First update
February 25, 2007
I’ve spent the last couple days revisiting what I have since I’d put the PHP job book project on hold last year, and it’s really - well, it’s better than I remembered, which is encouraging. Although I would not say I’m a professional writer, I think like many writers, I may be my own worst critic. There are probably worse things to be in the world, but when you’re writing, it’s not a fun role to slip in to.
I’m having to revamp my original thinking about the book, and I’m paring down some sections, and going to expand on others. The sections as they stand now are:
Looking for a job - the hows and wheres of looking for a PHP job. There’s some specifics in here about job boards and such, but also some discussion of the importance of networking, with some tips on how to improve those skills
Technologies - there’s a wide variety of technologies to be familiar with as a PHP developer. This is compounded all the more because ‘web’ work in general (whether it’s PHP, Java, .NET, etc.) still means many different things at different orgs. Some companies expect you to know everything from CSS and browser incompatibilities to server management, while others will place you firmly in a ‘business logic only’ positions. The majority of PHP developers I’ve worked with over the years have tended to need to know at least rudimentary database fundamentals as well as some element of visual stuff (graphic formats, CSS, etc.)
Interviewing - I’ve got the start of the section about how to interview - specific things to keep in mind when going through the various stages of interviews (phone screening, tech interviews, personality interviews, etc.) This is probably the least ‘tech’ section of the writings I have so far. Initially I felt it had the least relevance, and to some people it might. I think, looking at it again, it may have the most benefit to readers who are newer to the job market.
Interviews - This is a separate section which I’m putting together, which is not about interviewing for a job specifically. This section is where I’ll be interviewing people about their PHP job experiences, both on the hiring side and on the candidate side. These stories will likely tie in with the interviewing section above. This is also the section I’m most excited (and nervous!) about. It will also be the area where the diversity of opinion comes out most. While I’m trying to be as non-biased as possible on the technology side (recommendations about which technologies to be familiar with), I have my own biases about what’s important and why. However, they are just that - my own opinions. Keeping them to a minimum is one thing, but reading the diversity of views as to what’s expected of you at different companies (what tech and skills they find most important) will, I think, be the most enlightening (certainly will be for me).
If you’d like some sample chapters and can give me some initial feedback in return, please email me at mgkimsal@gmail.com.
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