Re: [dcphp-dev] [job related] What are WE doing wrong?

Paul,

I fully agree with Brandon's views. 

Also why are you discounting someone with 20 years of experience? In fact for this position I would prefer someone with a high level of technical maturity to have a meaningful liaison with NASA scientists!

IMHO it seems that you are not giving this position the weight-age it deserves.

-Jayesh

On Aug 14, 2012, at 1:22 PM, Brandon Savage <brandon@brandonsavage.net> wrote:

Paul,

I've seen this job description a couple of times. NASA seems that it would be a cool place to work, so I'm equally surprised to find out that you've had limited interest. I have some suggestions.

First, you're asking for an awful lot out of a junior person. A degree, two years experience, expert at HTML, CSS, JS and PHP with design skills thrown in. Oh, and you gotta know security, SQL and database design/administration. I've been doing this almost five years now, and I don't qualify based on the job description!

You've written the job description from the perspective of the "perfect candidate" - the guy that can take the job today, start tomorrow and have your website redeveloped by next Friday. Such a candidate rarely, if ever, exists. So, let me ask you this: what is it that you're ACTUALLY looking for? My guess is that you'd be happy with someone who is qualified in some or most of those areas, had a few things to learn, and was motivated to grow. But your job description doesn't make this apparent. It's written in such a way to indicate that absent these skills, you may not bother applying. That will cut down on your applicants.

Second, I think you're actually looking for a mid-level developer, not a junior. By definition, a junior needs a mentor. A mid-level developer can direct themselves. Be prepared to offer compensation commensurate with a mid-level salary requirement.

Third, the entire JD is about what YOU need. There's not much there for what I will get to do, experience and enjoy. What is the team like? What is the environment like? Will I be stimulated? Is it exciting? Do I have freedom to make decisions, suggestions and an impact? Are there any neat perks? Obviously when you write me a check every month it's about what I provide you; yet developers want to feel fulfilled, involved and as though they are creative professionals. Check out http://www.ewherry.com/2012/08/the-best-recruiters-followup/ about the best recruiters and what they do with possible candidates.

I hope this is helpful. These are my observations alone, and may not represent the rest of the group.

Brandon

On Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 12:18 PM, Paul Przyborski <paul.przyborski@gmail.com> wrote:

I work for a Gov. contractor, and recently we've had a position come up for a web developer.  IMO, we are looking for an "educated junior" for the position.  In other words, someone who can come in, be self directed, and be able to spearhead several projects, but we aren't looking for someone with 20 years in the industry.  We've had the position advertised for a while, but we haven't gotten very many responses (under 10 at this point by my best guess).

So I turn to you folks - what are we doing wrong?  Are we saying to much?  Are we saying not enough?  Below is the job description.

FYI - I'm not the HR person.  I'm they guy sharing the office with this new hire (kinda in the senior position, but not officially).  I used to do this job before moving to my current position.  I enjoyed it, and I know someone else would as well.

Web Developer  (Full Time)
Location: Lanham, MD

Web Developer/Programmer to support work at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. This position is responsible for multiple websites central to the education and public outreach efforts of many NASA Earth Science organizations, missions, and projects. The ideal candidate will work directly with scientists and support staff to create interesting and informative websites that effectively communicates research efforts and findings. While part of a larger team, this position requires a well-rounded set of skills, as the majority of the work is self-directed/supported. Duties will include designing, developing, and testing user-friendly Web applications; translating user requirements into robust and consumer-friendly Web applications; contributing creative ideas and development techniques; maintaining existing PHP & MySQL-based web applications; and maintaining content on multiple websites using a combination of static pages, commercial, and proprietary content management systems.

Requirements:

• BS or higher in Computer Science, Information Systems, Web Design/Development or comparable degree/equivalent experience and 2 yrs experience in commercial or government Web application development programming
• Solid track record delivering successful Web-based applications through the full product life cycle
• Excellent, software/platform-independent HTML (4&5), PHP, CSS (2&3), and JavaScript/JQuery development skills
• Up-to-date knowledge of best practices in web application security
• Working knowledge of MySQL 5.x database design and administration, SQL, and query optimization
• Working knowledge of Photoshop and basic graphic design principles
• Understanding of Section 508 requirements for accessibility
• Working knowledge of Subversion or other version control systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated appreciation for user experience and user interface design
• Ability to learn quickly, self-direct on a small team, establish timelines, and deliver products within deadlines

Desirables:

• Knowledge of LINUX system administration
• Knowledge of Apache HTTPD server configuration
• Web server security training (GWUX/GSIP, CISSP, or equivalent)
• Experience in user interface design, usability testing, and/or information architecture development
• Experience with Drupal and/or WordPress
• Understanding of Ajax and similar Web 2.0 technologies
• Understanding of object oriented programming language
• Strong interest in NASA and earth science
• Experience developing commercial websites for ecommerce

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