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Contract programmer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Chris Sexton,
Chris Sexton
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical contract programmer skills. We ranked the top skills for contract programmers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.6% of contract programmer resumes contained microsoft sql server as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a contract programmer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 contract programmer skills for your resume and career

1. Microsoft SQL Server

Here's how contract programmers use microsoft sql server:
  • Assisted in the design and customizations of Microsoft SQL Server application front-ends written in Visual Basic.
  • Worked with Interbase, IBM DB2, and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 database management systems.

2. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how contract programmers use c++:
  • Served as Visual Basic and C++ programmer for FMC Corporation's plant in Houston, TX.
  • Developed user interface libraries and classes in C++ for use with experimental High Performance Computing systems.

3. Web Application

Here's how contract programmers use web application:
  • Contracted for re-design of web application built on deprecated technologies and a limited server environment.
  • Developed proposals for web application projects.

4. SAS

SAS stands for Statistical Analysis System which is a Statistical Software designed by SAS institute. This software enables users to perform advanced analytics and queries related to data analytics and predictive analysis. It can retrieve data from different sources and perform statistical analysis on it.

Here's how contract programmers use sas:
  • Developed business and technical requirements for migration of several major SAS applications (member individualization, vendor extracts, etc.)
  • Created, Updated, and Maintained COBOL, TELON, IMS DBDC, EasyTrieve, and SAS Report program documentation.

5. DB2

The DB2, known as the Relational Database Management System, is a type of procedure developed by IBM to run and operate software applications such as Windows, Unix, and the Linux System. This type of system is designed mainly for IBM but was innovated to run in various operating systems. The main feature of the DB2 is to handle and manage a big chunk of data while allowing the users to enter the database engine without any problem.

Here's how contract programmers use db2:
  • Worked on a PCI project to encrypt raw account numbers and store the encrypted numbers in a DB2 database.
  • Major responsibilities involved heavy program/JCL maintenance, production support, and converting COBOL programs from VSAM usage to DB2.

6. JavaScript

Here's how contract programmers use javascript:
  • Consulted on Internet systems and infrastructure; performed ASP, JavaScript, and SQL programming.
  • Programmed ColdFusion applications using MS SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

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7. HTML

Here's how contract programmers use html:
  • Created, Updated, and Maintained HTML and ASP Web Pages as needed for Special Projects.
  • Provided services to Innovations Web Design (IWD) Inc. as an HTML programmer.

8. Cobol II

Here's how contract programmers use cobol ii:
  • Coded and documented JCL, COBOL II batch and CICS programs for a new Membership Electronic Transfer System.
  • Developed and Documented On-Line and batch COBOL II programs for the LISTMGR System.

9. Windows XP

Here's how contract programmers use windows xp:
  • Developed several in-house applications using Visual FoxPro running in Windows XP.
  • Maintained and installed operating systems on various factory machines, including Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional.

10. Unix

UNIX is a computer operating system that was first created in the 1960s and has been constantly updated since then. The operating system refers to the set of programs that enable a machine to function. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking device that works on computers, laptops, and servers. UNIX systems also have a graphical user interface (GUI), similar to Microsoft Windows, that makes it simple to use.

Here's how contract programmers use unix:
  • Write and debug engineering programs in UNIX C language at client level and server level on the UNIX network systems.
  • Analyzed Client Business Processes to identify Business Requirement to migrate the credit transaction posting application to HP UNIX server.

11. Mainframe

A mainframe is a high-performance digital computer used by large organizations for mission-critical applications, high transaction volumes, and reliable performance, designed for intensive high-speed computing for large-scale computing purposes that require greater availability and security which a smaller machine cannot offer.

Here's how contract programmers use mainframe:
  • Assisted in stabilization and management of mainframe operating systems.
  • Maintained and developed mainframe interface batch processes.

12. CICS

Here's how contract programmers use cics:
  • Project - RACF CICS Transaction Remediation using IBM Z secure product to evaluate transaction history in the IBM CICS/TS 3.1/3.2/5.1 environments.
  • Designed and coded ISC Link programs to retrieve data from online IMS databases and return this data to CICS programs.

13. JCL

Here's how contract programmers use jcl:
  • Monitored and supported their nightly batch cycles and provided JCL and PROC changes to override batch processing problems.
  • Document new job schedule for input to CA7 scheduling system, and made all off the JCL changes

14. PHP

PHP, the abbreviation for hypertext preprocessor, is a scripted language used in websites to manage content.

Here's how contract programmers use php:
  • Fixed bugs in PHP code on servers.
  • Access and Excel VBA Programming Web Programming (PHP and ASP)

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 contract programmers use xml:
  • Developed and modified COBOL programs to use IBM API's to handle XML SOAP format.
  • Team member for project completion and service tickets for financial systems and XML EDI.
top-skills

What skills help Contract Programmers find jobs?

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

What hard/technical skills are most important for contract programmers?

Chris Sexton

Visiting Lecturer of Computer Science, Indiana University Southeast

As with soft skills, technical skills in teamwork matter, a candidate must have the ability to work with revision control, be it git or some similar system. In addition, it is vital that fundamental computing skills such as operating the shell of a Linux machine are good signs that a candidate will be able to adapt to new systems.

What skills stand out on contract programmer resumes?

Chris Sexton

Visiting Lecturer of Computer Science, Indiana University Southeast

The biggest thing that stands out to me in a candidate is how much effort in self-improvement is apparent on the resume. A candidate that lists a few jobs and bullet points of skills is acceptable but not impressive. But on the other hand, a candidate that lists a portfolio of projects to show those skills are real and how those skills made them a game-changing employee at their previous jobs is a clear winner.

What soft skills should all contract programmers possess?

Chris Sexton

Visiting Lecturer of Computer Science, Indiana University Southeast

Teamwork is the obvious soft skill that is vital. It encompasses more than just being willing to work together but also includes strong documentation skills, textual communication skills, and precision in language. For an example of precision, which of the following is a task that can be completed:
"The login system will require strong passwords."
or
"The login system will require passwords of no less than 16 characters including at least two numbers and two non-alpha numeric characters."

It is easy for an engineer to be lax and use informal language that subtly confuses development efforts, but the valuable candidate will have strong technical communication skills.

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

James Sellmann Ph.D.

Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian Studies, University of Guam

General advice is to keep in mind that you must leverage your skills, especially your soft skills of being able to work with people, to communicate effectively and to be able to solve problems. Be real. Don't try to pretend to be someone else to impress others. Be your authentic self. And show up on time.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about contract programmer

List of contract programmer skills to add to your resume

Contract programmer skills

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

  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • C++
  • Web Application
  • SAS
  • DB2
  • JavaScript
  • HTML
  • Cobol II
  • Windows XP
  • Unix
  • Mainframe
  • CICS
  • JCL
  • PHP
  • XML
  • Management System
  • API
  • Front End
  • PC
  • User Interface
  • CSS
  • RPG IV
  • ASP
  • Perl
  • Xpediter
  • VBA
  • VSAM
  • Linux
  • MVS
  • Payroll
  • CL
  • JQuery
  • PL/SQL
  • VB
  • GUI
  • Python
  • Ajax
  • QA
  • Billing System
  • Android
  • MVC
  • JSON
  • TSO
  • ISPF
  • Visual Foxpro
  • ColdFusion
  • MQ

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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