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I spent a full year trying to recruit a Linux sysadmin in Jogjakarta. I've seen probably around 40 CVs, interviewed about 10 people. Their test scores were poo poo even when the resumes looked good. The only good candidates were those with 10 real years of work experience but then they refused our salary offer. So after a year, we finally decided gently caress it and moved the position to Saigon, where it took me a week to find a good Linux geek for the job. I've seen my share of horrible Vietnamese resumes full of random certifications but Indonesia takes the cake so far.
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Jul 25, 2013 10:07
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The biggest problem I found in trying to hire sysadmins and neckbeards was pretty predictable in retrospect: anyone who spends all that time becoming a *nix wizard is inevitably socially atrophied and can rarely work and play well with others, which, in an international context, means that finding one who can do the work AND bridge the cultural and language divide is just nearly impossible. I did finally find a good guy who was tapped into the entire world of Thai hardcore *nix dudes, so he'd basically just bring in specialists for whatever we needed. Also, Thai people almost never have beards, so you couldn't use the bizarreness of their facial hair to judge their skill level, which is crucial. Hell, I've had to hire sysadmins in America and it's not like it's a cakewalk there finding someone who can be at work, do the job, dress and smell relatively acceptable and somehow tolerate the social minefield of a company culture without causing all kinds of friction. Things have changed a lot in the last decade since I did that back home, but I have friends in pretty high sysadmin positions still in the US and they tell the same stories today as we used to joke about back then. "Yeah, my junior sysadmin almost got fired today because he refused to email the CEO his password and kept arguing with him about security." continues to be a thing, for example. ReindeerF fucked around with this message at 10:17 on Jul 25, 2013 |
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Jul 25, 2013 10:15
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lemonadesweetheart posted:That's the thing about certifications though, they don't really speak to the quality of the course or the quality of the person who has the cert. I view them as an attendance award and nothing else so I wouldn't be too worried if people turn up, don't do any work and then expect a piece of paper at the end of it. Exactly, which is why I tend to only skim over the courses and concentrate on their actual experience. Although thinking about it, if there was an IT school or training centre with a genuinely decent reputation here, I'd be much more inclined to bring people in for an interview if I saw it listed on their CV. Limkokwing uni is probably the best I've found so far but it's very design focused, so only really suitable for specific roles. ReindeerF posted:When I was still hiring here for dev positions a few years ago, I'd just tell the second round candidates there was an application test on the second interview where I'd stick a computer in front of them with some code and say, "Okay, make it do this. Now make it do that" and so on. Only a tiny percentage would show up, but the ones who did were much better signal to noise. We give candidates a written test and a practical one straight after the initial face-to-face interview, depending on the position. Some of them outright refuse to do it.
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Jul 25, 2013 10:16
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Tytan posted:We give candidates a written test and a practical one straight after the initial face-to-face interview, depending on the position. Some of them outright refuse to do it. 
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Jul 25, 2013 10:20
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ReindeerF posted:Hell, I've had to hire sysadmins in America and it's not like it's a cakewalk there finding someone who can be at work, do the job, dress and smell relatively acceptable and somehow tolerate the social minefield of a company culture without causing all kinds of friction. I've been a *nix sysadmin for almost 10 years and I'm definitely not the stereotype neckbeard nacho-eating socially awkward goon.  But then I don't really hang out with the sysadmin crowd, I don't like talking about linux/programming/internet in real life and I try to keep it to my online life.
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Jul 25, 2013 10:53
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DISRUPT UNIVERSITY *wicked guitar solo plays*
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Jul 25, 2013 11:11
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Senso posted:No idea but if you want to party in Saigon on Saturday, let me know. Sure. I'll be traveling with a friend as well. I don't have pm's but send me a message on gmail, myotheremailaccountisnt at gmail dot com. E: Duckmaster if you fancy beers tonight in celebration of your working balls send me a message as well. Brimmy fucked around with this message at 11:18 on Jul 25, 2013 |
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Jul 25, 2013 11:14
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kru posted:DISRUPT UNIVERSITY *wicked guitar solo plays*
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Jul 25, 2013 11:35
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Message sent! I'm off to make SOMETHINGAWFUL.COM > DISCUSSION > ASK/TELL > TOURISM/TRAVEL > SOUTH EAST ASIA MEGATHREAD - DO I NEED TO WEAR PANTS? WORLD TOUR 2013 t-shirts.
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Jul 25, 2013 11:39
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Great I'll have no problem spotting you so. Responded to your email as I couldn't find you because of your settings.
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Jul 25, 2013 11:53
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For comedy effect, print it 360 degrees around the shirt in a large font.
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Jul 25, 2013 11:58
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ReindeerF posted:I'd at least expect a fake SMS message from mom or something, this being Southeast Asia. I Thailand no one refuses to do anything, they just say okay and then don't do it, which can get really bizarre if you press the issue (I'm so glad I'm not doing this kind of work anymore). Like you're standing there, you ask them to do it, they say "krab" and then with you standing there don't do the thing and thus ensues the face-saving kabuki theater of "Oh there must have been a misunderstanding" my head is going to explode just posting about this. This is my general approach to work matters that don't matter here in the US now and Americans are totally defenseless against it 
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Jul 25, 2013 12:27
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Sheep-Goats posted:This is my general approach to work matters that don't matter here in the US now and Americans are totally defenseless against it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rnkB9sioo
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Jul 25, 2013 12:59
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The only addendum is that I actually refer to it as The Mexican Technique because I learned it from a group of Mexican line cooks we had at a bar. I explain it to others as "Say OK, but just do whatever you were going to do anyway." Coincidentally it works really well on the mentally altered. Say some diabetic lady who is not with it due the problems associated with very high blood sugar (we don't treat that in the field, low we can fix). "I don wanna go to no hospital... Cake... Blrrelbel bribble..." "OK. Come get on the stretcher." "I don wanna go." "Yeah, I understand. Just going to put on your seat belt." "Are we going to the hospital? I... I don't like the hospital..." "OK. Sit back so you're comfortable." Etc. Critical part of caring for street drunks IMO.
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Jul 25, 2013 14:06
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Your line of work anywhere ain't glamorous, but how you do it in NYC is something else altogether, heh.
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Jul 25, 2013 16:24
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Pretty stoked to find this thread. I've done lots of reading on what to expect and what to pack, but a retarded number of ~essential~ lists include things like hair straighteners and curling irons. I trust goons (hahaha trust goons) to be a little more pragmatic about packing truly important things, like anime and USB fans. I'm gonna be kicking around Luang Prabang in October through December. Also killing a few days in Bangkok before that, and chilling in Hanoi for a few days at the very start of my trip in September. Any regional goons wanna show a Canadian around? I'm not too polite, I promise. Seriously though, I would love some suggestions of tools for teaching English. I'm bringing a few inflatable world globes for fun, and couple copies of my favourite alphabet book. I also have a picture/info book with profiles on 100 countries (including Laos) that I thought might be fun for the more advanced students to translate. The pictures are awesome, so there's something for everyone there. Hope these aren't retarded ideas--I'm used to teaching craft workshops, not language.
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Jul 25, 2013 23:28
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I'm 6'3" with size 13-14 feet and not built like an Asian, so shoes, socks and casual clothing are an issue, but doesn't sound like a problem for you. The biggest thing I have shipped over otherwise, aside from the occasional consumer electronic, are deodorants and soap, heh. Oh and Texas foodstuffs, so maybe cheese curds for you. Plug adapters will help smooth the transition, but can be bought locally with ease. Laos is great, even the gingerbread town of Luang Prabang has a good reputation for the most part. My friend met Mick Jagger there, of all people. Enjoy!
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Jul 26, 2013 00:49
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ReindeerF posted:I'm 6'3" with size 13-14 feet and not built like an Asian, so shoes, socks and casual clothing are an issue, but doesn't sound like a problem for you. I was warned that Laos women are pretty tiny, and I should probably bring most of my clothes from home, or buy stuff in Bangkok. I'm 5'7" and around a size 8, but I gather that's gonna make me a goddamn moose-woman over there. I'm packing pretty light for clothes, though. I figure I can wash as I go. Far more of my bag is taken up with hygiene, health, and teaching stuff. I will miss my jeans almost as much as my cat.
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Jul 26, 2013 01:32
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You won't miss your jeans, trust me on that.
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Jul 26, 2013 02:23
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There's not really a lot of places in Laos to shop for clothes, I wouldn't buy my entire wardrobe there but you can pick up pieces and bits to replace stuff as you go by. Most of the stuff in markets are tiny or "one size". Size 8 shouldn't be too hard to shop for though. Bangkok and Hanoi would have a lot of places for you to shop but Bangkok is the best and it's a lot easier to find size 8 stuff in Thailand than Vietnam because the Vietnamese are tiny too. Remember that Laos is quite conservative so don't bring anything too revealing, there are signs in touristy areas on how to behave properly and what to not wear. Bring a pair or two of lightweight pants especially if you're going to be teaching.
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Jul 26, 2013 04:10
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The IT guy at my first company in Thailand was also the handyman. I saw him up on a bamboo ladder one morning testing public utility wires by tapping them with a screwdriver. He usually spent the day sharing and commenting on softcore porn pics on Facebook. He was a great guy, though. Second company was tech-related, and while there didn't seem to be a lack of talent (tons of qualified applicants online, lots of high praise for local talent from other business owners), about 80% of applicants wouldn't show up for their interviews. They'd confirm they were coming, call ahead, and then never show up and never answer another email or call. And there were strange disappearances every step of the hiring process. For a few we even met their salary expectations, agreed verbally, and then poof, vamoose. It was such a problem that we ended up outsourcing quite a few functions to Vietnam and India.
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Jul 26, 2013 04:18
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Tomato Soup posted:There's not really a lot of places in Laos to shop for clothes, I wouldn't buy my entire wardrobe there but you can pick up pieces and bits to replace stuff as you go by. Most of the stuff in markets are tiny or "one size". Size 8 shouldn't be too hard to shop for though. Thanks. I wasn't sure about Vietnam. I actually left myself a full three days in Bangkok after some wandering around the region to rest in an airconditioned hotel and shop, and I'll probably go back that way around Christmas before I fly home. Any shopping suggestions for fun or good deals? I've heard mixed reviews of Asiatique, and apparently there is a "haunted mall" that sounds insanely cheesy. I'm not interested in buying knock-offs or authentic designer stuff, for the most part. I do like well-made or unique things, however. (The fun stuff can get buried in my bag till I'm out of Laos. I have linen pants and collared shirts for teaching. Most of the teachers get a traditional skirt made for working, as well.) How do you go about getting taxis in places like Hanoi and Bangkok, anyway? Can I just walk up to the street and raise a hand? (This does not work well where I live, so I dunno if it does anywhere outside of TV, New York, and movies.) I'm a little afraid of wandering off and getting lost. My sense of direction is lamentable. Pixelante fucked around with this message at 05:57 on Jul 26, 2013 |
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Jul 26, 2013 05:54
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Terminal 21 is a good mix of a nice environment and cool, independent, local brands. I don't think Mansion 6 (or whatever that haunted house themed mall is named) is open anymore. The weekend night market is great for vintage stuff, but they recently had to relocate. I'm not sure if it's thriving in the new location. Taxis are easy as hell to find in Bangkok and for the most part won't give you any trouble. Don't accept anything unmetered. Hanoi is the only place in Southeast Asia where I've consistently had trouble with taxis — no meter, turbo meter, driving around in circles, being aggressive. Unfortunately I don't have any tips for that.
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Jul 26, 2013 07:43
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Pixelante posted:How do you go about getting taxis in places like Hanoi and Bangkok, anyway? Can I just walk up to the street and raise a hand? (This does not work well where I live, so I dunno if it does anywhere outside of TV, New York, and movies.) I'm a little afraid of wandering off and getting lost. My sense of direction is lamentable. If you're standing in a massive tourist area you'll get scammed, but anywhere else they're honest and use meters. They may not want to take you if they're totally devoid of English or if it's rush hour and they don't like your destination, but just keep trying, someone will take you - and they'll use the meter. Tip: if you're in a massive tourist area where there are lots of parked taxis around gesturing, walk away from them to an area where there aren't any dudes just sitting there touting and flag a taxi. Smeef posted:It was such a problem that we ended up outsourcing quite a few functions to Vietnam and India. I also really liked the IT guys who were pretty useless at their jobs and I recall the endless Camfrog sessions they'd get into. Eventually you just resigned yourself to their being useful for fixing jammed printers and installing new laptops and things and enjoyed shooting the poo poo with them, heh. ReindeerF fucked around with this message at 07:50 on Jul 26, 2013 |
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Jul 26, 2013 07:46
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Brimmy and I got very drunk and I paid $10 to go to bed with something tasty  (A pizza)
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Jul 26, 2013 07:54
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I think we've solved your mystery illness - stop loving pizzas.
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Jul 26, 2013 08:04
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Pixelante posted:How do you go about getting taxis in places like Hanoi and Bangkok, anyway? Can I just walk up to the street and raise a hand? (This does not work well where I live, so I dunno if it does anywhere outside of TV, New York, and movies.) I'm a little afraid of wandering off and getting lost. My sense of direction is lamentable. For Hanoi, yes you can wave them down. Best thing to do is to ask your guesthouse which are the reliable companies, and stick to only using them (I can't remember the names of any of them unfortunately). The difference in price can be ridiculous - I remember one company only asked for the equivalent of $2, and another one wanting around $20 for a similar journey.
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Jul 26, 2013 08:23
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ReindeerF posted:If you're standing in a massive tourist area you'll get scammed, but anywhere else they're honest and use meters. They may not want to take you if they're totally devoid of English or if it's rush hour and they don't like your destination, but just keep trying, someone will take you - and they'll use the meter.  ) but it's better to waste time then than haggling at the end of the line.
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Jul 26, 2013 08:26
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Tytan posted:I remember one company only asked for the equivalent of $2, and another one wanting around $20 for a similar journey.
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Jul 26, 2013 08:30
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Tytan posted:For Hanoi, yes you can wave them down. Best thing to do is to ask your guesthouse which are the reliable companies, and stick to only using them (I can't remember the names of any of them unfortunately). Mai Linh and Vinasun are the two "reliable" taxi companies, do NOT use any other except at your own risk.
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Jul 26, 2013 08:46
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Senso posted:Mai Linh and Vinasun are the two "reliable" taxi companies, do NOT use any other except at your own risk. I assume you mean risk as in "I paid way too loving much for this trip," and not, "I woke up in a ditch with no wallet." I am going to be travelling solo when I'm not with a tour.
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Jul 26, 2013 09:23
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Yes the former. I have not met a dangerous taxi driver yet.
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Jul 26, 2013 09:50
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On a somewhat random note, my plan to go diving in Thailand got altered as my dad is currently in Vietnam and now so am I. I'm in Hanoi tool Sunday and then heading to Sapa for a couple of days in case any goons are up here and want to get drinks or something? Failing that where is fun to eat/drink in Hanoi? It's been a full decade since I was last here (gently caress I feel I'm getting old)
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Jul 26, 2013 10:00
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duckmaster posted:Brimmy and I got very drunk and I paid $10 to go to bed with something tasty I'd have loved a pizza, instead I had an ice cream and got followed down Pub street by a ladyboy.
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Jul 26, 2013 12:14
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Hanoi places to eat at- The Note Coffee is a really cute coffeeshop with a post-it note theme, go upstairs to see the notes and leave one yourself. It's near the lake and at the bottom of the Old Quarter so it's easy to get to. There's some sort of hot pot place named Xuan Xuan on Ma May that's loving amazing. It's around $5 and you get a massive plate of meat (I recommend the goat udder, not kidding) and veggies to cook at your table and some sauce to dip them in. Look for the plastic stools and crowds. Lots of great street food around too, just look for where the crowds are at. gently caress, I miss Vietnamese food now  Pixelante posted:I assume you mean risk as in "I paid way too loving much for this trip," and not, "I woke up in a ditch with no wallet." I am going to be travelling solo when I'm not with a tour. I'm a solo female traveler too and SEA in general is pretty safe. You mainly have to worry about petty theft- watch your stuff! You may have to wait a few minutes to find a Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi but it's worth the wait. Mai Linh often has green cars (some are white) so they're a lot easier to spot than Vinasun. It was easy to hail cabs off the street but it helps to try walk to an attraction nearby if possible. Just stand on the edge of the sidewalk and shake your head when cabs from the wrong company rolls up then try wave down the right cabs. If you're leaving somewhere, you can request that they call a cab of your choice to come pick you up. As for shopping tips in Bangkok, Siam Square is good. MBK Center for the kind of stuff you'd find out on the street but there's air con! Then there's Siam Discovery, Center, and Paragon (expensive) which are all malls. Siam Center (the middle one) is prob the most fun to shop in for clothes due to the great selection and decoration. Don't miss out on checking out the bathrooms too. There are cute little boutiques everywhere in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. There's a mall or two too. In both cities, you can find a lot on the street and in markets for super cheap. Only problem is that you can't try them on which kind of sucks.
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Jul 26, 2013 14:59
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Tomato Soup posted:
But there are photos of the item on a model. So you totally know how it's going to look on you.
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Jul 26, 2013 15:28
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So just how "packed" is Thailand/the rest of SE Asia in January/February? I got dengue when I was in Thailand last month, so the Peace Corps says I can't go until sometime next calendar year. Of course, this gives a perfect opportunity to head back--I'm just wondering how bad it is to book accommodation, transport, etc.
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Jul 26, 2013 18:26
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Still high season. Those are the two coolest months along with December, so the Europeans flock here.
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Jul 27, 2013 03:11
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MrNemo posted:On a somewhat random note, my plan to go diving in Thailand got altered as my dad is currently in Vietnam and now so am I. I'm in Hanoi tool Sunday and then heading to Sapa for a couple of days in case any goons are up here and want to get drinks or something? Gorge on some Bun Cha on Hang Manh Street. I miss that dish.
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Jul 27, 2013 03:17
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Rojkir posted:I'm trying to figure out a destination for a next diving holiday. I'm a single traveller so I'd like somewhere with a good atmosphere for meeting people (bars/restaurants near or in diving schools, some backpackers around). I've found the following destinations to choose from: Check out Khao Lak. Live aboard to the Surin and Similan Islands, and various other places. Not much of a party scene though so the meeting aspect people doesn't really work. Another option is Nusa Lembongan. Not sure about the meeting people side of things but I'll tell you in late September. Wicked Diving do live aboard trips out of Komodo. A friend just posted photos on Facebook and the diving looks amazing. Good for meeting people, good for seeing places people don't often see, and good for seeing crazy poo poo in the ocean. I am considering doing one of these, but I get sea sick  Hasardeur posted:Hey there, If you can get to Koh Tao for the night of the 10th, there's a massive party on Sairee beach: Swim for Sharks. Basically during the day a bunch of crazy people swim from Sairee and around Koh Nang Yuan, and back to Sairee. At night, people who are no good at swimming (me) get their heads shaved or pay other people to do the same, and drink plenty of beer. It's all done to raise money to buy sharks from restaurants and aquariums, tag them, and release them back to the ocean. Good excuse for a party and although it's nowhere near the biggest party of the year, it's worth checking out. I'll be there from the 9th but can't help with hooking you up with any deals. They're pretty much limited to family and friends or whoever the instructor wants to take for free (since any discount given impacts their earnings). I'm not an instructor. Go with a decent school like Big Blue or Roctopus or New Way, do a refresher, then do an SSI Advanced Adventurer. They are a good way to meet people and get a feel for the place. It will be busy season to try to book a place to stay in advance...
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