I just got an Oracle certification – how can I get hired as a DBA?
You just passed the final test and Oracle submitted your OCA certificate for the “Oracle 11g Database Administrator” track (maybe even an OCP certificate). However, he has never actually worked as an Oracle database administrator. How can you use your new certification as a stepping stone to a DBA role? Unless you are very lucky, it will not be easy.
As a general rule, when a company uses Oracle, it means that it is using it to run applications that are critical to its business. If the applications weren’t important to the business, they probably won’t use an enterprise-class database. They don’t want to have someone in charge of their Oracle database still learning things. Most database administrator job openings will require several years of experience. Generally the lowest is 3-5. The mystery is how newcomers make it to a DBA position where they can go from zero years to three years of experience.
The first thing to do is learn everything you can about Oracle. Okay, you just got that new certificate. However, if you think that role means you know everything, or even know enough to get ahead, then the best thing you can do is stop reading this article now and go fill out some fast food restaurant job applications. local. Oracle certification tests, especially the OCA level, cover a wide range of topics in very shallow depth. The OCP level gets a little deeper and the OCE tests cover a narrow topic quite deeply. None of them require (or convey) the level of knowledge that comes from working with the database five days a week for years. Continuing to read the Oracle documentation, working with the ‘Oracle by Example’ tutorials, and other similar material will increase your depth of knowledge as you search for a position. If you get an interview, that knowledge will help you when the current DBA asks you questions to see if you know anything about Oracle. They will do it. I’ve been through several of those interviews from both sides.
Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile. That profile should look professional – spell everything correctly and make sure it’s grammatically correct. Get a good photo of yourself and post it. Since you don’t have the proper work experience, make sure your certifications are there and any relevant education. Try to create a personal summary that projects the image of a serious and enthusiastic professional. Try very hard to avoid projecting the image of a desperate, foolish newbie. There are many articles online on how to improve your LinkedIn profile. Find one and implement the suggestions.
Join a local Oracle user group. This will allow you to network and meet other professionals in the area. You can contact a DBA who is looking for an assistant or who knows of someone else who is. At the very least, you’ll find out which companies in the area use Oracle and might be hiring.
Start paying close attention to online job postings in your area. Find out which companies advertise Oracle DBA and what salaries they offer. If you see a below-average deal for your area, you’re probably looking for an entry-level person, even if the post doesn’t specifically say so.
A large percentage of IT positions are filled by recruiters for one of the many companies that specialize in IT services on a contract basis. Try contacting several of these companies and let them know that you are looking for a position. They are usually the first to see many job openings in companies. If they have your name on file and you get close to finding a vacancy, they will contact you. These positions are sometimes short-term contracts, but they will allow you to start building on the critical ‘years of experience’
Make sure you do no sit and do nothing. Certification is a good start, but there will be no companies rushing to your door to hire you. Keep learning, keep searching, and keep adding new skills.