What Do Systems Engineers Do in the Field with Your Clients?
In compiling your technical interview questions and
scenarios for potential systems engineer hires, you should review your
client files to determine the typical day-to-day problems that this
candidate will face in the field as a systems engineer.
For example, if you envision that this systems engineer
candidate will spend much of his or her time on basic Small Business
Server infrastructure installs, you’ll probably want to ask about topics
such as recovering a server from a “blue screen of death” (BSOD) or
configuring well-known ports on a firewall.
If this systems engineer candidate is interviewing for
another kind of position, such as web-site design, you’ll likely want to
qualify their expertise on topics such as Active Server Pages (ASPs), Open
Database Connectivity (ODBC), SQL Server query construction, and design
tools.
Remember to make sure your “tech” questions really
capture the essence of the position’s daily scope and responsibilities
in the field as one of your systems engineers.
Systems Engineers on Payroll vs. Independent Contractors
In addition to hiring full-time, salaried staff systems
engineers, you may also choose to supplement your Small Business Server
team with consultants or independent contractors for specific project
needs.
By hiring independent contractors on as needed basis,
you’ll also keep overhead down, while keeping your core team of
full-time systems engineers more fully utilized.
Also, don't forget that in the U.S., there are some very
specific IRS guidelines and tax and liability ramifications of someone
being an independent contractor, as opposed to a full-time salaried
employee. Regardless of where your computer reseller or systems integrator
business is located, make sure to speak with government labor
representatives, as well as your accountant and attorney before
engaging the services of an independent contractor as a de facto systems
engineer.
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