[SGVLUG] IT tech/job market

[matti]

Hi,

Quick notes on what I am seeing

1) Looks like a lot of Startups out there now.
There are even meetups setup on startup topics.
Its actually really really exciting to see.
( meetup has a number of ones to checkout )


2) Recruiters Recruiters Recruiters.. 

Seeing a lot of recruiters contacting me.
( Drop me a line if you want me to recommend a couple
of recruiters I've come to like. So far the Indian based ones
calling me do not seem to have their hearts into this. )
More below

3) The offering compensation levels have shot up.
NOW I am seeing 100-150k for experienced senior level software/systems engineers
IN the greater LA area!!  


Before the cap was $110-120k iirc ( i.e. 100-120k Range )


Some job shops are still attempting to put linux admins into the bay area
for $40/hr contract.. asking right off the bat what is the highest they
can goto I've see some not budge and others +$5-15/hr.

Remember they are billing the client probably 20-40% more that the
rate you get.. some have said even 50% (i.e. pay you $40 bill $60/hr )
If someone knows the numbers better please let us know.


4) Seeing a lot of name your "own pricing" .. if you do this be certain
what the competitive numbers are.

5) The major challenge is still to get through the "HR filters"

A good recruiter will help to get you noticed and find proper connections
between the hiring company and you, and thus completely
worth their value now.


6) Remember Todd CCs advice for getting noticed, it still applies as much
today as it did in the past, the major difference is now the supply-demand
curve is in the favor of experienced IT professionals.

7) For those students who are looking to enter the job market,
please follow Dan Kegel's recommendations, and do whatever you
can to get 1-2years of experience. ( even side projects during school
will help )

8) If you are serious about the job search it will take a lot of time,
especially without a recruiter. ( Blah! Some job entry sites really really
suck .. recall some of the larger companies really being a PITA to apply
to. ) A good recruiter will save you a lot of time, and help cleanup your
resume for the different positions. Oh, many of the recruiters I have meet
with are new to the industry (1-2yrs) working under a more experience head 

recruiter.


thanks
matti