How important are Microsoft certs?  I have changed careers and have read mixed things about certification programs.  Do you think there is a big benefit to having a SQL Server certification for landing a job?

I have been on a lot of interviews, but no luck with getting offers.  I am new in the field, so not exactly sure what else I should be doing to get an offer.  It seems like everyone wants people with lots of experience.  Is that just the way things are now and if so how do you get the experience if you can't get a job.

I work in Recruitment, specifically in the SQL Server DBA market.

John B: I have found that there is less importance on Microsoft Certifications nowadays. When i first started in Recruitment all you'd hear was "we want an MCSE". This didn't meant that the candidate had hands on technical experience.

I think prospective employers are becoming more savvy. They now look for experience over Certs. Perhaps the Microsoft Certification isn't as valued as what it used to be? This isn't to say that you shouldn't try and gain the certifications as it's another string to your bow.

Sarah: Depends on feedback you've been getting. If the feedback is that there are other candidates with more experience then unfortunately there isn't a huge amount you can do about it (it's a catch 22 situation, you have no experience, but you need a job to get the experience). If the feedback is that the personality fit isn't right, then perhaps it's your interview techniques (this can be worked on, so don't worry!)

I would suggest one of two things. Either keep persevering with interviewing (it will happen for you sooner or later) OR ask companies directly for voluntary work experience. Some companies may need extra resources, but just don't have the budgets at the moment (and with the market being fairly volatile, there's no better time like the present).

As mentioned, I work specifically in the SQL Server DBA market and head up a recruitment team. Keen on hearing from anyone who has any questions or issues about finding a job in the SQL Server DBA arena.

Kind regards

Dominic

dominic.adamczyk@ithr.com

First -- Thank you for the splitting the BI field into two distinct areas!  There is an important distinction between areas of focus. 

My two cents on certifications: 

For businesses that are Microsoft Gold Partners -- they need so many MCITPs on staff.  So having that certification might tip the favor in your direction over an equally qualified candidate.  For you -- the certifications help you validate that you know what is expected.  Preparing for exams can round your skill set, filling in some gaps you may not have realized existed.  That said, a certification alone isn't going to get you a job.  Experience is still King!  Knowing the product still is key, not just knowing some test questions from practice exams.

Connections help you get jobs too -- being part of the community.  Check out the twitter hash tag #sqlPass!  I know of a young lady out there who after months of trying it alone she plugged into some opportunities and is now a full time DBA in Dallas.

Hi,

I'm working with SQL Server since 1998 and - as the author described - it's a long road to become a professional dba. From my point of view it's important to certificate your knowledge. In my position as an employer there will be two major points I want to see in the CV...

- what certification
- how many experiences

Basically these two points form my decision to send an invitation to an interview.

If the certiication was not only a stupid "learn by heart" the following interview should not be a problem for the candidate!

Ans - as Sandra has writen - experience is a higher value than any certificates.

Good luck to all "new" dba ;)

John B,

Based on my observations, they do help in some circumstances.  In some consulting companies or government contractors, they are beneficial to the company for specific contracts because they are bona fides to the customer.  In other environments they may not help as much, but could be a simple differentiator for you versus another candidate for a position. 

In my opinion, I think if you use a certification as a means to learn rather than just pass a test, I think they can help you learn about SQL Server.

Thank you,
Jeremy Kadlec

Sarah,

Have you tried to get any feedback from the companies as to what you should improve?

Have you tried any practice interviews?

Have you tried some offline networking to see if a relationship with someone at the company could help?

HTH

Thank you,
Jeremy Kadlec

Dominic, Sandra and Uwe,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

They are much appreciated.

Thank you,
Jeremy Kadlec