Saw this gem of a job on Monster.com today:
The world’s largest commercial real estate firm is seeking a Network Administrator experienced with Microsoft Exchange 2000, Windows 2000 Server and all Microsoft desktop operating systems. Must be able and willing to work on all aspects of IT, from server maintenance and Active Directory to customized applications at the desktop level to printer and cell phone troubleshooting. This is a challenging and exciting opportunity for a candidate who wants to make a big difference in the daily operation of a great organization!
We are currently looking for a Network Administrator with the following characteristics:
• Willing to travel between Raleigh and Charlotte offices
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups (written & verbal)
• Proven track record via verifiable experience or certification
• Ability to manage change
• Great under pressure
• A+, Net+ and/or MCSA a plus
• Research and documentation skills
• Ability to think outside the box
It is the Network Administrator’s primary responsibility to ensure continued up-time for end users through preventative maintenance as well as disaster recovery.
As professional high achievers, our successful employees are competitive, proactive, self-motivated, excellent listeners, speakers and written communicators. If you are looking for a dynamic environment, excellent growth opportunities, competitive earnings and a comprehensive benefits package, we encourage you to send your cover letter, resume and salary history to …
Okay. Not bad, you say. Sounds like a good opportunity, right? But then you look at their salary offering: $25k to $30k.
Excuse me? The company wants an expert at Windows administration who’s also skilled at application development (and cellphone troubleshooting of all things) and preferably vendor-certified with a “proven track record.” For your efforts, you’ll receive wages that make working at Burger King seem like a step up. And, oh, by the way: you’ll be schlepping between Raleigh and Charlotte because we’re too cheap to hire someone for each office.
And this, remember, is the “world’s largest commercial real estate firm.”
Does that ad have any text in 2-point size stating “company peon”? Sheesh… Not only is the starting salary way too low, but they aren’t offering “tolerance pay” for daily immersion in Microsoft’s crud, especially Exchange.
How many months has this ad been posted on Monster.com?
That’s horrible.
…. ouch. I’m surprised they aren’t also asking for the person to be an electrician, plumber, salesperson, receptionist, and oh yeah make sure to pick up coffee and donuts in the morning on the way in too. Oi.
Not to mention with gas prices the way they are, that sort of salary is not going to get you between Raleigh and Charlotte very often and leave you with much left over.
Wow. I’d love to see who ends up taking that job. I’m sorry, but offering entry-level pay and asking for entry-level experience is not going to get you a solid, knowledgable, qualified network administrator. Makes you wonder what someone was thinking… (probably outside the box… of reality).
$25-$30k?!! You’d be a millionaire!
Sincerely,
The 11 year old girl who made your Nike shoes