Thursday, May 15, 2008

Software Developer Salaries Up or Down

So eWeek comes out with some info on developer salaries. Based on research from a small start up online job search site, JobFox. You can read it here.

I don't think this article holds much validity. Especially based on one firms opinion and some generic studies on college grads. In this market I still see strong growth, maybe a tabling. The issue is finding the right candidates for the job. The article points out a 10K reduction in salaries this month compared to last.
"Software designers and developers reported that though they'd been requesting a median salary range of $95,000 to $105,000 in April, this range had fallen to $85,000 to $95,000 in May. Networking professionals and systems administrators reported the same $10,000 drop, but with a bigger impact on their now $65,000 asking salary." - eWeek Software Developers Taking a Starting Salary Hit

Most employeers need a strong Developer in the middle of their technical skill experience; and there are only few in the market. I don't think one month makes a trend. Until the market tanks (we are not there yet), or more developer candidates fill the market I believe salaries will be stable.

Note to Developers - If you're not reaching your salary expectations then you have chosen poorly, or you're just not good enough for this market. There are a lot of C and B level candidates out there and A candidates are needed. If Developers want to insure a strong salary and good growth, get exposure to projects with new technologies and get some
training. If your employer won't pay for it then fork it over and consider it an investment. Take Responsibility.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers

You know what time it is.
It's so over done, but it is so good. I had to.....

.NET Rocks - Podcast

If you are a .NET Developer, enjoy a good Podcast now and again and don't mind listening to a two guy totally Geek Out on code, then you need to listen to .NET Rocks with Carl Franklin and Richard Campbell. I've met both of them, they are extremely intelligent and a lot of fun. Listen and Learn!

System Engineer

System Engineer

Base Salary Range: $50,000 to 55,000
Reports To: Delivery Center Manager
Industry: IT Services
Location: Golden Valley, Minnesota
Employees: 250+

Client Background:
Our client’s Delivery Center team works on a variety of application development, project based enhancement and support services for various clients in a casual team oriented environment. The majority of their work utilizes Microsoft technologies; including Windows based applications and operating systems (Vista, XP, 2000, 2003) and Internet Information Server, Windows Server and SQL Server. This position represent a great career opportunity for IT professionals who are interested in working in a challenging and rewarding team oriented environment where the best IT skills are recognized and rewarded, and growth and advancement opportunities are plentiful. You will work in a supportive environment of intelligent and energized colleagues who share your passion for pushing the limits of technology.

Position Summary: The System Engineer is a hands-on performer. Responsible for Desktop (Ghost) Imaging, Application Deployment, Operating System Imaging, and staging that ensures the highest possible levels of quality. The Systems Engineer must be familiar with desktop and server setup and maintenance and be able to clearly communicate concepts to other team members.

Responsibilities:
Candidate MUST be able to demonstrate basic ability to:
• Learn and adapt to fast-paced results-oriented environment - Extremely Important
• Work towards and meet established deadlines
• Maintain focus on assigned activities - Extremely Important
• Coordinate work with team members
• Experience and success communicating complex concepts to a wide audience. (written and oral)
• Demonstrate good organizational skills
• Build and sustain strong relationships
• Accept constructive criticism
• Show ability to effectively analyze a problem and prove good problem solving skills
• Utilize your very best ideas. - Extremely Important Key Relationships:
• Cross-functional team members from Delivery Center Associate teammates, account managers, technical consultants, internal/external project leads, decision makers and key customer contacts.

Candidate will be held responsible for performing the following:
• Review and understand detailed business, functional and technical requirements
• Provide input into detailed project estimates and work plan
• Participate in development of detailed technical specifications
• Track and repair simple to intermediate defects
• Provide production user support for simple to intermediate issues Technical Knowledge:

Candidate must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge in:
• Desktop Imaging
• Microsoft platforms
• Server installation - IIS, SQL, Windows Server
• Windows Operating System Qualifications:

Musts:
• Hands on experience and interest
• Desktop Imaging / OS imaging experience
• Experience with Microsoft platforms
• Server installation - IIS, SQL, Windows Server
• Good knowledge and troubleshooting experience
• Able to work with customers in a consultative manner
• MUST maintain a level of self-motivation and integrity.
• MUST have strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Wants:
• Certifications (MCSE, CCNA)
• Application deployment
• Technical mentoring experience 1 to 2 people
• Vista experience
• Cluster experience
• Consulting experience Experience Required: 1+ years network and/or systems experience Education Required: Associates degree or higher in computer or technical related major required (Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, etc.)


Send resume and questions to tavis@resourcegroup.com
For more opportunities visit www.resourcegroup.com

Friday, May 9, 2008

ASP.NET / e-Commerce Web Developer

ASP.NET /e-Commerce Web Developer

Base Salary Range: $60,000 to 80,000 - Full Time (Not Contract)
Reports To: Product Architect
Industry: E-Commerce
Location: South Minneapolis Suburb
Employees: 35
Benfits: PTO, medical, dental, 401k and paid holidays


Are you interested in an opportunity to become part of a company that is growing and expanding with a culture of hard work, fun and excitement?


Company Overview: Our client is a well established Minneapolis-based technology firm specializing in integrated software solutions for mid-sized manufacturers & distributors. Their mission is to provide their technical staff the opportunity to grow within their skill range, be hands-on and multi-faceted in their role within the company, learn new technologies and skills and have a variety of responsibilities with immediate impact to the organization. They are looking for a motivated self-starter to join their development team. A multi-faceted programmer to work with key accounts. This position is new, created due to business growth.

Responsibilities:
• developing ASP.NET websites using C#
• integrating with HTML user interface screens
• deploying our content management tool developed in C#.

Qualified candidates will have technical experience developing ASP.NET websites and using C#. Experience integrating to multiple database systems and building e-commerce sites is a plus.

Qualifications:
• College degree or equivalent experience
• A strong programming background in ASP.NET, C# and SQL Server (2-3 years)
• Experience with eCommerce
• 3+ years of experience integrating software to Enterprise software
• Successful candidates for this position will possess the following skills and attributes:
• Must be a self-starter with initiative to succeed and learn new skills
• The ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem solving skills, related both to technical aptitude and customer issues
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• The ability to have FUN!

Our client offers a business casual environment, best suited for highly motivated team-members who want make an immediate impact. If you are interested in working in a key role with our growing-company please reply. Only candidates who meet the requirements should respond.

Send resume and questions to tavis@resourcegroup.com
For more opportunities visit www.resourcegroup.com