Hi All,

I currently work as an IT professional in a Windows environment but have always wanted to make the transition to a Linux career path.

Originally thinking it was too hard I’ve now managed to get an interview for a Linux job.

I’ve already been practising various things and I’ll be going back over them... such as installing apache, mariasql, php and cups, file creation and generally performing basic tasks in Linux.
I’ve also got an account on codecademy to practise python.

The job description just states it wants someone who knows their way around various Linux distributions and can solve general server issues, print issues, vpn, email, sort backups etc.

I really want this job. I have approached and shown my enthusiasm and asked if they’d offer a junior position and they said yes.

My question is what would you recommend I focus my learning attention on the most? And do you have any tips or advice on how I can best impress.

I have 2 whole days off and 1 evening, and I have a qnap nas with virtualisation station and centos currently installed as one of the VMs.

Thanks in advance.

It sounds like you've made a good start by practicing various things, so good work there.

Do you know which distro they are using? If so, learn that one for sure.

I think if you know your way around the command-line, you know how to troubleshoot common issues related to what their using (apache, mariasql, whatever), you can learn what you need to, then if their interested in giving you a chance, then you'll probably be fine.

Also, beyond the graphical environment, the differences become fewer and fewer - it's still a system built around the Linux kernel at the end of the day. The same fundamentals still apply almost, if not, with any Linux distro you might be using.

Good luck with it anyway.

1 members found this post helpful.

Welcome to LQ.

What jsbjsb001 said...

Focus on command line. If your prospective employer is running servers, they're unlikely to even use a GUI or desktop environment. Supporting desktops will involve more learning, depending on the desktop.

Learn how to find the answers.
Start with man man and info info to see how the built-in documentation works.
Searching 'the net can help, but understanding and using the documentation on the machine you're supporting works best.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thank you both for your advice.

I started some more practical for learning earlier and then out of the blue I get a phonecall from the company I've applied for saying that they had a management meeting and are no longer going ahead with this position.....

I feel disappointed.... I have worked hard the past week for this but I shouldn't look down and should continue I suppose.

My only worry is the transition to a Linux job as there seems to be so little around. I search for linux junior positions but they are all too far away when they do come up.

I don't know where do you live, but in Europe there are a lot of open positions/jobs available. Even for beginners.

Yeah, and I've gotta be stuck in Oz, just my luck - but I can't really say I'm a beginner tho. Try getting a Linux job here, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Even that would be easier to find here.

EDIT: Your soooo lucky to be in Europe, I wish I was - that's the dream anyways. Hopefully one day.

I feel for ya #Skywalker, more than you know.

I’m in the UK but most jobs are in the big cities like London etc which are all far away from me.

I’ll keep learning - I just hope one day it will pay off.