Archive for December, 2005

SQLite 3

Some of the ideas I have running through my head require a database, and I’ve been frustrated with the idea of either creating a flat-file/archive or finding a way to implement a database server of some form in my projects. Granted, I have not yet delved in to the world of Core Data… I’m still a neophyte with regards to programming with Cocoa.

Big Nerd Ranch recently posted some info on their blog about SQLite 3, which is a great way to implement a database, without having to require a database server. Woohoo! Core Data actually uses SQLite, but the blog article mentions reasons why you may want to not use Core Data (backwards compatibility, possibly faster access times). Either way, it makes me want to learn Core Data more, and at the very least, I can brush up on SQLite as a means to accomplishing other tasks.

-Tom

The Job Hunt…

So, as some people know, I’m deeply entrenched in the job-hunt. More specifically, I recently interviewed for a Mac Genius position at the Tyson’s Corner Apple Store. I’m not sure what I am at liberty to say, since Apple is a secretive company, so if it looks like I’m leaving things out… I am.

Truth be told, I suck at interviews. Always have, I think I always will. With that said, I think this interview was my best… but I just can’t help thinking over all of the little things that happened during my interview, and thinking I could have said something better, or been just a little more relaxed, or a ton of other little things. I left the interview feeling positive, but four days later, and I’m a wreck.

So how do I think I “failed”? Well, Apple is a hip, customer-service oriented company. Apple loves their customers, and the customers love Apple back. I can’t shake the feeling I was too uptight, not as relaxed as I am in real life. I tried to joke around and be social, but I think I was too concerned about my presentation, that I may have done the opposite of what I intended. Maybe I’m just reading in to things a bit too much. Another thing I feel I failed in, was in asking questions. I know its good to ask questions and get a feel for the job that I’m applying for. But I know a lot about the position. I had a friend who was a Mac Genius, and I’m familiar with how Apple does business. When it came time to ask questions of my interviewer, I blanked out. I now have some questions in mind, but that does not help as much after-the-fact.

Keep in mind, this is me “over-thinking” the interview. I probably did a good job. Still, I know three of the people I’m competing with for the job, and they are strong candidates as well.

Meh, in other news, I posted my resume up on Dice.com and I’ve already received three emails with job opportunities. All of them are in programming, which is awesome. None of them are Mac-specific, which is a slight bummer, but it could lead to some opportunities and much-needed experience. It would be great if it were contract-work, that way, were I to become a Mac Genius, I could still get some extra cash/experience in.

OK, this was my update on the job-front, hope those of you who read it enjoyed my ramblings.

-Tom