Mainframe, MVS and zOS Discussion

Hey there! I am a returning mainframer after spending over 20 years in the Web and Cloud developer roles. Previous to that, I spent a good 7+ years doing mainframe development on OS390/ZOS in COBOL/C/JCL/CICS and DB2/VSAM/IMS with FedEx, Telecommunications, and State of California.

I think there is a good niche market for experienced MF roles that are widely needed, which is why I decided my next role quite possibly might be in the mainframe world. To further prepare for this, I achieved IBM certs for Z-Xplore Advanced and Z-Xplore All-star. I even have access to an account online for Z/OS using ISPF/TSO and getting re-familiarized with the interface. With that in mind, I am curious how to market my skills in this area to prospective employers?

I look forward to your reply! Thanks

IMO the best places to to get information on the after/post Z-Xplore
would be groups/chats with people who have gone thru the same experience.

remember, self selling is a difficult task and very seldom succeeds
worth investigating ( if the cost is affordable ) the use of the services of an organization specialized in  workforce placement

good luck 

Great idea! Just posted that on the ZXplore forum site. Hope to get any help from the community there.  

You’re actually in a stronger position than most “pure” mainframers. I wouldn’t present this as returning to mainframe — instead, position yourself as someone who understands both legacy (COBOL/CICS/DB2, etc.) and modern web/cloud architectures. That combination is exactly what most organizations struggle to find, especially in modernization and hybrid initiatives.

Certifications and hands-on refresh are good steps, but the real differentiator will be how you connect mainframe systems to today’s world - APIs, integration, DevOps, cloud patterns. I’d suggest focusing your profile and conversations around that bridge. Also, networking (forums, LinkedIn, ex-colleagues) will likely be far more effective than applying cold in this niche, as Enrico has also indicated. 

Good Luck!

Anuj, this is a super idea. This is why I am happy to join forums like this, to get this information I was not aware of. Thanks for the reply!