MS SQL Server

[vegyjones]

Has anyone got any knowledge of this programme.

If I applied for a job where knowledge of this was a requirement
and I hadn't had any, would I be talking myself into trouble
if I blagged that I knew how it worked?

Would an hour of playing with the trial version on the MS website
give you a good enough knowledge to be able to say you could use it? :D

[TheOldhamWhisper]

It is a VERY specialised field and it is unlikely that you will be able to blag your way through an interview if the interviewer has even a remote knowledge of it.

If you have an in depth knowledge of databases in general, you might be able to persuade them that you could adapt your skills (but it won't be easy).

[TheOldhamWhisper]

http://www.itjobswatch.co.uk/

[vegyjones]

Lookos like they're trying to pull a fast one then getting someone with SQL knowledge to work for £27-£29000 :laugh

[TheOldhamWhisper]

There's a world of difference between SQL knowledge and MS SQL Server. If it specifically says SQL Server, they are unlikely to get many takers at that rate.

[vegyjones]

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Database Administrator working for a leading Charity.
For this role knowledge of MS SQL Server 2005 is essential.

This is a very busy and varied role, duties include:
*To provide 1st and 2nd line support to all staff for relevant systems.
*To monitor database and systems-related support calls via the IT Intranet helpdesk, and to respond appropriately to such requests.
*To undertake relevant systems administration as necessary, such as creating new users in database applications
*To assist and advise users as appropriate with systems acceptance testing.
*To carry out the majority of all data management tasks, including data cleansing, arranging the secure exchange of data with delegated third-parties, etc.
*To provide full and complete systems documentation where appropriate, including all relevant aspect of the systems environment, processes and procedures, and to ensure that this is updated accordingly.
*To provide data and systems management reports as required.

For this role knowledge of MS SQL Server 2005 is essential.
Good knowledge of MS Access
The IT team relies on effective communication of progress on technical solutions in order that a consistent level of service can be maintained.
To analyse data and prepare reports for non-technical staff.
Able to write a clear letter with accurate spelling and grammar. Can speak clearly, confidently and politely on the telephone or at meetings.

Salary £28k - £29k
Immediate Start


I should be a shoe in for this one then :D

[TheOldhamWhisper]

I thought it might be a charity - third sector salaries are generally around a third less than the corporate equivalent :(

[mathare]

Able to write a clear letter with accurate spelling and grammar.Based on your forum posts I'd say you've got no chance :laugh :peeky

[Win2Win]

The words MySQL & Vegy in the same post........will only ever be listed on Google once :thumbs

[vegyjones]

Can someone tell me why this order is invalid please?

In a table called "customers" with the columns "CompanyName" "Contact" "Address" "Building"

INSERT INTO customers (CompanyName, Address)
VALUES ('Orient', 'Matchroom')

Thanks in advance. :)

[TheOldhamWhisper]

Do the other two fields allow null or zero length?

[vegyjones]

INSERT INTO customers (CompanyName, ContactName, Address, City)
VALUES ('Orient', 'Hearn', 'Matchroom', 'London')

That don't work either. (The actual column name is city as opposed to building which I put earlier)

Trying to do it here http://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_tryit.asp
but although it tells me it's wrong, it doesn't tell you wich part is wrong.
And as far as I can tell, it is syntaxically ( :D ) correct!

[TheOldhamWhisper]

There's no problem with your syntax - they just don't want you inserting gobbledegook into their database!!!

[vegyjones]

:D

So if it was my own table, the info would be entered would it?

[vegyjones]

Much appreciated Oldham. :)

I did the little SQL quiz and got 17 out of 20 :D
Surely that's enough to let me add SQL to my CV! :laugh

Is Oracle a similar language? My IT man says that's the one I should learn rather than SQL!

[TheOldhamWhisper]

Oracle tends to pay more!

It may or may not be more stable than SQL server - depends on your point of view and essentially you chose the database that is likely to do the best job.

Writing a few SQL statements is a good place to start and might be useful for something like the job description above (strange that they insist on SQL Server 2k5 but will settle for optional Access skills - you probably need Access to be efficient with SQL - probably got some new software for Xmas!) but it is unlikely to get you a high profile account as administrator for a corporate enterprise!

[vegyjones]

Thanks Oldham, a lend of your brain wouldn't go amiss though! :laugh

[Win2Win]

A brain cell wouldn't go a miss in your case :D