A Linux Technician job

[hellmet]

I have a phone interview (HR) in a few days for a position as a Linux Technician - Entry level. So if you presently (or have previously) work(ed) as a Linux/Unix technician, please shed some light here. What salary (United States) should I expect or negotiate as an entry-level technician? Have you any suggestions for the phone interview? Any other insights on this role would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!

[dca]

I'd more like to know what "entry-level" means. In most data-centers you either know it or you're still in training/certification...

Perhaps it's a salary thing?

...Good luck, all the same...

[hellmet]

Thank you!
Entry-level, coz I'd be going straight out of college into this job with some internship experience as a background. I will not be working on data centers right away. This position will work its way up to that, if what I've read on the Internet is true.

[t0p]

I'd more like to know what "entry-level" means. In most data-centers you either know it or you're still in training/certification...

Perhaps it's a salary thing?


Yes, it's a salary thing. It's a "start at the bottom and work your way upwards" thing too. The level at which you begin (enter) your career.

[dca]

That's fantasic! Geez, around here you're harassed and have to fill out questionnaires about virtualization, MySQL, ALCs, etc, etc, etc... If anyone's offering 'entry-level' ANYTHING, then jump on it!!!

[hellmet]

I'm sure there will be other rounds, including technical, after this interview. It is probably more like a initial screening, but I could be wrong.

[LinuxFanBoi]

I'm sure there will be other rounds, including technical, after this interview. It is probably more like a initial screening, but I could be wrong.

I would ask for 15% more than an entry level MCSE certified tech. You will probably work with some if you get the job, affording you an opportunity to brag a little. Not too much though! We have to let them still "think" they are superior.

[hellmet]

Hehe.. ok. But how much does an entry-level MCSE get ?

[Wiebelhaus]

10-15 an hour in Texas at entry level.

[LinuxFanBoi]

10-15 an hour in Texas at entry level.

WTF? As of my last pay stub I made $39.73/hour dealing cards in a casino. This makes me wonder why I'm studying Computer engineering.

[walkerk]

I would ask for 15% more than an entry level MCSE certified tech. You will probably work with some if you get the job, affording you an opportunity to brag a little. Not too much though! We have to let them still "think" they are superior.

That is a silly post.

How are we superior as Linux users?

I have the MCSE-S and the MCITP-EA (RHCT as well)... does this mean you are somehow better than me by using Linux at home? I am the technical lead for an enterprise shop on both MS and Linux running everything from MS > RedHat > Fedora > CentOS > as well as ESX...

Advise for OP... Ensure that you are confident on the phone. If you do not know the answer to a question just say so. I've had plenty of people try to BS me in phone interviews... they got no where. You can't know EVERYTHING. That's a fact. Good Luck!

[RiceMonster]

That is a silly post.

How are we superior as Linux users?

You aren't. I work with Windows and UNIX/Linux admins, and neither is treated as superior in any way.

[walkerk]

You aren't. I work with Windows and UNIX/Linux admins, and neither is treated as superior in any way.

Reality. Fresh air...

[RiceMonster]

Reality. Fresh air...

Indeed. They're both good skills to have.

[LinuxFanBoi]

How are we superior as Linux users?

In my experience, Those who's sole knowledge base centers around Microsoft certifications tend to problem solve differently than those whose training centered around a broader range of hardware and software systems. I tend to believe (this may be where my opinion gets involved) that people who are proficient in POSIX platforms well tend to have a more detailed understanding of the minutia with respect to their systems, thus know exactly how to solve problems rather than a trial and error method common to the Microsoft world.

Keep in mind this is my OPINION, which I am entitled to. and by the way the part about bragging to the MCSE techs, was meant to be more antagonistic than factual. I still believe techs proficient in Linux/UNIX should earn more than those who are solely Microsoft oriented.

[walkerk]

In my experience, Those who's sole knowledge base centers around Microsoft certifications tend to problem solve differently than those whose training centered around a broader range of hardware and software systems. I tend to believe (this may be where my opinion gets involved) that people who are proficient in POSIX platforms well tend to have a more detailed understanding of the minutia with respect to their systems, thus know exactly how to solve problems rather than a trial and error method common to the Microsoft world.

Keep in mind this is my OPINION, which I am entitled to. and by the way the part about bragging to the MCSE techs, was meant to be more antagonistic than factual. I still believe techs proficient in Linux/UNIX should earn more than those who are solely Microsoft oriented.

You are entitled to your opinion and I respect it. But I believe your comment "I still believe techs proficient in Linux/UNIX should earn more than those who are solely Microsoft oriented." is nonsense. I administer MS/Linux/UNIX and I have a large shop of MS/Linux/UNIX engineers and they all earn their pay. Do I believe a POSIX admin can wrap his head around a proper Active Directory infrastruture? No, I don't. Nor do I expect an MS admin to be able to properly administer NIS and BIND servers. Different worlds. Sure, XP and tier-1 MS tasks can be easily learned. Point and click only gets you so far.

This is my opinion and I am in the heat of it all... everyday. BTW, I love it.

We'll leave out the network side... :)

[RiceMonster]

I tend to believe (this may be where my opinion gets involved) that people who are proficient in POSIX platforms well tend to have a more detailed understanding of the minutia with respect to their systems, thus know exactly how to solve problems rather than a trial and error method.

That sounds like the Windows admins I work with. They manage hundreds of Windows servers and are very proficient with powershell, SQL, and all the other tools required.

[dca]

That is a silly post.

How are we superior as Linux users?

I have the MCSE-S and the MCITP-EA (RHCT as well)... does this mean you are somehow better than me by using Linux at home? I am the technical lead for an enterprise shop on both MS and Linux running everything from MS > RedHat > Fedora > CentOS > as well as ESX...

Advise for OP... Ensure that you are confident on the phone. If you do not know the answer to a question just say so. I've had plenty of people try to BS me in phone interviews... they got no where. You can't know EVERYTHING. That's a fact. Good Luck!

It really has nothing to do with superiority and everything to do with Windows Server admins are a dime a dozen. Name one school that doesn't solely teach admin courses on Windows boxes making expertise in FOSS more... special... Nothing against anyone that goes for MCSx certs, it's just the way it is. Ask yourself, in the US alone, how many individuals are going for MCSx certs versus Red Hat, Novell, or IBM AIX (Unix for big iron)??? AIX admins are in shortage for those who care and want at least six figures because most of the Unix gray-beards are at retirement age.

In most larger data centers they're not BS'ing when it comes to virtualizing, most Windows server instances are now virtualized under Linux hosts, defacto standard is becoming RHEL w/ VMware. Was hoping Ubuntu could push a little better w/ KVM but they'd be better off forging some kind of alliance with VMware, but whatever. The key is who has the ability to move these VMs seemlessly around the data center... As far as smaller businesses, let them spend their money on Windows & CALs, as far as a VAR is concerned there's no money in trying to get them to change. They'll have one guy on staff handling 60 or so Windows PCs and a Windows server or two locked in a closet by the bathroom.

Now, the bad news, when a company is looking for a Linux/Unix admin, they are LOOKING for a Unix/Linux admin. You need to be a script-kiddy, know BASH inside and out, know a crap-load about MySQL (God knows why, but they do), know every little bit about a Linux server: optimizing, securing, etc, etc. You have to actually help the Windows guys create near-perfect instances of Windows servers that can be pulled into a VM at a moments notice to be used for whatever weird Windows app a particular dept happened to buy into. You're also going to handle more servers than your avg Windows admin.

On to Windows server, there are areas where you can make some money. If you have to handle a ton of servers handling MS Exchange for at least 5k users. If you know MS Sql Server is a good way to go, I don't mean installing, I mean knowing something about SQL...

In the end you all have to work together and put aside any my OS is better than yours because you're all getting paid by the same person...

[hellmet]

And the original (OP=me) topic was ... :D

[walkerk]

That sounds like the Windows admins I work with. They manage hundreds of Windows servers and are very proficient with powershell, SQL, and all the other tools required.

Again... on point. If we are talking about Help Desk type admin (Tier1), I wouldn't expect too much from them. As for the MS engineers, I expect extensive PS (as well as .NET), SQL, Exchange, Sharepoint, etc knowledge... These are merely point and click tasks...


And the original (OP=me) topic was ...

You're right. Good luck my friend. I hope everything works out for you. :)

I'll exit quietly.

[ComputerHermit]

Entry level job is great I worked as an IT coordinator for 8 years at a software company. And I seen a lot of great programers get laid off due to the economy. They been there for over 14 years some of them. Entry level I think don't mean nothing. Now a days but good luck :)

[jbrown96]

It really has nothing to do with superiority and everything to do with Windows Server admins are a dime a dozen. Name one school that doesn't solely teach admin courses on Windows boxes making expertise in FOSS more... special... Nothing against anyone that goes for MCSx certs, it's just the way it is. Ask yourself, in the US alone, how many individuals are going for MCSx certs versus Red Hat, Novell, or IBM AIX (Unix for big iron)??? AIX admins are in shortage for those who care and want at least six figures because most of the Unix gray-beards are at retirement age.

In most larger data centers they're not BS'ing when it comes to virtualizing, most Windows server instances are now virtualized under Linux hosts, defacto standard is becoming RHEL w/ VMware. Was hoping Ubuntu could push a little better w/ KVM but they'd be better off forging some kind of alliance with VMware, but whatever. The key is who has the ability to move these VMs seamlessly around the data center... As far as smaller businesses, let them spend their money on Windows & CALs, as far as a VAR is concerned there's no money in trying to get them to change. They'll have one guy on staff handling 60 or so Windows PCs and a Windows server or two locked in a closet by the bathroom.

Now, the bad news, when a company is looking for a Linux/Unix admin, they are LOOKING for a Unix/Linux admin. You need to be a script-kiddy, know BASH inside and out, know a crap-load about MySQL (God knows why, but they do), know every little bit about a Linux server: optimizing, securing, etc, etc. You have to actually help the Windows guys create near-perfect instances of Windows servers that can be pulled into a VM at a moments notice to be used for whatever weird Windows app a particular dept happened to buy into. You're also going to handle more servers than your avg Windows admin.

On to Windows server, there are areas where you can make some money. If you have to handle a ton of servers handling MS Exchange for at least 5k users. If you know MS Sql Server is a good way to go, I don't mean installing, I mean knowing something about SQL...

In the end you all have to work together and put aside any my OS is better than yours because you're all getting paid by the same person...

This.

Try to figure out what version of Linux they use. It's probably RHEL. Download CentOS immediately and start studying. It's only a phone interview, so they probably won't grill you too much. You really don't want to be in the situation where they ask "Are you familiar with SELinux?" and you respond with "I haven't heard of that distro..." If you only have experience with debian-based distros, then you need to get some knowledge of RH-derivatives.

It might be worthwhile to go buy a Red Hat for Dummies book. Chances are you won't learn a whole lot, but the way it's written should help. Those books are written for new sys admins that don't know much. The phone interview is trying to weed out those weenies, so make sure you're not one of them. You just want ot be able to say a few sentences about any linux technology they ask. If you can do that and have a good personality, then you shouldn't have any trouble getting a real interview.

I wouldn't bring up salary on the phone. A salary negotiation is a very serious matter; serious business isn't usually discussed the very first time you meet someone (although this is an entry-level position), and serious business is always done in person if possible. Wait until you get a real interview to talk salary, unless the interviewer brings it up. Event then, I'd try to deflect it; I wouldn't get in a long conversation about it.

You are basically a salesman selling yourself. If they ask about salary, go FTW, and ask to discuss it over your next interview (zing!). You catch the interviewer in a corner. If they answer yes, then you know you get another interview (and a chance to check out the company in person) and have a good chance at getting a job. If they answer no, then you can play it off cool, and discuss it then. There's not really an option for "I don't want to discuss it now, and I don't want you to come in for an interview" without it being really awkward for the interviewer.

[Wiebelhaus]

WTF? As of my last pay stub I made $39.73/hour dealing cards in a casino. This makes me wonder why I'm studying Computer engineering.

See your studying for a engineering gig at Google or Microsoft or IBM , This thread is about a Tech repair / maintenance gig , big difference.

[LinuxFanBoi]

See your studying for a engineering gig at Google or Microsoft or IBM , This thread is about a Tech repair / maintenance gig , big difference.

Either way I'll probably be taking a cut in pay. For me though it really comes down to A. Doing what makes you the most money, but gives you a headache or B. What you love.

[CharlesA]

Either way I'll probably be taking a cut in pay. For me though it really comes down to A. Doing what makes you the most money, but gives you a headache or B. What you love.

That's pretty much it. I am supposed to be making 15-20 an hour as an admin, but I'm stuck with this POS both acronyms work! job, but it pays the bills.

Good advice on CentOS btw. ;)

[lukeiamyourfather]

10-15 an hour in Texas at entry level.

Entry level what? In California you can make at least $10 working retail with no experience. I guess location makes a big difference but I'd think $20 an hour would be a reasonable rate. Cheers!

[CharlesA]

Entry level what? In California you can make at least $10 working retail with no experience. I guess location makes a big difference but I'd think $20 an hour would be a reasonable rate. Cheers!

Probably because cost of living in CA is insane compared to TX. ;)

Most retail stores here want to pay around 8-10.

@OP: Good luck with the phone interview.

[hellmet]

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking 15$ per hour to start with wouldn't be bad. Btw, I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, if that changes anything.

[Exodist]

That is a silly post.

How are we superior as Linux users?

I have the MCSE-S and the MCITP-EA (RHCT as well)... does this mean you are somehow better than me by using Linux at home? I am the technical lead for an enterprise shop on both MS and Linux running everything from MS > RedHat > Fedora > CentOS > as well as ESX...

Advise for OP... Ensure that you are confident on the phone. If you do not know the answer to a question just say so. I've had plenty of people try to BS me in phone interviews... they got no where. You can't know EVERYTHING. That's a fact. Good Luck!


BAMM!!! This post was dead on!!

[Exodist]

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking 15$ per hour to start with wouldn't be bad. Btw, I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, if that changes anything.
Nope doesnt change anything.. Not to dis you. But I have seen many educated idiots in this world. Nothing can replace pure simple experience... NOTHING...

[Exodist]

Entry level what? In California you can make at least $10 working retail with no experience. I guess location makes a big difference but I'd think $20 an hour would be a reasonable rate. Cheers!
Location is everything.

Moron techs at Fry's electronics make $25 per hour last time I checked in SanDiego. But in Mississippi and also sure TX may pay little more. A 15per hour job is starting at the bottom, but everyone has to do it. Mind you 15 per hour here in MS is GOOD money more then most people make a hour. The average office job only pays 7.75 a hour here.

But after you get 4 to 8 years experience, you can expect your salary will prob double if not triple depending on the location and job requirement because of the gained experience.

[hobo14]

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking 15$ per hour to start with wouldn't be bad. Btw, I have a Master's degree in Computer Science, if that changes anything.

Wow!
I'm not going to pretend I know anything about the job market in Australia or the USA, but I'm starting to think there are big differences:

My uni pays undergrads AUD$35/hr to tutor, and AUD$50/hr for graduates.
(AUD$1 is approx USD$0.91 at the moment).

I cannot imagine a graduate here with a Masters working for around $15 per hour. (The government mandated minimum wage in Australia for most jobs (eg retail, bartending, cleaning, etc) is between AUD$13 and AUD$14)

[Paqman]

Have you any suggestions for the phone interview?

I know precisely nothing about jobs in the computer industry (i'm an engineer) but some tips that go for any interview:


Do some research about the company. Find out what they do and how they do it.
Prepare some questions of your own for the interviewer. You can either use them to stimulate conversation or otherwise it's likely that the interviewer will ask outright if you have any. Good things to ask are stuff like "What opportunities for further training or promotion do you offer"
As mentioned already, don't try and bluff your way through. For an entry-level job they don't expect you to know everything. They'll be much more interested in someone with a good attitude to learning more than some jerk who thinks he already knows it all.
If you do have relevant key skills that aren't necessarily backed up by formal quals (highly likely for a junior position), then compile some evidence that can be used to prove competence.
I agree with the others who say don't mention money unless they do. You might not even discuss pay at the first real interview.

[TironN]

Wow!
I'm not going to pretend I know anything about the job market in Australia or the USA, but I'm starting to think there are big differences:

My uni pays undergrads AUD$35/hr to tutor, and AUD$50/hr for graduates.
(AUD$1 is approx USD$0.91 at the moment).

I cannot imagine a graduate here with a Masters working for around $15 per hour. (The government mandated minimum wage in Australia for most jobs (eg retail, bartending, cleaning, etc) is between AUD$13 and AUD$14)

I live in AUS too and really $15 is pocket change! You can easily get more! I get $15 dollars an hour as a high school student building computers for friends of friends for christ sakes!

[hellmet]

Nope doesnt change anything.. Not to dis you. But I have seen many educated idiots in this world. Nothing can replace pure simple experience... NOTHING...
Couldn't agree with you more.

@paqman : Thanks. I won't mention anything about salary.

I have been preparing a huge list of interview questions and their answers. Every opportunity will be treated as the last opportunity.

[Exodist]

Couldn't agree with you more.

@paqman : Thanks. I won't mention anything about salary.

I have been preparing a huge list of interview questions and their answers. Every opportunity will be treated as the last opportunity.

Have a friend who knows the field drill you with questions.

One thing you want when being interviewed is to look and sound confident.

The bach degree means mainly you are capable of starting a large project and also finishing it. I have seen people get high end jobs that have nothing to so with their degree. One of my bosses once had a degree in art!!