Thom Allen Weblog

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Switching gears

Have you ever gone on vacation, come back to work, and everything has changed? The people, the job, the atmosphere? It happened to me. Taking on a role I've never done before.

One of the things I've noticed when you are put in a situation that requires you to learn at an accelerated pace is the total exhaustion I feel. See, I don't even think I'm making any sense. You see how many times I have to back space as I type this.

I also don't know why, of all the days since my last post, I am choosing tonight. Maybe its because I'm so totally exhausted I am partially psychotic.Not sure how long this new role will last, but I hope I get the hang of it soon because it's driving me insane.

Filed in: sitenews

Friday, June 10, 2005

DucterPDA - from all things Duct Tape

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I don't really have a need for this (basically a case for a HipsterPDA) but think I will put one together just to see how it works. Interesting idea.

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

I’m goal setting

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I was told early on that a goal is a dream if it isn't written down with specific attainable actions. As with most people I have read many books on goal setting, don't worry about goal setting, and alternatives to goals and actions is Getting Things Done by David Allen. All of these approaches have their advantages.

Personally I use most of the GTD(tm) process where goals and projects are only as far away as the next action that needs to be performed. Nothing overwhelming. You don't look at the entire picture every day, only the next logical step. This is supposed to eliminate the need to keep hundreds of loops bouncing around your head.

Today I found a great link about goals. I'm sharing this more as a link than anything. I would also recommend that you look into the GTD system.

Goals in the works are:
1. Lose x number of pounds in 12 months (you would be shocked if I shared the real amount)
2. Finish a 10k
3. Finish a full marathon
4. Finish a full triathalon
5. Go on vacation this summer
6. Ride my bike to work at least 3 times a week
7. Form a business networking group
8. Rebuild real estate web site
9. Build deck in back yard
10. Find good CRM Software
11. Read Seth Godin's new book All Marketers Are Liars

What is it about hiring technical people?

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I know companies don't want to hire people who can't perform. Using interview tests has been around for a long time. Personally, I hate them. If a prospective employer ever reads this, I'm sure I'll be doomed with some type of test. And that's the problem.

I believe employers have the wrong expectations when it comes to surprise interview tests. I believe most employers administer them out of ego rather than necessity. Almost every perspective employee will go through several types of emotions. The least of which is panic. Speaking from experience, when faced with one of these tests, I'm always on the defensive, wondering what they really want from the test, will my coding style be their style, will my approach be what they consider acceptable.

Now, if the test is simply to learn how someone approaches a problem, review their coding style, and as described in the link above, experience how they explain their solution, then I'm all for it. I'm not a walking encyclopedia of syntax. I may not always know the correct syntax from memory, but I might be able to pseudo code something on paper or even a text file, and explain how I would solve the problem.

If I can leave any amount of influence on these types of test is that employers truly look for characteristics of the prospective employee, rather than how much syntax they can recall from memory.

Oh, and to tie in my subject line, what is it about hiring technical people? It seems employers hiring for technical positions are hell bent on testing someone's skills, but don't think twice about testing someone for a product marketing, project management or administration position. If you do, what kinds of test do you perform?