How to Hire a Skilled Cobol Programmer for Your Business
Nostalgia isn't something often associated with the world of technology, but when considering the COBOL programming language, there's a sense of timelessness that cannot be ignored. Developed in the 1950s, COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is a high-level programming language that's still used in numerous business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. As these systems continue to be vital for the operations of various businesses, the demand for skilled COBOL programmers remains steady. Despite the advent of more modern programming languages, the necessity for maintaining and updating legacy systems written in COBOL persists.
So, how does a company go about hiring a talented COBOL programmer? Given the niche status of the language and the specific knowledge required, it can seem daunting. However, with a strategic approach, it's more than possible.
The search begins by understanding the specific needs your business has for a COBOL programmer. COBOL, though less prevalent than it once was, continues to be used in critical applications like banking systems and insurance company databases. Therefore, it's crucial to identify the system or project that requires a COBOL programmer's expertise. This could range from maintaining and updating existing systems to creating new applications in this language.
After determining the need, the next step involves setting the criteria for the ideal candidate. Skill in COBOL programming is a given, but what about the knowledge of related technologies that your business uses? Perhaps a familiarity with DB2 or IMS databases is necessary. Or maybe an understanding of Agile methodologies will be beneficial for your team structure. Just as the Greek philosopher Aristotle promoted the doctrine of the mean, finding a balance of skills and experience in your prospective hire is essential.
Next comes the task of sourcing the talent. Because COBOL programmers are a specialized group, it's worth considering various channels. These might include specific online job boards dedicated to legacy languages, or even professional networking sites like LinkedIn where you can perform targeted searches. An interesting angle to explore is approaching retired programmers who may be interested in contract work. Given the age of COBOL, many experienced programmers may have retired, but can still offer invaluable experience and expertise.
The interviewing process is a key stage in hiring a COBOL programmer. It's essential to assess not only their technical skills and past experience, but also their problem-solving abilities. One could draw upon the Nash equilibrium concept from game theory here, aiming to achieve the optimal outcome for both parties. The candidate should satisfy the company's needs, and the company should provide the environment and resources for the candidate to perform their best.
Finally, once the hiring decision has been made, setting up an environment conducive to the COBOL programmer’s success is a step not to be overlooked. This includes providing access to the necessary resources and tools, ensuring they're included in relevant meetings, and integrating them into their new team.
The hiring of a COBOL programmer may, at first, appear paradoxical in our age of rapid technological advancement. However, the importance of maintaining and developing COBOL-based systems in many businesses is undeniable. By identifying the need, setting the criteria, sourcing the talent, conducting thorough interviews, and ensuring a supportive environment post-hire, your business can secure the expertise it needs to keep these systems running efficiently.
In conclusion, the process of hiring a COBOL programmer is a testament to the enduring influence of this programming language. Despite the evolution and emergence of new programming languages, COBOL remains entrenched in the bedrock of our digital infrastructure, a silent testament to the adage that old does not necessarily mean obsolete.
Despite the advent of more modern programming languages, the necessity for maintaining and updating legacy systems written in COBOL persists.
