For the I.T. geeks of Warpath: Which programming languages are dead?

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by saden1

+1. I would just like that it's good to know the Java/.NET API...you don't have to all the minute details but you do have to know what threads, streams, collection classes, etc are and how to use them. These are things you are expected to be able to use on a white-board test!

Become good at the basics first, then proficient at details. After that it's smooth sailing whatever language you use...a for-loop is still a for-loop.

Yeah...master the concepts of OOP and then you'll be 95% of the way there with the biggies like .NET and Java. At that point you're learning the in and outs of the different tools essentially.

[skinsguy]

Good! I think you guys have helped me out quite a bit! Programming has always been my most favorite thing with Information Technology, and I also know that if I get in the right place it can be quite lucrative.

So, let's say that I am ready to start applying for programming jobs, whatever it is. What do I expect in an interview? Do I bring a laptop to show them what kind of programming projects I have done in the past? Or do I prepare myself for a test?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by skinsguy

Good! I think you guys have helped me out quite a bit! Programming has always been my most favorite thing with Information Technology, and I also know that if I get in the right place it can be quite lucrative.

So, let's say that I am ready to start applying for programming jobs, whatever it is. What do I expect in an interview? Do I bring a laptop to show them what kind of programming projects I have done in the past? Or do I prepare myself for a test?

Interviews are about your background and what you know. Questions regarding anything on your resume are a fair game. You might solve a puzzle, elaborate on a project you worked on, do a little white-board programing, etc. Never bullshit your way out of a question...the person interviewing you will know your are bullshiting. You are generally allowed one or two pass on questions depending on how difficult they are, if you need more passes than two you probably shouldn't have applied for the job. Be sure you only apply for a jobs you are qualified for.

Act like you don't need the job because nobody likes a needy person. Always speak fondly of your current employer. Keep your answers as short and sweet as possible. The more you talk the more likely you will screw yourself out of a job. Plus doing so will force the interviewer to clarify and ask follow up questions of you thus taking all the guess work of what the question is about out of your plate. Never ever bring a laptop to an interview and if you bring it be sure it doesn't leave the bag...you will never get to use it.


Bottom line, know your shit and come correct to an interview!

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by saden1

Interviews are about your background and what you know. Questions regarding anything on your resume are a fair game. You might solve a puzzle, elaborate on a project you worked on, do a little white-board programing, etc. Never bullshit your way out of a question...the person interviewing you will know your are bullshiting. You are generally allowed one or two pass on questions depending on how difficult they are, if you need more passes than two you probably shouldn't have applied for the job. Be sure you only apply for a jobs you are qualified for.

Act like you don't need the job because nobody likes a needy person. Always speak fondly of your current employer. Keep your answers as short and sweet as possible. The more you talk the more likely you will screw yourself out of a job. Plus doing so will force the interviewer to clarify and ask follow up questions of you thus taking all the guess work of what the question is about out of your plate. Never ever bring a laptop to an interview and if you bring it be sure it doesn't leave the bag...you will never get to use it.


Bottom line, know your shit and come correct to an interview!

1. OK, so never bring a laptop to an interview, got it!

2. Keep answers short, sweet, and to the point. I think I can handle that.

3. Speak highly of your current place of employment, I can handle that. That's pretty much true for any job interview in any type of industry, not necessarily just I.T. related. Believe me, I've been on plenty of job interviews in my lifetime, have even conducted interviews as well.

4. Don't BS through the interview....I would say that in I.T., it's pretty easy to pick up on who feeds you B.S. and who knows their stuff. That can be pretty much eliminated by only applying for jobs in which you are qualified for to begin with.

5. I would also add to do some research on the companies one would be applying with to find out what they do and how their business model works. That was one thing about my present employer, I had no idea what type of agency it was, I just knew they had an I.T. position available and I applied for it. Certainly I got hired based on other merits, but I think it would have helped me more if I had more info on the agency prior to the interview.

But, as of things to look for, sounds like there might be some type of logic tests, maybe a test to determine your programming skills, etc...sounds to me like this could be the standard in applying for I.T. positions....