Systems Administrator Positions

I was listening to this podcast on Friday after work, about how there will be a shortage of science people (and some companies are already feeling that crunch:

Job I'm working on that's foremost on my mind: a Senior Systems Administrator position -- with a well known web-community in NYC - it's a pretty sweet gig, so why is no one getting back to me? The position description includes a laundry-list of things ---

Seeking a Super Senior Systems Admin

You'll work with an exceptional and dedicated operations team that is constantly striving to smartly answer the demands of highly trafficked, always available web site.

Requirements:

• Enthusiasm! Shown via technical interests outside of work - could be an App, a blog, a Meetup community you've started - we want self-motivated people always ready to learn!
• 5-7 years expertise, including high-performing web Linux
• Experience managing large IP based networks and associated physical topologies
• Experience managing highly performant web infrastructures
• Experience working with 3rd party vendors on hardware procurement
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate with tech and non-tech team members equally

So yeah - if you know any Senior Systems Administrators out there - feel free to pass on my contact info!

Is Facebook Still User-Centered?

...or growth-centered?

I mean, yes they are tied together. But... I miss the old facebook. The clean, simple user interface, without all the accessories - games/applications/newsfeed... increasingly complex UI/IA...

Does anyone like the new photo layout?
What functions do people use most frequently?
Why is Facebook valued at 50 Billion?

Well, on the last point - from a recruiter's persepctive, yes, it's the world's first directory. True directory. Consider that there are 500 million active users - half of those log on to the site each day - I would think it highly unlikely that more than half of those are multiple accounts. so, still.. you have... what? 10% of the world's population on Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics) then consider that less than 30% of the world's population has access to the internet - (http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm)

Just... think about it for a second.

So you want to know about compensation...

I suppose its fitting for this to be the first real post, because it's what is foremost on many peoples minds (and honestly, I get this question a lot.) And especially for people who haven't typically delt with recruiters, it can seem confusing. So, here is a bit long-winded explanation of how this game works.

The two largest determinants of the actual compensation a company will offer:

- The Economy
- Your current compensation

The economy... well, I know no one wants to talk about it. Supply and demand are connected. Since 2008, it's been a client's market, and there are still a surplus of qualified applicants willing to take less, especially in junior positions (ie, requiring less than five years experience). The good news is, its getting better! The market is heating up, and the best candidates are getting more concurrent offers (see below for how to deal with it).

The typical industry increase (if you are employed) that you can expect off the bat in NYC, in this economy, is an 8% increase on your current base if you are making under 100k. There are many searches one can do to give you an 'industry range' - but that's all it is, a range - in particular, it accounts for the fact that, for instance even in a three year experience range, someone developing in Java for 5 years may be making significantly higher than someone developing for 2. It's still a lean time, and employers are still seeking to be frugal.

That being said, that's where recruiters come in - to act as an advocate for the candidate. By talking with you, building a relationship, (both with you and the client) we can directly speak to your skills and experience, and can advocate on your behalf. It is in our interest on both sides to make the best deal possible - one better than you could have possibly gotten yourself.

There is of course a third ingredient: yourself. You're the one who is ultimately going to go to the interview, impress the employer, and make the best case for your skills. The mere fact that you were screened by my firm show to an employer that you're a competitive candidate.

What to do if you get another offer

-First of all, congradulate yourself! Well done!

-Secondly, be enthusiastic but don't commit immediately. Whether it is your dream job, or a backup, or you're still not quite sure, an offer is a powerful bargaining tool - you know the old saying, 'You want what you can't have?' Well, the same is true with employers. Having an offer already on the table can help you leverage your potential and work your base compensation up - whether its another few thousand dollars, an earlier review/increase on base salary,  if its a few thousand dollars or - it does pay to play hard to get. So, the best route to go is to thank them sincerely, tell them that you are very interested, but need at least 48 hours to think it over. Almost all will agree.

-Let your recruiter know - we can then inform the client, see where their head is, and see if we can come up with an even better offer.

 Hope this helps clarify somewhat the issue. If you have additional questions, feel free to post them!