Job Interview Next Week

[quakeworld]

Hi everyone. I have a job interview/test next week for a C# programmer position. My background in programming is VB and VBA (self taught) and write small, adhoc programs at work (I currently work as a user acceptance tester) and simple games in my spare time. I did dabble in C++ and was able to somewhat grasp the concept of OOP but I never really was able write something using that language.

I was surprised that the company responded to my resume stating that they're willing to take me in as an entry level C# developer provided I pass the test they give me. They said the test would consist of the following (quoting from the email I received from 'em):

1.create a web-based app using VB through Visual Studio (not a Windows form)
2. do a database using MS-SQL 2005, and a front-end where you will be provided with sliced graphics for a pre-designed mock-up.
3. The test also includes JavaScript and HTML

I'll be given 5 hours for this test including research over the internet (!).

I'm thinking I might be a little over my head on this one. The closest thing I've used SQL was modifying some scripts in Access and some queries in Crystal Reports but nothing from scratch. I've read up on Java a little but never had the time to fully grasp it either.

I did mention in my email to them that I really like programming and that I have an ok foundation to grasp programming concepts quickly.

Any tips on what to expect or what should I read up on this weekend so I could cram? Or did I just get myself into something potentially embarrassing?

 

[Phillip Atkins]

Sounds great, so what if you think your a little over your head with it your best bet is just to look on google and try and learn MS-SQL-2005 and also some Javascript, Javascript and HTML is pretty easy to learn but I'm not sure about MS-SQL I'm sure you'll be fine!

Good luck!

 

[Bulldog13]

www.pluralsight-training.net

So the position is for C#, but the test is in VB ??? That doesn't sound right.

If you give me some more specifics I can recommend which videos, but if you grind through the videos this weekend and feel comfortable doing what they explain, I think you have a darn good shot.

 

[EvilManagedCare]

I'm thinking I might be a little over my head on this one. The closest thing I've used SQL was modifying some scripts in Access and some queries in Crystal Reports but nothing from scratch. I've read up on Java a little but never had the time to fully grasp it either.

I did mention in my email to them that I really like programming and that I have an ok foundation to grasp programming concepts quickly.

Any tips on what to expect or what should I read up on this weekend so I could cram? Or did I just get myself into something potentially embarrassing?

The good news is based on the technologies listed in the requirements for the test, it doesn't sound like you will need to know Java. Javascript and Java are not related, though some of the syntax is similar (sorry if you knew this already).

The library at pluralsight as given by Bulldog13 looks to have everything you need in terms of topics. Some appear to be over 5 hours long, though. If you need a quick and dirty introduction to topics like SQL, there is always the oft-vilified w3schools (www.w3schools.org) website. It seems most of the criticism cited is concerned with HTML, CSS & Javascript, but they do have a decent SQL section.

Another great source with good links for getting started quickly is the Microsoft Developer Network: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

 

[bradcliff88]

I also recommend w3schools

 

[quakeworld]

appreciate the responses and info guys. am at work right now on a short break to check the thread and will look up the sites mentioned after work. @bulldog13 - they're testing me on VB because I don't have any experience in C#. the company was looking for a senior c# developer but am willing to take me in as entry-level. i'm grateful for the opportunity!i'm guessing they just want to see how i code in VB?

i guess i have to get a crash course in ms sql this weekend. also i have no experience in making a web based app using VB via visual studio (i was thinking of vbscript but that's not in visual studio is it? activex maybe?)

reason why i think i'm in over my head is because i've never programmed professionally (meaning full time). just mostly 2D games and small stuff at work. and the test i have to take sounds daunting since i don't know the stuff they want me to do (even the web based VB

 

[Crusty]

I also recommend w3schools

http://w3fools.com/

 

[Cogman]

www.pluralsight-training.net

So the position is for C#, but the test is in VB ??? That doesn't sound right.

If you give me some more specifics I can recommend which videos, but if you grind through the videos this weekend and feel comfortable doing what they explain, I think you have a darn good shot.

Why not? Anyone good programmer should be able to pick up a new language fairly quickly. So long as the OP expresses that "I don't know C#, but this is what I know.." and they are fine with that, we are in a good state.

I recently got a job with the same premise, the company was a Java company I told them "I don't really have a lot of Java experience, but I have used x, y, and z". They knew it and didn't care.

You're best bet with an interview is to be as honest as possible.

 

[EvilManagedCare]

http://w3fools.com/

This was the subject of a post not too long ago and certainly the OP should be careful what info he takes from w3schools. Due to the concerns about CSS, HTML, & Javascript, I recommended it as a crash course in SQL only. IIRC some of the concerns about the latter were deemed by some to be niggling.

The following assumes the user interface is not provided: As far as coming up with a user interface with the web app, MS has made it so making a web form is very similar to making a Windows form. That is, you can drag and drop GUI components (i.e. server controls in the MS web world) for ASP.NET (the MS web framework) in Visual Studio. Then you can double click on them to code the event handlers. However, you may still find yourself having to manipulate the generated HTML. Sometimes it's actually easier just to hand code the HTML.

I think once you start checking out the tutorials and doing some mini-projects related to the test, you'll feel better.

 

[EvilManagedCare]

I should have asked before, but are the objectives of the test a single app, or 3 separate ones?

Regardless, you could do a single mini-project that can at least get you immersed in concepts that sound like they're being covered on the test:

1. Create a web form that accepts some input from the user that could correspond to a user ID

2. Use some simple Javascript to check input (e.g. does it match format requirements) and display appropriate error messages. Convention dictates this be checked on server side too, but this part is to get you doing Javascript.

3. Check the database for the ID submitted by the user, if it's found return a message like "Welcome back, " <ID# of user>. If it's a new user return something like "Added new user " <ID of user>.

4. Maybe add an option to delete a record

Again, these are simple suggestions but it will get you familiar with ASP.NET (web), ADO.NET (MS Database framework) and some Javascript. I apologize in advance if any of this sounds patronizing or obvious since I don't know exactly what your experience is with these technologies.

 

[Bulldog13]

Why not? Anyone good programmer should be able to pick up a new language fairly quickly. So long as the OP expresses that "I don't know C#, but this is what I know.." and they are fine with that, we are in a good state.

I recently got a job with the same premise, the company was a Java company I told them "I don't really have a lot of Java experience, but I have used x, y, and z". They knew it and didn't care.

You're best bet with an interview is to be as honest as possible.

I don't think we can classify him as a good programmer quite yet. He is still at the point where the syntax of a given language will confuse him as he jumps in between different languages.

I would recommend "Moving from VB6 to VB.NET" & "Introduction to ASP.NET 4 WebForms". If you grind through these and a bit of HTML you should do well.

 

[iCyborg]

they're testing me on VB because I don't have any experience in C#. the company was looking for a senior c# developer but am willing to take me in as entry-level. i'm grateful for the opportunity!i'm guessing they just want to see how i code in VB?

I agree with the guys that picking up a new language isn't difficult if you're good and know some others already, especially for an entry-level position, so that part is ok, in fact the company seems like one of the few reasonable ones regarding that.
What puzzles me is how come that you applied for a senior C# position with no C# experience?

 

[quakeworld]

I should have asked before, but are the objectives of the test a single app, or 3 separate ones?

Regardless, you could do a single mini-project that can at least get you immersed in concepts that sound like they're being covered on the test:

1. Create a web form that accepts some input from the user that could correspond to a user ID

2. Use some simple Javascript to check input (e.g. does it match format requirements) and display appropriate error messages. Convention dictates this be checked on server side too, but this part is to get you doing Javascript.

3. Check the database for the ID submitted by the user, if it's found return a message like "Welcome back, " <ID# of user>. If it's a new user return something like "Added new user " <ID of user>.

4. Maybe add an option to delete a record

Again, these are simple suggestions but it will get you familiar with ASP.NET (web), ADO.NET (MS Database framework) and some Javascript. I apologize in advance if any of this sounds patronizing or obvious since I don't know exactly what your experience is with these technologies.

Not patronizing at all I need all the help I can get. From the sound of the email it sounds like they want me to create 3 separate apps.

@iCyborg - someone at work clued me on the the opening. all he said was there was an opening for a programmer at so and so company (which happens to be in the building across from our office) and since i was already considering looking for another job, i sent in my resume when i got home that night. the next day i got a call from their HR asking if i was interested in another position (QA / tester) since i really didn't meet the requirements for the C# position. i said sure. she asked me a few more questions bout my background in programming so i said i really like programming but only have experience in VB and its variants but am quick to learn. that same day i received an email saying the tester position has been put on hold by management but she said she spoke with the PM and he was willing to give me a shot if i pass the test. another plus is that i live literally 5 minutes from work so it would be really convenient if i work around the same area.

anywhos i checked out pluralsight and they require a CC for the free trial. checking out the w3schools now.

 

[Bulldog13]

Not patronizing at all I need all the help I can get. From the sound of the email it sounds like they want me to create 3 separate apps.

@iCyborg - someone at work clued me on the the opening. all he said was there was an opening for a programmer at so and so company (which happens to be in the building across from our office) and since i was already considering looking for another job, i sent in my resume when i got home that night. the next day i got a call from their HR asking if i was interested in another position (QA / tester) since i really didn't meet the requirements for the C# position. i said sure. she asked me a few more questions bout my background in programming so i said i really like programming but only have experience in VB and its variants but am quick to learn. that same day i received an email saying the tester position has been put on hold by management but she said she spoke with the PM and he was willing to give me a shot if i pass the test. another plus is that i live literally 5 minutes from work so it would be really convenient if i work around the same area.

anywhos i checked out pluralsight and they require a CC for the free trial. checking out the w3schools now.

If you have a .edu email address you can get it for free for 90 days :
https://www.dreamspark.com/Product/Product.aspx?productid=21