Resume design tips, IBM i developer skill demands, modernization and open‑source languages (PHP, Node.js, RPG), Agile methodology for IBM i shops, POWER9 and AI/ML capabilities, leadership for team meetings, IIoT and Industry 4.0 impacts on small enterprises, learning PHP vs Node.js, video interview advice, job‑search strategy improvements, and a call to join Talsco Weekly.
Six seconds is all you get
Over the years, I have read thousands and thousands of resumes. Some are good, others are not so good. Writing a resume that captures the reader’s attention is not easy. But it does not have to be difficult. Take a look at this eye-tracking study that might shock you. It suggests that your resume might only be looked at for as little as 6 seconds. There are many different variables. Job changes. Gaps in employment. Lack of experience. With proper resume design, you can minimize the impact of some of these things and draw attention to what matters.
The resume as an advertisement
Your resume is an advertisement for YOU. In most cases, it is the first impression a manager will have of you and your work. It needs to be good. If done right, a well-designed resume conveys a message of quality and professionalism before a word is even read. In order to grab the readers attention, your resume must:
- be easy to read
- be well organized
- have the desired skills and experience
So, what are IBM i shops looking for?
It’s across the board. If it is an ERP specific opening, it might be JD Edwards, Infor XA (Mapics), or Infor LX (BPCS). For core IBM i developer openings it might be RPG ILE, SQL, and RDi. Or, maybe it’s PHP, Java, and Javascript. It just depends. The one thing is for sure, the IBM i is on the move. It’s in a transition phase where AS400 shops are leveraging their valuable legacy data through modernization projects, upgrades and the introduction of Open Source development languages such as PHP and Node.js. Not sure of the direction you should go? Contact us and we can help. If you have not done so already, sign up here for Talsco Weekly to get the latest news, updates and job insight sent to your inbox. On to this weeks issue.
News
The IBM i is not the only thing that is changing The theme in the IBM i environment today is that it is in a state of change. Continuous change. There are more and more technology options available to IBM i developers today. As Alan Seiden points out in this weeks issue of IT Jungle, it requires companies to embrace an Agile methodology. This allows for continual change. Your career should be agile too. POWER 9 will transform business value In last weeks issue, we talked about Industry 4.0. It’s clear that its the future because the evidence is all around us. Look at “POWER9’s robust memory and fabric capabilities to optimally support artificial intelligence (AI) applications and associated machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) processes.”
Leadership
Master how you run a team meeting As your IBM i shop looks to modernize, upgrade your ERP or work on a project of almost any size you are going to have to know how to run a team meeting. This article takes you through the steps on how to get it done. Transforming a small enterprise to take advantage of IIoT In last weeks issue, we talked about Industry 4.0 or the Industrial Internet of things (IIoT). You might think it’s just for large companies. Not true. AI and data analytics are transforming smaller organizations as well. It requires leadership at all levels to be well informed.
Learning
Should I learn PHP or Node.js? Picking up another development language for the IBM i is one of the best things you can do to help build your resume. Here is a great post that breaks down the differences between PHP and Node.js both of which are picking up momentum on the platform. Combine either of these with RPG and companies will want to speak with you.
Career
Four tips to help you in doing a video interview Here a quick article that offers up some advice on how to prepare for a video job interview. “Unlike a real-world job interview, an online meeting demands you take into account not only your personal appearance but every aspect of the image captured by your webcam.” 4 Signs that your job search is not working well “Do you have the feeling that your job-search strategy could stand a few tweaks (or maybe even a substantial overhaul)?” Maybe it is time to pivot. As this article suggests you might need to relook at your cover letter or the verbiage in your resume. Networking with peers in your niche is the most productive way to conduct a job search.
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