Active Directory Issue

One organization had trouble with one of its domain controllers. When one domain controller was brought down for maintenance then no one could log on to the domain. We resolved the issue by reinitializing the replication set. These are the type of issues small businesses may need assistance with. If your business can't afford to hire a full time IT Analyst then call 'BluecollarIT'.

Virtualization for small businesses

Virtualization for small businesses is becoming a reality. Yes, small businesses like yours can gain the benefits from virtualizing their computer resources. Just imagine condensing the number of servers you have while achieving a more efficient workflow. We can help you get started in this area and you will be pleased with how affordable the enhanced capabilities will be. Give us a call ((603)801-5130) or send us a note (dale@bluecollarit.com) and we will make it happen.

The Depression just became a recession

Yes that's right folks. I will be starting a new contract coming Monday. It is scheduled for two months but a lot will be determined by the perception of the economy. For me the depression has just slowed down to a recession. I am being called back to the company I worked with last EMC2. It is a relief to have this opportunity. Thanks for the prayers and interest my friends and family have shown.

The Ultimate Job Search Question

I just had my sixth interview while job hunting this go round. I must admit that there are times that I feel I have more experience hunting for a job than some of the interviewers have looking for an employee. Some questions are scary like, 'what is your greatest weakness?' An interviewee would have to have completely lost control of his faculties to answer this from the heart. Most candidates will handle this with a, ' my biggest weakness is that I care too much about my work'. It's not likely an honest answer but it flies well in the interview room.

The Ultimate question is 'what salary are you looking for in this position.' In these economic times Employers are tempted to ask this question and it really defies logic as to what it accomplishes. An employer should be in a better position to determine the appropriate salary than the prospect. It makes you wonder if the employer is looking for a 'blue light special'. The job should really pay 80k but if he can get 3 qualified candidates and the low bid is 60k then the company saves 20k on this position. The problem is that after 6 months of working for the low wage the new employee now has more experience and knows he is making 25% less than his fellow workers. He finds a new job and the company has to go through the hiring exercise all over again and begin training a new employee. In other words a 'blue light special' leads to instability.

Most books on interviewing techniques suggest turning this question back on the employer. Ask what is the salary range the company is offering. A person could simply state he is looking for the going rate. He could also state what his last rate was which would be a factual response. I have talked to one employer who stated that he won't hire someone who backs away from the salary question.

I believe that the appropriate course of action is for salary not to be discussed until the employer has made his selection. Then if a salary can't be agreed upon an employer can move to his second choice.

'If God did not want them fleeced He would not have made them sheep'

I was watching the classic western 'The Magnificent Seven' not too many days ago. Yul Bryner, the bald headed good guy, was conversing with the all time bad guy Eli Wallach. The group of Bandidos led by Wallach were raiding the Village south of the border for food and supplies and oppressing the simple farmers of the village. Wallach was questioning Bryners motive for helping the villagers and tried to convince him they could both profit at the expense of the Village. His most compelling argument was that, 'If God did not want them fleeced He would not have made them sheep'.

I did a double take and rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeing this scene correctly. Looking at the faces of the Bandidos I saw the faces of Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and Barney Franks. Then I noticed that Wallach looked slimmer and taller than I remembered him and quite resembled a very successful neophyte politician.

I am still looking for work and have my doubts that the 'stimulus package' will ever translate into employment for me. On the other hand paying it back will be my responsibility for years to come.

Week 9 of the Job Hunt

New jobless figures were not encouraging as statistics were announced. New Hampshire is now experiencing its highest unemployment since 1994. During the month of January unemployment rose from 4.3 to 5.1 percent. That is the highest one month spike ever.

For me personally the last 2 weeks have been very quiet but as of Wednesday of this week rolled around I received several new prospects. Two are for jobs in New Hampshire and one in Boston. The commute into Boston really does not scare me. I actually enjoy riding the 'T'. In fact Jeannette and I went to Harvard this Wednesday and had lunch there at Bertuccis. She was off from her teaching because of a winter break. With me off we were 'forced' to enjoy ourselves together.

Week 8 of the Job Hunt

Job hunting sort of reminds me of the song from Fiddler on the Roof - matchmaker. The sisters are talking and say, 'She might bring someone wonderful, or handsome, or rich'. In IT work you could be employed in almost any industry like banking, or defense, or construction, or...

I got a call from a recruiter today who said she was representing a Harley Davidson franchise. Had I heard of Harley Davidson? I had to admit I was aquainted with HD. I have some friends who would give their right arm to work for Harley Davidson. I don't own a Harley, but at one time I owned a Honda 350. That of course is a crime to a Harley owner. The franchise was almost two hours from where I live and the salary they were offering did not make that distance seem small.

I couldn't help but to ask if the HD franchise would throw in a company cycle as a perk. We both laughed and then moved on. You never know what the 'matchmaker' will bring.