Do you have what it takes to be a contract software developer (W2) or a full time permanent computer programmer (FTE)?Or perhaps you have heard that contract programming is unreliable and full time employment financially unrewarding?
Enough of the myths. There are long term contracts that last longer than some full time positions and there are full time positions that pay better than some contract programming engagements.
Here are the differences which you need to be aware of:
- Job Duration
- Benefits
- Job Satisfaction
- Paycheck
- Technical Skills
Your resume drives your compensation, your marketability and the effectiveness of your job search. Without much ado, here are the rules of engagement for writing highly effective killer resumes for Information Technology jobs that gets you on the fast track to career nirvana.
One page resumes are out!
The rule of cramming your skills, experience and accomplishment on one page is dead. Include as much detail as necessary to secure an interview or a job offer. Your personal information is irrelevant!
Skip the section on your hobbies including the references to martial arts, chess, marathon, etc. Nobody really cares. Just answer the question, can you do the job?
The last ten years has seen a dramatic increase in the job openings for computer programmers in the US or worldwide, as global demand for skilled computer programmers out-paced the supply. I would like to show you the benefits of this strong global demand for computer programmers.
Before you decide on a career, it’s a good idea to investigate the career and understand what you’re getting into or what the career has to offer you. Here are a few reasons why computer programming is worth your consideration.
1. The demand for computer programmers is increasing
I have been receiving a number of questions from my readers about how much time it takes to become a computer programmer.
Looking back in time, I realize, I had this same conversation with a coach figure 12+ years ago when I was considering a career in computer programming. His advice was that it would take me at least 2 years of concentrated work to learn any new career. My coach figure at that time was a successful lawyer with more than 30 years of experience practicing law, so I took his advice to heart.
Dear Mr. Tagbo
My name is Jose Perez. I am currently in the 12th grade of High School and I plan to be a programmer. I would like to hear from you since you have a blog on helping computer programmers.
I live in Miami, Florida and I’m planning on going to the University of Florida to get a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. I would like to know if being a programmer is a good idea.
I’ve researched upon the subject and I have found that as a programmer I would receive a good starting salary and workplace comfort.
You can make more money by helping others begin their programming career, learn a programming language, find a well paying programming job or become highly skilled.
Begin by joining my affiliate program and in a minute you will be earning a fat 50% commission on your e-book sales.
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I’m still taking questions from my readers. Today’s question is about finding entry level computer programming job working with the Java programming language. Here’s the rest of my reader’s question:
Dear Mr. Tagbo,
I am sending you this e-mail to ask you if there will be any jobs available in the spring starting April 2007 because I am interested in becoming a Computer Programmer.
One of my personal strengths and experiences so far is tutoring other students at my former school in Algebra Math, and doing favorably well in a Java Programming course.
In the computer programming industry, experience is King.
Real world, hands on, practical programming experience is valued more than computer programming certifications, software development diplomas or even programming job titles.
What you know is much more important than how you obtained the knowledge!
The next time you read a computer programming job description and you feel overwhelmed by the list of degrees or certifications required, just remember that the job market for computer programmers is not really that formal.
The article you are just about to read is based on a question posted by one of my subscribers who wants to know “how to put together a compelling ASP.NET programmer resume from watching ASP.NET software developer videos“
Let me begin by saying that you cannot put together a compelling resume just by watching ASP.NET Videos … you will have to get some hands on programming experience.
The key thing that hiring managers are looking for on your resume is not your programming certifications or your degrees or computer science education but your hands on programming experience. After that then they may consider the other things (training, certification, degrees, education, qualifications, etc.)
Ask a Burning Question
This post answers a reader’s question about how to become a competent or highly skilled software developer.
If you have a Burning Question or a Challenge you need help with, be sure to ask your question as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering the question below!
Finally, don’t forget to participate in the “Tell a Friend” program because you earn either points or cash each time you refer an article to your friends using the Tell a Friend Button.
Here is the Burning Question:
Hello Kingsley,
Ask a Burning Question
This post answers a reader’s question about the educational requirements for becoming a computer programmer.
If you have a Burning Question or a Challenge that you need help with, be sure to ask your question as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering the question below!
Please, send this post to your friends using the “Tell a Friend” button below. You earn points or cash each time you refer an article to your friends using the Tell a Friend Button.
Ask IT Career Coach
This question was posted by a reader who wants to become a Microsoft .NET Developer!
If you need help with a Question or Challenge, be sure to ask it as a comment on this page and I will answer it fully just as I am answering this reader’s question below!
Please, send this post to your friends using the “Tell a Friend” Button button below. You earn points or cash each time you refer an article to your friends using the Tell a Friend Button.
Here is the Reader’s Question:
First, a little bit about myself.
Cowboy Coder Or Agile Programmer
Are You A Cowboy Coder Or Agile Software Developer?
Software Developers facing a new programming project sometimes start coding before thinking through or planning an approach.
Coding without first planning or thinking through is a programming method known as cowboy coding.
Cowboy coders approach work with the mindset of coding without estimating or planning.
And they are at a complete lost when the results achieved by their cowboy coding tactics does not meet expectations.
Cowboy Coding Is Dead, Long Live Cowboy Coding
While many programmers publicly ridicule cowboy coding, they privately practice cowboy coding because it is the easier thing to do.
Since this website (IT Career Coach) is about careers in software development, it makes sense for me to discuss at some point, the benefits of becoming a computer programmer.
So, I will contine along the lines set by part 1 of benefits of becoming a computer programmer, by discussing further, the advantages or benefits of choosing a career in computer programming.
1. Lots of different companies hire computer programmers
Cobol Mainframe Programmers Changing Careers!
COBOL Mainframe Programmers switching careers have to overcome several challenges including the fear of learning new programming languages.
In addition, cobol programmers have to pick the right programming language which is not an easy task considering the range of possibilities (C#, Java, C/C++, PHP, Python, Visual Basic, Perl, etc.).
Cobol programmers also have to brand their resumes to look like that of modern, object oriented software developers.
Considering these challenges, one is not surprised whenever a cobol programmer decides to stick with legacy programming skills.
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