[NTLUG:Discuss] It must be true that IT is back...

[Wayne Ross]

Greg Edwards wrote:

> No I'm not making an assumption on programming skills.  The Dallas market is 
> still in the mode that if a candidate does not have the exact skill sets 
> listed then they don't get consideration.  It's still a buyers market where 
> a position opening lists 5-6 skills and if the seller doesn't have every 
> item in the list then they're not considered.
> 
> Simple question, if a candidate does not have PHP will they be considered 
> for these positions?  Would a candidate with 7 or 8 other scripting 
> languages and extensive Web app experience even be looked at for these 4 
> programmer positions?  Which is more important, PHP or ability?  As we all 
> know PHP, like any other language, is just syntax.  The real work is in the 
> problem solving skills.
> 
> Many of you may not agree with me, but it appears to me that programming is 
> moving towards an assembly line type worker as opposed to a professional. 
> More and more of the design work has been moved to an Architect or Project 
> Manager and the development has moved to strictly coding from rigid 
> guidelines generated by case tools.
> 
> I agree that the market has improved, but I suggest that the market has 
> changed.  I know that this has gotten off topic.  But it might be 
> interesting to get a survey from list members that have changed, or 
> attempted to change in the last 18 months.
> 
> Questions:
> 
> 1. *NIX or MS?  If *NIX is it Linux?
> 2. Design work or coding?
> 3. New product or maintenance/enhancement?
> 4. Raise or maintain income?
> 5. New skills or already known skills?
> 6. IDE environment or hand coding?
> 
> For hiring managers do you look for known skills, or problem solvers?  If 
> you're looking for C++ do you reject C?  If you're looking for Java do you 
> reject C++?  If you're looking for PHP do you reject Ruby or Perl?  If 
> you're looking for Websphere do you reject OpenESB?  Are your compensation 
> offers higher, the same, or lower than last year?
> 

I have a question about these types of jobs and the Dallas job market.

I know someone who is trying to switch careers to get into web design. 
She has php, mysql, and html skills, but no job experience in this field.

She has found what Greg says to be very true. Employers can cherry pick 
a candidate, overlooking anyone who does not have *all* of the requisite 
skills for that position. I saw the job posting that sparked this 
conversation, but did not forward it to her figuring she did not have 
the experience necessary.

Any advice on where/how she should look for a job?

Thanks,

Wayne