Okay, I've searched for AS400 Cobol Programmer roles in Illinois requiring a minimum of 7 years of experience, specifically within the health insurance industry, for contract positions with hourly pay rates ranging from $45 to$55. I have found 27 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The AS400 Cobol Programmer role is fundamentally about maintaining and enhancing software applications for a health insurance company. The primary responsibilities include end-to-end development, debugging, testing, documentation, and providing on-call support, which suggests a need for both hands-on technical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Given the stability of the application and the specific client context, candidates will face challenges related to understanding existing codebases, maintaining service quality during on-call scenarios, and ensuring compliance with industry standards (particularly in health insurance). Success in this role will hinge on the ability to work collaboratively in a small team, manage time effectively during debugging and testing phases, and deliver reliable software updates in a regulated environment. Hence, the qualifications emphasize extensive programming experience and a deep understanding of related technologies, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of health information systems.

Company Analysis:

IT Associates operates in the IT staffing and recruiting sector, particularly focusing on providing specialized talent for the tech industry. Positioned as a boutique firm, ITA is recognized for its personalized approach to recruitment, aligning candidate skills and personalities with client culture and requirements. This boutique nature suggests a commitment to quality over quantity, which is reflected in their emphasis on establishing long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike. The culture appears to prioritize collaboration, responsiveness, and thoroughness, making it essential that the AS400 Cobol Programmer not only possesses the required technical skills but also aligns with ITA's mission of delivering tailored solutions. As this role supports a renowned health insurance client, the context enhances its strategic importance, indicating that this hire will directly impact service quality and client satisfaction. Given the potential for a long-term position, the role also signals growth opportunities for candidates who show they can adapt and excel in this focused company environment.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Can you describe a challenging bug you encountered in a Cobol program and how you resolved it?
• Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure during an on-call support situation.
• How do you approach documenting your code and processes to ensure clarity for others who may interact with your work?
• How would you troubleshoot a performance issue in an AS400 application?
• What tools and methods do you typically employ for EDI processing, particularly in a health insurance context?
• Can you explain the role of RPG in your previous projects and how it integrates with Cobol in your work?
• Imagine you encounter a conflicting requirement from a stakeholder while developing a feature. What steps would you take to address this?
• If you received a user complaint regarding a software bug, how would you handle the situation from analysis to resolution?
• Why are you interested in working at IT Associates specifically?
• How do you see your skills and experiences aligning with our values and mission as stated?
• What are your long-term career goals, and how does this position fit into those plans?
• What unique qualities do you bring that would enhance the team at IT Associates?
• How would you evaluate the success of your contributions to the health insurance application over the first six months in the role?