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Cobol programmer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Nikyra Capson,
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical cobol programmer skills. We ranked the top skills for cobol programmers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.6% of cobol programmer resumes contained sql as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a cobol programmer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 cobol programmer skills for your resume and career

1. SQL

Here's how cobol programmers use sql:
  • Programmed retirement services applications utilizing both Micro Focus AcuCobol and SQL
  • Automated the interchange of data from legacy ISAM files into MS SQL Server database to support on-line shopping site.

2. COBOL

Here's how cobol programmers use cobol:
  • Developed financial database applications in COBOL.
  • Worked in Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) as a COBOL Programmer for over 8 years on Mainframe computer IBM-3081.

3. Debugging

Here's how cobol programmers use debugging:
  • Facilitated usage of Expediter debugging software to analyze and step through code to determine corrective action.
  • Ensured quality standards with deliverables by debugging, testing, and ensuring functionality.

4. IBM Mainframe

Here's how cobol programmers use ibm mainframe:
  • Designed and implemented on-line architecture on IBM mainframe CICS platform.
  • Created JCL and DB2 files on IBM Mainframe OS.

5. Db2

Here's how cobol programmers use db2:
  • Trouble shot and massaged DB2 table customer data using File-Aid to correct customer billing system to bypass 500 known bugs.
  • Used File-Aid for DB2 to build test data environments for system testing of programs and jobs.

6. VSAM

Here's how cobol programmers use vsam:
  • Used IDCAMS utility to create test VSAM clusters for sequential, indexed and random file processing during testing.
  • Supported a VSAM database used by the data entry department.

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7. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how cobol programmers use windows:
  • Redesigned 77 window Charge Entry system into 4 windows using new client server features.
  • Used MS Visual Studio to create C++ front end windows and Cobol/DB2 for back end servers.

8. Mainframe Environment

Here's how cobol programmers use mainframe environment:
  • Worked Y2K CICS & batch modifications and conversions of newly acquired hospitals utilizing IDMS databases in an MVS mainframe environment.
  • Developed code in a PC environment per Andersen practice and migrated applications to the mainframe environment.

9. MQ

Here's how cobol programmers use mq:
  • Created several Word documents that are used currently for requesting MQ definitions for Mainframe Systems and Information Security personnel.
  • Administer WebSphere MQ installation, configurations, release upgrade and supporting various projects implementation.

10. CICS

Here's how cobol programmers use cics:
  • Involved in creation of new CICS screens/transactions and entering the transaction entries and tables to automate a time consuming process.
  • Designed and wrote CICS on-line transactions to add change and delete data records for the billing department.

11. Management System

A management system is a set of policies, processes, and procedures taken by an organization or a business to ensure it can fulfill its tasks and achieve its objectives. A management system makes sure that the company excels financially and improves the user experience. The management system also takes care of the worker's and employees' needs and manages their workload and oversees their performance. Apart from interior matters of the company, a management system also deals with exterior matters like legislations, tax matters, and law issues.

Here's how cobol programmers use management system:
  • Supported in house assembler utilities, documentation systems and supported and installation of Library Management System.
  • Implemented changes and improved the function of general financial systems such as payroll and materials management systems.

12. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how cobol programmers use java:
  • Used Java component-based Host Access Toolkit to create customized e-business applications.
  • Enhanced Juvenile Registration system written in Java JSP Oracle on UNIX.

13. Program Specifications

Here's how cobol programmers use program specifications:
  • Prepared program specifications and diagrams and developed coding logic flowcharts.
  • Construct Programs based on program specifications.

14. SDLC

Here's how cobol programmers use sdlc:
  • Coordinated with technical staff for SDLC, planning, development, scheduling, and applications.
  • Used Waterfall SDLC to implement enhancements.

15. XML

XML is a medium for storing and transporting data that is independent of software and hardware. XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML, like HTML, is a markup language that was created to store and transport data. It was created with the intention of being self-descriptive. There are no predefined tags in the XML language. Another feature is that XML is extensible.

Here's how cobol programmers use xml:
  • Developed application framework used to convert free-form relational database extracts to well-formed XML.
  • Created interface requirements that involved XML and delimited formats.
top-skills

What skills help Cobol Programmers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What cobol programmer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nikyra Capson

Assistant Professor, Idaho State University

Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.

What soft skills should all cobol programmers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about cobol programmer

List of cobol programmer skills to add to your resume

Cobol programmer skills

The most important skills for a cobol programmer resume and required skills for a cobol programmer to have include:

  • SQL
  • COBOL
  • Debugging
  • IBM Mainframe
  • Db2
  • VSAM
  • Windows
  • Mainframe Environment
  • MQ
  • CICS
  • Management System
  • Java
  • Program Specifications
  • SDLC
  • XML
  • Z/OS
  • Payroll
  • Technical Support
  • Idms
  • Unix
  • TSO
  • ISPF
  • AS/400
  • Production Environment
  • Endevor
  • File-Aid
  • EDI
  • Ims Db
  • SAS
  • Mvs/Jcl
  • SPUFI
  • CL
  • Oracle Sql
  • PC
  • Cobol II
  • Idcams
  • Test Cases
  • Billing System
  • QA
  • Easytrieve

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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