Okay, so which is it? 🙂
I am looking for some advice on how to handle certain repetitive situations I have encountered in interviews. First, some background information…
I have 17 years experience in software development, and have been the architect both for large mission-critical software applications, and for “foundational” technology that others have used to build applications. I left the industry in January 2001 (two weeks before the dot-com bubble burst: BAD TIMING!) to help start a company that provides IT services to small businesses that cannot afford to hire a full-time IT person.
Well, the IT service company is just barely paying the bills, so I have been looking for a development job. I don’t need to be the architect, or the designer, or the honcho in charge; I’d be equally as happy “just” programming! I have also tried looking for an interim job outside of the IT industry to provide a stable paycheck and some mentally restorative “breathing room.”
My technology skills were cutting-edge in 2001, particularly with J2EE at the time. Since then, I’ve had the chance to explore and get current on several Open Source technologies such as PHP/PEAR, Postgres, SAP DB, and MySQL, but I haven’t stayed up with changes and improvements to Java/J2EE, and haven’t done anything with .NET technologies.
Here’s the problem: in every interview I’ve been on, I’ve been told point-blank that I am either OVER-qualified, or UNDER-qualified!
It is beginning to both discourage me and to really irk me. I need some fresh, outside perspective on how to handle the situation!!
