Joel Peabody
404 Sheraton Avenue
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 343-9646
Please accept my application in hopes that you might find me a suitable candidate for the position of Technical Writer. It outlines my general experience and expertise in areas I believe are relevant to the position. I also would like to highlight the work I have done that is directly applicable to the position. For the past six years I have been a website developer for small businesses, and that has required extensive use of my writing ability as well as my technical training. Often our customers have been too focused on actually growing their business that they cannot devote the time required for effective content development on their websites, so I did most of it for them working off their general instruction. In addition, I have written much of the content on our company websites, www.bnserve.com and www.inthecart.com.
I have worked extensively in the area of small business e-commerce and have assisted many companies and individuals by creating websites, shopping carts, and databases designed to make their businesses function better on the web. My greatest expertise is in PHP and Cold Fusion programming, particularly where they can be used in conjunction with SQL to make websites more useful based on the inclusion of dynamic content. I am familiar with many website development tools and graphics suites, and have some experience and training in object-oriented programming using both Java and PHP.
Prior to becoming a full time web designer, I was employed as a systems analyst and Human Resources staff assistant for a large telemarketing company where my communication skills were greatly valued. In addition to preparing reports and presentations for upper management, I was required to prepare documents and perform orientations for entry-level workers concerning their benefits and other material. I have been able to translate these talents to website design and have improved them with my current work.
In college I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Textual Studies in the field of semiotics, the study of methods of commutation and their relationship to the culture that creates them. The skills learned in that program have had excellent value in the creation of websites where various modes of communication are constantly evolving.
One of my strengths is being able to take a website from concept to completion in as short a time frame as possible. I am able to advise on all areas of website creation, from the expectations of web visitors to the technology employed to the creation of content and the user interface to search engine placement. My research skills allow me to compare and contrast the approaches of other sites and incorporate the best aspects.
I look forward to discussing the position with you further. Examples of my portfolio can be seen at the URLs listed below.
References:
Eric Peabody Marla Camp Earle Hager
President, BNS, Inc. Founder, Impact Productions Account Executive, Applied IS
512-431-3776 512-441-3971 512-431-3940
Samples of work:
http://www.kirkrootdesigns.com (developed PHP shopping cart, catalog, and order management systems)
http://www.sunsetvalley.org (content development and development of interactive PHP elements)
http://www.epaexperts.com (content development and PHP coding)
http://www.anklebiterdesigns.com (PHP objects and scripts, database and SQL queries)
http://www.cargosystems.com (general website construction)
http://www.pc-hmo.com (content development and administrative functionality in Cold Fusion)
http://www.inthecart.com (general website construction, content development and Miva Merchant administration)
http://www.bnserve.com (content development, general website construction)
http://www.correoaereo.com (general website construction)
http://www.austinmotel.com (general website construction)
http://www.worthethic.com (general website construction)
Joel C. Peabody
404 Sheraton Avenue, Austin, TX 78745
(512) 343-9646 ·
Summary of Qualifications
· Expertise in designing, development and maintenance of interactive, e-commerce websites and applications, both with raw HTML code with CSS and using design tools such as Macromedia Dreamweaver MX and Contribute, NetObjects Fusion, NetObjects Team Fusion, Cold Fusion Studio, and Microsoft FrontPage.
· Dynamic Web design and database administration skills (SQL Server, MySQL and Access) using Cold Fusion, PHP and MySQL.
· Extensive experience testing dynamic web sites using min/median/max testing methodology. Participate in test plan development and test matrix generation. Execute test plans and communicate results with developer and customer.
· Experience in managing a small, technology-oriented company, tracking deadlines for development projects as well as business responsibilities. Sold website hosting, server collocation, DNS and email services. Responsible for customer technical support and server maintenance.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills, intuitive leadership skills, highly-developed research skills.
01/1999 to Business Network Services, Austin, Texas
Present (FT) WEBSITE DEVELOPER/BUSINESS MANAGER
and Over five years experience in website outline, design, content creation, and testing of dynamic, e-
02/1997 to commerce websites for small businesses using a variety of tools and languages, specializing in interface
01/1999 (PT) design and site testing. Expertise in Cold Fusion and Object Oriented Programming using PHP and Java. Knowledge of JavaScript. Knowledge of UNIX web and mail server administration. Knowledge of third-party software for e-commerce and financial transaction processing. Knowledge of Java and object-oriented programming. Knowledge of XML-based document delivery and processing. Knowledge of various graphics programs including Photoshop, Painter, and Fireworks. Functioned as project manager coordinating deliverables from contributing freelance developers as well as in-house production. Experience in creating material for search engine placement.
Experience in writing website development proposals and advising customers on Internet phase of business models. Also handle various aspects of business administration including economic planning, contract negotiation, client relations, customer service, tax preparation, payroll, and correspondence. Analyzed revenue projections and consulted on marketing plans. Experience with Quickbooks for bookkeeping, payroll, filing state and Federal taxes, accounts payable and receivable.
05/1993 to TeleService Resources, Fort Worth, Texas
01/1999 HR INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST, HR STAFF ASSISTANT and CSR
At corporate headquarters as Human Resources Information Systems Analyst in Fort Worth, TX was responsible for auditing and design of HR database functionality, support and training of HR database users at all TSR sites nationwide; created reports and presentations for TSR Executive team; responsible for auditing and reconciliation of personnel, payroll, IRS and INS files. Managed action teams for special tasks. Previous position was as Human Resources Staff Assistant with responsibility for Austin facility’s employee databases of personal, wage and work status information; advised employees on benefits and employment; assisted HR management team with general computer usage; conducted interviewing and hiring; contributed to development and administration of tiered pay plan. Assisted in migration of legacy database to new system; authored scripts and training materials for end-users in new system. Began with TSR as Customer Service Representative responsible for selling and tracking cargo space on American Airlines. Received various letters of commendation and awards for exemplary performance.
Education
· SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, Syracuse, New York
B.A.: ENGLISH AND TEXTUAL STUDIES Minor: HISTORY May, 1992.
· DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS ABROAD London, England Fall, 1991.
· National Merit Scholar; T. J. Watson Scholar (IBM Corporate Scholarship)