Question) Which versions of SSRS have you used?
Comment) Differences between 2005 and 2008 are quite big so if someone hasn't used 2008 or 2008 R2 before (or vice versa) than make sure you know this will require a few days to get up to speed with the
new/previous version. If the candidate used several versions ask to describe the differences between them.
Question) Have you got samples of your work?
Comment) If SSRS is main skills for the role than it is worth asking for samples (before interview) they will often tell you a lot about the candidate quality of work.
Question) Do you have Data Visualization skills? (optional)
Comment) If you need dashboards then it is worth asking this question (we will ask more specific questions later). This is also related to previous question. When you review samples ask the candidate or yourself two
questions) What is the purpose? and is it useful? Someone who does not know anything about data
visualization will usually use pie charts, gauges (exception is bullet chart which is classified as gauge in
SSRS, 3D effects, make colourful designs (without any colour meaning). Some candidates may mention
Stephen Few or Edward Tufte and this normally is a big plus.
Question) How have you learnt SSRS (on the job, articles, books, conferences)
Comment) The thing is that most people who read good books have usually an advantage over those who hasn't because they know what they know and they know what they don't know (but they know it exists and is available)…. Blog/Articles very in quality so best practise articles is a big plus+, conferences can be also a plus.
Question) Do you have certifications
Comment) This is rather disappointing point for me. Qualifications generally are welcome but unfortunately many people simply cheat. Companies run courses and then give questions and answers, or people find them on the internet. I've met people who had certification but knew very little, I've met people very experienced and knowledgeable without certification and people who have done certification for their selfsatisfaction and are experienced and knowledgeable. In other words be careful with certification…. It is easy to get misleading impression if you don't assess the candidate actual knowledge.
SSRS Development Questions
Question) How do you normally create reports (wizard/manually)?
Comment) If wizard in most cases then you got rather inexperienced person, if manually than it is usually good answer. The best answer is using a template. Generally developers create reports from scratch which is not bad but it is not very efficient either.
Question) Gives examples where you used parameters?
Comment) Typically you use parameters to filter data in datasets (or data on reports) but you can also use them to restrict values like the well-known make->model->year example. You can also have hidden and internal parameters which get very handy for more advanced stuff.
Question) Gives examples where you used parameters?
Comment) Typically you use parameters to filter data in datasets (or data on reports) but you can also use them to restrict values like the well known make->model->year example. You can also have hidden and internal parameters which get very handy for more advanced stuff.
Comment) Differences between 2005 and 2008 are quite big so if someone hasn't used 2008 or 2008 R2 before (or vice versa) than make sure you know this will require a few days to get up to speed with the
new/previous version. If the candidate used several versions ask to describe the differences between them.
Question) Have you got samples of your work?
Comment) If SSRS is main skills for the role than it is worth asking for samples (before interview) they will often tell you a lot about the candidate quality of work.
Question) Do you have Data Visualization skills? (optional)
Comment) If you need dashboards then it is worth asking this question (we will ask more specific questions later). This is also related to previous question. When you review samples ask the candidate or yourself two
questions) What is the purpose? and is it useful? Someone who does not know anything about data
visualization will usually use pie charts, gauges (exception is bullet chart which is classified as gauge in
SSRS, 3D effects, make colourful designs (without any colour meaning). Some candidates may mention
Stephen Few or Edward Tufte and this normally is a big plus.
Question) How have you learnt SSRS (on the job, articles, books, conferences)
Comment) The thing is that most people who read good books have usually an advantage over those who hasn't because they know what they know and they know what they don't know (but they know it exists and is available)…. Blog/Articles very in quality so best practise articles is a big plus+, conferences can be also a plus.
Question) Do you have certifications
Comment) This is rather disappointing point for me. Qualifications generally are welcome but unfortunately many people simply cheat. Companies run courses and then give questions and answers, or people find them on the internet. I've met people who had certification but knew very little, I've met people very experienced and knowledgeable without certification and people who have done certification for their selfsatisfaction and are experienced and knowledgeable. In other words be careful with certification…. It is easy to get misleading impression if you don't assess the candidate actual knowledge.
SSRS Development Questions
Question) How do you normally create reports (wizard/manually)?
Comment) If wizard in most cases then you got rather inexperienced person, if manually than it is usually good answer. The best answer is using a template. Generally developers create reports from scratch which is not bad but it is not very efficient either.
Question) Gives examples where you used parameters?
Comment) Typically you use parameters to filter data in datasets (or data on reports) but you can also use them to restrict values like the well-known make->model->year example. You can also have hidden and internal parameters which get very handy for more advanced stuff.
Question) Gives examples where you used parameters?
Comment) Typically you use parameters to filter data in datasets (or data on reports) but you can also use them to restrict values like the well known make->model->year example. You can also have hidden and internal parameters which get very handy for more advanced stuff.
