Tech jobs outlook in SF (Cupertino: headhunters, job market, living)

[CaryPrincess]

Hi all,

I am looking to change jobs and Bay area is one of my target places owing to lot of tech companies. I wanted to know how the current job market is. I see a lot of open positions but currently being on the east coast hampers the job search especially where local candidates are preferred. I am also not the one to pick up and move without a job offer in hand. I am planning on visiting the area for 2-3 weeks to line up any potential interviews/meetings. Are there any good recruiters/headhunters out there that can help me?
Coming from NC, I know the cost of living will be high but what other things should I consider? I have heard great things but inside information is always helpful.

Thank You

[hsw]

Always a shortage of talented engineers

Except in a bubble, always an oversupply of mediocre/weak engineers whose overpaid jobs should be outsourced/offshored to avoid ripping off shareholders

Most of BigTech and start-ups are based in the RedwoodShores-SJ corridor; a few relevant start-ups and salesforce.com are in SF itself, but SF is essentially a distant, sleepy suburb of RS/PaloAlto/Menlo/Cupertino/MtnVw/SJ corridor for ambitious engineers in tech industry...

[jade408]

Beef up on "cloud computing" finding a job will be much easier. Most tech jobs are in South Bay, but you'll find more web companies in SF. What kind of techie are you?

[CaryPrincess]

Thanks for the responses. My background is in SW development - mostly MS technologies. I don't mind learning up any new technology. I recently completed MBA and looking into program/product mgmt roles.

[jade408]

What's your current level off experience?

[CaryPrincess]

@jade408 seven plus total years in SW dev with three plus as team lead

[jade408]

I think if you have "buzzword" experience you'll be fine. I know a lot of mid-level people jumping around and finding new good new positions. Cloud, virtualization, mobile apps. These are the buzzwords I can think of that are in demand. If you can reposition your experience into one of the buckets you should have a more positive outlook.

[ZhugeLiang]

Originally Posted by CaryPrincess

Hi all,

I am looking to change jobs and Bay area is one of my target places owing to lot of tech companies. I wanted to know how the current job market is. I see a lot of open positions but currently being on the east coast hampers the job search especially where local candidates are preferred. I am also not the one to pick up and move without a job offer in hand. I am planning on visiting the area for 2-3 weeks to line up any potential interviews/meetings. Are there any good recruiters/headhunters out there that can help me?
Coming from NC, I know the cost of living will be high but what other things should I consider? I have heard great things but inside information is always helpful.

Thank You

You could just secure an interview by submitting your resume over craigslist or dice.com.

[ambient]

Originally Posted by CaryPrincess

Hi all,

I am looking to change jobs and Bay area is one of my target places owing to lot of tech companies. I wanted to know how the current job market is. I see a lot of open positions but currently being on the east coast hampers the job search especially where local candidates are preferred. I am also not the one to pick up and move without a job offer in hand. I am planning on visiting the area for 2-3 weeks to line up any potential interviews/meetings. Are there any good recruiters/headhunters out there that can help me?
Coming from NC, I know the cost of living will be high but what other things should I consider? I have heard great things but inside information is always helpful.

Thank You

The market is so-so. My employer is selectively hiring. But you tend to be at a disadvantage not already living here when you apply; headhunters and recruiters will take that into consideration, and they're not as likely these days to take chances on people who are either (a) potentially not that committed to the area, and (b) might create a bunch of relo expense. It's certainly not impossible (also depends on how unique your skills are), but it's not as easy as it used to be. Be prepared to proactively address it in discussions/interviews. I found my way in once I actually moved here.