For what it's worth, when I've conducted interviews, I like to give a practical portion. If someone says that they're a "Perl expert", I have them write some code…depending on what it says on their resume and in a background/Google search, I may even give them a system to run it on.
For practical, hands-on things, I've come up with practical, hands-on exercises, or used discussion-type questions to reason through a scenario.
The point of this is that you're putting a lot of focus into what you can get from an employer, whereas the employer is going to be focusing on what you can provide them. It might be a better approach to market yourself, rather than trying to categorize yourself based on certs and potential salary.
Something else to think about…I've had jobs where I was asked my salary requirements during the interview process. In my personal experience, I've found this to be indicative of someone who doesn't really know what they're looking for. If someone has a job description posted, and they don't really know what they're looking for, then it's a good bet that there are a lot of other unknowns behind the curtain, as well. IMHO, I'd have pretty good idea already of what I was looking for (junior/entry level, more experienced, or senior/mgr level) as well as a salary window.
The thing a lot of folks do not realize, particularly in the IT field, is that the employers are not the experts. Many times, they have no idea what they want.
H
I think your absolutly right here. In my scenario the company is small and im almost 100% convinced they aren't to sure what they want. They didnt post a job description, i wrote to them just to explore any potential oppertunities. They said they are interested and asked for resume and salary req. Immediatly i thought two things."How much do they think/want me to do for them" and "Im probabl the first of my kind in the company, and they dont know what to expect/pay"
I think you've answered your own question. If you were really passionate about getting into Forensics then the pay increase would be irrelevant to you, the desire to get your feet under the table would be enough. Are you sure you want this? Secondly, there is no substitute for real life case experience, this job could give you that.
I would stop thinking about the money and ask yourself if you really want this career shift. It all sounds glamorous but spending your life wading through other peoples digital garbage can be very tough as well as rewarding.
Focus your resume heavily on your drive to keep learning in this arena as you have demonstrated with courses and ask for $35k with a $5k salary review after 6 months.
If this is the first forensic person they have hired, no disrespect, but they would be nuts to hire you as their only guy!
All the best
Nick
I certainly understand your points and appreciate your input. I know im ONLY an entry-level person for this position purely based on my training and experience. I wouldn't ask for much, but anything would be nice to get into the field.I dont want to make the mistake of other jobs and just take anything to get into the field, because sometimes the company cant carry you or things dont workout just because of the company. However, like i said earlier, im willing to bet that i would be the first forensic investigator at this place, im sure they have other investigators, but not forensic ones. and im pretty rusty in the field since ive only worked as a network admin for the past couple years. I do require either further education in forensics, or a place that can offer education through training with other employees or through the line of work. What the company can offer me and what they think the job will be is a second step. The first step is my focusm because this person is only asking for two things, and i want to try and answer both his questions.
My finial thoughts thus far… Dress my resume to make it clear that i require further education in the job i persue and that i am entry level looking to break into the field and learn more. In the meantime being paid desirably(sp?) around 38k.