You just passed the final test, and Oracle sent your OCA cert for the “Oracle Database 11g Administrator” follow-up (maybe even an OCP cert). However, you have never actually worked as an Oracle database administrator. How can you use your new certification as a stepping stone to a DBA position? Unless you’re very lucky, it’s not going to be easy.

As a general rule, when a company uses Oracle, it means that they are using it to run applications that are critical to their business. If the applications weren’t business-critical, they probably wouldn’t be using an enterprise-class database. They don’t want to have someone in charge of their Oracle database who is still learning. In most job postings for database administrators, there will be a requirement of several years of experience. Generally the lowest is 3-5. The mystery is how newcomers manage to break into a DBA position where they can go from zero to three years of experience.

The first thing you should do is learn all you can about Oracle. Okay, you just got that new certificate. However, if you think that piece of paper means you know it all, or even just enough to get by, then the best thing to do is stop reading this article now and fill out some job applications at local restaurants in fast food. Oracle certification tests, especially the OCA level, cover a wide range of topics in depth. The OCP level gets a bit deeper, and the OCE tests cover a limited topic in quite a bit of depth. None of them require (or convey) the level of knowledge that comes from working with the database five days a week for years. Continuing to read Oracle documentation, working through the ‘Oracle by Example’ tutorials, and other similar materials will increase your depth of knowledge as you search for a position. If you get an interview, that knowledge will help you when the current DBA asks you questions to see if you know anything about Oracle. They are going to. I’ve been through several of those interviews from both sides.

Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile. That profile needs to look professional: write everything correctly and make sure it’s grammatically correct. Get a good photo of yourself and post it. Since you don’t have the right work experience, make sure your certifications are there and any relevant education. Try to create a personal resume that projects the image of a serious and enthusiastic professional. Try very hard to avoid projecting an image of a desperate, foolish newbie. There are many articles online on how to improve your LinkedIn profile. Find one and implement the suggestions.

Join a local Oracle user group. This will allow you to network and meet other professionals in the area. You can contact a DBA who is looking for an assistant, or know of someone else who is. At the very least, you’ll find out which companies in the area use Oracle and might be hiring.

Start paying close attention to online job postings in your area. Find out which companies are advertising for Oracle DBAs and what salaries they are offering. If you see a below-average offer for your area, you’re probably looking at an entry-level person, even if the listing doesn’t specifically say so.

A large percentage of IT positions are filled by recruiters from one of the many companies that specialize in contract IT services. Try to get a contact at several of these companies and let them know that you are looking for a position. They tend to be the first to see many job openings at companies. If they have your name on file and you get close to finding an opening, they will contact you. These positions are sometimes short-term contracts, but will allow you to start building the critical “years of experience.”

Make sure you do No sit and do nothing. Certification is a good start, but you’re not going to have companies running to your door to hire you. He keeps learning, he keeps searching, and he keeps adding new skills.