Compuways IT Recruitment in South Africa

Success Guidelines for an IT Professional Career

2010-08-04T05:59:00.000+02:00

What makes an IT Professional stand out above his peers? We have compliled this list from interviewing thousands of IT Professionals over the last 20 years. We would like to invite you to add to this list from your own experiences by commenting on our blog.

1. Be solution-oriented

Look at every task you are given as a product / service delivered by you being the company. Every product has a customer / user that needs to use this and benefit from it. Rather than looking at a job just as a means to an end and being there in working hours. This might require of you to work longer hours than usual at times. Linked to this, every product or service has to be delivered in a reasonable time frame. This definitely also does not mean you have to be a workaholic to be successful, one should live a balanced life so I suggest you should always ensure that you also have enough rest, even if it is between projects delivered.

2. Keep your skills updated

"School is never out for the true professional". This is especially applicable for IT as we have continuously evolving technologies in the IT industry, it is so easy to fall behind. This is also one of the reasons why we have a skills shortage in our industry.

"Rack up those certifications". It is just a fact that employers take IT Certifications seriously. Certified candidates earn higher salaries and are preferred in job interviews. Keep the certifications relevant to your job, updated. (We have a training school in our group - to assist with that : see http://www.getcertified.co.za/ ) .

3. Build relationships.

People are more important than technology, so do not neglect building friendships along the way in your IT career. It is not alone "what you know" - it is also "who you know". Colleagues, bosses, customers / end-users fall into this category. Make sure that while you are delivering the best solutions possible, you are also build strong friendships and remember we are all part of the human race.

4. Specialisation vs. generalisation

Your goal should be to be a specialist in your field, but you should not neglect the basics of a generalist. While being the top guru in your field, do not rely on other people to clean up the basics. For example while being a top Software Developer, it can be very positive to know how to fix your PC (and those of you users in times of need). An end - user looks up to an IT Professional as someone who knows everything.

5. Take responsibility

When choosing tasks on a new project, look at the core skills that will make the project successful. This is not always being a project leader, often a key member in a team plays a critical role when it comes to keeping the customer / users happy. Keep adding happy customers to your list and CV, it will add to you your success.

What does Cloud Computing and Virtualisation mean for the future of IT skills?

2010-06-04T21:53:00.000+02:00

One of the most prominent trends in IT nowadays is the move towards Cloud Computing and Virtualisation. In brief this is the concept of business using more IT services on demand via the internet, than in-house.

For Infrastructure needs businesses can now even get hardware functionality by subscribing to such services on the internet. This means they do not have to buy and maintain servers anymore, but can get those and their -operating systems via a Service Provider on the internet. If the capacity gets too small, add some more capacity is done by taking a better subscription.

For Software Applications the model is similar. Businesses can now replace their in-house software packages with subscribed software services from the same vendors. For example an accounting package that was previously used in a company and installed on an in-house server, is now available on the internet by subscription on a monthly or -usage basis by the same company.

This reduces the need for small to medium-sized businesses to maintain their own server and network infra-structure and rather get the same functionality over the internet an a pay-as-you-use basis.

What does this hold for the future of the In-house Techincal Infrastructure Specialist and for the In-house Software Developer ?

Infrastructure specialists will now be needed more to work in vendor environments. Their job skills will be the same as always, although Virtualisation skills and certifications will be more in demand. In such vendor companies, there will be an added need to equip these technicians with people- and sales skills because of the business model of supplying the services to clients.

On the software application side inside a user company, programmers will now need to customise and extract data from such on-line software services. These programmers will need to skill themselves up more on the Front-End side with web and scripting software skills to :

- enable in-house applications with web front-ends
- use / extract data from on-line software services companies for in-house customisations.

In brief : - technical skills will never become obsolete, there will be more of a shift to where they will be employed.

At Compuways we are ready to supply the right kind of candidate for every position in an IT environment. Whether it is with an IT vendor or with and IT user. Software Application developers for in-house systems or for vendors supplying web - services. We are able to ensure the right person is matched to the right position in the right company. Our 20 years in the IT Industry has seen many shifts in IT : From Mainframes to PC's, from procedural software programming languages to 4th generation programming languages to Object - Oriented programming languages. From mainframe to mini computers and then to servers. From servers to virtualised servers. There was never a stage where good - solutions-oriented IT skills were not in demand.

Our clients can testify that we are able to provide the right skills at the right time - always!

Contractor available with PHP / Javascript / Classic ASP

2010-03-21T19:45:00.000+02:00

One of our contractors is finishing his contract this month and is highly recommended. His skill set include:

3 + years of extensive experience in PHP/MySQL development.
Strong knowledge in Object Oriented Programming and Design.
Extensive experience in developing web applications using PHP, HTML, Ajax, JavaScript, CSS, XML, MySQL, and Apache in Windows (WAMP) based operating systems.
Experience in creating a website using Joomla and Drupal 5/6 .
Extensive experience in RDBMS design, normalization, and management with MySQL, Oracle, MicroSoft Sql Server.
Well versed with complete Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process which includes Designing, Analysis, Developing, Testing and Implementation.
Good hands on languages like JAVA, C, C++.
Sound knowledge on Servlets and JSP’s.
Highly motivated, hardworking and able to meet tight deadlines.
Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills and very proactive by nature which benefits in working in groups.
Ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Request the CV of this candidate by clicking here or send us an email on info@compuways.com .

Employ a junior - invest in your team's future

2010-03-11T14:07:00.000+02:00

It is part of most long-term employment strategies - to include juniors in strategic teams. Juniors are enthusiastic, motivated, they need experience and are prepared to go the extra mile. Any team should be able to plan tasks for junior people as it is also an investment in the future of the team. Most successful IT Professionals showed their mettle early in their careers already. We are continuously trying to identify the jewels of the future for you.

We would like to do our bit by offering a full 3 month guarantee on juniors employed from us.
Have a look at some of the unemployed top scorers on Java and PHP training courses. Click to see their profiles - we can also send the CV's .

Click here for:

SCJD Scoresheet and student profiles 35785 and 36263

PHP Scoresheet and student profile 36122

Juniors continuously apply on our website and you can have a look at their profiles by clicking here :

Junior Skills Category on our website.

To subscribe to all our interviewed candidates will enable you to get them early (not only juniors), please click on :

Compuways Skills RSS Feed

And for a nice layout of all our categories, please go to out homepage

www.compuways.co.za and visit our Press Office by clicking here .

Microsoft E-Learning is cost-effective

2010-01-18T05:33:00.000+02:00

Microsoft E-Learning promotion during January 2010:
As a valued member of Compuways, we are able to offer you Microsoft E-learning modules as shown on http://www.getcertified.co.za/ .
Increase your competitive edge - read here :
http://www.getcertified.co.za/microsoft-e-learning
http://www.compuways.co.za/images/E-learningflyer.pdf
This offer is only valid in January 2010.

Our 2009 gift to you : Valuable, Free Microsoft E-Learning Courses!

2009-11-16T09:35:00.000+02:00

School is never out for the true professional. In the IT industry this is even more true than in other industries, because of the constantly changing nature of technology. Therefore it is important that an IT Professional continuously keeps up to date with the changing technology.

Microsoft recognised this and developed their E-learning offering to be flexible and convenient. You only need a broadband connection. You can start, stop and continue at anytime from anywhere, work or home. Being official Microsoft Courses, the offering is credible and relevant to you when preparing for your international exams.

Our E-learning offering includes Microsoft's 1400 training courses with different durations, covering training for the Home / Office user, Technical (Infrastructure) Professionals, Developers and ERP Professionals.

We have listed the categorised the E-Learning courses as such on our website http://www.getcertified.co.za/microsoft-e-learning .

Try 40 courses for free!

For you to experience the true value of these courses, we can offer you approximately 40 courses free of charge.

To enroll for a free course, or to to purchase a course / course bundle, please send us an email on elearning@getcertified.co.za .

Centurion - IS Project Manager

2009-09-21T22:24:00.000+02:00

Our client, a leading software solutions provider, develops software solutions for various industries. They have developed and maintained systems in the Public Sector, banking sector, financial industry, electronic and gaming industries. They require the services of project managers with good experience of managing multiple projects using internationally recognised standards and methodologies like PRINCE 2, PMBOK, etc. These positions are normally on a year contract basis, renewable

Roodepoort - Linux Administrator (Salary R18 - R25 pm)

2009-09-21T22:15:00.000+02:00

We are looking for a linux system administrator with knowledge and experience in the following fields:- installing and tuning of linxu (RedHat, CentOS or Fedora Core)- automation of installation (kickstart) and custom repository managment- security managment (iptable)- installation, tuning and maintenance of the following packages:. apache + PHP. postgresql/mysql. mail server. DNS server- automation of tasks using bash scripting- networkking (settings up switches and routers)- machines and network monitoring (SNMP, MRTG, Cricket)

Cape Town - Programme Administrator (Salary R10k)

2009-09-21T22:11:00.000+02:00

Seeks to appoint an Administrator in the Cape Town office to support the Director and researchers in the financial and administrative management of the research programme. The level of appointment will depend on the mix of qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
The candidate will be required to:
Provide efficient administrative, organizational and secretarial support to the Director and researchers of the Child, Youth, Family and Social Development (CYFSD) programme in the Cape Town office as well as the Administrative Manager of CYFSD
Liaise with Corporate Services and respond to queries
Manage programme and project finances and the processing of claims and payments
Update and maintain financial activity and performance filing systems and databases
Prepare and monitor project budgets, expenditure, milestones, deliverables, correspondence and conferences and report on them
Ensure that infrastructure, equipment and services are available to ensure a high level of effectiveness and efficiency within the research programme
Organise meetings, workshops and conferences and produce minutes and records and facilitate travel arrangements thereof.
Scan the funding and dissemination environment for opportunities for the research programme and liaise with funders, users and the media
Key requirements include:
A post matric qualification and proven senior-level relevant office experience, thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, email / InternetThe position requires a candidate with a commitment to excellence and strong team orientation. A high level of administrative and financial skill, and advanced computer literacy Intellectual and personal integrity, a well developed work ethic, and drive A strong user orientation, ability to prioritize, and an understanding of a research environment Advanced computer literacy; Intellectual and personal integrity, a well developed work ethic, and drive;A strong user orientation and an ability to prioritise; Flexibility and independence, and aptitude for innovation; The ability to get on with other people and to motivate and coordinate staff; A capacity to work under pressure and to work after hours when needed; Presentable and confident with excellent spoken and written English fluency.The environment demands a high level of competency, a teamwork orientation while expecting the incumbent to be self-motivated and able to work

Centurion - ASP.NET Developer with C#, XML, XSLT (Salary up to R30k)

2009-09-21T21:36:00.000+02:00

Our client provides Information Technology solutions and business consulting services to their clients in South Africa and abroad covering a range of vertical markets.
They have a proud history of software engineering excellence and has been doing so for more than 10 years.
They focus on providing business solutions to organisations active in emerging markets, i.e. Micro-Finance Institutions, NGO s and banks. Together with their clients, they are working to increase access to banking products and services to people and businesses in developing economies. Their solutions cover personal, SME and housing loan origination, credit management, as well as debt and arrears management.
They have developed an integrated suite of products including workflow, document management, credit scoring, payment systems, wireless front-office and MIS that augments the functionality of most core banking systems to create a very flexible web-based banking environment.
In addition, they provide software development services to a variety of other industries like transport, travel, education, training and retail management.
We are looking for a person that has 0-4 years experience in development C#, ASP.Net, XML and XSLT. Will first be doing development support (+-1 year) to learn the systems and then based on progress move into new development.

Look at the big picture when planning your IT career

2009-08-12T15:49:00.000+02:00

The IT industry consist of IT Companies and Non-IT Companies. Companies who's main product line is IT Services / products, and Companies who's main product line is not IT, but they buy IT products / services from IT Companies.

We have placed these two types of companies on our websites to categorise the skills in each. In IT Companies we find the position of a 'Consultant' a lot. For example a SAP Consultant in an IT Company will work next to a similarly educated person in a non-IT Company but the nature of a consultant's job is so much more different than that of the 'Business Analyst', that we do have to distinguish between the two.

A Consultant spends his time at client sites, performing an advisory role, whereas an in-house Business Analyst's main priority is the business of his own company. It is often said that a consultant must be prepared to 'live out of his car's boot'.

The skills are mapped out on our home page on http://www.compuways.co.za .

Compuways - 19 years and going stronger

2009-05-19T21:39:00.000+02:00

[2009] As South Africa faces a skills shortage, IT recruitment company Compuways CEO reveals his secrets for success in IT recruitment.

Established in July 1990, Compuways the local ICT recruitment and skills specialists celebrates 19 years in IT recruitment in July.

Compuways is the brainchild of Arnold Graaff, and was initially started as a promotion agency for IT contracting freelancers, while he was working as a freelance programmer. The company gained traction when Graaff teamed up with a general recruiter and began focusing on all aspects of IT recruitment, resulting in the Compuways we now know today.

“IT placements compared to general placements are very much skills-based, therefore a lot of effort goes into ensuring the applicant's skill-levels are up to standard,” says Graaff, MD at Compuways.

“Other factors like team type and industry, as well as oriented matching must be taken into account when placing candidates with an employer. All of that needs to happen before we even look at the softer aspects of candidate matching such as culture and personality types.”?

The secret of Compuways success has hinged around the development of an electronic database driven system that firstly categorises applicants and then matches them to positions. Being a computer programmer since 1982 and after obtaining his Hons Degree in Computer Science in 1988 Graaff himself was deeply entrenched in the development of the system, and touts it as a unique contributor to the success of Compuways in the IT recruitment space.

Graaff states that the system provides crucial support throughout the entire recruitment process. In the year 2000, the system was given a Web Interface, in essence automating much of the manual process, and in turn enabling recruiters, applicants and employers to provide their inputs throughout the recruitment process.

“We attribute our success to our ability to deliver the right calibre of candidate to the right kind of company, time and again, and across the whole spectrum of the IT skills base,” states Graaff.

Compuways prides itself on having grown through many IT Industry developments such as ERP, Object Orientation, as well as the Mainframe and Mini's right through to contemporary networks. In the IT industry times and technologies have changed considerably requiring an array of different skills. Throughout its 19 years Compuways has provided top-notch candidates, delivering from learnerships to CIO's, ERP consultants, technicians and developers.

“Compuways has built a strong brand throughout the years and nurtured loyal client relationships - some of our clients are still with us since our inception. I believe our success can be attributed to our taking pride in every placement we make,” ends Graaff.

Be aware of how our recruitment procedure works

2009-05-01T23:12:00.000+02:00

To maximise your chances of getting one of our jobs, ensure that your keywords are valid and your profile updated. Here is what we do when we get a new position from a client.

We give preference to our registered members. After categorising the new job, we identify the most important keywords in the job spec. We select all our Compuways Candidate profiles in the same category and those containing the same keywords. We then email it to them.

A job spec can be matched with 1 to 3 keywords in a category. We can unfortunately not match to the detail of salary brackets but we do offer our members a referral bonus if they can refer someone.

If we do not find any of our registered members interested, we then go out to advertise and search on 3rd party job sites for candidates.

Make your next career move wisely

2009-05-01T22:50:00.000+02:00

Nobody wants to make a bad career move, neither does anyone want to stagnate in a job that leads nowhere. When considering a new job, one should look at oneself through the eyes of a prospective employer. You can learn about yourself by looking at your past jobs / projects and also by being honest and 'interviewing yourself '.

Looking at your current and / or previous jobs or projects

What am I good at and what not?
What makes me happy and unhappy?
What are my achievements?

When answering the above 3 questions, try to see the big picture. With that I mean how an employer sees it in terms of the running of his department and so in terms of how the owner of the company sees it.

Training / Education

2009-04-05T22:30:00.002+02:00

Formal training in a classroom environment.e.g:
Java Lecturer
.NET lecturer
A+ Lecturer

Juniors with less than 1 year working experience

2009-04-05T22:29:00.005+02:00

This category is for all those nicely educated juniors who are struggling to find a job. You must have a University Degree or a Technikon National Diploma or a Matric. This category was started at the end of 2005. Please indicater your preferred industry in the best skills (keywords) section of your Career Summary.e.g:
Junior .NET Programmer
Junior Java programmer
Junior Web Designer
Trainee Programmer
Learnership Candidate

Marketing / Sales / Account Management

2009-04-05T22:29:00.004+02:00

In a vendor / consulting organisation the Account Manager looks after the clients to ensure they are happy and obviously to get the required spending out of them! This function is mostly commission driven and can be lucrative if you have the right attitude and skills. Companies often would require a sales person to have the required technical industry background as well.e.g:
Marketing Manager
Marketing Assistant
Accounts Manager
Sales Executive
Sales Engineer
Tele-Sales Consultant
Outbound Call-Centre Agent.

IT : Using ERP (In-house) - working in the ERP user environment (Erp)

2009-04-05T22:28:00.002+02:00

Users of ERP Products are becoming important players because they understand the business well. User communities usually elect a representative user called a super user to represent their requirements to the Business Analysts / Consultants for subsequent submission to the developers.e.g:
SAP MM Super User
SAP SD User

IT : Support End User / Workstation - Hardware, Networking, Cabling (H/w)(O/S)

2009-04-05T22:27:00.002+02:00

The end-user uses a PC or workstation which might or might not be part of the network. The desktop software support technician supports the user in the smooth running of his PC. Installation of operating systems, email office software, anti-virus and linking them to the host network if any. In consulting companies, these representatives are often required to travel to users to assit them on-site but may nowadays also do so remotely with the aid of software and remote-conferencing. The next step in this person's career is either into server administration or sales if working for a consulting company.e.g:
Desktop Support Technician
A+ Technician
Field Support Technician

IT : Support End User - Application Software (Accounting, Health, Property etc.) (Business Skills)

2009-04-05T22:26:00.002+02:00

The end-user uses a PC or workstation which might or might not be part of the network. The desktop software support technician supports the user in the smooth running of the software on his / her PC. Installation of operating systems, application software like accounting packages or any software packages like property, health, email office software, anti-virus and linking them to the host network if any. In consulting companies, these representatives are often required to travel to users to assit them on-site but may nowadays also do so remotely with the aid of software and remote-conferencing. The next step in this person's career could be in sales if working for a consulting company or business analysis because he knows the business of the specific software package that he / she supports.e.g.:
Accpac Consultant
Pastel Consultant
GIS Consultant
Navision Consultant
Great Plains Consultant

IT : SDLC : Systems Analysis, Programming (Lng)

2009-04-05T22:25:00.004+02:00

1) The systems Analyst was a programmer before, but not doing pure programming anymore, rather designing within the architectural boundaries of the programming language environment like .NET or JAVA. He leads the programmers in terms of technical design issues.
2) Programmers are the kings of the code. Their strong point is to code and code fast and accurate, as is most of the time required. They are true masters of the programming language and may receive instructions from their systems or business analysts if they are working in a big team but if in a small team or alone, they do everything.e.g:
Developer
Programmer
Systems Analyst
Analyst/Programmer

IT : SDLC : Graphics Design (Graphics Tool)

2009-04-05T22:25:00.003+02:00

Screen layouts development in the case of normal computer systems and. In the case of Web sites, this is a specialised field with lots of exciting software products to do animation etc.e.g:
Graphics Designer
Web Front-End Designer

IT : SDLC : Documentation, Technical Writing, QA (DQ)

2009-04-05T22:24:00.002+02:00

User Manuals development, Test Manuals development. Testing of the system to see if it conforms to the user requirements as specified by the Business Analysts.e.g.:
Technical Writer
User Manual Author
Tester
Software Tester
Test Analyst
Test Manager

IT : SDLC : Business Analysis, User interfacing, producing specs for developers (Case Tools, Meth)

2009-04-05T22:23:00.002+02:00

SDLC - Software development Life Cycle : In small companies all 4 functions could be done by one person, but in big companies, with big systems, these are sub - divided for specialisation. Business analysts interface to the users and has strong business knowledge. They have to translate these into specifications that the programmer understand, though. A business analyst might come from a user (non-it) backround and have strong functional knowledge. On the other hand he might have been a programmer who has outgrown programming and became mre interested in business. Whichever, people skills must be well-developed. e.g:
Banking Business Analyst
Insurance Business Analyst
Telecommunications Business Analyst
SAP MM Business Analyst
SAP SD Business Analyst

IT : Operations - Support of computer facilities (In-house) (O/s)

2009-04-05T22:22:00.002+02:00

Mostly in mainframe environments, the operators are paramount in keeping the system functioning properly. Changing of media, ensuring large reports are printed. Monitoring the backups etc. These function also require shift - work as these machinces never stop.e.g:
IBM Mainframe Operator
Burroughs Mainframe Operator
Server Backup Operator

IT : Management of Facilities (hardware / networking inclined) (O/s)

2009-04-05T22:21:00.002+02:00

The ICT Manager with a hardware / telecomms background. The most important function is to ensure the hardware and network is running smoothly. Software are mostly package based and not maintained / developed in-house. This person typically has a team of hardware / networking people reporting to him. You have come through the ranks of being a technician / engineer, team leader and when you can manage multiple teams, a manager. People skills and Project Management skills important.e.g.:
IT Manager
Network Manager
Infrastructure Roll-out Manager
Infrastructure Team Leader

IT : Management - Projects, Software development (Pmt)

2009-04-05T22:20:00.001+02:00

The Project Manager with a software development background. Software is customised and maintained in-house by a team of application developers. To be in this category you are leading a team (or 2) of software developers. You have been a software developer yourself and then proceeded to be a systems analyst and then a development team leader. The difference between a team leader and a project manager is that a project manager has proven to co-ordinate multiple teams of software. Hands-on coding skills is not required anymore, the emphasis is on management. developers.e.g:
Development Manager
Software Project Manager
IS Manager

IT : Management - General (CIO, IT Director)

2009-04-05T22:19:00.002+02:00

Pure product independent management. Chief Information Officer is normally up to director level in the company and is responsible for the total IT Strategy of the company. He / she report normally to the MD or the board. This is not technology dependent, more business-oriented management in IT.e.g:
CIO
IT Director
IT Executive

IT : Data Warehousing (Dw) Business Intelligence (BI)

2009-04-05T22:18:00.002+02:00

This covers all activities in Data Warehousing. Data Warehouse Architects, -Designers and -Developers, this category is for you if your company uses these technologies e.g:
DataWare house Business Analyst
Datawarehouse Developer
BI Business Analyst
BI Developer
If your Company sells BI / Datawarehousing, you belong to the Systems Integration / Consulting category

IT : Consulting -ERP : including Business Analysis, but for clients of an ERP consulting house (Erp)

2009-04-05T22:17:00.002+02:00

An ERP consulting house supplies solutions based on an ERP Product like SAP, ORACLE FINANCIALS, This category is reserved for the bigger players with the BIG CLIENT companies. Smaller accounting packages also fall in this category etc. Functional Consultants focus on the different functional areas like HR, Finance, Materials Management, Sales and Distribution etc.. These consultants are often certified by the product vendor. They work closely with the Users / Super Users of their clients to ensure that the specific client requirements are met. Developers (ABAP, ORACLE) customise the application to the specifications of the Consultants / Business Analysts / Super Users. Needless to say people skills are important. Consultants work for companies that provide their service to other companies. Their peers inside the company is normally a business analyst who might have the same experience and education, but prefers the in-house environment than 'living out of your car's boot' - as somebody once described the job of a consultant. e.eG
SAP Consultant
SAP FI/CO Consultant.
Oracle Financials Consultant

IT : Consulting around Product - Lines, Systems Integration (Pre - Sales) (Db,Lng,Non-Erp)

2009-04-05T22:16:00.002+02:00

Systems Consultants implement solutions based on IT Product knowledge, ususally in sales-oriented companies. Sales people work hand-in-hand with pre-sales software people to quote clients on customised solutions. The main characteristing of working for an organisation like this is that you might end up on a different user site regularly. People skills are therefore important. Consulting means not having one office - living out of your car's boot and at your customer's premises. Also sometimes involved in training the clients.e.g:
Pre-Sales Consultant
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Systems Integrator
.NET Systems Integrator
VBA Office Integrator
Microsoft BI Analyst / Programmer

IT : Consulting - IT / Management, (non - product, pure IT Business)

2009-04-05T22:14:00.002+02:00

An IT / Management Consulting house advises clients on non-product specific, pure business issues. IT Strategy, Change Management. Productivity Improvement, Activity Based Costing of an IT Department. Management issues in IT. They produce recommendations with include goals and projects recommended to achieve these goals. They are often called on to assist with project management of their recommendations in order to closely monitor the results. They never recommend a specific IT product to achieve goals, rather a selection form different vendors. Needless to say people skills are important.e.g:
IT/Management Consultant
IT Security Consultant
IT Auditor

IT : Administration Database (Db)

2009-04-05T22:13:00.002+02:00

2 Types of DBA :
1) Application DBA supports mainly the application developers in terms of creation of tables, views and database design considerations. Also required to provide inputs as to performance and tuning of the application. He is also often required to be responsible for change control. User administration and permissions i.t.o. application parameters.
2) Physical DBA focusses more on thetechnical aspects of the database like installation, performance and tuning, uptime, software versions. He therefore also needs to know the underlying operating system like Windows or UNIX / LINUX. e.g:
ORACLE DBA
SQL SERVER DBA etc.

IT : Administration - ERP : (SAP Basis also Authorisations or other Erp Software Admin)

2009-04-05T22:12:00.005+02:00

ERP Administrators knows and is often certified in the ERP product administration. E.g: SAP / SIEBEL. The primary responsibility is to ensure the ERP system interfaces correctly with the host operating system. User permissions and administration, ERP tuning etc. Operating systems knowledge is important because we often find that a Basis administrator on NT cannot functionat the same level on UNIX. Clients usually specify the operating system clearly. Does not need to interface to a lot of people all the time. Technical skills are more important. e.g:
SAP Basis Administrator
SAP Authorisations Administrator
SAP Authorisations Consultant
SIEBEL Administrator

IT : Administration - Network or Server Operating System (O/S)

2009-04-05T22:12:00.004+02:00

The first thing that runs on the computer is the operating system and the person looking after it is the Operating Systems Administrator. Capacity planning, user administration, backups, performance and tuning and networking connectivity. Installation issues with third party products like databases etc. Does not need to interface to a lot of people all the time. Technical skills are more important. e.g:
UNIX Systems Administrator
Windows Server Administrator (MCSE)

IT - Support Call Centre (Inbound), Helpdesk

2009-04-05T22:10:00.002+02:00

Call centre agents in general. In the IT industry we categorise this as Software or hardware support, helpdesk. These people do the first- and second level support telephonically, logs and categorises the problem which may result in a person being sent to the client to fix the problem on site. Excellent telephone and people skills are required. A knowledge of the business area in which your product is like health, property, accounting etc. is also beneficial.e.g:
Helpdesk Support Consultant.

Engineering (Electronic, Mechanical, Aeronautical etc) (Pr.Ing)

2009-04-05T22:09:00.002+02:00

You should have a at least a bachelors degree or national diploma in engineering and/or employed as engineer. Your main job functions are engineering oriented and not necessarily IT/Software development oriented.e.g:
Electronic Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer

Administration (Office / Project)

2009-04-05T22:07:00.002+02:00

Positions accross all industries in Office Administration and / or Project Administration. Marketing Administration also falls in this category.e.g:
Project Administrator
Office Administrator

Midrand : Java Developer, R20k-R32k

2009-01-06T18:29:00.002+02:00

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

· Ability to understand and map business and system requirements to the software solution.

· Ability to consistently produce world class quality deliverables.

· Problem resolution and debug ability with minimum assistance.

· Accuracy and attention to detail

· Efficiency

· Positive attitude

· Ownership

· Communication skills (both verbal and written)

· Strong team player with good interpersonal skills

NO	KPAs	KEY PERFORMANCE INPUTS / ACTIVITIES	CORE COMPETENCIES	FUNDAMENTAL COMPETENCIES
1	Design, code and test transactions	v Take ownership of certain system modules and transactions. v Designs are produced and maintained according to agreed project standards and guidelines. v Code is produced and maintained according to agreed project standards and guidelines. v Unit testing is planned and executed in a structured manner according to agreed project standards and guidelines.	v Proficient in J2SE (Java 2 Standard Edition). v Knowledge of the relevant business and functional requirements. v Knowledge of the relevant software architecture, framework and data model.	v Proficiency in the basic principles of programming, independent of programming language. v Willingness to conform to standards. v Ability to consistently produce world class quality deliverables.
2.	Processes	v Specification compliance is constantly sought. v Design reviews are structured, complete, clearly presented and issues are followed up. v Outcome of code reviews is followed up and applied in future. v Defects and change requests are properly raised, updated, resolved and validated.	v Knowledge of SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) processes. v Proficient in Rational ClearQuest and ClearCase.	v Ability to approach and deal with work tasks in a structured manner. v Ability to attend to detail. v Ability to stand back from own work and accept feedback.
3.	Maintenance	v Defects and change requests are regularly attended to and resolved quickly.	v Ability to debug programs and isolate causes of program errors.	v Ability to perform tasks of a more routine nature with the same enthusiasm as new tasks.
4.	Time management	v Efficiency - tasks are completed in as little time as possible. v Predictability - tasks are completed on or ahead of schedule.	v Ability to estimate the extent of development effort required on assigned work tasks.	v Ability to independently plan and organize own time schedule.
5.	Internal relationships	v Knowledge is shared and assistance is provided when and where required. v Participation in team meetings and discussions, pro-active raising of issues.	v Ability to convey technical ideas, suggestions and solutions.	v Willingness to communicate effectively. v Interested in the problems of other team members.
6.	External relationships	v Assistance provided to business analyst, system analyst, test, STR and operational teams.	v Ability to convey ideas, suggestions and solutions in the “languages” outside of development.	v Interested in the perspectives, issues and problems of other project areas, outside of development.

New service from us to improve communication between us.

2008-11-24T20:57:00.002+02:00

Succesful recruitment efforts depends a lot on communication between us and you.

We have added the RSS Feed service to our website for you to be able to get updated on a timely basis when we interview candidates. It could happen that other recruiters in our company might interview a candidate that you might actually find suitable.

This free RSS feed service will ensure you get all our interviewed candidates directly in your feed reader (Outlook, Internet Explorer, Firefox etc..). These readers will allow you to filter the candidates effortlessly so you only need to see the ones you want. Please do not hesitate ask us anytime for assistance to activate this great technology it literally takes 2 clicks.

You can see it by clicking here: http://www.compuways.co.za/feeds/candidates/candidatesall.xml

We have also created a blog where we will discuss various topics about our IT Recruitment and skills. We would appreciate your feedback or comments or ideas to discuss. We really want to improve communication between us so we can improve our service to you.

The blog feed can be found on: http://compuways.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Will you please post your comments here tell us what you think, or if you need assistance ?

Job and skills categories in IT

2008-11-24T10:50:00.002+02:00

I want to use this blog to clarify the different skills categories we have in the IT industry. As you know it is very important to actually match people to jobs and we use these extensively to assist in the matching process. In due course I am going to publish articles about the categories.

I also want to use the blog to chat about anything you want concerning IT recruitment and jobs in South Africa. Please feel free to comment and ask questions.

SAS Positions in South Africa

2007-12-09T21:34:00.002+02:00

I have to recruit about 30 SAS Developers to work for multinational companies with development arms in South Africa.

Project locations are all over South Africa in the major cities. Industries vary from Financial to Scientific to Manufacturing and more.

The position variy from entry-level graduates to seniot developers and team leaders. All should have a tertiary qualification from a university degree technicon national diploma with mathematics / statistics as a subject together with informatics.

This might be the opportunity you have been waiting for - take your career a step up!

See http://www.compuways.co.za for more details . . . and to apply

C/C++ on UNIX/LINUX Developer Required in Woodmead, Johannesburg.

2007-12-09T21:25:00.002+02:00

I am looking for the following sort of experience / skill for developerresources (if u do not qualify - I offer a handsome referral fee ifyou refer someone that is succesfully placed:-) .

C Programming 5 years
C++ Programming 2 years
SQL Programming 2 years
Software Design 2 years
Software Engineering Process 3 years
GUI Development 1 yearUnix/Linux environment 2 years
Scientific/Mathematical Programming 2 years

These skills all need to be current.The candidate should demonstrate an ability to work resourcefully andindependently, whilst delivering in the framework of a team. The candidate must also demonstrate a willingness and desire to programhands-on in C and C++ code. He/she must have personally developedsignificant amounts of program code, demonstrating and requiringmodular design and the use of a source code repository for versioncontrol. The candidate must communicate well, and be comfortable discussingdesign issues with both the team and the customer. His / her presentrole should require this of him/her. The candidate must be able to describe the software developmentlifecycle and identify his/her personal points of interaction in thatcycle. These points must be Functional Requirements Specification,Software Design, Programming and Unit Testing.

The following skills would be an advantage:
Object oriented design
UML and the use of design tools like Rational Rose
Development tools (GDB, DBX, WxWidets/Qt/GTK, Makefilesetc.)

See www.compuways.co.za for more detail ...