[GRLUG] Geek test/job opening

Wed Nov 24 13:35:51 EST 2010

My sentiments exactly.  I wasn't trying to insult Kyle or the company
itself, but if I were currently looking for work, I would definitely be
looking for a company doing awesome things rather than a company that has no
history and no obvious public business plan or concept.  I do like the quiz
idea, and it has apparently been a pretty successful screen for a few
companies I've read about on Hacker News.

On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 12:57 PM, David van Geest
<david.vangeest at gmail.com>wrote:

> Yeah, I kind of liked the quiz too, although I was too lazy to hack
> the forms or look up some of the answers which had escaped my memory
> (I'm not looking for a job).
>
> That said, if I were considering an application, it would be nice to
> have some background info on the company, what they do, etc.  I'm sure
> Kyle is a good guy (based on his polite email and the recomendations
> from Michael and Casey), but there's more to a company than good,
> smart people.  Products?  Services?  Business plan?  Location.....?
>
> Don't get me wrong, I'm all for _select_ job opportunities being
> circulated on a list like this.  But even for the midly curious such
> as myself, a website goes a long way towards introducing your company.
>
> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 12:01 PM, Clay Ashby <kingpoiuy at gmail.com> wrote:
> > I liked the quiz idea! I did some of it and found myself to be quite
> rusty
> > with some of the aspects. I think quizzes like this should be standard
> for
> > job applications and I also wish (as bob mentioned) more places would
> post
> > their salary as part of the job incentive. Most companies don't post
> their
> > wages because they want to undercut the employee if possible. These
> quizzes
> > not only help the employer understand the employee, but they help the
> > employee understand the employer as well.
> > Just my thoughts! :)
> >
> > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:50 AM, Bob Kline <bob.kline at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Assume?  The job description could
> >> include something like "we are a company
> >> engaged in......"
> >> IT professional reads better than geek IMHO.
> >> "Just do your job" actually sounds pretty good
> >> in today's world.  As long as one knows what it
> >> is anyway.  Creativity is a very overused word
> >> today.  Everyone even mildly competent, making
> >> the most mundane, expected, contributions calls
> >> themselves creative.  Probably doesn't help to
> >> narrow things down much.  A good recommendation
> >> by someone known to be competent in the field
> >> sounds useful.
> >>    -- Bob
> >>
> >> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM, Joseph Workman
> >> <joseph.workman at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> I like the "game" it shows creativity and gives some insight into the
> >>> culture of a company. I am assuming this isn't the normal "realistic"
> ---
> >>> just do your job -- kind of company but maybe a company that has a
> sense of
> >>> humor and creativity.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:23 AM, Bob Kline <bob.kline at gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> Why the games?  i.e., why not just post
> >>>> a realistic job description, including a salary
> >>>> range?
> >>>> Saying one is looking for a geek might
> >>>> bring smiles to the computer community,
> >>>> but colloquially it suggests one is looking
> >>>> for a social loser who is willing to devote
> >>>> his or her life to the cause. And will likely
> >>>> wall themselves off from the rest of the
> >>>> organization as much as possible in order
> >>>> to keep away the demanding, largely
> >>>> know-nothing, computer users.  It's not
> >>>> an appealing pitch, but then, perhaps things
> >>>> have not really changed much in the last
> >>>> 30 years.
> >>>> We've seen cases of ridiculous job
> >>>> descriptions, seemingly looking for someone
> >>>> fluent in 50 or more computer languages
> >>>> and-or major packages.  If someone has a
> >>>> real job, with finite duties and hours, and
> >>>> pay commensurate with expectations, why
> >>>> not just spell it out.  Knowing the boss is a
> >>>> great guy is a plus from the job seeker's
> >>>> point of view, but just another factor.
> >>>>    -- Bob
> >>>>
> >>>> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:09 AM, Casey DuBois <grlugcasey at gmail.com>
> >>>> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I can also vouch for Kyle and told him to post this opportunity to
> the
> >>>>> list. For anyone looking for work this may be an excellent
> opportunity.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Regards,
> >>>>> Casey DuBois
> >>>>> 616-808-6942
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On Nov 24, 2010, at 9:11 AM, Michael Mol <mikemol at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> > I can't say a whole lot without risking violating an NDA, and even
> >>>>> > providing this character reference risks putting me in an odd
> >>>>> > conflict
> >>>>> > with my own employer, but I do feel a couple things need to be
> said.
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > I know these folks personally and professionally, and they are some
> >>>>> > of
> >>>>> > the friendliest and polite people I've ever met, and Kyle is one of
> >>>>> > the enthusiastic, driven and cleverest people I've ever met. I
> >>>>> > suspect
> >>>>> > he is smarter and has a higher capability for learning than I have
> or
> >>>>> > will have.
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > I personally think it would be foolish for anyone on this list to
> >>>>> > give
> >>>>> > a blanket pass on the opportunity without at least trying for an
> >>>>> > interview.
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 8:27 AM, Matt Michielsen
> >>>>> > <mattmichielsen at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>> >>
> >>>>> >> My favorite from their images directory was this one:
> >>>>> >>
> http://virtualinterconnectsoftware.com/images/customform.jpg-6-21-2006
> >>>>> >> Reminds me of the geocities days.
> >>>>> >> I didn't look at their test or whatever though.  I have a hard
> time
> >>>>> >> wanting to put any time toward a company that I can't find any
> real history
> >>>>> >> on.  I guess if I were looking for a job it might be a different
> story.
> >>>>> >>
> >>>>> >> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 8:20 PM, Bill Littlejohn <
> billl at mtd-inc.com>
> >>>>> >> wrote:
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>> Not only that..
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>> billl at phoenix:~$ whois virtualinterconnectsoftware.com
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>>   Domain Name: VIRTUALINTERCONNECTSOFTWARE.COM
> >>>>> >>>   Registrar: EASYDNS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
> >>>>> >>>   Whois Server: whois.easydns.com
> >>>>> >>>   Referral URL: http://www.easydns.com
> >>>>> >>>   Name Server: NS1.VIRTUALINTERCONNECT.COM
> >>>>> >>>   Name Server: NS2.VIRTUALINTERCONNECT.COM
> >>>>> >>>   Status: clientTransferProhibited
> >>>>> >>>   Status: clientUpdateProhibited
> >>>>> >>>   Updated Date: 16-nov-2010
> >>>>> >>>   Creation Date: 16-nov-2010
> >>>>> >>>   Expiration Date: 16-nov-2011
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>>>>> Last update of whois database: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:16:46 UTC
> <<<
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 5:19 PM, David van Geest
> >>>>> >>> <david.vangeest at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>> >>>> Let me guess.... first task for the new employee will be to
> write
> >>>>> >>>> the
> >>>>> >>>> company's website :-).
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 2:31 PM,
> >>>>> >>>>  <kyle at virtualinterconnectsoftware.com> wrote:
> >>>>> >>>>> Hi everyone,
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> We have a job opening for a programmer/system administrator
> >>>>> >>>>> position, and
> >>>>> >>>>> built a bit of a geek test to check for some of the skills
> we're
> >>>>> >>>>> looking
> >>>>> >>>>> for:
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> http://geektest.virtualinterconnectsoftware.com/
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> You can take the test semi-anonymously without applying for the
> >>>>> >>>>> job - when
> >>>>> >>>>> you get to the end, it lets you choose whether you want to
> apply
> >>>>> >>>>> or not.
> >>>>> >>>>> Minimal information is required (first name, e-mail, a bit more
> >>>>> >>>>> if you want
> >>>>> >>>>> to apply for the job), and you're required to post your score
> to
> >>>>> >>>>> the high
> >>>>> >>>>> score list under a three-letter handle of your choosing.  It's
> >>>>> >>>>> designed as
> >>>>> >>>>> a bit of a game, and some basic hacking is encouraged (see the
> >>>>> >>>>> rules for
> >>>>> >>>>> details).  Whether or not you want the job, go ahead and try
> it,
> >>>>> >>>>> even just
> >>>>> >>>>> to see how well you do!
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> If you're interested in the job, we're looking for a really
> geeky
> >>>>> >>>>> person
> >>>>> >>>>> to help us:
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> - write software, mainly in PHP/HTML/CSS/JavaScript
> >>>>> >>>>> - administrate networks, servers, computers, systems, and other
> >>>>> >>>>> electronic
> >>>>> >>>>> dohickeys with blinky lights and fans
> >>>>> >>>>> - secure data and prevent hacking attempts
> >>>>> >>>>> - act as on-call systems administration relief at odd hours if
> >>>>> >>>>> needed
> >>>>> >>>>> (which isn't often)
> >>>>> >>>>> - connect/fix printers and cell phones (the glamorous part of
> the
> >>>>> >>>>> job - in
> >>>>> >>>>> all seriousness, this should be fairly rare)
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> Ideally, someone who:
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> - knows how to program reasonably well
> >>>>> >>>>> - has experience with Linux (you are on a Linux mailing list,
> >>>>> >>>>> right?)
> >>>>> >>>>> - knows a thing or two about encryption
> >>>>> >>>>> - can show up for work bathed and in clean clothes
> >>>>> >>>>> - keeps their cables neat and organized
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> Good luck!
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> Warm Regards,
> >>>>> >>>>> Kyle Maas
> >>>>> >>>>> Virtual Interconnect Software, LLC
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> --
> >>>>> >>>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >>>>> >>>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >>>>> >>>>> believed to be clean.
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> >>>>> grlug mailing list
> >>>>> >>>>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> >>>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>> >>>>>
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>> --
> >>>>> >>>> David van Geest
> >>>>> >>>> http://60cycle.net
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>> --
> >>>>> >>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >>>>> >>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >>>>> >>>> believed to be clean.
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> >>>> grlug mailing list
> >>>>> >>>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> >>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>> >>>>
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>> --
> >>>>> >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
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> >>>>> >>> believed to be clean.
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> >>> grlug mailing list
> >>>>> >>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> >>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>> >>
> >>>>> >>
> >>>>> >> --
> >>>>> >> This message has been scanned for viruses and
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> >>>>> >> believed to be clean.
> >>>>> >> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> >> grlug mailing list
> >>>>> >> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> >> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > --
> >>>>> > :wq
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > --
> >>>>> > This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >>>>> > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >>>>> > believed to be clean.
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > _______________________________________________
> >>>>> > grlug mailing list
> >>>>> > grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> > http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>>
> >>>>> --
> >>>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >>>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >>>>> believed to be clean.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> grlug mailing list
> >>>>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> --
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> >>>> believed to be clean.
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> grlug mailing list
> >>>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Joseph J. K. Workman
> >>> Workman Technology Services
> >>> 616.827.7570
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >>> believed to be clean.
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> grlug mailing list
> >>> grlug at grlug.org
> >>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> This message has been scanned for viruses and
> >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> >> believed to be clean.
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> grlug mailing list
> >> grlug at grlug.org
> >> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > -- "technologically promiscuous"
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > This message has been scanned for viruses and
> > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
> > believed to be clean.
> > _______________________________________________
> > grlug mailing list
> > grlug at grlug.org
> > http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
> >
>
>
>
> --
> David van Geest
> http://60cycle.net
>
> --
> This message has been scanned for viruses and
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>
> _______________________________________________
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