COMPUTER SPECIALISTS

        The computer business is a unique field and requires a special type of resume. This is especially true for programmers. Since the average programmer stays only 18 months with an organi­zation, managers usually look for someone who can step right in and do the job, based on past experience with the computer, language, and operating system used in that organization. This is a source of great frustration for programmers because many feel that in two to three weeks they can master any new system—all they need is an opportunity to prove it. Your task is to make the most out of the experience you have and to demonstrate your adaptability.

        It is generally best to list all languages you know, as well as all hardware, operating systems, and applications software you’ve been exposed to. Usually they would be listed in your order of expertise. The interview is the place to discuss your level of expertise. Listing everything you have exposure to can make the difference in whether you will get an interview because so many companies are using key words when they search their own resume databank, as well as commercial resume databanks.

        The data processing resume is actually fairly simple to write because it consists of several distinct sections that practically write themselves. Start with Areas of Experience. Typically, it will consist of Languages, Systems, Special Programs, Computers, Conversions, and Applications. Applications can be further divided into New Applications and Maintenance. It should be easy, almost like filling in the blanks.

        Because programming and other computer jobs are so project‑oriented, it is often better to place more emphasis on projects than on job descriptions. A special projects section will work great. Provide just enough information in each project description to give an employer a feel for what you did, then concentrate on results. This section is very important and will probably require three drafts. Start by listing the projects you feel would be most impressive. Since employers usually use resumes as a basis for interviews, be sure to choose projects that you would want to explain and describe in more detail in an interview.

        For the first draft of your projects section, don’t worry about length, just get your thoughts down on paper. In the second draft look for unnecessary words or phrases. The employer does not require a complete understanding of all the details, just enough information to indicate the degree of complexity and what was required to complete the project. Finish the project by describing the result. Your third draft will simply be a finer tuning of the second.

        By emphasizing your areas of experience and special projects sections, your job descriptions will probably be quite short.

 

 

 

 

Programmer/Analyst                                                                                         Arial

 

KEN WANDER

902 McKenzie Dr. SE

Calgary, Alberta  T2Z1T2

(204) 563-2412

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Six years of database programming experience involving SQL Server, interface design, and multimedia systems, and office automation. Recognized for ability to learn new technology and complete projects on schedule, utilizing unique design concepts.

EDUCATION

B.S.—Computer Science, University of Calgary  (1994)

AREAS OF EXPERIENCE

Languages: Visual Basic, C/C++, Java Script, Active X, HTML

Applications: Access, Excel, SQL Server

Operating Systems: NT 4.0, Windows 3.1/95/98, MS DOS, UNIX

EXPERIENCE

Randal & Associates, Calgary, Alberta  6/97-Present

Software Developer—For this major real estate development company, develop databases and Visual Basic applications to improve office productivity. Designed the SQL Server integration for the firm’s building inventory using RDO and Visual Basic Enterprise. Developed an Access data structuring and reporting system to manage the server financial database of the firm’s tenants, properties, land acquisitions, and construction projects.

Major project has involved developing MS Word Wizards to produce all company contracts. Defined business requirements to build strong technical designs for the creation of legal contracts. Contracts are now produced in half the time and they have a more consistent look and feel and are easier to read.

Crandal Industries, Calgary, Alberta  6/94-6/97

Software Developer—As developer for this conveyor systems manufacturer, developed complete business information systems in Access, Excel, and C++ from concept to coding to error proofing. Using RDBMS database design concepts, designed a C++ front end to an existing network reports database using DBRascal for live previewing and editing of data. Sales forecasts are now produced three days after month-end instead of five days and a single C++ procedure replaces the tedious editing of over 30 monthly sales reports. Now 96% of the sales reps access this system weekly, versus 65% in the past.

 

 

 

PC/Lan Specialist                                                                      Times New Roman

 

Aamad Jamaala

250 Templeton     Omaha, NE  68154     (402) 454-0987

QUALIFICATIONS

      Strong background in the planning, installation, and maintenance of microcomputer systems, includ­ing LANs and WANs. Broad experience in connectivity and group processing. Work effectively as program­mer and analyst to customize systems. Strong knowledge of PC-based operating systems including Windows 2000, NT 4.0, NT 3.51, Windows 98/95, MS-DOS, Unix, and Novell. 

      Broad experience in building database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing sys­tems that enhance and expand current capabilities. Extensive experience with dBase,  Access, FoxPro, Clipper, Paradox, Lotus 123, Excel, Pagemaker, and Ventura Publisher. Provide excellent training for users. Experienced with C/C++, Visual Basic, COBOL, and FORTRAN.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

      A.A. - Computer Science/Accounting, Belmont Community College (1989)

      Novell Certified Network Engineer (CNE) (1995)

      Qualified Instructor, Aldus PageMaker, Xerox Ventura Publisher (1994)

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Cyrus Computer, Omaha, NE  1996 to Present

      PC Specialist - Install LANs, WANs, and PC systems. Select appropriate software and install on all PCs at each site. Train users and provide support. Create custom software and modify off the shelf software. Special projects include:

      Wrote a database listing product in C/C++ for a major bank that works on an intelli­gent 3270 work station with proprietary BIOS.  Developed an Access file update program giving users ability to update DBF formatted lists using pull-down menus.  Product was completed on schedule, exceeds all requirements, and is liked by users. 

      Complex data conversions to a Windows-based environment include: Large customer data list from a DEC PDP-11 using MDAC code. 120MB of data from IBM IMS database to SQL database using COM/DCOM and MDAC code.

      Wrote a claims tracking system in FoxPro. System has been in use for two years with no bugs. It has streamlined the claims process and permitted greater accessibility to claims data.

      Developed a Lotus spreadsheet interface to the Great Plains Payroll program, permitting a greatly simplified entry process to produce payrolls. Interface was written in Paradox to allow greater flexibility during data entry and better report generation capability.

Micro Accounting Consultants, Omaha, NE  1989-1996

      Technical Support - Produced a variety of custom programs for small businesses in the greater Omaha area.