods of implementation of new enhancements, system upgrades and modifications by coordinating with proper staff and processes.
Develops plans for implementation of new features and functionality.
Develops configuration and performance standards for the data processing systems. Implements and monitors controls to ensure standards are maintained. Prepares, or causes to be prepared, service reports for the President/CEO and Board of Directors.
Updates, monitors, and continuously ensures compliance with the disaster recovery plans, computer security and loss prevention plans.
Directs the upgrades and maintenance of all key business software systems.
Coaches and directs staff in operational activities to ensure compliance with operational goals.
Works with IT management to develop and monitor IT budget activities.
Responsible for the oversight and scheduling of resources.
Ability to communicate with all levels of the company in a professional and effective manner to address support issues, interpret requirements or define activities of the IT department. Communication may be at times of duress and a calm demeanor is critical.
Ability to track the workload of others and set plans and measure against predefined goals.
Ability to clearly set direction and expectations of staff based on guidance from the Vice President/IT.
Remains approachable for questions and concerns from subordinates.
Coordinates and administers staffing, training, and cross-training within the department.
Maintains a highly motivated, well-trained staff, maintaining effective employee relations.
Responsible for staffing requirements; conducts final candidate interviews and responsible for selection of new departmental staff.
Prepares and conducts performance evaluations, prepares documentation for retention in personnel files, and recommends and implements disciplinary actions and appropriate staff counseling within the department as needed.
Coordinates, tracks, and monitors daily scheduling within those that report directly to this position including overtime, leave of absences, and prepares periodic tracking reports for the Human Resources department.
Meets attendance standards to perform job functions including physical presence to provide team oversite, coordination of work, and ongoing feedback.

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
College degree in computer science or business management, or equivalent experience.
Five years of process improvement/business analyst work experience is required.
Ten years of progressive business analysis / administration supervisory experience is preferred.
Strong knowledge and experience in business analysis, business processes, and process management.
Experience and knowledge of the financial services industry, specifically around electronic funds transfer, electronic banking, share draft processing, and data exchange is preferred.
Good understanding of project management methodologies to manage large, complex projects.
Excellent written/oral communication and business partnering skills.
Able to motivate, manage and guide a team.
Ability to prioritize assignments and organize work efficiently, to handle large volumes of detail.
Ability to deal tactfully and efficiently with members and co-workers on a professional level.

Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Vice President/Information Technology.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is responsible for supervision of Business Systems Analysts and Administrators.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
GreenState Credit Union is an EEO/AA Employer. M/F/Veteran/Disability. We strongly encourage minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for openings with the credit union.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

I Do Not Understand TGR

From Why are so many Americans quitting their jobs?:

Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that 4.3 million Americans, or 2.9% of the entire workforce, quit their jobs in August. That was a record-breaking month, piggybacking on previous record months. "The Great Resignation" is real, and it can be seen across virtually all industries.

I don't understand how 4.3 million Americans can quit their job. This "The Great Resignation" (TGR) does not compute in my head unless I add the conditions that each American in that 4.3 million figure are:

without the requirement to pay rent
without the requirement to pay a mortgate
without the requirement to pay for food
without the requirement to pay for gas
without the requirement to pay for Internet, a cell phone, or streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc

If an American with those requirements - either one requirement or more than one - I don't understand. For the sake of argument, here are some dollar figures associated with those bills:

$1000 rent
$500 food
$250 gas (prices are $7 / gallon in CA
$250 Internet, a cell phone, or streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc

Further, let's say that for those $2000 total in monthly bills, the job that the person quit earned a salary of $4000 a month. For a calendar year, that's $24,000 / year for bills versus a $48,000 salary. I'm not even including expenses such as going out to eat or buying household project items at Lowes or Home Depot. I'm not even including credit card bills. How do you willingly resign from your job (quit) and still sleep at night?!? I have had two job searches in my lifetime: spring 2011 and winter 2016. During both of those job searches, the idea of not earning a paycheck? It could have caused me to be frozen in place because I never chose to embark upon either job search.

Which is why when I think about how 4.3 million Americans are willing to give up their income, I am admitting that I do not understand TGR.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Adobe Seminar I Should Watch Sooner Than Later

Adobe Seminar I should watch sooner than later…

Steve Vai Greatest Hits

Steve Vai is playing in Des Moines on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Reacting to AIC by the C V

[He] Felt Like ST. ANGER Needed a GUITAR SOLO, So [he] Made One!

One of my All-Time Favorite Movie Scenes

John Candy and Steve Martin in hilarious awkward motel scene from "Planes Trains & Automobiles" (1987)

This House is AWESOME

Star Wars Home

Alec Baldwin Shot Someone with a Prop Gun

General Prop guns: What they are and how they can kill

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Spells Out the Unspoken

What I like the most about this job ad is this text:

You will also have the opportunity to act as a “user” for Zoomin’s own products. In this capacity, you will be expected to act as a beta-tester ,design partner and customer advocate for Zoomin

In my career as a Technical Writer, dating back to my first day at NDP in Cedar Rapids, "acting" as a "user" for the product I was documenting has always been part of the job, at NDP, at Jordan Systems, at Quintrex, at the Unnamed Hellhole in Southern Iowa, and at Pearson because, at each of those companies, if I didn't "act as a user," my work would have been useless for the target audience.

At my current job, as a Senior Technical Writer working on both Disaster Recovery documentation and Knowledge Management, I am doing hardly any writing. For both of those projects, the SMEs write the documentation and I curate the content into a deliverable. After 5 1/2 years in this current role, I sometimes struggle with the lack of writing I do on a daily basis. I love my job - certainly, no, there's no way I will ever work in Tel Aviv...

Technical Writer

Tel Aviv

Description

A Technical Writer is an important position for any B2B software company, but all the more so for Zoomin, a company whose mission is to reinvent the enterprise technical content experience.
As Technical Writer you will be expected to author high quality technical product content to help our customers get the most out of Zoomin. You will also have the opportunity to act as a “user” for Zoomin’s own products. In this capacity, you will be expected to act as a beta-tester ,design partner and customer advocate for Zoomin, across the entire range of technical documentation experiences (including the documentation portal and in-product help).
If you like communicating clearly in both written and verbal form, are passionate about technical documentation, and want to play an active role in the next generation of a product content experience, this job is for you!
Responsibilities
Become a domain expert in our products
Create, maintain and publish high quality, clear, technical content about our products
Help drive improvements in content, based on user feedback and analytics, to improve customer satisfaction and engagement
Act as a beta-customer and design-partner for Zoomin’s platform. Help design and improve new features and capabilities
Be a passionate Zoomin advocate when communicating with customers and prospects, and help in closing new sales and upsell opportunities

Requirements

Qualifications
Please apply if you:
Are passionate about technical documentation and interested in making a big impact in this space
Have at least three years of experience writing high-quality technical documentation for software products in English
Able to write and speak in English at the level of a native speaker
Proven experience with DITA - an advantage

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

This is the Model Software Companies Ought to Adopt

This is the model that I think software companies ought to adopt. Before you view the page, I am going to describe it. These are the tabs.

Under Consideration - lists 23 ideas that seem to be changes to the system that are being considered
Planned - shows enhancements that are going to be released in 2021-Q2, 2021-Q3, and 2021-Q4. If you were waiting for one of these enhancements, by viewing this tab, you would know when that enhancement should be expected
Launched - shows the cadence of software releases so that the user can determine when an update will be released

In the page header, you can click Submit idea and enter text about an enhancement you want to be added. The default text says What would you like to be able to do? How would that help you? There is also a prompt to set How important is this to you? with the following choices:

Nice to Have
Important
Critical

There is also a field to enter your contact email address. https://portal.productboard.com/nwjcjusaorfjhy7rmtqgv7jl/tabs/2-under-consideration

For Future Reference

This is the text of an email from Jason Cannon, the Linus dude. I don't need this info "today" because I am happy with my job and, in general, with my technical writing career.

Would you like to know exactly where to go on the web to find the best Linux job opportunities?

You would?

Good. Because below you'll find links to over 30 web sites where you can find good-paying Linux jobs. (Even if you're not looking for a job right now you might want to save this email for when you are...)

By the way, you don't have to live in a large city to get a good Linux job these days. It's becoming very common for companies to hire non-local Linux talent.

I'm just one of many examples. I've worked remotely for several years now. I love it because I can work from anywhere there's an Internet connection: From home, from my parent's house, and from a hotel room while the rest of my family enjoys the pool. (Ok, it's not always perfect, but it sure beats commuting!)

On to the list!

I've personally got jobs from these remote-specific job boards:

https://www.flexjobs.com

https://www.virtualvocations.com

Other Remote-specific job boards:

·         https://weworkremotely.com

·         https://dynamitejobs.co

·         https://remoteok.io/remote-linux-jobs

·         https://www.cybercoders.com/jobs/remote-linux-engineer-jobs

Traditional job boards:

·         https://www.monster.com

·         http://www.indeed.com

·         http://www.dice.com

·         https://www.glassdoor.com

·         https://www.jobisjob.com

·         http://www.simplyhired.com

·         https://www.ziprecruiter.com

·         http://www.careerbuilder.com

·         https://www.cybercoders.com

Craigslist

Look in San Francisco because there are many tech-heavy companies that hire local and remote workers.

·         https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc

LinkedIN

·         https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/linux-remote-jobs

Here's just a tiny sampling of awesome companies that hire remote IT workers.

Check out the careers section on each of these sites.

·         http://rackspace.com

·         http://xerox.com

·         http://dell.com

·         http://hp.com

·         https://www.ca.com

·         http://www.dxc.technology

·         https://www.cognizant.com

·         https://www.accenture.com

·         https://www.ibm.com

·         https://www.tcs.com

·         http://www.wipro.com

·         https://www.hcltech.com

·         https://www.infosys.com

·         https://www.capgemini.com

For immediate cash, consider freelancing or consulting.

You don't have to work for just one company... you can work on several smaller projects from different companies.

·         https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc

·         https://www.upwork.com

·         https://www.freelancer.com

·         http://www.guru.com

By the way, when you're looking for Linux jobs be aware that they often masquerade as different job titles. Here are a few to watch out for:

·         Linux Administrator

·         Linux System Administrator

·         Linux System Engineer

·         Linux Engineer

·         Operations Engineer

·         SRE (Site Reliability Engineer)

·         DevOps Engineer

·         Platform Engineer

·         Sysadmin
Of course, there will be even more variations to the job titles when you add prefixes such as "Junior" or "Senior" to the mix. You'll also find plural forms of some words such as "Linux Systems Engineer".

May you find your dream job, no matter what it's called!

All the best,

Jason

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

[He] Got Discharged From the Marine Corps

I like this YouTuber.

Monday, October 18, 2021

Spider-Man No Way Home Trailer: New Future Spider-Man Explained and Marvel Phase 4 Easter Eggs

There is SO much hype about the upcoming Spider-Man No Way Home movie that is coming out in December (right before Christmas)! I hope it's not disappointing! I also really would like to see the movie in a theater.

57 Links

Still Relevant After a Dozen Years

Word: Separate out macros and attach them to all documents

Friday, October 15, 2021

Tune in Tomorrow for DCFD!

DC Fan Dome is TOMORROW!!!

How can I store thousands of CDs?

This post - How can I store thousands of CDs? - Super User - poses the question that I consider a fantastic question. Thus far, my answer has been to store my CDs on 100 capacity spindles in my den closet. I have 58 spindles of CDs as well as a spindle of DVDs as well. I have some other 'straggler' misc spindles.

Related Pages on this Blog

https://prhmusic.blogspot.com/p/reconversion.html
https://prhmusic.blogspot.com/p/cd-spindles.html

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Metallica Live in 2021

Bakers' Dozen of Popular Metal-Archive Videos

The Sacred Reich and Megadeth posts came from The Metal Archives channel on YouTube.com. I created a playlist with the channels "Popular Uploads", plus Sacred Reich's Independent album.

When I Feel Like Some Deth

Great Album!

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Another Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast seems to be a theme. Here are the Top 10 Labels as of today and these were the Top 10 Labels as of 1/7/2020, which was 645 days (1 year, 9 months, 6 days) ago.

Videos (2127) +398
youtube (1025) +356
Metallica (995) +45
Politics (919) +34
Republican Tendencies (911) +66
Work (851) +34
Technical Writing (749) +81
drums (722) +34
Pro Wrestling (566) +208
WWE (533) New to the Top 10, edging out "Busy Life" by 6 posts

Videos (1729)
Metallica (910)
Politics (885)
Republican Tendencies (875)
Work (770)
Technical Writing (685)
youtube (669)
drums (644)
Busy Life (523)
Pro Wrestling (514)

Compare and Contrast

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Good Info

From: Jason Cannon

Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 6:06 AM

Subject: No Linux experience? No problem.

Wanna know how I went from frying chicken in a gas station to working as a Linux admin for one of the world's most well-known and respected technology companies?

It was surprisingly simple, actually.

But before I tell you how to get a Linux job with no Linux job experience, I want you to know what's going on in the tech world now...

A recent study performed by the Linux Foundation found that:

Hiring Linux workers is a PRIORITY. 81 percent of recruiters say that finding Linux talent is a priority.

Linux talent is IN DEMAND. Most employers are looking for MORE Linux talent than other positions.

Linux experts are HARD TO FIND. 85 percent of recruiters say it’s hard to find Linux talent!

Linux pros are PAID MORE. 1/3 of companies say they pay more to Linux pros! Sorry Windows folks :-(

So if there are a lot of high-paying Linux jobs, why is it "hard to find" people to fill those Linux jobs?

Is it because there is a shortage of people who want those jobs? (Not it.)

Is it because nobody applies for those jobs? (Nuh-uh.)

It's because they only hire people with Linux experience. (Oh, and maybe you thought they wanted certifications or college degrees. NOPE. They want EXPERIENCE.)

You see, they don't care if you can pass some generic multiple-choice Linux test or if you went to some fancy school. Most employers don't have the time (or the budget) to train you in the real-world tasks you'll be expected to do on a daily basis.

Got it?

So how do you get the experience that hiring managers are looking for? Well...

>>> First, you need to manufacture (or create) relevant Linux experience!

Ok, so you don't need traditional "work" experience, but you do need Linux skills! This means you have to do the work, even though it's on your own. If you don't, you'll be "found out" in the interview phase and look like a total fool. No fun.

Sorry folks, but reading a book is NOT Linux experience. Printing out a cheat sheet is NOT Linux experience. Daydreaming about how awesome a career in IT would be is NOT Linux experience.

But what does qualify as Linux experience is doing real-world work on real-world Linux projects. This means you'll need to create a simple home lab where you can create several real-world-like scenarios.

>>> Next, use that experience in the form of "keywords" on your resume to slip past the HR weasels and land an interview with the real decision maker.

Your mission at this point, should you choose to accept it, is to get past the HR (Human Resources) gatekeepers. Their job is to weed out as many candidates as possible.

Keep in mind that they are not technical people like you and me. They don't know if RedHat is Linux or if it's your preferred choice in headwear. So you have to include exactly what they are looking for on your resume or they'll put you in the "no" pile.

They're going to be scanning resumes for skills -- think of them as keywords -- and sorting accordingly.

By the way, you don't have to be at a ninja-like level for every skill you list on your resume. Again, take things one step at a time and just get to the interview first.

>>> During the interview talk about your (manufactured-at-home) Linux experience and show you know what you're doing even if you've never had an "official" Linux title in the past.

This is your time to shine. This is where all your work pays off... Imagine walking into an interview and talking about all the cool projects you've done.

Interviewer: "Do you have any experience with the LAMP stack?"

You: "Yes, I'm familiar with the LAMP stack. I've installed several LAMP apps including a help desk app, a project management system, and a web-based database administration app."

Interviewer: "How would you go about finding performance bottlenecks across an entire network of Linux servers?"

You: "I've actually done this before. First, I configured a performance metrics collection and graphing system. Then I deployed collection agents on a few different test clients. Finally, I created a dashboard that included a set of system utilization graphs where I could easily monitor memory, CPU, and other performance statistics."

Interviewer: "What would you do if I asked you to install the same piece of software on 1,000 Linux servers?"

You: "I wrote a shell script to completely automate the installation of WordPress. First it installed all the dependencies such as the web server and database. Next, it created a database and an application user. Finally, it installed WordPress. So to answer your question, I would use these same skills to script the installation."

Even if you've never had a Linux job before in your life you will show that you actually know what you're doing. You've proven you have initiative. You've demonstrated you want (and DESERVE) a "real" Linux position. You're ready.

Remember that it only takes one "yes" to make all this worth while.

All the best,

Jason

P.S. My Linux in the Real World course teaches people how to get the relevant real-world Linux experience they need.

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