Archive for the ‘Professional Growth’ Category
The top ten questions every programmer should ask on a job interview
In the spirit (or snare) of capitalism, we often believe that the job interview is an opportunity to prove our worth to potential employers. As much as that is true to some degree, every interview should be a time set aside not only to answer questions, but to ask them as well. In order to increase the probability that you will find a rewarding position, you have to step beyond the subjects of salary, vacation, and benefits, and put companies in the spotlight.
The journey to becoming a software engineer — first update
EDIT: 07/02/07
I apologize to those of you following this series of posts, but I have decided to discontinue it. I may begin studying for my certification again in the near future, but currently this is on hold.
One week has passed since I began studying SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 5 Study Guide in preparation for the SCJP certification. I would be doing other programmers-in-training an injustice if I did not state that I was overwhelmed. Not totally by the complexity of the Java language (although I am sure that is coming), but by the shear wealth of information.
The journey to becoming a software engineer — the process begins
EDIT: 07/02/07
I apologize to those of you following this series of posts, but I have decided to discontinue it. I may begin studying for my certification again in the near future, but currently this is on hold.
Second only to writing a book, I have always wanted to become a programmer. That does sound odd at first, but the two have quite a bit in common. The most striking similarity is that both involve solving problems. If you write a mystery, you have to reveal the culprit’s master plan, or with a horror novel, you need to uncover the creature’s weakness. At the core of every good novel is a solid plot, theme, setting, character, and best of all — resolution.
What every programmer should know about writing cover letters
One of the more controversial points I detailed in Resume pitfalls every programmer should avoid, was to eliminate the objectives heading in your resume. I received a mixed response (although mostly positive), and I thought it only fair that I follow up on my recommended alternative — a brief, but well-written cover letter.
How to attract new business and referrals as a freelance programmer
This is a compilation of the most profitable techniques for attracting new business and referrals as a freelance programmer. The ability to create and communicate a sense of insider knowledge on your behalf is a key aspect in each of these suggestions.
Are you (good) management material?
I stepped down as manager of my department recently. Although it might make this blog more interesting, it was not amidst a storm of outrage, money laundering, and unseemly behavior. It was because, according to my own personal assessment, I was not (good) management material. Not that I was a dictating blow-hard who ruled with an iron fist; I simply was no longer exuding the passion necessary to motivate and encourage a growing team of eight Web interface developers across three offices.
Resume pitfalls every programmer should avoid
As a manager responsible for new hires in our department, I have had the opportunity to review several resumes. I am often distracted by poorly written resumes that make it difficult to quickly discern whether or not a candidate is qualified. Based upon my experiences, the following are a few resume writing tips that will help you to avoid common pitfalls and improve your chances of landing an interview.
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